CIANJ’s 6th Annual Enterprising Women In Commerce Awards
August 13th, 2026 (Cranford, NJ) – 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 12th. 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. There were over 230 people in attendance, making this the largest Enterprising Women’s Awards to date.
CIANJ and COMMERCE Magazine wants to thank Jennifer Velez, Executive Vice President of Health & Network Solutions at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, for taking the time to be our keynote speaker. We appreciate her taking the time out of her schedule to speak with our members and share the personal journey, experiences, and accomplishments that have shaped her path to where she is today.
Attendees also heard from an esteemed panel of women professionals who shared their journey and lessons learned in their careers. Panelists included Heather Darling, Morris County Surrogate; Ellen Marshall, the EVP and head of Corporate and Middle Market Banking at Santander Bank, N.A.; Sherri Holzer, the Founder and Speaker of Simply Sherri; Kylie Cimmino, the Director of Business Operations & Administration at Mikula Contracting; Andrea Diaz, a Partner at SKC & Co. CPAs, L.L.C; Toni Modak, MBA, BSN, the Vice President, Home Health and Population Health at Valley Health System; and Lisa Chowansky, the President of HC Constructors, Inc. Our panel was moderated by Jen Mannino, the Assistant Vice President, Marketing at LAN Associates.
CIANJ President, Anthony Russo, stated “Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees for the inspiring example they set through their hard work, bold leadership, and perseverance. Their accomplishments and dedication serve as an inspiration to us all. We are proud to host this annual celebration and look forward to sharing the stories and successes of these remarkable women”.
All recipients were recognized for their achievements in the July/August edition of COMMERCE Magazine, which can be read here.
Congratulations to all our honorees!
Industry Honorees:
- Erin Kidney – Whitman
- Brooke Simco – DPR Construction
- Sherri Holzer – Simply Sherri
- Gaby Wickizer – The Earle Companies
- Kathy Ouellette – Salaera
- Carlye Gilbert, MSN, RN, CIC – Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
- Marion Troise Rusk – Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
- Kalpana Ramakrishnan – Pharming Group
- Dr. Mina Ahn – Bergen Community College
- Sherrille Shabazz, EdD – Berkeley College
- Dr. Marilú Marcillo – Felician University
- Lisa Ambrose – Ramapo College of New Jersey
- Michelle Delaney – CSG Law
- Christina Sartorio Ku – Connell Foley LLP
- Priyanka Singh – Litera
- Tara Farley Maratea – Barnett Design
- Valerie Haymes – Barnett Design
- Cheryl Pfister – Terrie O'Connor Realtors
- Cheldin Barlatt Rumer – This Is It Network
- Kelly Castro – Carson's Cookies/Just a Taste NJ
- Lil Corcoran – Women's Rights Information Center
One to Watch Honorees:
- Brittany Manna – CSG Law
- Aleksandra Popovik – CP Engineers
- Tiffany Del Valle – Phoenix Accountants & Advisors
- Katherine Kelliher-Wessel – PSE&G
- Lauren Thomas – PSE&G
- Theresa Mancusi – The Earle Companies
- Aarti Shah – VirtualFit
- Jenny Stokolyas – Zeus Electrical Solutions
Platinum Honorees:
- Raquel Ortiz – Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
- Karen Campi – Campi Dental
- Marcia Frieze – Case Medical
- Tenisha Malcolm-Wint, MPA – Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey
- Martha Marchesi – JK Communications
- Caryn Barnes – Langan
- Audra Giese – MSI Plumbing & Remodeling
- Jennifer D'Angelo – New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII)
- Kim Hanemann – PSE&G
- Sheila Rostiac – PSE&G
- MaryEllen Keane – Sunnyside Manor
- Sarah Drennan – Terrie O'Connor Realtors
2026 Enterprising Woman Of The Year:
- Joyce P. Hendricks – Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) Foundation
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About CIANJ:
The mission of CIANJ is to be the leader in free enterprise advocacy, fostering an economic climate that enhances business potential through education, legislative vigilance, and membership interaction, thereby making New Jersey a better state in which to live, work, and conduct business. Over time, CIANJ has learned that the real value of a business association lies 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. To keep up to date with all things CIANJ, visit cianj.org or follow CIANJ on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.
About Commerce:
Commerce magazine, the flagship publication of CIANJ, reaches more than 40,000 business leaders. Established in 1968, Commerce is dedicated to covering key business trends and issues and advocating for New Jersey’s business community. In addition to being mailed to senior executives at New Jersey companies, a digital edition is e-mailed to CIANJ members, as well as posted on the CIANJ and Commerce websites. In 2024, Commerce partnered with the TAPinto network adding the potential to reach more than two million NJ TAPinto digital readers. Explore more at CommerceMagazineNJ.com, sign up for weekly newsletters, or follow Commerce’s LinkedIn page.
