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Home2024Q to ZROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Q to Z
Home2024Q to ZROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Q to Z

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Q to Z

It’s time to get with the times.

We’ve grown tired of hearing from people who say they can’t find women to run their company, be in a top leadership role, sit on a board — or even be on a panel.

So, we’re leaving them behind.

If you haven’t caught on yet, then please stop reading. And know that history will not be kind to your outdated thinking.

The release of the 2024 ROI Influencers: Women in Business once again shows the state is overflowing with amazingly impressive female leaders who are ready, willing, able and eager to take on any role.

Just scroll through our list of honorees, take in their accomplishments and ask yourself:

Wouldn’t they be good candidates for any and all roles at a company where smarts, work ethic and leadership are required?

It’s 2024. The future is here. And it’s decidedly female.

ROI Influencers

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Arlene Quiñones Perez

Arlene Quiñones Perez Partner & director of diversity & inclusion DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin A member of the Labor and Employment, Municipal, Education and Alternative Dispute Resolution practice groups, she also is director of diversity & inclusion. A key player in Democratic party...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Celestina Quintana

Celestina Quintana Owner & operator McDonald’s franchises She has more than a dozen franchises in Hudson and Essex counties. A member of the board of the N.J. Business & Industry Association since 2008, she recently concluded tenure as chair.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Kelly Raso

Kelly Raso Lead partner, Hammonton office Alloy Silverstein Works with many closely held businesses and business owners in the real estate, retail, professional service, not-for-profit and agricultural industries. Long an advocate for small and family businesses, she is a past president of Greater Hammonton...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Annette Reboli

Annette Reboli Dean Cooper Medical School of Rowan University As dean, she is the chief academic officer with ultimate responsibility for all areas of the school. She previously served as founding vice dean, where she was responsible for accreditation process, undergraduate and graduate medical...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Dana Redd

Dana Redd CEO Camden Community Partnership No one knows the city and county — and its social and business needs — better than Redd.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Karen Reif

Karen Reif Vice president of renewables & energy solutions Public Service Electric & Gas Oversees key components of PSE&G’s Clean Energy Future program, including a $1 billion investment to help customers reduce their energy usage.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jennifer Rexford

Jennifer Rexford Provost Princeton University A Princeton graduate and professor (of engineering), she has worked extensively in the private sector (AT&T) and academia. Her research focuses on computer networking, with the larger goal of making the Internet worthy of society’s trust.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Avonia Richardson-Miller

Avonia Richardson-Miller Chief diversity officer Hackensack Meridian Health Her willingness to push the envelope on issue of equity and access has helped HMH improve the outcomes of its patients and the working conditions of its employees — capturing numerous honors in the process.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Lilia Rios

Lilia Rios Entrepreneur La Providencia; Nuuku La Providencia, the maker of authentic Mexican products for restaurants, sells in 22 states. Nuuku is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the jungle of the Mexican Riviera Maya.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Mary Rizzuti

Mary Rizzuti Practice leader, Compensation Resources EisnerAmper With more than two decades’ experience in compensation and human resources consulting, she has expertise in the evaluation, design and development of creative programs across all industries and business sectors.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Mary Kay Roberts

Mary Kay Roberts Partner Riker Danzig She’s the one you want on your side when it comes to any health care, pharma or life science issues in Trenton. Just ask the companies.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Nicole Rodriguez

Nicole Rodriguez President N.J. Policy Perspective They are the best-known left-leaning advocacy group in the state, but, as many Democrats can attest, no one is immune from critique. NJPP calls it like they see it.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jennifer Roselle

Jennifer Roselle Co-chair, Cannabis Law Practice Genova Burns She has a wide range of expertise, as she also serves as member of three other practice groups at firm (Labor Law, Employment Law and Litigation; Human Resources Counseling and Compliance; Education).

