10th Annual Multicultural Business Forum & Business After Hours

Join us Thursday, March 13 from 5:00 pm -7:30 pm for the 10th Annual Multicultural Business Forum & Business After Hours! This is a great opportunity for potential and existing entrepreneurs to learn about helpful resources, network with local businesses, and hear from successful business owners on the women & minority owned business panel.

PLUS: Opening Remarks by new SBA Regional Administrator of New England, Peter Steele!

The event is sponsored by North Easton Savings Bank.

Questions? Contact Hannah McGuire or call (508) 586-0500 x 231 for assistance.

The woman & minority owned business panel will feature Valencia Jacobs-Brown, J. Brown Realty, Ana Rojas, Red Apron Charcuterie, and Kerry Aglugub, KMA Web Design.

5:00 pm – BUSINESS RESOURCE EXPO & NETWORKING

Learn about resources available to help start and grow your business. Experts will assist you on a variety of topics ranging from financing, developing a business plan, marketing your business, and winning government contracts. Expected expo participants include: Better Business Bureau, Brockton Area Transit, Brockton Lions Club, Brockton Public Library, Brockton Rotary Club, Cape Verdean Association of Brockton, DCF, Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), Eastern Bank, Greater Brockton Young Professionals, HarborOne Bank, J. Brown Realty, KMA Web Design LLC, Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office, MassHire Greater Brockton Career Center, MassHire Greater Brockton Workforce Board, New Heights Charter School of Brockton, North Easton Savings Bank, Raising Multicultural Kids, Rockland Federal Credit Union, SCORE Mentors of Southeastern Massachusetts, SCU Credit Union, South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corp., South Shore Women’s Business Network, and School on Wheels of Massachusetts

5:30 pm – WOMAN & MINORITY OWNED BUSINESS PANEL

Hear from a panel of local businesses as they share their success stories. Learn how they used their backgrounds to develop new ideas, leverage regional resources, and tap into new markets. Invited to share their stories: Valencia Jacobs-Brown, J. Brown Realty, Ana Rojas, Red Apron Charcuterie, and Kerry Aglugub, KMA Web Design.

6:15 pm -BUSINESS AFTER HOURS NETWORKING

Meet new potential clients during this Business After Hours event. Enjoy delicious food and drink while browsing the expo, career fair, and networking with members of the Metro South community.

About the Panel

Valencia Jacobs-Brown is a visionary real estate professional, Boston native, and the proud Broker-Owner of J. Brown Realty, a boutique minority and women-owned real estate brokerage serving Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and, international markets. With over 11 years of expertise spanning residential property management, lending, and real estate sales, Valencia founded J. Brown Realty in January 2024 to provide personalized, results-driven real estate solutions for clients seeking to build wealth and achieve their dreams.

Valencia’s career began in the lending industry, where she developed her expertise in navigating complex transactions and building meaningful client relationships with clients and vendors. Her commitment to educating and empowering others has been a driving force throughout her journey, and she takes pride in creating opportunities that foster financial stability and generational wealth.

Recently installed as a Director for the Greater Boston Association of REALTORS® (GBAR), Valencia is leading the charge for innovation and collaboration in an evolving industry. Beyond her leadership in the U.S., she has expanded her vision to include international real estate opportunities, helping clients explore global markets and invest beyond borders.

As the real estate industry shifts, Valencia remains at the forefront, combining her deep local expertise with a global perspective to offer unique insights and opportunities for her clients and team. Whether mentoring agents, advocating for housing policies, or introducing clients to new possibilities overseas, Valencia approaches every endeavor with integrity, passion, and purpose.

When she’s not managing her growing brokerage or scouting new opportunities, Valencia enjoys traveling, cheering on her son at his sporting events, and connecting with her community in meaningful ways. If you’re looking for a trusted expert with a bold vision for the future of real estate, Valencia Jacobs-Brown is a leader you need to meet. Visit jbrownrealty.com to learn more.

Ana Rojas, born and raised in Lima, Peru, moved to the United States at the age of 25, leaving her life behind to embrace a new adventure. With over 24 years of experience in international business, Ana’s journey took an unexpected turn in 2022 when her corporate role ended due to a company acquisition. Recognizing this as an opportunity for reinvention, she began searching for a way to create something meaningful and personal.

Her passion for tapas, charcuterie, and entertaining inspired the creation of Red Apron Charcuterie. The business name, derived from her last name “Rojas” (Spanish for “Red”), serves as a tribute to her father. What began as an idea to send ready-to-enjoy care packages to loved ones has grown into a labor of love. Ana poured her heart into every detail of the business, from designing the logo to curating her charcuterie boxes.

Each box reflects Ana’s dedication to quality, creativity, and connection. She carefully selects products she personally loves and trusts, ensuring her customers experience the joy she finds in creating them. Supported by her husband, who proudly says she is “building her business box by box,” Ana has embraced the challenges of entrepreneurship with determination and heart.

Ana remains committed to growing Red Apron Charcuterie and spreading joy, one box at a time. Visit redaproncharcuterie.com to learn more.

Prior to founding KMA Web Design, Kerry Aglugub spent many years holding both website services management and web design and developer positions in the private sector and in higher education.

Kerry is an experienced strategist, collaborator, and problem-solver. She and her team endeavor to do their very best for their clients. They enjoy helping businesses and organizations grow and succeed.

Kerry earned a bachelors degree with honors from UMass Amherst. She completed a post-graduate program in Web Development at Northeastern University and earned additional graduate-level certifications in IT project management at Boston University.

Kerry is active in the WordPress web development and design community as well as a member of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Neponset River Regional Chamber, and Charles River Regional Chamber.

When not working on client projects, Kerry can be found volunteering for local organizations and spending time with her family. Visit kmawebdesign.com to learn more.