The Hoboken Girl Team 
The women of Hoboken and Jersey City continue to amaze us every year, and with 2026 bringing a fresh start, we at The Hoboken Girl wanted to highlight some of the area’s extra-special locals — as we’ve done for many years. From entrepreneurs to leaders of change, these women are beloved members of our community and are doing big things in 2026. Read on for our list of 26 Hoboken + Jersey City women to watch in 2026.
Dileiny Baron | Founder, The Creators Loft
Content creator, creative strategist, and founder of The Creators Loft in Jersey City, Dileiny Baron has built a community space with fully-styled sets for photographers, content creators, and brands. Her work empowers local creatives and elevates Hudson County’s artistic and digital-media scene.
Vanessa Berensten and Michaela Rubin | Founders, The Loop
Vanessa Berentsen and Michaela Rubin are the friends and founders behind The Loop, “a passion project born from countless closet cleanouts and conversations over wine about wanting a better, more sustainable way to shop and sell locally,” the duo shared. Through sales and various pop-up events, The Loop aims to reduce waste, make it easier for locals to sell their clothes + refresh their wardrobe, and bring the community together in the process. “We’re inspired by the belief that small, simple shifts—like cleaning out your closet or choosing to shop secondhand—can make a meaningful impact,” Vanessa and Michaela said. “There’s something uniquely satisfying about decluttering, earning a little extra cash without much effort, and knowing your once-loved pieces are getting a second life in someone else’s wardrobe. It’s a win for your wallet, your wardrobe, and the planet.”
Renelle “Buffy” White Buffalo | Jersey City-based artist and activist
Renelle “Buffy” White Buffalo is a Jersey City-based visual artist. Buffy is Lakota and an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Her art explores her Lakota heritage and upbringing, her identity as an indigenous woman, and environmental connections.
Read More: 4 Hoboken Residents Share How They Find Meaningful Connections in the City
Sasha Campusano | Founder of Dine and Vibe
Sasha Campusano is the founder of Dine & Vibe, a Jersey City–based community platform and events series created to bring people together through food, music, and shared experiences. What started as a passion for connection has grown into a space where culture, nightlife, and community intersect, both online and at in-person gatherings across the area. Through Dine & Vibe, Sasha highlights local restaurants, DJs, creatives, and cultural events while intentionally creating inclusive spaces that feel welcoming, celebratory, and rooted in community, amplifying Black and Brown creators and residents in the community. Her work centers joy, representation, and togetherness, proving that good food and good vibes can be powerful tools for connection.
Heidi Castrillón | President + CEO, Hudson County Latin American Chamber of Commerce (HCLACC)
As President and CEO of the Hudson County Latin American Chamber of Commerce, Heidi Castrillón champions economic growth and entrepreneurial opportunity for the county’s Latino business community. Her leadership focuses on mentorship, cross-sector partnerships, and expanding access to resources for minority-owned businesses. Heidi presently serves on the Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma and was appointed by New Jersey Governors Christie and Murphy.
Jaclyn Cherubini | Executive Director, Hoboken Shelter
Jaclyn Cherubini is the longtime Executive Director of The Hoboken Shelter, where she has spent over two decades leading the mission to end homelessness one person at a time. At the helm of the organization, Jaclyn helps ensure that hundreds of neighbors in need have access to food, safe shelter, showers, case management, counseling, job training, creative arts workshops, and paths to permanent housing. Previously, she served as Assistant Director at Pathways to Housing in New York City, where she played a key role in expanding housing services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Beyond her work at the Shelter, she serves in leadership roles with the Hudson County Continuum of Care/Alliance to End Homelessness and other local nonprofits addressing housing and community support. Her years of dedication have touched countless lives across Hudson County, making her a steadfast force for compassion, stability, and community impact.
Chris Cragin-Day | Artistic Director, Mile Square Theatre
Chris Cragin-Day is a playwright, educator, and Artistic Director of Mile Square Theater in Hoboken. Mile Square Theater is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides theatre arts programs for youth and adults alike. The theater’s mission is to “Enrich and engage the region through the production of professional theatre and innovative arts education.” As part of this mission, Chris launched the theatre’s first play-reading program in September of 2025. The play-reading program allows playwrights to have their work read aloud as part of their drafting process in preparation for their World Premiere. During Chris’s time at the theater, they have also launched a season ticket membership program. Before she joined Mile Square Theater in April of 2025, Chris taught both undergraduate and graduate-level theater courses at institutions including Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts.