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Joanne Rosen

Joanne Rosen Chief marketing & public affairs officer Samaritan Longtime leader oversees the development and execution of marketing programs to increase access to Samaritan’s programs and services — including efforts in professional and community education, public relations, legislative affairs and diversity & inclusion.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jill Ross

Jill Ross Chief experience officer First Commerce Bank She is responsible for leading/overseeing all aspects of the bank’s retail banking and business development sectors. Known for providing excellence in leadership and innovative strategic planning while fostering a culture of camaraderie and mentorship within the...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Teresa Ruiz

Teresa Ruiz Senator (D-Newark) State of New Jersey Role as Senate majority leader makes her the highest-ranking Latina legislator in state history. The former chair of Senate Education Committee always has been a leader in expanding educational access.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Terricita Sass

Terricita Sass Chief of staff Stockton University The No. 2 person at Stockton, she joined the administrative staff as the most important hire of new President Joseph Bertolino.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Randi Schillinger

Randi Schillinger Member Saiber LLC A member of firm’s Real Estate and Environmental practice groups, her practice lies at the intersection of real estate and environmental law with a strong emphasis on client service.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Allyson Schlesinger

Allyson Schlesinger Head of consumer banking Columbia Bank An executive vice president, she has led bank’s consumer banking team in the state since 2018 — after a lengthy career for one of nation’s top financial services institutions. She’s active in community, too.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Maureen Schneider

Maureen Schneider President Chilton Medical Center She heads the highly regarded and well-honored Chilton, a hidden gem in health care in the state and region.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Stephanie Schwartz

Stephanie Schwartz President Overlook Medical Center She’s not only a senior executive rooted in complex problem solving, strategic vision and team member engagement, she also values community visibility, engaging with numerous nonprofits, especially those connected to food insecurity.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jennifer Sciortino

Jennifer Sciortino Senior adviser for strategic communications Governor’s Office Throughout her 25-year career in government communications, she has also worked for both houses of the Legislature, serving two Senate presidents and three Assembly speakers.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Laura Sedlak

Laura Sedlak Member Sills Cummis & Gross A “go-to” litigator at Sills Cummis, she is practical and business-savvy. She is also a member of the advisory board of N.J. Law and Education Empowerment Project — helping the next generation.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Judith Sheft

Judith Sheft Executive director N.J. Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology Longtime thought leader and executive in all aspects of STEM and entrepreneurships, she now works inside the EDA to help formulate, evaluate and implement long-range plans and programs for STEM-related businesses in the...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Stacie Sherman

Stacie Sherman Senior editor Bloomberg Longtime top editor at Bloomberg now works part-time as an adjunct professor at The College of New Jersey. That’s a great thing. The next generation of journalists is learning from one of the very best.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Mikie Sherrill

Mikie Sherrill U.S. representative (D-11th Dist.) U.S. House of Representatives She’s proven to be an effective congresswoman and an incredible fundraiser. Highly expected to jump into the race to be the state’s next governor. Career potential appears to be unlimited.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Nathanya Simon

Nathanya Simon Chair, special education Scarinci Hollenbeck A pioneer in special education law in the state and around the country for four decades, she has remained a prominent voice and leader who continues to aid in and influence the development of special education law...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Monica Slater Stokes

Monica Slater Stokes Corporate & government affairs leader United Airlines United’s lead government relations executive in the Northeast region, she develops and drives external affairs programs in support of the airline’s in-market public policy, social impact investment and business development objectives.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Nancy Erika Smith

Nancy Erika Smith Co-founder & partner Smith Mullin She is the co-founder of the firm she started with Neil Mullin in 1986 — a firm now nationally known and respected as a top labor and employment litigation firm.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Tammy Smith

Tammy Smith Executive vice president & partner Alban Construction She has more than 15 years of property management experience running more than 1 million square feet of office space and several million square feet of residential high-rises communities.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Kristin Sostowski

Kristin Sostowski Director, employment & labor law Gibbons Known for tenacious advocacy, strategic approach and attention to detail in her employment law practice, she also is deeply dedicated to furthering diversity in the legal field. She has served in leadership roles in multiple organizations...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Deanna Sperling

Deanna Sperling CEO, Behavioral Health Center RWJBarnabas Health She oversees the Behavioral Health Center in Toms River, a 100-bed psychiatric facility that provides a full continuum of services, and is a leader in mental health treatment in N.J.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Suzanne Spernal

Suzanne Spernal Vice president of women’s services RWJBarnabas Health She steers the strategy and management of nine maternity programs and is a champion for maternal health. Her work supports more than 25,000 births across the state annually.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Triada Stampas

Triada Stampas CEO Fulfill Recognized thought leader in the anti-hunger community, she has successfully shaped strategies to address hunger at the state, federal and local levels. Prior to joining Fulfill in 2021, she was key leader at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Lindsey Stampone

