Honoring Dominican Entrepreneurship and Cultural Leadership

On Nov 3, 2025

The New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) at William Paterson University celebrated entrepreneurship and cultural excellence during its annual Entrepreneurship Success Awards Celebration, held on Oct. 29 at the Cotsakos College of Business.

The event, organized in collaboration with Visions Federal Credit Union and Paterson Deputy Mayor and Dominican Parade founder Elsa Mantilla, brought together more than 175 attendees, including community leaders, business owners, and university partners, to recognize the achievements of Dominican entrepreneurs whose leadership continues to strengthen New Jersey’s economy.

The evening was hosted by Dr. Melissa Baralt, who guided a program featuring cultural performances by Los Frailes, remarks from Passaic County Commissioner Orlando Cruz, keynote speak from Associate Vice President for Government and University Relations at William Paterson University Carol Cuadrado and a panel discussion highlighting Dominican success stories and the growing business ties between New Jersey and the Dominican Republic with Hon. Jose Francisco Santana Suriel, General Consul of the Dominican Republic in New Jersey and business owner Wilda Diaz.

This year’s honorees were recognized for their contributions to business growth, community empowerment, and cultural leadership:

• Carol Cuadrado, Associate Vice President for Government and University Relations at William Paterson University – Roots & Success Award
• Hon. José Francisco Santana Suriel, Consul General of the Dominican Republic in New Jersey – Cultural Leadership Award
• Wilda Díaz Founder Excellent Home Health Care, Above and Beyond Home Care Services, Wild Vibes Home and Body– Dominican Business Success Award
• Robert Cruz, Director of Production, Marketing and Creative Services at NBC4NY and Telemundo
• Dr. Beth Marranzini,  Madame Chair – Prospanica National Latina Track and Mujeres Brillantes– Visionary Leader Award
• Elsa Mantilla, Deputy Mayor City of Paterson, Founder Desfile Dominicano – Community Legacy Award
• Wendy Montas, Founder Leaders Creating Leaders, Child protective services, mental health coach – Community Leader Award

“This event is a celebration of entrepreneurship,” said Melissa Rosario, regional director of the NJSBDC at William Paterson University. “Each year, we highlight a different country and the extraordinary work its entrepreneurs are doing to contribute to New Jersey’s economic growth. We’re proud to celebrate the Dominican community and provide a space where businesses can see how culture influences the way we lead, collaborate, and build — and how that understanding can strengthen their strategic plans and partnerships.”

“Our commitment to the community means showing up, supporting our members, and celebrating the various cultures that make our communities so vibrant,” said Tatiana Lopez, regional marketing officer of Visions Federal Credit Union. Being part of this joyful celebration of Dominican culture and the many cultures we proudly serve was truly meaningful to us, because community, unity, and pride are at the heart of who we are

Through programs like Entrepreneurship Success, the NJSBDC at William Paterson University continues to empower small business owners across Passaic and Union counties by offering expert advice, specialized training, and opportunities to connect with local and international markets.

For more information about NJSBDC programs and upcoming events, visit sbdcwpu.com.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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