Women’s History Month In Nutley: Stories Of Success, Struggle

NUTLEY, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Nutley Township. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Members of the Nutley community filled the high school cafeteria on March 21 to hear six dynamic women share their personal journeys of success and struggles during the 2023 Women’s Health and Professional Career Panel, in celebration of Women’s History Month.

Commissioner John Kelly III and the Nutley Department of Public Affairs and Health (in partnership with Nutley schools and the Nutley Women’s Networking Group) put this enlightening, inspiring and entertaining panel together for the community. The women’s professional panel has been a longstanding Nutley tradition over the past 20 years.

“Women have played an important role in my life; I am proud to continue the tradition of providing such thought-provoking panels,” stated Kelly. “I am blown away by each panelists' background and stories, and I'm grateful that we have a community with so many strong women willing to step up and share their knowledge with everyone.”

Moderated by Kathy Rempusheski, the township’s QPA/CDBG coordinator, the panel featured Stephanie Capili (owner of Cupily Coffee House of Nutley), Betsy Montanez (female college wrestler and referee, civilian ally and veteran advocate), Randi Vocaturo (owner of Art and Alphabet Academy of Nutley), Florey Cruz-Cerpa (director of community outreach; Hackensack Meridian Health/Mountainside Medical Center), Virginia Lujano (fitness trainer/corporate wellness, owner of VLu Fitness) and Barb Minemier, CHHC, AADP (holistic health coach and wellness guide at Your Healthy Truth).

Each woman opened up about her achievements, mistakes, challenges, family, sacrifices and discriminatory encounters, while climbing toward professional and personal success.

Capelli explored many different paths from occupational therapy to food service and spent eight years earning a community college degree until she realized the thing she loved to do most was make coffee. Now, her Franklin Avenue coffee shop is already becoming a staple to the Nutley community.

“I’ve told myself it’s ok to fail,” she explained. “Everything led me to where I am now. I have my own business doing exactly what I love.”

Upon answering an audience member’s work/life balance question, Cruz-Cerpa advised that one must make the time for themselves.

“If you work in health care, you know it’s not a nine-to-five job,” she said. “It is 24 hours a day. I have to set the tone and it took me until I was in my 50s to realize that. My family comes first. I love my job, but you have to put yourself first.”

Despite how far women have come over the years, they still find themselves facing barriers. Lujano believes nothing good comes from allowing such negative thoughts. She never thought there was anything she couldn’t do; if anyone were to tell her the opposite, it just won’t register with her. She also believes if something doesn’t work out, it doesn’t mean one hasn’t failed. It’s all part of the journey.

While Montanez has knocked down many barriers in her lifetime, especially to become the first female wrestler at Montclair University, there is still “so much to overcome.” She’s seen it on the mat and in the corporate world. Her suggested solution is to “stop labeling strong women as bullies or as bossy.” Instead of using labels, we should consider others peers.

When the panelists were asked if there was one thing they could change, Vocaturo wished she started her business years earlier. A go-getter from day one, she worked her way into a Human Resources director position while just out of high school at age 16, and then spent many years succeeding in various careers until she had an epiphany to leave it behind and establish a pre-school.

“Life is too short,” she said. “My advice is to just do it and not wait until you are 60 to do the things you always wanted.”

It took a health diagnosis for Minemier to find a path that not only improved her own health and well-being, but gave her the opportunity to help others through the launch of her business. Despite doubtful voices in her head, she persevered. She cited ignoring self-doubts and keeping going as her biggest accomplishment.

“I have been fortunate to always have people in my corner,” she said.

The township will close out their Women's History Month celebration with a Sip and Shop Women’s Networking Reception on Tuesday, March 28 at Mamma Vittoria Catering, located at 160 Franklin Avenue. Local women owned businesses will be in attendance to introduce, promote and or demonstrate their products and various services and goods.

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