Lindsey Stampone Global commercial banking market executive for Northern New Jersey Bank of America She leads a team that delivers comprehensive financial solutions to companies with annual revenues between $50 million and $2 billion.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Tremain Stanley

Tremain Stanley Chair & practice group leader, Family Law Chiesa, Shahinian & Giantomasi A seasoned litigator and mediator with more than 20 years of experience, she is regularly called upon by individuals engaged in family and matrimonial disputes to mediate and to help negotiate,...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Christine Stearns

Christine Stearns Chief government relations officer N.J. Hospital Association A go-to source for elected officials and health care executives, she has long been known as a best-in-class expert in health care issues.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Nancy Steffen-Fluhr

Nancy Steffen-Fluhr Director, Murray Center for Women in Technology New Jersey Institute of Technology As chair of the Women Faculty Advisory Committee and an associate professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, she aims to create opportunity for women to work and...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Amanda Stein

Amanda Stein Reporter N.J. Devils Come for the handwriting, stay for the most comprehensive coverage of the team you’ll find anywhere. Her X/Twitter account has long been the go-to source for news for Devils fans.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Carol Stillwell

Carol Stillwell CEO Stillwell-Hansen She’s known not only as a top CEO (she’s led the highly successful company since 1991), but as a top philanthropist, constantly giving back to the community.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jacquelyn Suarez

Jacquelyn Suarez Acting commissioner Department of Community Affairs Leads department in its ongoing mission to provide residents, local governments, businesses and community development organizations with financial support, administrative guidance and technical assistance.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Shavonda Sumter

Shavonda Sumter CEO Children’s Aid and Family Services She’s certainly known for her efforts in the Assembly (where she has served since 2012) — and she often uses that platform to advocate for issues and polices that focus on strengthening families through expanding programs...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Esther Surden

Esther Surden Founder & editor N.J. Tech Weekly Widely respected reporter on the tech scene always seems to be one step ahead of competition. Yvonne Surowiec Chief people officer Valley Bank At a time when everyone is chasing talent, she leads the efforts to...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Yvonne Surowiec

Yvonne Surowiec Chief people officer Valley Bank At a time when everyone is chasing talent, she leads the efforts to position HR as a strategic pillar that fosters a culture of progressive innovation, one that oversees recruitment, talent management, compensation, benefits, leadership development, organizational...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Faith Taylor

Faith Taylor President Women@NJPAC Founded in 1994 to ensure women had a seat at the table with N.J. Performing Arts Center decision-makers, it has grown to be a powerhouse, as its 2,000-plus members have raised more than $55 million.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Anna Maria Tejada

Anna Maria Tejada Labor & employment practice Saul Ewing She’s an expert in labor and employment litigation nationwide and workplace training — and a key figure in mentoring Latina women in law.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Lauren Thomas

Lauren Thomas Managing director, transmission and substation construction and maintenance Public Service Electric & Gas She leads multibillion-dollar electric transmission and distribution projects with a team of more than 1,000 to maintain the transmission system that powers the state.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Phaedra Trethan

Phaedra Trethan Reporter Camden Courier Post/USA Today network An unappreciated gem (certainly by her employers, and maybe her readers). Top-notch reporter knows the ins and outs of her beat (Camden/South Jersey) better than anyone, due to years of dedication.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Oya Tukel

Oya Tukel Dean, Martin Tuchman School of Management New Jersey Institute of Technology Always a step ahead, she launches new degrees (like the Tech MBA) to meet the needs of employers and networks with business leaders through discipline-focused research centers.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Catherine Tung

Catherine Tung Government affairs adviser McCarter & English A key player in McCarter’s fast-growing and highly respected government affairs practice in Trenton. The former senior adviser to the Assembly speaker brings in-depth knowledge on key issues and relationships with key stakeholders.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Maddy Urbish

Maddy Urbish Head of public affairs, Americas region Ørsted North America Company may not be a favorite of some in the state, but Urbish has plenty of fans. A true professional in the most trying of years.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jackie Urgo

Jackie Urgo President The Marketing Directors As everyone in the industry will attest: There may be no one better when it comes to marketing residential sales and leasing.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Siya Vansia

Siya Vansia Chief brand & innovation officer ConnectOne Bank Recently named a bank CMO to watch as she is leading ConnectOne through a transformation in which bank is making investments in marketing tools that allow bankers to better understand financial picture/needs of their clients.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Amy Vazquez

