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Agenda and Sponsorship Opportunities

Whether you’re looking to grow your career, strengthen your leadership skills, or stay ahead of trends like AI, economic shifts, and workplace well-being, WBLF offers practical takeaways you can immediately apply, along with valuable opportunities to expand your network and influence.

WBLF is where ambitious professionals come together to learn, lead, and move forward together.

Book Your Hotel Room by September 4

Our special conference room block closes on September 4. After this date, discounted rates and availability cannot be guaranteed. We strongly encourage attendees to reserve their rooms as soon as possible.

3 PM
Mix, Mingle & Meet Our Exhibitors

Ocean & Bally Ballrooms

5 PM
Opening Remarks Followed by Awards Presentation

Legacy Lounge

6 PM - 8:30 PM
Cocktail Reception & Networking

Legacy Lounge

7 AM
Registration, Breakfast & Networking 

Ocean & Bally Ballrooms

8 AM
Welcoming Remarks

Grand Ballroom

8:15 AM
The Ripple Effect: How Women Leaders Transform Organizations

Women leaders create ripple effects that drive culture, innovation, resilience, and economic growth. Hear how empowering teams and building strong organizational cultures lead to measurable business success, long-term value, and competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving economy.

Grand Ballroom

9 AM
Leadership Journeys: Insights for the Next Generation of Women Leaders, Presented by HINJ

Accomplished women leaders in life sciences reflect on the defining moments, critical decisions, and challenges that shaped their paths to the C-suite. Attendees will gain actionable guidance and a clearer understanding of what it takes to advance, lead effectively, and build a purposeful career.

Grand Ballroom

9:55 AM - 10:35 AM
 Break Out Session 1 

1. Women in Manufacturing: Leading in a Male-Dominated Industry - Berkshire/Tivoli 

2. Breaking Barriers & Advancing to the Next Level of Leadership - Fairmont/Monticello 

3. Against the Odds: Challenges Facing Female Entrepreneurs - Longwood/Imperial 

4. Wisdom in Action: Decision-Making Under Pressure - Lincoln/Central 

10:40 AM - 11:20 AM
 Break Out Session 2

1. Your Personal Board of Advisors: Career Guidance for Every Stage - Berkshire/Tivoli 

2. Economic Insight & Financial Planning: Build Security and Opportunity - Fairmont/Monticello 

3. Redefining Success: Building Strong Workplaces at Every Stage - Longwood/Imperial 

4. Health is Wealth: Women’s Health in the Executive Agenda - Lincoln/Central 

11:25 AM - 12:05 PM
 Break Out Session 3

1. Women Powering the Future: Energy Leadership in a Changing Landscape - Berkshire/Tivoli 

2. Driving AI Innovation with Responsibility, Impact, and Human-Centered Leadership - Fairmont/Monticello 

3. Future-Proofing Your Career in a Rapidly Changing Workforce - Longwood/Imperial 

4. Beyond the Paycheck: What Today's Employees Need to Thrive, Presented by Advocates for Children of New Jersey - Lincoln/Central 

12:05 PM
Lunch & Networking

Ocean & Bally Ballrooms

1:05 PM
Champagne Toast & Rising Star Awards

Grand Ballroom

1:15 PM
Voices of WBLF

Podcast presented by Carpenter Contractor Trust & Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters

Grand Ballroom

1:45 PM
Operational Resilience and AI-Driven Decisions

In an era of disruption, operational resilience is a critical competitive advantage. Discover how leaders use AI driven insights, automation, and human judgment to anticipate risk, accelerate decision making, and build agile, future ready organizations while maintaining trust and accountability.

Grand Ballroom

2:15 PM
Closing Remarks

Grand Ballroom

2:30 PM
Snack Break & Networking

Ocean & Bally Ballrooms

Meet Our Speakers

Michele N.     Siekerka, Esq.
Michele N. Siekerka, Esq. President & CEO, NJBIA
Michele N. Siekerka, Esq.
President & CEO, NJBIA

Michele N. Siekerka, Esq., President and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, leads the nation’s largest, most influential employers’ organization, advocating on behalf of New Jersey’s large and small businesses for policies that will make New Jersey more affordable and regionally competitive.

Being known as a collaborative leader, Siekerka is leading an NJBIA established coalition (New Jersey Business Coalition) comprised of more than 100 business and nonprofit associations across the state to tackle the tough economic and business challenges our state is facing during COVID 19.

