WEST WINDSOR, NJ – The New Jersey Black Women’s Collective (NJBWC) invites aspiring leaders to apply for the 2025 cohort of the Leadership Institute, a transformative program designed to cultivate and develop the next generation of Black women leaders in New Jersey. Applications are open now, with a deadline of January 8, 2025. The program will launch on Saturday, January 25, 2025, and run through June 28, 2025.

Earlier this year, the NJBWC and Mercer County Community College (MCCC) inaugurated this innovative initiative, bringing together a steering committee led by NJBWC founders, MCCC executives, and MCCC President Dr. Deborah E. Preston. The program aims to equip participants with the tools to address real-time challenges, actualize their visions, and enhance their leadership effectiveness while building a robust pipeline of Black women leaders across various sectors in New Jersey.

On June 8 of this year, members of the inaugural class presented their capstone projects and graduated in a special ceremony at the Trenton Country Club in West Trenton.

Tennille McCoy, Co-founder of NJBWC and Chair of the Leadership Institute, stated, “The passion and dedication displayed by participants throughout the program have been truly inspiring. We designed this initiative not just to build leaders but to foster meaningful connections and equip them with actionable tools to address today’s challenges effectively.”

Dr. Deborah E. Preston, President of Mercer County Community College, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “As we embark on the second year of this initiative, we remain committed to empowering women in leadership through intentional actions and unwavering support. Together, we are creating a brighter future for the next generation of leaders.”

Taraun Tice McKnight, NJBWC Co-founder, added, “This program marks the start of a transformative journey for these exceptional women. I’m proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to the profound influence they will have within their communities and professional spheres.”

Adrienne King, NJBWC Co-founder, remarked, “These women have redefined what leadership looks like in every sector, proving that collaboration and determination can pave the way for progress. Their success is a testament to Black excellence, and we’re excited to continue this legacy with future cohorts.”

From January to June 2025, participants will engage in 14 curated sessions led by renowned keynote speakers and facilitators, including Melody M. Fogarty and Rita Williams-Bogar. The program will feature leadership assessments and high-level instruction from Mercer County Community College, alongside workshops, panel discussions, and lectures focusing on leadership, organizational culture, and personal development. Participants will also benefit from networking opportunities and interactive presentations designed to equip them with real-world strategies for success.

This year, the Leadership Institute is excited to introduce two new sessions: AI Exploration: where participants will discover core concepts and hands-on tools while exploring how AI is transforming the world, and Cyber Security Adventure: which offers an exhilarating journey into the realm of Cyber Security, focusing on mastering the art of protecting digital landscapes and uncovering thrilling tactics to outsmart cyber villains.

Topics will address critical areas such as change management, financial and fundraising skills, time management, workplace politics, and marketing and branding tools.

The Leadership Institute is ideal for mid-level managers or supervisors ready to advance their careers, aspiring directors and vice presidents seeking to elevate their leadership impact, and professionals aiming to enhance their strategic and operational skills.

The second cohort of the Leadership Institute will graduate on June 7, 2025, with a special ceremony at the Trenton Country Club in West Trenton. Members of the class will present their capstone projects, showcasing their growth and the program’s transformative impact.

If you’re ready to take your leadership journey to the next level, visit https://www.mccc.edu/njbwc to submit your application by Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to join the next generation of Black women leaders driving change in New Jersey.

---

About Mercer County Community College
Established in 1966, Mercer County Community College is a publicly supported comprehensive institution that provides opportunities for higher education through an open-door admission policy. The scenic 292-acre West Windsor Campus was opened in 1972 to serve the needs of Mercer County residents. MCCC’s James Kerney Campus, located in downtown Trenton, serves as an educational and cultural hub for city residents that meets the changing needs of thousands of students and community members seeking educational fulfillment and personal and career growth. President: Deborah E. Preston, Ph.D.; www.mccc.edu


Return to Current News

MCCC Home Page

Tennille R. McCoy, co-founder of the New Jersey Black Women’s Collective (NJBWC) and chair of the NJBWC Leadership Institute, with Mercer County Community College (MCCC) President Dr. Deborah E. Preston. The NJBWC and MCCC partnership, in its second year, serves the Institute's mission of developing skills and creating a talent pipeline for Black women leaders in New Jersey.