Julie Lineberger, the creator of Wheel Pad, a 200-square-foot accessible bedroom and bathroom module that can be temporarily attached to an existing home to help someone with disabilities, will be honored as the SocialPreneur of the Year by Leading Women Entrepreneurs at its annual honorees event Monday at the Liberty House in Jersey City.
The SocialPreneur award was added to the lineup for the first time in an effort to honor a woman who is a socially conscious problem-solver, LWE founder and CEO Linda Wellbrock said.
Twenty-five leading female entrepreneurs will be honored by LWE as well (see list below).
“Our honorees always have been the best and the brightest female entrepreneurs in the state,” Wellbrock said. “This year, we wanted to bring attention to a woman who not only was an entrepreneur, but became an entrepreneur to fill a need and make an impact.
“Julie is a perfect representation of that ideal.”
Lineberger was chosen from a group of finalists by Woman’s Day Magazine, a partner in the award. She will receive a $2,500 check from the Provident Bank Foundation, another partner in the award.
Wheel Pad officials say the product is constructed with technology borrowed from the recreational vehicle industry and can sit on a property without triggering zoning or building permit issues. It is intended to provide temporary accessible housing for people recently confined to a wheelchair, allowing friends and/or family to provide support until permanent accessible housing can be arranged.
Christine Cartwright, the corporate donations administrator for the Provident Bank Foundation, said the group is thrilled to honor Lineberger’s efforts.
“We know that visibility and money are two elements that will catapult the success of any business,” she said. “Provident Bank is committed to initiatives that support the well-being of the communities we serve.
“We value the efforts of not-for-profit organizations and look to partner with those who share our vision. The outreach that LWE provides to organizations such as Wheel Pad is consistent with the mission of our Provident4Women program.”
Susan Spencer, editor-in-chief of Woman’s Day, said the magazine was happy to highlight a woman making such a big difference through the SocialPreneur award.
“This year’s winner, Julie Lineberger, is a wonderful example of how entrepreneurial thinking can be harnessed to help people, in this case inventing a short-term housing solution ideal for people with disabilities,” Spencer said. “She is truly inspirational.”
The event will feature keynote speaker Rita Cosby, an Emmy-award winning journalist, television news anchor and correspondent, radio host and best-selling author.
For more information, go to the LWE event page.
The 2007 Leading Women Entrepreneurs
- Valerie Ablaza, The Plastic Surgery Group
- Lisa E. Chowansky, HC Constructors Inc.
- Rachel Cyzner, Cyzner Properties
- Karen Davis-Farage, RPM Raceway
- Rosanne DeTorres, DeTorres & DeGeorge Family Law
- Jo-Anne Dressendofer, Slice Wireless Solutions
- Yanina Fleysher, Yanina & Company
- Elizabeth Gearhart, Gearhart Law
- Cheryl Gentry, Glow Global Events
- Andrea Giordano, A Professional Edge
- Vedrana Gjivoje, Bernardsville Animal Hospital, LLC
- Pam Golden, GLA Communications
- Christina Lombardi, Christina Lombardi
- Nicole Lombardi, Mutt’s On Main
- Gabriella Lombardi, Sorellina
- Ana Lucas, Starlite Electric
- Dee C. Marshall, Raise The Bar, LLC
- Ann Mazza, Vito Mazza Salon & Spa / Hair and Scalp Wellness
- Donnica Moore, Sapphire Women’s Health Group, LLC
- Michelle Pais, Signature Realty NJ
- Jaime Raskulinecz, Next Generation TS LLC
- Sheila Robinson-Kiss, SRK- Rejuvenation and Restoration for Women
- Caroline Shelly, HF Planners, LLC
- Kamakshi Sivaramakrishnan, Drawbridge
- Shari Spiro, Ad Magic Inc.
- Ann Tardy, LifeMoxie Mentoring & Leadership
- Terry Tateossian, Socialfix Media
- Diane Turton, Diane Turton, Realtors
- Shante Williams, RogersWilliams Capital Partners
