Via Rutkowski 
Hoboken and Jersey City are full of heart-centric change makers who uplift the community each day. In honor of Black History Month this February, The Hoboken Girl is taking a moment to spotlight 26 Black community leaders shining their lights in Hoboken + Jersey City. Read on to learn more about the stories behind these inspiring locals.
Please note: We can add to this list at any time, no one was left out intentionally. Please email [email protected] to suggest additions to the list.
Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez
Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez is a multi-talented entrepreneur, brand maven, veteran, and community leader in Jersey City. Alyza is devoted to breaking the cycle of generational adversity by empowering underserved communities with resources, education, and inspiration, in addition to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community.
Read More: A List of Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Hoboken + Jersey City
Angela McKnight | Founder of Angela Cares
View this post on Instagram
Angela McKnight is the founder of AngelaCARES Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization that serves as an advocate and support system for senior citizens, a support system for senior caregivers, and a youth mentorship program by educating and empowering them to volunteer. Contributions will help with projects and programs including social activities and educational and support resources for seniors and their caregivers.
Celeste Williams | Founder of Caring Capable Hands Inc. + Recipient of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award
View this post on Instagram
Celeste Williams is a devoted advocate for youth and underserved communities, using her passion for service to create meaningful change in the community. After experiencing personal tragedy, she shifted her focus to helping young people heal from trauma and find hope. She provides mentorship, support programs, and community events that promote resilience and empowerment. Her work fosters unity and creates safe spaces for growth, ensuring every young person feels seen and supported.
Denise Woodard | Founder + CEO of Partake Foods
View this post on Instagram
Denise Woodward is the Founder + CEO of Partake Foods, an allergy-friendly cookie company that champions food inclusivity. Partake partners with organizations like No Kid Hungry to fight food insecurity and HBCUs to continue opening doors for Black students and entrepreneurs.
Djenaba Johnson-Jones | Founder + CEO of The Hudson Kitchen
View this post on Instagram
Djenaba is the founder of The Hudson Kitchen, a community food entrepreneurship incubator in Kearny. Participants can learn from experts in the field as well as peers. The startup accelerator program helps new culinary businesses and teaches startup essentials in foodservice.
Dileiny Baron | Influencer + Founder of The Creators Loft
Photo Credit: Dileiny Baron
Dileiny Baron is a Jersey City-based influencer and founder of The Creators Loft, a sophisticated, vintage-inspired content studio designed to empower influencers, photographers, brands, and creators to bring their visions to life in an elevated way. Dileiny has over a decade of experience in content creation and influencer marketing and is proud to have built an action-driven, inspiring, and relatable brand that builds close, meaningful connections with locals.
Issa Sow | Funder of Issyra Gallery
Issyra Gallery is an art gallery on the ground floor of the Neumann Leather building located at 300 Observer Highway, in Hoboken. Issa displays his own paintings, with ancient African-inspired sculptures he has collected over the years. Issa also hosts several music and art-related events for the community.
Jerry Walker | 31st District Assemblyman and founder of Team Walker
View this post on Instagram
Jerry Walker is a Jersey City native and former NBA player turned politician and advocate. He’s also the founder of Team Walker, a nonprofit youth learning center that provides STEM, academic, and recreational programming for children and families throughout Hudson County. Team Walker also operates a free farmers market for community members and offers free GED and ESL classes.
Jordan + Joelle Hernandez | Founders of Double Dough
Jordan and Joelle, twins, media moguls, book authors, and volunteer coordinators of Hoboken Girl Helps make delicious and creative sugar cookies from scratch. Double Dough takes custom orders throughout Hudson County and hosts several community pop-ups throughout the area, bringing the community together with sweets.
Jordan Lacey | Founder of Light The Candle
Photo Credit: Corporate Storytelling Images
Jordan Lacey is the founder of Light The Candle, a non-profit organization designed to bring joy to children in the foster care system by making them feel special on their birthdays. What started as a high school club grew into an initiative that has expanded with over 35 chapters in middle and high schools, as well as involvement from community groups and corporate teams. Jordan has created a one-of-a-kind movement that uplifts foster children and inspires young volunteers to give back.
Joseph Nyamwange | Founder & Director, The Nyamwange Foundation
View this post on Instagram
Joseph Nyamwange launched The Nyamwange Foundation to promote Black empowerment and leadership development. Programs like the leadership academy and Birthright Afrika focus on cultural identity, youth empowerment, and civic engagement for students in Jersey City.
Joy W. | Founder of Be the Difference Clothing
Be the Difference Clothing is a clothing line started by Joy W., established in August 2013. Her clothing line consists of designs or sayings meant to inspire and encourage the wearer and those who see them. She also is a public speaker, hosting workshops around various topics, and embodies her movement daily.
Joyce Watterman | Former Jersey City Council President
View this post on Instagram
Council President Joyce Watterman is a dedicated community leader, serving as the first African American woman elected to the role in Jersey City. She actively works on affordable housing, budget planning, and diversity initiatives while also leading programs that empower women and provide safe spaces for children. Joyce is committed to uplifting others and creating positive change in her community.
Ken Montes de Oca | Founder of Ken Pilates
Kennyth Montes de Oca is the founder of Ken Pilates, a Pilates studio that blends Kennyth’s dance background with a passion for helping others move better — think fitness with a purpose. Kennyth also hosts LGBTQ+ events and community conversations to foster inclusivity and create a safe space for all. Ken Pilates has innovative classes and methods that prioritize meaningful movement for every individual.