Well versed on the ‘boots on the ground” issues affecting our state’s business community, Michele is often the “go to” resource for media and is sought after to share her expertise in public forums across the state.

Anthony Abrantes
Anthony Abrantes Assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Eastern Atlantic State Regional Council of Carpenters
Anthony Abrantes
Assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Eastern Atlantic State Regional Council of Carpenters

Anthony Abrantes is an accomplished professional currently serving as the Assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer for the Eastern Atlantic State Regional Council of Carpenters. In this role, he provides invaluable leadership and oversight for the council, which proudly represents over 42,000 Union Carpenters across New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia.

With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics, Anthony plays a pivotal role in managing the day-to-day operations of the regional council. He effectively oversees numerous critical components, including the council’s departments, 18 training centers, 200 staff members, 25 local unions, and 15 regional offices.

His political prowess, comprehensive policy experience, and exceptional business development acumen has fostered the unique ability to navigate complex political landscapes, craft effective policies, and foster strong coalitions. His strategic vision and leadership have been pivotal in driving growth and fostering collaborative efforts across the construction industry. Anthony’s commitment to excellence and his ability to bring together various stakeholders make him a distinguished figure in his field.

Anthony’s dedication to the construction industry extends beyond his role as Assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer. He is an Executive Board Member for the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, where his expertise is instrumental in shaping the council’s strategic direction. Additionally, he serves as the Vice Chairman of the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenter Technical College and the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenter Benefit Funds overseeing $11 billion dollars in assets, further contributing to the growth and development of the industry.

Bridget Bagnato
Bridget Bagnato Worldwide President, BD
Bridget Bagnato
Worldwide President, BD

Bridget Bagnato serves as Worldwide President of the Specimen Management business within the Medical Essentials segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. In this role, she oversees the global operational, commercial, and financial performance of the Specimen Management business, helping healthcare organizations improve the safety, quality and efficiency of specimen collection and management. Bridget is a member of the BD Extended Leadership Team.

Over her more than 25-year career at BD, Bridget has held leadership roles across the Medical, Life Sciences and Interventional segments, driving portfolio growth, expanded market presence and advanced innovation across multiple healthcare categories. Prior to leading Specimen Management, she served as VP/GM of BD’s Surgical Complication Solutions platform. Earlier in her career she held commercial and marketing positions of increasing responsibility, including international assignments in the United Kingdom and Singapore.

Bridget earned a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

Debra Barrett
Debra Barrett Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Debra Barrett
Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.

Debra brings with her more than 25 years of experience in healthcare advocacy from multiple stakeholder perspectives. She has legislative and administration experience and has held multiple leadership roles in both the private sector and in coalition building. Debra leads the Corporate Affairs function for Otsuka Pharmaceutical America Inc. and serves on the executive leadership team of the company. She drives Otsuka’s advocacy efforts by leveraging the critical work of the Government Affairs and Public Policy team, the Corporate Communications and Brand Reputation team and the Social Impact team to articulate a consistent narrative about Otsuka’s work and impact and provide a platform to help Otsuka achieve its vision.

Debra has spent many years in the pharmaceutical sector as well experience in media helping to cover politics and Congress at CNN. She has a master’s in public policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan.

Shell Bobev
Shell Bobev Founder, Disrupt The Gap
Shell Bobev
Founder, Disrupt The Gap

Shell Bobev is the Founder of Disrupt The Gap, a platform that empowers people’s financial independence through a multi-front disruption of pay gaps.  After advocating for her own equal pay in the corporate world and legal system, she realized a calling to create bold solutions for systemic change.  Disrupt The Gap guides organizations with implementing equitable and future-proof compensation practices, as well as empowers individuals with self-advocacy skills.  Among other degrees, Shell holds a Masters of Adult Education, and Certifications in Human Resources & DEI.  With a background in talent development, she has impacted thousands of people across corporate, university, and community settings

Sarah Switlik Brooks
Sarah Switlik Brooks President, Switlik Survival Products
Sarah Switlik Brooks
President, Switlik Survival Products

Sarah Switlik is the Chief Operating Officer at Switlik Survival Products, a family-owned manufacturing company in Trenton that has been a leading innovator in safety and survival equipment since the 1920s. Originally starting as a small canvas and leather workshop in 1920, the company quickly became the nation’s largest parachute manufacturer by the 1930s. Today, Switlik Survival Products has expanded its focus to the commercial market, offering a range of high-quality safety and survival equipment, including FAA-approved inflatable life vests and rafts, US Coast Guard-approved life rafts, and military-grade anti-G suits and anti-exposure suits.

