The Rutgers Institute for Corporate Social Innovation announced the winners of its inaugural Corporate Social Innovation Excellence Awards during a celebration held at The Rutgers Club on May 1.
The awards honor organizations and leaders who are redefining the role of business in society through innovative, purpose-driven practices that advance social progress while delivering business value.
The 2025 honorees include 11 organizations and individuals across three categories, representing social impact leadership and business innovation for good.
“These award winners exemplify how business can be a powerful force for positive change,” said Jeana Wirtenberg, executive director of the institute. “We are proud to recognize their leadership and to shine a spotlight on the meaningful work being done across industries and communities.”
The event brought together leaders from business, academia, nonprofit and the public sector to celebrate the honorees and inspire deeper, intentional integration of social impact into business practices.
Sponsors of the event were BASF, NatureSweet, the Healthcare Institute of New Jersey, and New Jersey Resources.
Award winners by category:
- Overall Corporate Social Innovation Excellence: Recognizing visionary corporations leading the charge in intentionally integrating social impact into core business strategy.
HP and Merck for Mothers
- CSI Excellence Award Winners: Honoring organizations achieving social impact by exemplifying the pillars of social innovation.
NatureSweet, New Jersey Resources, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, Novo Nordisk, and Schneider Electric
- Student and Individual Leadership Celebrating: individuals who demonstrate leadership in addressing critical societal challenges.
Danielle Mitchell, Amanda Nesheiwat, Rutgers Undergraduate Women in Business, and TimberTurn
