News

February 3, 2026 - Kicking off the first phase of a strategic partnership between the Bloomfield Center Alliance (BCA) and Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, a group of students, faculty, and staff got together on January 29th to volunteer their time in helping the organization assess and improve its online business directory.   They began by reviewing  the individual profiles of the close to 250 businesses and identifying information that can be added, revised, and/or updated.  The effort will help the BCA measure directory-wide metrics and identify business profiles that have changed over time or are missing key details and information. The overall goal is to make sure each profile accurately represents the offerings/services of our businesses and showcases digital destinations like websites and social media accounts.

Providing Value for Everyone

Beyond improving the online directory, this initiative gives students meaningful, hands-on projects where they can apply classroom skills in real-world settings. Participating students received a LinkedIn Endorsement officially acknowledging their volunteer contributions and, more importantly, had the chance to engage and network with local business owners in a welcoming, safe environment while building the soft skills that help them stand out for internships and post-graduation opportunities.

The Participants

Several students signed up for this opportunity representing different areas of study. The BCA extends its thanks to the following for volunteering their time and talent that afternoon:

• Safronio Hernandez - Game design & Programming;
• Em Shaw - Business Adminsitration;
• Reginald Wayne Baker - Game Design;
• Leila Smith - Business Administration;
• Odyell Ramos Tobar - Pre-Nursing;
• Michael Williams - Computer Science;
• Kymani Johnson (Caldwell University) - Pre-Med;
• William Escalera - Computer Science; and
• Tyrese Fletcher-Hewlett - Creative Writing.

The following faculty and staff also rolled up their sleeves to work side-by-side with students:

• Dr. Theodora Regina Berry - Dean;
• Dr. Leah Gaines - Assistant Professor of Africana Studies;
• Towanna Hicks, M Ed. - Director of Academic Advising and Career Education; and
• LeTishia Little, MA, MCC, NCC, ,LPC - Associate Director, CAPS-Bloomfield, Counseling and Psychological Services.

As a show of thanks from the local business community, the BCA was able to secure and hand out gift cards from two downtown businesses - Grill & Greens Restaurant and Every Day Grind Coffee Company  The group was also treated to an inspiring message from Bloomfield Center entrepreneur Melvina Boggs, owner of the Bloomfield Wax and Skin Care Center and Ultimate Visions Hair Salon.   She encouraged the students to be willing to "start small,"  but always "think big" and look to grow as a person with each new step.

Reflecting on the successful start of this collaboration, BCA Executive  Director extended a special note of thanks to this initiative's coordinators who first envisioned this partnership and brought all parties and volunteers together - Associate Professor of Writing Nora McCook, Ph. D. and More Jersey CEO/BCA board member Joe Campbell.

What's Next?

The next phase will include uploading and revising the website once information on all the businesses is collected and confirmed. In the long term, the BCA hopes to find additional ways to engage college faculty and staff in other projects here in Bloomfield Center and identify ways to provide project and internship opportunities with downtown businesses.