CIANJ’s 4^th Annual Enterprising Women In Commerce Awards

August 15^th, 2024 (Rochelle Park) – The Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ) and COMMERCE Magazine celebrated and recognized enterprising women who achieved success in their respective industries during a breakfast reception on Wednesday, August 14^th.  These women captured the essence of hard work, determination, and perseverance as they continue to inspire and encourage others. CIANJ and COMMERCE Magazine want to highlight the incredible work that our honorees do for our businesses and for our community.

CIANJ and COMMERCE Magazine wants to thank the Honorable Tahesha Way, New Jersey’s Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State, for taking the time to be our keynote speaker. Attendees also heard from an esteemed panel of women professionals who shared their journey and lessons learned in their careers.

CIANJ President, Anthony Russo, stated “Congratulations to all the honorees for the example they set for others in what it means to work hard, be bold, and persevere in their careers and in life.  They are true role models for us all.  We always look forward to hosting this event and sharing their stories of success”.

“It was my pleasure to join the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey to celebrate those being honored as 2024 Enterprising Women in Commerce,” said Lt. Governor Tahesha Way. “This tremendous annual event allows us the opportunity to recognize female leadership and the incredible work our fellow Jersey girls are doing around this state in leading roles across different spaces. I look forward to seeing what each of these women accomplish next.”

All recipients were recognized for their achievements in the August edition of COMMERCE Magazine, which can be read here.

Congratulations to all our honorees!

Accounting:

1. Dina DeMarco – Smolin Lupin & Co., LLC

Architecture:

1. Abigail Benjamin – AECOM

Environmental:

1. Maureen Forlenza – ExxonMobil
2. Elizabeth Limbrick – New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)

Financial Services:

1. Robin G. Kelliher – USI Insurance Services

Healthcare:

1. Jennifer D’Angelo – New Jersey Innovation Institute
2. Dr. Karine Airapetian – Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
3. Paige Dworak, FACHE – CareWell Health Medical Center
4. Dr. Nicole Harris-Hollingsworth, EdD, MCHES – Hackensack Meridian Health

Higher Education:

1. LaTysha Gaines – Berkeley College
2. Tara Alvarez – New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
3. Cathy Brennan – New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
4. Wunmi Sadik – New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
5. Oya Tukel – New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
6. Grace Wang – New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)

Human Resources:

1. Nicole Destin – Whitman

Law:

1. Barbara J. Koonz – Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP
2. Lindsay A. Dischley – Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi’s (CSG Law)

Marketing:

1. Debbie Barnett – Barnett Design

Non-Profit Organizations:

1. Teri Capparelli – Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County

Real Estate and Development

1. Jennifer M. Porter – Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi’s (CSG Law)
2. Marguerite Muldowney – Terrie O’Connor Realtors

One To Watch:

1. Ilham Atir – Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
2. Lori Van Bever, MSN, RN-BC – Holy Name Medical Center
3. Karimah A. Hagans, Esq. – Turning Point Community Services Inc.
4. Amy Howlett – Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi’s (CSG Law)
5. Brandi Gray – Langan
6. Jenny Sharpe – The Sharpe Group LLC

Platinum:

1. Lawra Dodge – Excel Environmental Resources
2. Jennifer Phillips Smith – Gibbons, P.C.
3. Vasantha Kondamudi, MD – Holy Name Medical Center
4. Cynthia Ziegler – Holy Name Medical Center
5. Susan Wernick – Jewish Bar Association of New Jersey
6. Debbie Looney – Loopwell
7. Kelly McCormick, PWS, LEED AP – Langan

Overall Platinum Honoree:

1. Wanda Bryant Hope – Johnson & Johnson

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About CIANJ:

The mission of CIANJ is to be the leader in free enterprise advocacy for the purpose of fostering, through education, legislative vigilance, and membership interaction, an economic climate that enhances business potential and makes New Jersey a better state in which to live, work, and conduct business. Over time, CIANJ has learned how the real value of a business association is found in the relationships built and the resources shared. CIANJ’s forums and business councils are arenas that bring together the brightest minds across professional disciplines in the key areas that affect every business in the state. From finance and healthcare to human resources and the environment, there is always something to learn – or something to share — in our association.