Hispanic Heritage Month: Last Wednesday Celebration Brings Together Latino Businesses for Exposure, Empowerment
Photo courtesy of Celeste Fernandez
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
PLEASANTVILLE — Numerous local Latino businesses and entrepreneurs came together on Sept. 30 for an inspirational and encouraging celebration of celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Ideal Business of Technology.
Last Wednesday, a recurring month business networking event that seeks to energize small businesses of color at the business incubator Common Grounds, pulled off its first Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with about 150 attending the former Press of Atlantic City headquarters.
“This is the first of many more to come,” said Celeste Fernandez, a business partner with Common Grounds and was a member of Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s Transition Team. A veteran entrepreneur and former Atlantic County commissioner candidate, she said the night was filled with not only critical networking, but food, music and cultural connections.
Five featured singers performed, each representing different musical traditions including Bachata, Mexican music, Merengue, and Salsa. A cultural exhibition wall showcased items from various Hispanic countries, complete with histories and national flags, offering attendees a visual journey through Latin American heritage.
Local leaders attended the event along with nonprofit organizations, school leaders, and professionals from across Atlantic County.
The celebration was boosted by a strong group of sponsors, including ACADOBOM, El Rincon Mexican Food, Fulton Mortgage Company, La Dominicana House New Jersey, MINA Minorities Allied Lenders, Sonido Clave Media Group, the Spanish Community Center, and Worldwide Entertainment Enterprises Production.
One of the evening’s highlights was a special recognition presented to Rodrick Green, founder of Common Ground Economic Development Inc., honoring his “dedication, vision, and work in creating an inclusive community ecosystem.”
Green, in turn, honored Fernandez for her service to the Hispanic community and her leadership in co?hosting the event.
Business Hub With Purpose
Beyond the cultural celebration, the event served a deeper mission: connecting families and entrepreneurs to the resources available through Common Grounds and the Ideal Institute of Technology.
Fernandez emphasized that many community members are unaware of the business services available to them, from business registration support to virtual office space to professional development courses.
“We create a pathway for them,” Fernandez said. “You want to take training or classes in the construction field… once you finish your classes and now you have your certification and you want to start your own business, here you go.”
More than 25 businesses participated, along with mortgage specialist Miguel Rees, who provided home?buying information and resources for first?time buyers. The event blended entrepreneurship, education, and cultural celebration—reflecting the multifaceted needs of South Jersey’s Hispanic community.
Building Momentum Through Connection
Fernandez said the team plans to follow up with attendees who RSVP’d or signed in at the door, inviting them to future Last Wednesday events and sharing business resources.
“We’re going to follow up with emails and information, and continue to invite them,” she said.
She also noted that the event drew not only Hispanic residents but people of all backgrounds.
“It was just not the Spanish community. It was other races… we all celebrated together as a family, as one community.”
For Fernandez, the evening represented more than a cultural celebration. It was a testament to unity, shared purpose, and the growing ecosystem of support for entrepreneurs and families in Pleasantville and beyond.
“It was a fantastic evening of celebration, prayer, and community connection,” she said.
Fernandez, the founder and executive director of Fernandez Services, LLC, has been described by supporters as an executive leader committed to advancing economic and community development initiatives through collaboration, innovation, and strategic leadership.
She is focused on creating sustainable opportunities, strengthening organizations, and building partnerships that generate measurable community impact. Common Grounds Hispanic Heritage Month celebration is just one example of her vision.
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