Amy Vazquez Interim president Employers Association of N.J. Has spent more than two decades with organization, developing and executing impactful strategic initiatives that ensure EANJ remains agile and responsive to emerging industry trends and member needs.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jen Velez

Jen Velez Executive vice president, health & network solutions Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of N.J. She joined Horizon as general counsel in 2022, but she has extensive background in health care with top roles at a national nonprofit (Shatterproof), a major statewide health...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Denise Venuti Free

Denise Venuti Free Senior director of communications & external affairs N.J. American Water In charge of aligning the company’s external affairs, government affairs and business development teams in a unified approach to municipal outreach and relationships. Serves on the board of NJ Spotlight.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Lori Waldron

Lori Waldron Co-chair, Life Sciences Sills Cummis & Gross In addition to her active life sciences practice representing clients in sophisticated business transactions, she was one of only 24 women in the U.S. selected to take part in Women in Bio’s current Boardroom Ready...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Robin Walton

Robin Walton Chief philanthropy officer & senior vice president, external affairs Inspira Health Highly regarded government affairs specialist also is active with Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, where she serves as vice chair and general counsel.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jasmine Ward

Jasmine Ward Vice president, strategy & operations TechUnited: New Jersey One of the key leaders in the premier tech organization in the state.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jane Warne

Jane Warne Co-founder & president Matrix New World Engineering She co-founded firm in 1990, and has helped it grow into one of the state’s leading full-service engineering and environmental services firms. Has been a strong advocate for finding ways to keep more women in...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Loretta Weinberg

Loretta Weinberg Multiple roles State of New Jersey Highly respected leader, she no longer is an elected official, but she still has more influence than many who are.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Kathy Wengel

Kathy Wengel Executive vice president & chief technical operations and risk officer Johnson & Johnson A member of the Executive Committee, she leads key technical operations functions, including procurement, engineering and property services, sustainability and cross-sector supply chain teams.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Deirdre Wheatley-Liss

Deirdre Wheatley-Liss Principal Porzio, Bromberg & Newman She divides her practice between representation of business owners and their businesses, counseling individuals and families and advising nonprofit entities. A tax attorney, she counsels business owners on legal and structural issues related to startup, financing, growth...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Susan Widmer

Susan Widmer Director Northern N.J. Export Assistance Center Key leader in trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, which works with established, export-ready companies to help them sell their U.S.-made goods and services to foreign markets.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Cyndie Williams

Cyndie Williams Executive director Carpenter Contractor Trust She is first woman to head the Carpenter Contractor Trust — a well-deserved honor for the longtime member of the union with more than two decades of experience in various roles in the construction industry.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Dianna Williams Fauntleroy

Dianna Williams Fauntleroy General counsel & executive secretary N.J. Casino Control Commission Key leader on independent licensing authority of state’s casinos and key employees. As a quasi-judicial panel, the commission conducts hearings on license matters as well as appeals fromtied to the Division of...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Melanie Willoughby

Melanie Willoughby Executive director N.J. Business Action Center A veteran of leading groups where economic development intersects with public and private interests, she leads one of the most important business-center organizations.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Michelle Wilson

Michelle Wilson Executive director Elijah’s Promise Heads an organization that provides more than 30,000 meals a month (more than 375,000 per year) in Central Jersey — including 2,500 per month that are delivered to folks who can’t get to facility.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Eileen Wirth

Eileen Wirth CEO Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development Leads MEND, a more than 50-year-old private, nonprofit corporation that develops, builds, owns and manages affordable rental housing in southern New Jersey. Wirth is the first woman to serve in this position.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Helene Wolk

Helene Wolk Chief operating officer Englewood Health Her role at Englewood cannot be overstated as, among other areas, she’s played a key role in the launch of Epic, revamping the hospital’s laboratory and breast care center and opening of two full-service outpatient centers.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Carly Wronko

Carly Wronko Director of marketing Choose New Jersey Heads a team that pitches the benefits of New Jersey to the rest of the country and around the world. It’s a Herculean task, but one — based on the results — Wronko is handling adeptly....

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Elise Young

Elise Young Freelance writer & editor Various publications Longtime Bloomberg and Bergen Record reporter now often appears in N.Y. Times. She can cover any topic with style and substance — as her recent substack series shows.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jenn Zorn

Jenn Zorn Director of education & business development N.J. Bankers Association In the more than two decades she has been with the association, Zorn has built a comprehensive education program while overseeing all business development at NJ Bankers.

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