Women’s Empowerment in New Jersey: The Impact of Ella Inc. Workshop

Female social entrepreneurship is creating meaningful change across South Jersey. Through a strategic partnership between MINA and Casimiro Global Foundation, Ella Inc. Workshop has emerged as a transformative initiative designed to help young women ages 15–19 turn innovative ideas into impactful business models. The program is built on a powerful belief: social entrepreneurship is a key driver in solving global and community challenges.

Notably, Ella Inc. Workshop was first introduced in the United States in May 2024, positioning the city of Camden as a hub for technical training, youth leadership, and women’s empowerment.

Three days of immersion, learning, and discovery

As highlighted by Belkis Shindell, CEO of MINA, the program has been supported by HopeWorks in Camden, which has provided a safe learning environment, internet access, and essential technology—critical tools for developing impactful project ideas.

The program’s success is built through key stages:

Orientation: Led by founder Mr. Juan Casimiro, inspiring participants to think boldly and purposefully.

Institutional support: Backed by Mr. Ángel Fuentes, President of the Camden City Council, along with corporate leaders from New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Tools for impact: Participants engage with the Business Model Canvas, gaining the technical skills needed to structure viable business ideas. Through the session “7 Mindsets for Social Impact,” they learn to identify community challenges and design innovative solutions.

The moment of truth: The program culminates in final presentations before a panel of distinguished judges—professional women leaders—where participants showcase their critical thinking, creativity, and public speaking skills.

Among the top participants were:

Destiny Nunez, Janiyah Gonzalez, Fatina Lozier (2024 cohort), and Daira Rosa, Gianna Miller, and Sharnice Lowry (2025 cohort).

These young leaders advanced to the second phase: Ella Inc. Camp, a fully funded two-week experience at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami. There, they develop their business plans, experience campus life, and participate in corporate visits where they connect with executives who often become mentors and role models for their future academic and professional journeys.

A continuing commitment to community impact

For MINA, continuing to host Ella Inc. Workshop reinforces its mission to drive socioeconomic development and equip the next generation of female leaders with real, actionable tools.

The success of this program confirms that investing in young women is investing in stronger, more resilient communities. For the third consecutive year, this initiative will continue empowering the leaders of tomorrow.

📌 Learn more about our programs!

If you would like to join our impact network or learn more about our initiatives:

📍 Visit us: 5615 Westfield Avenue, Ste 1, Pennsauken, NJ 08110

📞 Call us: (856) 831-8000

📧 Email us: info@minalenders.org

💡 Learn more about Ella Inc. Workshop: shorturl.at/frPE8

Editorial: Norma Bolaños

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