Neidy Gutierrez + Adrienne Romero | Founders, Slice of Culture
Neidy Gutierrez and Adrienne Romero are the co-founders of Slice of Culture, a local publication focusing on the underrepresented stories of the Hudson County community. Growing up in Northern New Jersey, Neidy and Adrienne were aware of the various cultures around them but noticed there wasn’t enough positive coverage of our community in traditional media. So in 2020, the two started Slice of Culture to help cover the diverse community in Hudson County. In 2025, Neidy and Adrienne plan to continue serving the community through authentic multimedia storytelling and collaboration and eventually scale Slice of Culture to become a path of generational wealth for their amazing team.
Jordan Hernandez | Founder, Completely Booked
Entrepreneur and social justice advocate Jordan Hernandez created Completely Booked, a storytelling and literacy platform that uplifts diverse authors and builds community through books. A longtime Hoboken resident, Jordan champions inclusive storytelling for readers of all ages. Jordan has spoken on several nationwide panels about reading and literacy, including the National Book Festival in Washington, DC, and the Black Book Festival in Martha’s Vineyard, MA. Jordan frequently organizes book swaps and book drives, and ended 2025 with a book drive for the Hoboken Community Center, resulting in 120 books donated, many with diverse characters and authors.
Emily Jabbour | Mayor-Elect of Hoboken
A longtime Hoboken resident and now Mayor-Elect of Hoboken, Emily Jabbour has spent close to two decades working in federal child- and family-wellbeing policy before becoming a Hoboken Councilmember-At-Large. As a Councilwoman, she has been a part of initiatives focused on public safety, civic engagement, and family-focused initiatives. Emily is also the founder of Hudson County Moms Demand Action and a volunteer supporting local schools and food-security programs.
Deb Italiano | Founder, Sustainable JC
Deb Italiano is the founder of Sustainable JC, a community-driven organization empowering Jersey City residents to take climate action at the local level. The organization focuses on local impacts of climate change, engaging in environmental justice work. One example is the organization’s recent Heat Watch and Air Quality Campaign. Through education, advocacy, and hands-on initiatives, Deb has become a leading voice for urban sustainability, environmental justice, and green infrastructure across Hudson County.
Eden Jusma | Crochet Artist, Eden Created That
Eden Jusma is a born and raised Jersey City artist who sells her designs and creates custom orders for crochet pieces. She first found her love of crocheting in the third grade, growing her craft while attending County Prep in Jersey City, where she majored in Clothing and Textiles. The pieces she creates include clothing items, pet accessories, and more.
Keira Kordowski | Hoboken OG
Keira Kordowski is a Hoboken resident of 20 years known for her Instagram account Hoboken OG. The account centers around events, small businesses, and life in The Mile Square City. To celebrate her 20th anniversary in Hoboken in September, Keira hosted a pop-up event featuring 12 of her favorite small businesses in the area at Shepherd & The Knucklehead.
Kyung Lee | Director, Hudson County CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates)
Kyung Lee is the newly appointed Executive Director of Hudson County CASA, the Jersey City-based nonprofit dedicated to advocating for abused and neglected children by training volunteers to serve as a voice for kids in the foster care system. She joined CASA in 2014 and has since grown into a leader who combines legal expertise with deep compassion for children and families. Kyung is admitted to the New Jersey Bar, and under her leadership, CASA continues its mission to ensure that every foster child has a safe, permanent home and a dedicated advocate in court. Her work embodies a commitment to community, justice, and transforming the lives of children in Hudson County.
Dr. Lisa Lippman | Veterinarian, Jersey City (and beyond!)
Dr. Lippman is known for her compassionate, thorough veterinary care and her long-standing contributions to local animal wellness. A Jersey City resident, her practice has supported countless families and rescued pets across the community. Even if you haven’t visited Dr. Lippman, you’ve likely seen her on a screen, making public appearances on national TV platforms and sharing tips for pet owners across the country.
Kate Lombardo | Yoga Educator + Founder, YogaRenew
A nationally-recognized yoga educator and owner of Hoboken’s YogaRenew (voted Best Yoga Studio by HG readers in 2024), Kate Lombardo is known for her work shaping teacher-training programs rooted in accessibility, mindfulness, and holistic wellness. Most recently, she co-launched Rooted, a mentorship program empowering yoga teachers and studio owners to build lucrative, long-lasting careers.
Terry Mignoli | Hoboken Beer & Soda
This year, Hoboken Beer + Soda celebrated its 50th year in town — a milestone achieved in great part because of Terry Mignoli. Working alongside her husband Joe, Terry is a local legend in her own right, known for her warm customer service and dedication to maintaining one of Hoboken’s most iconic small businesses.
