Queens Defenders, business leaders advise next generation of Jamaica entrepreneurs

Presenters listen as Ralph McDaniels, hip hop coordinator at Queens Library, discusssed about his early career in music production. Photo courtesy of Queens Defenders.

By Rachel Vick

Queens Defenders kicked off Black HIstory month on Feb. 4 with a session on entrepreneurship at the organization’s newly opened Jamaica Justice Center.

About 30 teens and young adults gathered for the panel, which featured business professionals with backgrounds in marketing, education services and other sectors Presenters shared their formative experiences and their path to success with the attendees.

They also offered advice and reassurance from the other side of business ventures.

"Even if your first business fails, it does not mean you are a failure," said Nagela Dales, founder and chief creative officer of Silver Lining Creative. "Every experience you have opens new insights and new paths."

After the panel, the young people were able to mingle and network — a practice that panelist and co-owner of We All In Clothing Sharon Griffith said was vital to success.

"Network with everyone and anyone you meet - you never know when the person standing next to you in line at the bank might be the assistant to the person at that big funder you need to meet, someone who can help support your career," Griffith said.

Other panelists included Saeed Jabbar, founder and executive director of Inclusion; Andrea Ormeno, Women's Business Center director for the Queens Economic Development Corporation; Jessica and Leo Dussan, founders of Green Island Group and Ralph McDaniels, a radio host and hip hop coordinator at the Queens Public Library.