Latina entrepreneur Ramona Ferreyra wins 2018 Pitch Competition

Ramona Ferreyra, founder and owner of Ojala Threads, a Latina-owned company that produces infant bodysuits with feature designs inspired by Caribbean American heritage, colloquialisms, language, and experiences, is the winner of the 2018 Latinas in Business Inc. Pitch Competition.

Ramona Ferreyra, founder of Ojala Threads, winner of the Latinas in Business Inc Pitch Competition (Photo credit: Americanonewspaper.com)

“We aim to authentically represent Hispanics, while equipping them with a tool that will make their heritage tangible, and shareable with the next generation. At Ojala Threads we understand that what our babies wear tell the world who they are. We don’t take this lightly. Our designs proudly reflect our Hispanic heritage and create the space for conversations inspired by then. We are hopeful that they will help parents, and grandparents, easily pass on to our youngest generation the best of us,” Ramona said.

Over 300 participants and visitors registered for the event that took place at the Culinary Conference Center in Jersey City, NJ. Co-hosting the event this year were the Hudson County Office of Business Opportunity and the Hudson County Community College.

“Every year, we see more solid and focused Latina entrepreneurs taking advantage of this opportunity to promote their products and services. We wanted to thank our sponsors, supporters and the fantastic media and sponsors Jurors who judged the competition,” said Susana G Baumann, President, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Latinas in Business Inc.

The Expo featured 71 Latina and minority-owned small businesses, supporters and sponsors who helped promote the growing community of Latina entrepreneurs. “This year has been the most successful so far, with the majority of vendors being Latina-owned businesses. For us, this is the greatest achievement, to bring these innovative, creative and driven Latinas and their stories to the forefront,” Baumann explained.

Expo Journal and Latina SmallBiz Expo Ticket

It was an emotional moment when the winner was announced. “I have participated in other pitch competitions before but never won because the audience was not ‘my people.’ I knew my proposition had value, but this recognition was only possible among you,” Ramona said.

Other two finalists were 3L Communique, a public relations, media and event production firm created by award-winning journalist and public relations veteran, Zayda Rivera., and LaDi, elegant maternity tops and baby shoes by fashion designer Laura Diaz-Alberto.

One of the highlights of the event was the “Latino Dessert Reception” offered by faculty and students of the Institute of Culinary Arts at Hudson County Community College.

“I invite the community to continue to support these #LatinasPoderosas and all vendors, that year after year come back because they see the value of our initiative,” Baumann said. “As part of their package prize, the winner and two finalists will be attending the Red Shoe Movement Signature Event in NYC and will meet national and international influencers and decision-makers that might help them advance their businesses.”

Latino Dessert Reception offered by Hudson County College Institute of Culinary Arts Faculty and students (With Susana G Baumann, Left – Photo credit: Latinas in Business Inc.)

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