As a fourth-generation member of the Switlik family, Sarah brings a deep-rooted understanding of the company’s heritage with a forward-thinking approach to its operations. Sarah has held various pivotal roles within the company, including Marketing Manager, Marine Sales Manager, Marketing Director, and Vice President of Sales and Marketing, which have equipped her with a comprehensive skill set in sales, marketing, and operations management. Under Sarahs’s leadership, Switlik Survival Products has experienced significant growth and innovation. Her strategic initiatives have not only enhanced operational efficiency but also strengthened the company’s market position.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Global Business Management from Babson College, which complements her extensive professional experience. Beyond her professional achievements, Sarah is passionate about giving back to the community. She is dedicated to community involvement, actively supporting local, domestic, and international non-profits, particularly those focused on water rescue. In her personal time, Sarah loves to travel and make new contacts around the world. Her passion for exploration and global networking enriches her personal and professional life, bringing fresh insights and opportunities to Switlik Survival Products.

Chrissy Buteas
Chrissy Buteas President & CEO, HealthCare Institute of New Jersey
Chrissy Buteas
President & CEO, HealthCare Institute of New Jersey

Chrissy Buteas is the President & CEO of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ). Founded in 1997, HINJ serves as the trade association for leading research-based biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies in New Jersey.

A seasoned leader, Buteas has held significant positions throughout her career. Before joining HINJ, she served as the Vice President of Government Affairs at Optimum, a prominent broadband communications and video service provider operating across 21 states. She also served as the Chief Government Affairs Officer of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), where she influenced policies affecting the 1 million employees of member companies. In addition, she led the NEW JOBS PAC, the State’s largest and most influential ideological business political action committee.

Prior to NJBIA, Buteas served as President and CEO of the Home Care & Hospice Association of New Jersey, representing New Jersey home health agencies, hospices, and healthcare service firms providing care to the state’s Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay patients.
Buteas serves on the boards of trustees of Middlesex College, New Jersey Council of County Colleges, NJ Innovation Institute (NJII), Thanexus, Inc. (a funeral service cooperative), the National Association of Corporate Directors, NJ Chapter (NACD-NJ), South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University, the New Jersey Medical Assistance Advisory Council, Focus NJ, Junior Achievement of New Jersey, Women’s Political Caucus of NJ, and The Historic Village at Allaire. She recently served on Governor Mikie Sherrill’s Economic Development and Innovation Action Team.

Buteas holds an MPA from the School of Public Affairs and Administration at Rutgers University-Newark and a BA from Rowan University.

Odette Canton
Odette Canton Executive Coach, Focal Point Coaching
Odette Canton
Executive Coach, Focal Point Coaching

Odette Canton is a Certified Focal Point Business and Executive Coach and PROSCI-certified change leader who partners with senior executives and high-potential leaders to drive clarity, performance, and sustained organizational impact. She is particularly sought after for her work with emerging and mid-career women ready to expand their influence and step confidently into larger leadership responsibilities.

With more than 15 years of experience in marketing, operations, and enterprise transformation, Odette most recently served as Director of Strategic Program Management of Johnson and Johnson. There, she led complex, high-visibility initiatives across oncology, product launch, and organization change, bringing disciplined execution, stakeholder alignment, and measurable growth to large scale environments. She is recognized for her ability to translate strategy into action and turn ambiguity into structured momentum. Odette’s coaching blends executive-level business acumen with practical leadership frameworks and behavioral insight. Beyond individual coaching, she convenes curated peer environments where ambitious leaders engage in candid dialogue, sharpen executive presence, and accelerate readiness for expanded responsibility.

Grounded in integrity, adaptability, and a deep commitment to continuous learning, Odette believes that authentic leadership is the foundation of sustainable performance. She challenges leaders to show up with clarity, act with confidence, and lead in a way that is both strategically rigorous and true to who they are.

