In a remarkable celebration of resilience, innovation, and community strength, the Northshore Community Development Coalition (Northshore CDC) hosted their annual “Stories Of Success Celebrating BIPOC Women Entrepreneurs” event on March 27, 2025. The gathering brought together seven extraordinary business leaders who shared their journeys, challenges, and visions for the future.
Breaking Barriers and Building Tables
Felicia, the first Black CEO of Northshore CDC, set the tone for the evening with her powerful declaration: “I don’t lead by asking for a seat at the table. I show up as the table.” Her personal reflection on leadership resonated deeply with attendees, emphasizing the organization’s mission to “invest in neighborhoods to create thriving communities” and their vision of a Northshore with opportunity for all.
The event, which began in 2020, has evolved into a meaningful in-person celebration, championed by Shantel Alex, Director of Community Building, and Nina Lisarog, Small Business Manager. Together, they’ve created a platform that amplifies voices often underrepresented in entrepreneurship narratives.
Voices of Innovation: Meet the Panelists
The heart of the event was a panel discussion featuring seven remarkable BIPOC women entrepreneurs from across the Northshore region:
Yvonne Frontera of La Frontera Sabrosa
This mother-son team based in Peabody, MA offers Hispanic delicacies including empanadas, tostones, and desserts through both in-person service and online ordering. Yvonne shared her pivotal moment after participating in the Chocolate Expo, which led her to pursue her business full-time. Her support system includes her son Miguel, her mother, and her faith.
Francellis Nuñez of MeNowYOU Consulting
With over 20 years of experience in education, coaching, and leadership development, Francellis founded MeNowYOU Consulting to empower individuals to achieve their fullest potential. Her company operates on principles of unwavering authenticity, building strong community connections, and acting as a connector of people and resources. During the panel, Francellis advised aspiring entrepreneurs that “there are places out there that want to help you” and spoke passionately about how being a woman of color is her “superpower.” She envisions growing her business to generate passive income while pursuing all her passions through innovative solutions that integrate education, coaching, and immersive experiences to create inclusive spaces that spark positive change.
Wanda Perez of Club Eleven Social Media Marketing
This marketing strategist emphasized flexibility and community as essential components of entrepreneurship. Wanda noted that entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be lonely if you find community both locally and online. She also discussed the importance of mental fortitude, advocating for therapy, and shared her approach to balancing motherhood and business.
Flora Tonthat of Northey Street House B&B
The owner of this award-winning 1809 historic bed & breakfast in Salem, MA focuses on preserving history through thoughtful and sustainable design. Flora believes in living a sustainable life, investing in solar energy and air-source heat pumps, and practicing urban gardening with compost made from earthworms and leaf litter. She actively uplifts her community through beautification projects and founded the Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Association in 2014. Flora’s advice for funding includes seeking resources like the Salem State University Enterprise Center, and she highlighted the crucial connection between local politics and the success of small businesses.
Daybar Bugler of EDEX Provisions
As the founder of New England’s first Black-owned cheese shop, Daybar Bugler along with her husband Phil operate Eat Drink Explore (EDEX) Provisions in Peabody. Daybar learned that marketing requires more volume and persistence than most entrepreneurs initially expect. She hopes to see more camaraderie among small businesses, utilizing each other’s strengths. EDEX Provisions is currently pivoting towards wholesale of their popular charcuterie platters.
Gladys Muñoz of IntiNova Consulting Services
As Founder & Principal Consultant of IntiNova Consulting Services, Gladys Muñoz, MPH (she/they) specializes in social and sustainable business practices with a mission to transform the business world. With expertise in both business strategy and public health, she champions economic equity by connecting entrepreneurs to resources and growth opportunities. Her community-focused approach drives impactful development while emphasizing the importance of having a diverse network of advisors. Gladys hopes to expand her business into the digital landscape, making applications accessible in multiple languages. Her commitment to journaling gratitude reflects her thoughtful approach to business.
Yaya Rodriguez of Cultura Latina Dance Academy
Founded in 2011, this Lynn-based nonprofit organization teaches Latin dance and its cultural roots to students as young as 2 years old. CLDA offers classes in salsa, bachata, merengue, ballet, and Latin-American folklore. Yaya acknowledged that funding has been her biggest challenge, particularly in the arts and creative community. Her academy’s mission is to “enhance, share, and connect cultures and community through dance,” while teaching leadership, self-esteem, discipline, and teamwork to students.
Beyond Inspiration: Practical Insights for Entrepreneurs
During the Q&A session, panelists shared practical advice on overcoming impostor syndrome, building support networks, and securing funding. When asked about the specific support they need now, responses ranged from funding and social media help to greater understanding of their unique offerings and collaboration opportunities.
The discussion on impostor syndrome generated particularly powerful insights, with panelists sharing strategies for overcoming self-doubt through self-love, focusing on their “why,” and recognizing the shared humanity of others in similar positions.
Supporting Community-Driven Economic Development
The event concluded with remarks from Mikki Wilson, Board Chair of Northshore CDC, who reiterated her role as a “dot connector” and encouraged attendees to support the organization’s mission through donations and network expansion.
This “Stories Of Success” event exemplified how community-based organizations like Northshore CDC can create platforms that amplify diverse voices while providing practical support for entrepreneurial growth. By bringing together these inspiring leaders, the organization demonstrated its commitment to building an inclusive economy where BIPOC women entrepreneurs can thrive.
To experience these stories firsthand, watch the full event recording below:
Consider connecting with these inspiring entrepreneurs and Northshore CDC to contribute to their ongoing success and the economic vitality of our community.
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North Shore CDC invests in neighborhoods to create thriving communities. We envision a North Shore where every neighborhood is one of choice and opportunity. We use our community-focused development model to invest resources into low-income or distressed neighborhoods on the North Shore to improve the quality of life for residents. We are committed to the community through affordable housing, economic
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