11th Annual Multicultural Business Forum & Business After Hours

Join us Thursday, March 5 from 5:00 pm -7:30 pm for the 11th Annual Multicultural Business Forum & Business After Hours at Thorny Lea Golf Club in Brockton! 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. The women & minority owned business panel will feature Dr. Sahar Mostafavi, Sharon Orthodontics, Claudie Philemond, Nath Academy Learning Center, and Jacquelyn Rose, BuzzAround.

The event is sponsored by SCU Credit Union. Questions? Contact Hannah McGuire or call (508) 586-0500 x 231 for assistance.

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. To participate in the expo, you must inquire with Hannah McGuire at events@metrosouthchamber.com to request sign up. Exhibitor space is limited and reserved for small business resource partners. Interested organizations must contact Hannah to be added to the waitlist. Additional paid exhibitor opportunities may be available as space allows.

Past expo participants have included: Better Business Bureau, Brockton Area Transit, Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), Greater Brockton Young Professionals, Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office, MassHire Greater Brockton Career Center, MassHire Greater Brockton Workforce Board, SCORE Mentors of Southeastern Massachusetts, South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corp., South Shore Women’s Business Network, U.S. Small Business Administration, and more. 

5:30 pm – WOMEN & 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: Dr. Sahar Mostafavi, Sharon Orthodontics, Claudie Philemond, Nath Academy Learning Center, and Jacquelyn Rose, BuzzAround.

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

As someone who used to be afraid of going to the dentist as a child, Dr. Sahar knows the trust that patients put in the hands of their doctor every time they sit in the dental chair. She takes pride in making her patients feel as comfortable as possible during every appointment and is dedicated to making each dental visit a positive experience.

Dr. Sahar received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University in 2017. She then completed a General Practice Residency at Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital where she had the privilege of treating special needs and medically complex patients. She obtained her specialty certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at St. Barnabas Hospital in Bronx, NY before returning to her home state of Massachusetts. Dr. Sahar is an Assistant Professor of Orthodontics at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and serves as one of the orthodontists on the Craniofacial-Cleft Lip and Palate Team at Tufts Medical Center. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Dr. Sahar is the owner and orthodontist of Sharon Orthodontics, where she leads a patient-centered practice focused on advanced orthodontic care, modern technology, and a welcoming experience for patients of all ages. Under her leadership, the practice has invested in facility improvements and job creation, strengthening access to high-quality orthodontic care in the region. In recognition of this impact, Sharon Orthodontics was honored by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce for its contribution to local economic growth and community investment. Visit sharonorthodontics.com to learn more.

Claudie Philemond is a dedicated early childhood education leader and the Director of Nath Academy Learning Center, a trusted Brockton-area childcare and learning provider committed to nurturing the whole child through inclusive, high-quality early education. With over 25 years of experience working with children, Claudie brings deep expertise in child development, compassionate leadership, and a passion for fostering growth, creativity, and confidence in every learner.  

Under her leadership, Nath Academy has become known for its warm, respectful, and child-centered approach—creating safe and engaging environments where children can explore, learn, and thrive. Claudie’s commitment to diversity, equity, and community partnership helped guide the recent expansion of Nath Academy’s facility on Quincy Avenue in Brockton, enhancing access to quality early education for more families in the Metro South region.  

In recognition of her impact on the local economy and community, Nath Academy Learning Center was honored as an Economic Impact Award recipient by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, celebrating the center’s significant investment in educational space, job creation, and support for working families.  

Claudie remains deeply involved in the Brockton community and continues to champion early learning excellence, advocacy for children and families, and collaborative partnerships that strengthen both education and economic growth. Visit nathlearningcenter.com to learn more.

Jacquelyn Rose is a co-founder, publisher, and social entrepreneur dedicated to strengthening communities through positive local news and civic engagement. As the driving force behind Buzz Around, Inc., she empowers residents to connect, participate, and celebrate what’s happening in their communities.

Since founding Buzz Around in 2009, Jacquelyn has expanded its reach across New England, producing thousands of posts annually and promoting more than 75 civic, nonprofit, and community organizations. She has built a loyal audience of tens of thousands of subscribers and fosters strong partnerships with local businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits.

Her work is informed by a diverse background as an entrepreneur, mother, special needs parent, elder advocate, volunteer, and student of human communication. Jacquelyn also leads a robust internship program, mentoring dozens of college students each year from institutions including Brown University, Boston College, Bridgewater State University, and UMass Dartmouth.

Jacquelyn holds an M.A. in Theology with a concentration in Interfaith Leadership and Communication, a BA in English/Communication Arts, and multiple professional certifications. She values collaboration, storytelling, and community action, and enjoys creative pursuits, gardening, and time with her family and her dog, Lilly. Visit buzzaround.info to learn more.