The Hudson County Latin American Chamber of Commerce celebrated the contributions of women leaders in business, health and public service shaping New Jersey’s future at the HCLACC’s recent “ELLA 2025” event held in honor of International Women’s Day.
NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka, Esq., was among seven leaders honored March 4 at ELLA 2025 and she also shared her insights during a panel discussion that explored the experiences of women who have broken barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Dr. Antonia Novello, the first woman and first Hispanic to serve as U.S. Surgeon General (1990-1993), was the keynote speaker who received the “Trailblazing Excellence in Public Health Leadership Award” for her lifelong dedication to public health and advocacy for underserved communities. Novello has left a lasting impact on U.S. health policy because of the issues she tackled including childhood immunization, tobacco advertising targeting minors, and AIDS.
Heidi Castrillón, president and CEO of HCLACC, underscored the importance of ELLA 2025 and the transformative power of women uplifting one another.
“This is more than just a celebration of leadership, it is a movement dedicated to recognizing and empowering women who have broken barriers, redefined industries, and led with courage, resilience, and purpose.” Castrillón said. “In New Jersey, women-owned businesses are growing at an unprecedented rate, outpacing the national average by 32%.”
Siekerka was honored with the “Trailblazer Award for Business & Industry Leadership” for her advocacy in shaping pro-business policies and fostering economic growth in New Jersey. HCLACC noted Siekerka is a powerful voice for the business community who plays a pivotal role in ensuring the state remains economically competitive and prosperous through NJBIA’s work influencing legislation and policies that support businesses of all sizes.
“From boardrooms to public forums, Michele continues to drive initiatives that promote innovation, workforce development, and economic success, solidifying her legacy as a champion for business leadership,” the HCLACC said.
Other honorees included:
- R. Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., president and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health & Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA), was honored with the “Champion of Mental Health Excellence Award” for her three decades of advocacy in mental health and addiction services.
- Ingrid Echeverria, Esq., founder of the Law Office of Ingrid Echeverria, LLC, was honored with the “Distinguished Service in Immigration Law and Advocacy Award” for her commitment to immigrant rights and access to justice.
- Jeanette Prenger, founder and CEO of ECCO Select, was honored with the “Excellence in Technology and Business Leadership Award” for her contributions to the technology and business sectors as she has grown her company into powerhouse, employing over 500 professionals and serving Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies.
- Carmen Gandulla, owner of The C Company LLC, was honored with the “Leadership Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Community” for her impactful work in finance, community development, and municipal operations. With a career overseeing budgets exceeding $1.3 billion, she has led initiatives that have distributed over $20 million to nonprofits and affordable housing projects.
- Adele Rivas, owner of Koplin Auto Body, received the “Outstanding Contribution and Leadership in the Automotive Industry Award” at ELLA 2025 for her remarkable journey of perseverance and leadership in a male-dominated field. Through determination and strategic growth, she transformed the business into a certified, thriving company with 18 employees and partnerships with eight major insurance companies.
