About the Leading Ladies Collective

Andrea Brognano is a Licensed Mental Health Clinician and the group practice owner of Therapy Connection, an online mental health group practice that was established in late 2019. Therapy Connection has expanded to multiple states and expanded services including in home services in NJ for children with disabilities. Andrea is passionate about mental health and how to help other entrepreneurs maintain mental wellness to be able to excel while holding a life-work balance.

BDEM Services LLC is a CPA-led accounting firm providing virtual bookkeeping, tax resolution, and financial organization for small businesses and nonprofits. With over 20 years of experience, we help clients stay compliant, save time, and uncover hidden profits—so they can focus on growth, not paperwork. Our services are tailored, reliable, and guided by our motto: More Profits. Less Tax.

Hema Designs helps growing businesses turn confusing websites into clear and high converting landing pages. With over 15 years of experience in UX, content strategy, and product design, we combine sharp messaging and conversion focused design so your visitors know exactly what you offer, why it matters, and what to do next. Our clients have seen conversion rates between 7-16% after working with us.

Canny Rojas is co-owner of Mole Poblano Asuncion Corp. Her mission is to preserve and share the rich culinary heritage of Mexico through authentic, handcrafted Mole Poblano sauce rooted in her own family recipes from Puebla. She is committed to using time-honored recipes passed down through generations, ensuring every product delivers bold, vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine. Her goal is to honor the past while inspiring new culinary experiences for future generations.

Kaleena is co-owner, optician of MK VIsion Center Staten Island, one out of 9 optical stores in the city. She loves to help customers with their eyewear needs. She has been in the field for twenty years and values the human connection she has with her customers.  She is also in charge of recruiting and credentialing the optometrists in the group, general human resources, contact lenses, and community building.

Women-owned and operated, our unisex barbershop features private suites and is conveniently located on Targee Street. With over 15 years of experience, we offer a variety of services, including men's haircuts as well as haircuts for women and children in the barbershop section. In our private suites, we specialize in braids, dreadlocks, wigs, and weaves. As a community leader, I engage with local youth through barbershop talks and provide training programs both in-house and in vocational schools. I am proud to partner with several nonprofit organizations, including the Fatherhood Program, SIPOP, Tru2Life, Rise, Friends of Tompkinsville Park, DYCD, UAU, and AHRC.

Sunny Side Up Birth Co. is a community-centered organization based in Staten Island, NY, dedicated to empowering expectant mothers through evidence-based childbirth education and meaningful connection. Our mission is to help moms feel confident, informed, and supported throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journeys.

Owned and operated by Danielle Raleigh, Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor is a beloved Staten Island institution known for its homemade, hand-packed ice cream, classic parlor atmosphere, and memorable parties, catering, and special events. In addition, Danielle operates Chocolate and Balloons by Egger’s, a full-service event company offering custom balloon décor, dessert tables, chocolate-covered treats, and party planning services for all occasions. Through both businesses, Danielle brings creativity, community spirit, and a personal touch to celebrations across Staten Island, helping create sweet and lasting memories for every customer.

With a Touch of Aloha, Owned and operated by born and raised local girl from the island of O'ahu, Leilani brings the spirit of Aloha to the East Coast through her creations. Sharing culture and inspiration from her home in the Pacific Islands with the tradition of lei giving. 

Sweetie House is a family-friendly indoor playground and café offering a one-stop experience for fun, learning, and celebrations. Originally founded in 2017 as a dessert café for family gatherings and private events, we expanded in 2023 to Staten Island, combining imaginative play spaces with creative classes like art, baking, STEM, music, and sensory play. We welcome children of all abilities and support OPWDD families. Come learn, play, and grow with us!