Sneakers and Stilettos: A Business Summit

Sneakers & Stilettos is more than just a summit—it’s a movement for bold entrepreneurs building businesses with passion, purpose, and impact. Brought to you by The SBDC of Hudson County and The Next Generation Network, this one-day event is designed to equip you with the tools, strategies, and connections to elevate your business to new heights.

Whether you're scaling your startup, refining your vision, or seeking powerful collaborations, this summit will provide actionable insights, transformative conversations, and a community that truly gets you.

What to Expect:

💡 Dynamic Keynote Speakers who have built, scaled, and led with impact.
🎤 Breakout Workshops covering public speaking, sales, funding, confidence, AI, and more.
🤝 Powerful Networking with industry leaders, business owners, and changemakers.
🔥 Exclusive VIP Experience with meet-and-greets, reserved seating, and private post-event networking.

Bring your sneakers for the journey and your stilettos for the destination—because this summit is where bold dreams turn into bold actions.

Who Should Attend?

All entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals who are ready to lead with intention, grow with integrity, and connect with a like-minded powerhouse community. Whether you’re building your empire, launching a side hustle, or navigating corporate leadership, this event will help you make meaningful connections and learn from top business minds across the tri-state area and beyond.

Event Agenda & Timeline:

🛋️ 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Registration, Open Networking & Vendor Showcase

🎯 9:30 AM - 9:35 AM | Official Welcome & Kickoff 📍 Skyline Room
Speakers: Gabby, Sheila/Maddy (SBDC Team), Tiffany Joy

🎤 9:35 AM - 10:05 AM | Keynote Speaker 📍 Lyndsay Kilpatrick (New Jersey Deputy District Director, U.S. Small Business)

🔹 10:05 AM - 11:25 AM | Breakout Sessions (Choose from 5 Topics) 📍 Multiple Rooms

💬 Option A: Public Speaking with Cat Coley
💰 Option B: "Funding Your Dreams" with Debbie O'Hara, Harvetta Lynch and PNC Bank, Kat Diwaker of the WCEC, Tanesha Halstead of the UCEDC moderated by Dominick Belfiore of M and T Bank.
📱 Option C: Sales Through Socials with Jo White
🏛️ Option D: Meet the NJEDA with Michelle Osorio
🤖 Option E: Intro to AI with Jessica Marie (SBDC, NJCU School of Business)

🍽 12:10 PM - 12:45 PM – Lunch
🎤 12:45 PM - 1:20 PM – Power Panel: Breaking Barriers & Building Success
💡 Panelists: Elena, Deby, Shy, Cristal

🎤 1:20 PM - 1:55 PM – Her Journey Panel with Angela Armstrong, Anny Martinez, and Danni Hadnott

🔹 Breakout Session 3 → 1:30 PM - 2:10 PM
🔹 Breakout Session 4 → 2:15 PM - 2:55 PM
📍 Multiple Rooms
💡 Attendees Choose Between:
1️⃣ Skyline Room: Harnessing the Power of Storytelling – Cat Coley
2️⃣ Lecture Hall: Funding Your Dreams Panel – Debbie O’Hara, PNC Bank Rep, Kat Diwaker, Tanesha Halstead
3️⃣ Room 214: Sales Through Socials – Jo White
4️⃣ Room 203: Meet the NJEDA – Michelle Osorio & Team
5️⃣ Room 230: Intro to AI for Entrepreneurs – Jessica Marie

🎤 2:55 PM - 3:25 PM – Mindset and Confidence for the Modern Day Woman
📍 Skyline Room
💡 Presented by: Sheila Harris-Adams, Rosennies Feliz (HCEDC), Melanie Rudin, Sherri Pullum

🤝 3:25 PM - 3:50 PM – Afternoon Networking
📍 Skyline Room
💡 Last chance to connect, exchange business cards & interact with sponsors/vendors

🎤 3:50 PM – Closing Remarks

🌟 VIP Experience: Upgrade for prime reserved seating, and an intimate post-event networking session.

📢 Interested in Exhibiting, Sponsoring, or Contributing to Swag Bags? Click here to connect with us!

🔗 Secure Your Spot Now

Thank you to the NJEDA, PNC Bank, and UCEDC for sponsoring this event.

Thank you to Nev Photography, Noir Photography Studios, and Arriao for being in-kind sponsors across our media and decor teams.