Mary E. Coogan, Esq.
Mary E. Coogan, Esq. President & CEO, Advocates for Children of New Jersey
Mary E. Coogan, Esq.
President & CEO, Advocates for Children of New Jersey

Mary is President and CEO of Advocates for Children of New Jersey, a statewide nonprofit advocating for better laws and policies, more effective funding, and stronger services for children and families so that every child is given the chance to grow up safe, healthy and educated, able to reach their full potential. Mary joined the organization in 1993 to lead what is now called ACNJ’s KidLaw Resource Center, which gives information about laws and legal processes that affect children.

Mary focuses on foster care, kinship care, and children’s health. She has answered thousands of calls from people with questions about laws and legal issues affecting children and youth. She has also written articles about child welfare, represented ACNJ as amicus curiae before the New Jersey Supreme Court, and run programs to train and supervise lawyers who work with children.

Before joining ACNJ in 1993, Mary worked as a family law attorney in New Jersey. She earned both her J.D. and B.A. from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Marin Kirby De Leon
Marin Kirby De Leon President and CEO, MonmouthCares
Marin Kirby De Leon
President and CEO, MonmouthCares

Marin Kirby De Leon, MSW, LSW, is the President and CEO of MonmouthCares, where she leads organizational strategy, operations, advocacy, and partnerships in support of children, youth, and families across New Jersey’s Children’s System of Care. A licensed social worker and nonprofit executive, she brings more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning behavioral health, early childhood education, public health, and community-based services.

Before joining MonmouthCares, Marin held leadership positions with Shine Early Learning, Acelero Learning, and Health Leads, and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic. She holds a Master of Social Work from Simmons College with a certificate in Urban Leadership and is a passionate advocate for strengthening families, advancing equitable systems of care, and improving outcomes for children and youth.

Paula Ferreira
Paula Ferreira Assistant Managing Partner, Forvis Mazars
Paula Ferreira
Assistant Managing Partner, Forvis Mazars

Paula delivers accounting and tax services to privately held businesses spanning a range of industries. She also provides tax consulting and estate and gift strategies to individuals, business owners, and family groups.

Her more than 19 years of experience encompass tax planning and business consulting services, augmented by her solid background in individual, corporate, partnership, and LLC tax issues.

Prior to joining Forvis Mazars in 2007, Paula held a supervisory role at an accounting and advisory firm.

She is a graduate of Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, with a B.S. degree in accounting and an M.S. degree in taxation.

Lindsay Fitzpatrick
Lindsay Fitzpatrick Founder, Future Fluency Labs
Lindsay Fitzpatrick
Founder, Future Fluency Labs

Lindsay Fitzpatrick is the founder of Future Fluency Labs, where she helps leaders prepare for how AI is reshaping work, talent, and decision-making. With more than a decade in recruiting and workforce strategy, she brings a practical view of how organizations can navigate change with confidence and discipline. Her advisory helps employers make stronger talent decisions, adopt AI responsibly, and preserve accountability, trust, and human judgment.

Amy Herbold
Amy Herbold President and CEO, Choose New Jersey
Amy Herbold
President and CEO, Choose New Jersey

Amy Herbold brings more than 20 years of experience across government and the private sector to her role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Choose New Jersey, the state’s leading nonprofit economic development organization. Ms. Herbold is widely recognized for her expertise in complex stakeholder engagement, large-scale project delivery, and intergovernmental coordination.  

Prior to joining Choose New Jersey, Ms. Herbold served as Senior Vice President of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs at Triple Five Group, where she oversaw the expansion and repositioning of one of the region’s most ambitious multibillion-dollar public-private developments into a year-round global destination. In this role, she led a range of high-profile initiatives, including regional economic development projects that supported job creation and strengthened New Jersey’s global standing. 

Melissa Isman
Melissa Isman Chief Growth Officer, AMVAL Insurance Solutions, LLC
Melissa Isman
Chief Growth Officer, AMVAL Insurance Solutions, LLC

Melissa Isman serves as the Chief Growth Officer at Amval Insurance Solutions, bringing over two decades of experience in the insurance industry. She is responsible for leading national growth strategies and cultivating high-impact partnerships that deliver tailored insurance solutions across both personal and commercial lines. Melissa collaborates with a diverse network of professionals and business owners to ensure they are protected through every stage of life and business. Her expertise lies in aligning insurance offerings with broader financial and operational goals to safeguard critical personal and business assets. Recognized for her strategic mindset and relationship-focused approach, Melissa is committed to advancing client protection through innovative, value-driven solutions. Based in New Jersey, she is a frequent speaker and panelist at industry conferences, where she addresses topics such as strategic partnerships, risk management, and empowering women in business.

