Women Business Leaders Gather In Montclair To ‘Uplift One Another’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — “Women belong at every table that decisions are being made at.” This quote – which can be found at one of Adenah Bayoh’s buildings – was among the words of encouragement offered by the Essex County developer, restaurateur and businesswoman at a recent leadership conference in Montclair.

Bayoh served as the keynote speaker at the YWCA Northern New Jersey’s annual Women’s Leadership Conference, which took place last month at 18 Label Studios in Montclair.

This year’s conference focused on “overcoming obstacles, developing meaningful connections, and finding purpose at any age” – all of which Bayoh has experienced.

Bayoh – who came to the U.S. at 13-years-old to escape civil war in her native country of Liberia – has become one of New Jersey’s brightest entrepreneurs and immigrant success stories. Known for her popular restaurant, Brick City Vegan, which has locations in Newark and Montclair, she owns multiple multi-family homes and apartment buildings throughout Irvington, Newark and northern New Jersey – including the property on which her Irvington IHOP stands.

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“I'm deeply grateful to YWCA Northern New Jersey for inviting me to share my journey with these amazing women,” Bayoh said.

“My story underscores the importance of representation and the necessity for women to have a seat at every table where decisions are made,” she continued. “Today, we've woven a tapestry of diverse experiences, enriching each other as we strive towards lives filled with meaning and purpose. Seeing women support and uplift one another is truly beautiful and absolutely crucial.”

Other panelists at the conference included:

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• Jong Sook P. Nee, Founder of Convergent Law
• Jennifer M. Bucalo, Director of BOLD Women's Leadership Network at Rutgers University - Newark

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"This year's conference provided a perfect opportunity for women leaders to convene together and delve into the essence of our purpose and values – what propels us as women, mothers, entrepreneurs, both collectively and individually," YWCA Northern New Jersey CEO Helen Archontou said.

"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our keynote speaker, Adenah Bayoh, and to each of our esteemed panelists, who generously shared their inspiring stories and invaluable advice on overcoming hurdles to embrace our power and purpose,” Archontou said.

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