Victoria Moyeno | Hoboken Historical Museum
Victoria Moyeno is a born-and-raised Hoboken resident and the Development Manager at the Hoboken Historical Museum, helping preserve and uplift the City’s cultural legacy. Her work supports exhibitions, archival storytelling, and community programs that keep Hoboken’s history accessible and engaging for residents old and new. Victoria is also a board member of the Lupe Fund NJ, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to increasing the number of Latinas in leadership positions through education and empowerment.
Simona D. Ovanezian | CEO, Hoboken Organization Against Poverty + Economic Stress (HOPES CAP)
Simona Ovanezian is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hoboken Organization Against Poverty + Economic Stress Community Action Partnership (HOPES CAP). She has been involved in the organization for over 21 years and became President in 2018. HOPES CAP is a nonprofit organization that works to expand access to early-childhood education, workforce development, housing support, and financial literacy programs. Simona joined HOPES CAP in 2003 as the Director of Finance, becoming Vice President of the nonprofit in 2015. Prior to her work with HOPES CAP, Simona worked at Columbia University.
Ellie Pikula | Founder, GoVigilant App
Ellie Pikula is a Hoboken resident, former federal agent, and the founder of GoVigilant, a personal-safety app designed to empower users with real-time alerts, location tracking, and community-supported emergency tools. Drawing on her background in federal law enforcement, Ellie created GoVigilant to help people feel more secure in their everyday lives by combining practical technology with real-world public safety insight. Her mission is to make safety more accessible, proactive, and community-driven, starting at the local level.
Casey Repetti | Casey2Cook
Casey Repetti is a realtor, mother, private Chef and influencer behind the account Casey2Cook. Casey is truly Hoboken-born and raised, with family members going back generations in the Mile Square. She attended the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan and is currently the private Chef for Yankee player Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Elizabeth Schedl | Executive Director, Hudson County Pride Center
Elizabeth Schedl is a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ safety, health, and empowerment as Executive Director of the Hudson Pride Center. She has expanded programming around youth support, HIV prevention, trans health access, and community outreach — making Hudson Pride one of the most active LGBTQ+ centers in the region. She serves on the Union City Municipal Alliance to Combat Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and is a Council Member of the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault. She was appointed to the Governor’s Age-Friendly State Advisory Council and the Advisory Council for Healthy New Jersey 2030.
Emily Strauss | Mural Artist + Founder, Mural Painter Inc.
Emily Strauss is a Hoboken-based muralist and founder of Mural Painter Inc., who helped lead the creation of the new 2,025-square-foot community mural at the 7th & Jackson Resiliency Park. Her work on the piece, developed with input from local residents and youth through workshops and photo submissions, celebrates the people, history, and everyday life of Hoboken’s west side. The vibrant mural has quickly become a visual landmark in the park, reflecting community pride and resilience.
Renee Turonis | President, St. Mary’s Advocates
Renee Turonis is the President of St. Mary’s Advocates, the nonprofit arm of St. Mary’s thrift store in Hoboken that doubles as a community hub and charitable force. In her role, Renee ensures that the store’s everyday operations contribute to local causes through donations, scholarships, and ongoing support for community organizations. Under her guidance, St. Mary’s Advocates has become a vital part of Hoboken, combining sustainability with service and making philanthropy accessible to neighbors and visitors. Renee’s work reflects a deep commitment to giving back, strengthening community connections, and uplifting those in need through thoughtful nonprofit initiatives. Her leadership continues to make a tangible impact across Hudson County, as she champions collaboration, compassion, and community-driven support.
Janet Wallach | Director of Programming at the Boys + Girls Club of Hudson County
Janet Wallach is the Director of Program Development at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County, where she helps shape and oversee impactful youth programs that support children and teens across the community. In her role, she works closely with staff, volunteers, and partners to create enriching after-school, leadership, and development opportunities for members in Jersey City and Hoboken. Her leadership in teen services has been spotlighted in local coverage for helping recognize and encourage young club members’ achievements.
Sarah Weber Gallo | Dance Artist + Studio Director, The Hoboken Dance Academy
Hoboken resident and choreographer Sarah Weber Gallo has opened The Hoboken Dance Academy in uptown Hoboken. Located at 1427 Grand Street, the new studio offers dance classes for toddlers, children, and adults in a variety of styles, including ballet, jazz, bachata, and hip-hop. A celebrated dance educator, Sarah brings years of professional experience and a commitment to nurturing young performers throughout Hudson County.
See More: A List of Women-Owned Businesses in Montclair
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