Jaci Kator
Jaci Kator Regional Vice President External Affairs, AT&T
Jaci Kator
Regional Vice President External Affairs, AT&T

Jaclyn (Jaci) Kator is the Regional Vice President External Affairs for AT&T in New Jersey. She started with the company in 1998 in Illinois and has worked in a variety of company roles within the Information Technology organization and in External Affairs. In Jaci’s current role, she works with government entities, elected officials, and community stakeholders on AT&T’s policy, strategic, and community initiatives at the state and local level.

Jaci currently serves on the boards of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey Business and Industry Association, and Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey. Jaci’s past includes serving as Chair of Northern Illinois University’s advisory board for the department of Public Administration, Chair of the Schaumburg Business Association, Chair of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, Advocacy Chair for the American Cancer in Illinois, and as a former retail small business owner alongside her husband.
Jaci is passionate about helping businesses thrive, collaborating with local and state government, and introducing students to career opportunities in local government.

Jaci obtained a bachelor’s degree in integrated communications from Roosevelt University Chicago and a Master of Public Administration degree in local government from Northern Illinois University. Jaci lives in Southern New Jersey with her husband and two children.

Mary Ann Lindholm
Mary Ann Lindholm Vice President, Human Resources, Falstrom Company
Mary Ann Lindholm
Vice President, Human Resources, Falstrom Company

With over two decades of experience in retail, e-commerce, and human resources leadership, Mary Ann Lindholm has built a career dedicated to driving organizational growth, optimizing workforce strategy, and leading high-performing teams.

Currently serving as Vice President at Falstrom Company, she brings a strategic vision to human resources and business operations, ensuring efficiency, innovation, and long-term success. Before transitioning to human resources, she spent over 20 years in merchandise planning and retail strategy at industry-leading companies, including Walmart, David Yurman, and Bloomingdale’s.

At Walmart eCommerce, Mary Ann led planning and forecasting efforts for the Home Division, adapting to the evolving e-commerce landscape and driving digital market share growth. This included employee development responsibilities for new hires. During her tenure at David Yurman as Senior Director of Retail and E-Commerce Merchandise Planning, she implemented structured financial planning processes that enhanced sales and margin performance in the luxury jewelry sector. Her 23-year career at Bloomingdale’s included leadership roles in merchandise planning across multiple categories including Cosmetics, Ready to Wear and Men’s, where she played a critical role in long-term business strategy and omni-channel performance. In addition, she led a variety of training classes and held leadership roles in employee development.

Mary Ann holds a Bachelor of Arts from George Williams College of Aurora University. She lives in Montclair, New Jersey, with her husband, Cliff, and where they raised their three children. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, needle point and playing golf.

Maggie Moran
Maggie Moran Founder and CEO, Moxie Strategies
Maggie Moran
Founder and CEO, Moxie Strategies

Maggie Moran, Founder and CEO of Moxie Strategies, is a trailblazing public affairs leader with an unparalleled reputation for delivering bold, results-driven strategies. As the founder of two award-winning public affairs firms, Maggie has redefined external affairs through her expertise in strategy development, corporate communications, public affairs campaign management, labor relations, brand management, and external affairs.

Lauren Nathan-LaRusso, Esq.
Lauren Nathan-LaRusso, Esq. Co-Host City Manager and General Counsel, FIFA World Cup 26
Lauren Nathan-LaRusso, Esq.
Co-Host City Manager and General Counsel, FIFA World Cup 26

Lauren Nathan-LaRusso served as the Co-Host City Manager and General Counsel of the New York New Jersey Host Committee for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which was responsible for delivering all aspects of the tournament with FIFA. Lauren’s professional background spans both the public and private sectors. Most recently, she served as Senior Counsel for the New Jersey Governor and oversaw various state and bi-state authorities to ensure complex project delivery and management. Her work in the state on various aspects of government services, including transportation, security, community development, and economic growth, along with her legal experience negotiating inside and outside the courtroom, has prepared her well to ensure New Jersey and the region leveraged the unique opportunity and diverse benefits the FIFA World Cup brought to our community.

Arlene Quinones Perez, Esq.
Arlene Quinones Perez, Esq. Equity Partner, DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP
Arlene Quinones Perez, Esq.
Equity Partner, DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP

Arlene Quiñones Perez is an Equity Partner and the Director of Diversity & Inclusion at DeCotiis. She is a member of the Labor and Employment Practice Group, the Municipal Law Practice Group, the Educational Law Practice Group and the Cannabis Law Practice Group.