Kendra Beauford | Founder, MKT Ready Fitness Club
View this post on Instagram
Kendra is the founder of MKT Ready Fitness Club, a Jersey City fitness studio. The team offers Pilates, strength and yoga, and was voted Best of Jersey City by Hoboken Girl readers for both Best Fitness Trainer and Best Pilates Studio.
Lisa + Tyrone Rose | The Common Earth Co.
View this post on Instagram
Born and raised Jersey City locals, Lisa + Tyrone Rose are health and community focused business owners making a positive impact. The Common Earth Co., located at 99 Monticello Avenue in Jersey City, is a health, wellness, and lifestyle company serving healthy provisions and locally sourced goods. The husband and wife duo host a variety of community events including health and wellness workshops and a donation-based yoga practice welcome to all levels. The two also own longtime Jersey City staple, Independent Beauty Supply located just around the corner at 93 Monticello Avenue.
Lewis Spears | Executive Director of Kismet of Kings
View this post on Instagram
Lewis Spears is the Executive Director of Kismet Kings, a community-focused after-school program dedicated to mentoring and educating young people in Jersey City. Having experienced the challenges of limited resources firsthand, he works to break cycles and create opportunities for success. Through his leadership, he fosters growth, empowerment, and lasting change.
Sabrina Natasha Browne
View this post on Instagram
Sabrina is an award-winning PR executive, advocate, and community leader dedicated to making a difference through storytelling, strategic partnerships, and awareness-building. Through her work, she helps amplify important causes, connect organizations with the communities they serve, and support initiatives that create meaningful impact.
Shakera Frazier-Rosa | Founder of Mile Square Mommies
Shakera Frazier-Rosa is the founder and CEO of Mile Square Mommies (AKA your IG mom bestie), a beloved organization that has become a staple in the Hoboken community. As a dancer, singer, and choreographer, she channels her creativity into empowering local mothers and building connections within her hometown. Shakera’s deep roots in Hoboken, coupled with her dedication to supporting women, have made her a key figure in the Hoboken + Jersey City community.
Shamika Lynch | Founder of Maximizing Tiny
View this post on Instagram
Shamika Lynch is the owner of Maximizing Tiny, which provides interior design and organization consulting. Shamika helps city residents to make small spaces work for them and their families. She and her company’s work have turned apartments into homes all over the community.
Shalea Walker | Founder of Walker’s Apothecary
View this post on Instagram
Walker’s Apothecary is a skincare haven in downtown Jersey City owned by licensed esthetician and makeup artist Shalea Walker. Walker’s cutting-edge and traditional treatments will soothe the mind, body, and soul, and she brings each client personalized care. Having worked with celebrities and luminaries from the entertainment world, Shalea’s talent is suited to handle any and all beauty and skincare needs — including facials, simple makeup lessons, bridal packages, or her much sought-after eyebrow design, as well as her custom-blended line of beauty and skincare products.
Sonja Halie | Founder of Satya + Sage Candles
View this post on Instagram
Sonja Halie is the owner of Satya + Sage Candles. She believes in creating sacred space and taking time for yourself as an act of self-care. The idea for Satya + Sage was born when Sonja realized her weekly self-care routine helped her focus on what mattered and paved the way to discovering her own truth. Her business’s mission is to encourage self-care through each product it produces. In addition to creating beautiful aromas designed to inspire self-care, Satya + Sage is committed to giving back to the community — a percentage of all profits will be donated to a non-profit that benefits underserved youth.
See More: A List of Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Montclair + Bloomfield
Tamara Parchment | President + CEO of the Urban League of Hudson County
Tamara Parchment leads the Urban League of Hudson County, a historic and longstanding nonprofit that provides education, job placement, economic development support, family counseling, youth programs, and more for underserved residents in Hudson County. The League has served the community since 1972 and continues to be a major social support organization locally.
Tracy Severe | Associate Director of Public Relations at AILEY
Photo Credit: Tracy Severe
Jersey City resident and first-generation Haitian-American Tracy Severe is a results-driven public relations professional with over a decade of experience across the entertainment, performing arts, nonprofit, and lifestyle sectors. Tracy is the Associate Director of Public Relations at AILEY, a non-profit organization honoring the legacy of Alvin Ailey, a world-class dancer, choreographer, and director, through dance, theatre, and community programs. Tracy leverages her expertise to amplify the visibility and impact of one of the world’s leading cultural institutions. Tracy is passionate about the transformative power of the arts to foster connection and enrich communities.
Tami Weaver-Henry | Founder and CEO of Angel’s Care Home Health Care
Rev. Tami Weaver-Henry is the Founder and CEO of Angel’s Care Home Health Care, New Jersey’s first Christian-based home care agency, dedicated to providing compassionate, holistic care to families in need.
Vanessa Rissetto | Founder of Culina Health
Vanessa Rissetto and her team of dietitians work tirelessly to help locals (and celebs!) get on track with their eating habits and lifestyles. She also shares the latest from the science of nutrition and some delicious tips and recipes on her Instagram. Culina Health is a personalized nutrition platform to help you prioritize the way you want to live ultimately helping communities far and wide live better.
Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.
