Author Spotlight

Linda "Love" Lemos 

Linda Lemos was born in NJ to working-class parents, who she worked alongside in their cleaning jobs since she was a child. At age 13 she got a job working in a grocery store, then dropped out of high school at 17, but later finished at night school. She went on to be the first in her family to attend college, graduating with an AAS (Paralegal Studies) and BS (Business/ International Business) degree from Berkeley College. Linda now a has Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies from George Washington University, and over 20 years of administrative and legal experience in various industries, including as a Senior Consultant for Confidential.

Linda Love Lemos is a speaker and author with a passion for communications, entertainment, and legal topics. She offers a rare blend of professional, academic and real world experience that connects with the diversity of the world. Linda's been hosting the podcast Linda Love Talks on Spotify for a few years, and enjoys motivating, entertaining, and informing audiences with research skills, creativity, and imagination.   

Mary Burns

Mary Burns is a mother of three, a science teacher at Hopatcong High School, and has been involved in addiction advocacy since her son’s death. Her book, Saving Eric, was awarded the International Firebird Award in the Addiction and Recovery Category in July 2023.

In 2017 she was honored as an Advocacy Leader by the New Jersey chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. She also helped spearhead an annual awareness walk called “Changing the Face of Addiction”, to help change the stigma of addiction and support the long-term treatment needed by those who are trying to recover from this devastating disease.

NANCY ROBLES

Nancy Robles was born in Costa Rica and moved to the United States in 1981, where she experienced poverty and violence. She worked tirelessly to obtain two degrees from Berkeley College, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Nancy has embraced a journey to recovery from generational trauma and abuse. She is a resilient survivor, social justice warrior, mental health advocate, leader, and disruptor. She has crafted a powerful narrative in The Many Pieces of Me, an inspiring story and testament to the strength that education, resilience, and advocacy can bring to one's life.

In 2005, Nancy Robles joined Eastern Funding LLC, where she now serves as President and Chief Operating Officer. She was named Berkeley College’s 2017 Alumna of the Year and sits on the Board of the Berkeley College Foundation. Today, she speaks nationally on topics such as diversity, equity, and inclusion; leadership; and mental health, and is engaged in advocacy work around these causes.

Amy Soricelli