Arlene currently serves as Corporation Counsel to the City of Hoboken, General Counsel to the Township of West Amwell, General Counsel to the Carteret Board of Education and General Counsel to Bergen County Community College. Prior to joining the DeCotiis law firm, she served as General Counsel to the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters (“NRCC”), which is a skilled trade organization that at the time represented carpenters in New Jersey, New York State and throughout the United States. Previously, Arlene served as an Associate with Kroll Heineman Carton, LLC, where she focused on labor law, municipal law, securities fraud, and election law. From 2011-2012, Arlene served as a Judicial Term Law Clerk for the Honorable Michael A. Shipp in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Prior to joining the Federal District Court, Arlene was an attorney with Murphy Orlando, LLC and a registered lobbyist with Impact NJ, LLC. From 2009-2010, Arlene served as a Judicial Term Law Clerk to the Honorable Lisa P. Thornton in the Superior Court for the State of New Jersey.

Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich
Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich Co-Founder and CEO, ZaGO Manufacturing
Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich
Co-Founder and CEO, ZaGO Manufacturing

Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich is a dynamic force in American manufacturing and New Jersey civic life. As CEO and Co-Founder of ZAGO Manufacturing Company, she has spent over three decades transforming a family-run startup into a globally respected producer of high-performance sealing fasteners—trusted by engineers across aerospace, EV, defense, and medical sectors.

Gail is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a respected public servant. She currently serves as the Deputy Mayor of Community Affairs for Fair Lawn, New Jersey, and previously served as Mayor and a Councilmember. Her leadership spans the private and public sectors, driven by a deep commitment to community, industry, and economic opportunity.

In both boardrooms and council chambers, Gail is known for her bold decision-making, inclusive vision, and tireless advocacy. She sits on the Boards of NJMEP, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan New Jersey, Infinity Tomorrow, and the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), where she champions workforce development, manufacturing innovation, and sustainable business practices.

Gail’s impact reflects more than just titles—it’s about the people and industries she uplifts. From mentoring the next generation of manufacturing leaders to shaping policy that supports small businesses and job creation, she leads with purpose, power, and partnership.

Her story—built with her husband and business partner Zahavy—is one of perseverance, entrepreneurial spirit, and public dedication. Together, they’ve built ZAGO not just as a business, but as a beacon of what’s possible when innovation meets integrity.

Lori Roth
Lori Roth Chief Executive Officer, Prager Metis
Lori Roth
Chief Executive Officer, Prager Metis

Lori A. Roth is the CEO of Prager Metis, a member of Prager Metis International Group. As CEO, Lori provides leadership and strategic planning to more than 100 partners and principals and 600 team members. Lori also oversees the firm’s growth strategy and initiatives. She holds a key role in developing strategic goals and policies, monitoring performance, and driving business growth. Lori previously served as Global Managing Partner of Prager Metis CPAs and Prager Metis International, as well as Co-Managing Partner and an Executive Committee member.

Lori has been in the accounting industry since 1984, specializing in audit and assurance services, litigation support, and business valuations. She has worked with clients in a variety of industries including closely-held businesses, real estate, and the U.S. subsidiaries of foreign banks and corporations. She has international expertise, particularly with companies headquartered in Israel. She strongly believes in working closely with business owners in a team approach. She often provides the much-needed depth at the top level to these business owners.

Ms. Roth’s expertise includes working as a neutral accountant (either court-appointed or hired as a joint expert by either parties or their attorneys). She has served as a business valuator and impartial financial consultant in issues pertaining to support and equitable distribution. She has been involved in matrimonial cases, as a certified divorce mediator, as well as shareholder disputes, corporate dissolutions, estate situations, and business acquisitions.

Judy Sailer, SHRM CP, PHR
Judy Sailer, SHRM CP, PHR Director of Learning & Development, Primepoint HRMS & Payroll
Judy Sailer, SHRM CP, PHR
Director of Learning & Development, Primepoint HRMS & Payroll

Judy Sailer is a highly regarded professional in HR staff training and academic education. She is well-versed in all aspects of management and leadership; her passion is staff development. She holds a Master’s Degree in Management & Organizational Leadership from Springfield College, received her Human Resources Cert from Rutgers University, and is a certified PHR and SHRM CP.

Judy is the Director of Learning & Development for Primepoint HRMS & Payroll. She has presented for NJACP, NJBIA, CCSNJ, Tri-State SHRM and Garden State SHRM, The College of NJ, the NJ Conference for Women and has been featured in Forbes and Jersey Matters.

Winifred Smith-Jenkins, Ed.D.
Winifred Smith-Jenkins, Ed.D. Director of Early Learning Policy and Advocacy, Advocates for Children of New Jersey
Winifred Smith-Jenkins, Ed.D.
Director of Early Learning Policy and Advocacy, Advocates for Children of New Jersey

Dr. Winifred Smith-Jenkins joined Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) in 2023 as Director of Early Childhood Policy and Advocacy. With more than 20 years managing three family-owned child care programs in northern New Jersey, she brings deep expertise in early learning, maternal and infant health, and family support. She previously supported ACNJ by testifying before legislative committees, presenting on webinars, and partnering with policymakers to improve child and family well-being. At ACNJ, Dr. Smith-Jenkins leads the early childhood policy team to expand equitable access to high-quality early care and education, advance preschool expansion, and strengthen maternal and infant health initiatives. Her service includes roles with the South Orange- Maplewood School District, East Orange Preschool Advisory Council, and Mayoral Transition Team, as well as work as a foster parent, EMT, and community volunteer.

Deanna Sperling
Deanna Sperling President & CEO, RWJBarnabas Health
Deanna Sperling
President & CEO, RWJBarnabas Health
Monica Slater Stokes
Monica Slater Stokes Managing Director, Corporate and Government Affairs, United Airlines
Monica Slater Stokes
Managing Director, Corporate and Government Affairs, United Airlines

Monica Slater Stokes is United’s lead government relations executive in the Northeast region.  In this role, Monica develops and drives external affairs programs in support of the airline’s in-market public policy, social impact investment and business development objectives.

Prior to joining United, Monica worked in local and federal public sectors, including as director of Constituent Services and Community Development for the late U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, during which she advised on state and local education, small business, and economic development issues.

Monica, a Newark, NJ native, holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Vermont. She sits on several boards, including the Regional Plan Association and Choose New Jersey, and serves as chair of the board of the Newark Regional Business Partnership.

Catherine Frugé Starghill, Esq.
Catherine Frugé Starghill, Esq. VP, New Jersey Council of County Colleges and Executive Director, New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development
Catherine Frugé Starghill, Esq.
VP, New Jersey Council of County Colleges and Executive Director, New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development

Catherine Frugé Starghill, Esq. is the Vice President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) and Executive Director of the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development (Consortium). She is also the former Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Catherine was named to NJBIZ’s Top 50 in Education list in both 2022 and 2023, and was named one of New Jersey’s 25 Most Influential African Americans by the South Jersey Journal in 2017 as one of the “State’s leaders who stands head and shoulders above others and boldly reflects the rich diversity and excellence of the African American community throughout the Garden State.”

As Vice President of the NJCCC and Executive Director of the Consortium, Catherine is the executive who developed and implemented the statewide New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities initiative with over 1,800 industry and education partners aligning education to the needs of the workforce to build a stronger economy. She hosts the annual NJ Pathways to Career Opportunities Summit in Atlantic City, NJ for over 500 industry and education partners gathered to learn from national though-leaders focused on education and workforce training pathways to build stronger state economies, innovative workforces, and economic mobility for the state’s residents.

Catherine simultaneously earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Accounting from the University of Michigan. She later earned a Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School and a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Catherine was married to the late Rev. Dr. Britt A. Starghill and is the mother of two children, Britt Andrew and Brie Alexandra.

Shavonda Sumter
Shavonda Sumter President and CEO, Children’s Aid and Family Services
Shavonda Sumter
President and CEO, Children’s Aid and Family Services

Shavonda E. Sumter joined Children’s Aid and Family Services as President and CEO in May 2022. Mrs. Sumter has more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector.

Shavonda served as the representative of the 35th District in the New Jersey General Assembly for 13 years. She was appointed Chair of the Committee for Community Development and Affairs and is the first woman to be selected Chair of the NJ Legislative Black Caucus. Mrs. Sumter has sponsored legislation to improve access to healthcare for all, established the Commission for Violence as a Public Health Crisis, and worked to increase access to addiction treatment services. She has also been recognized as a global leader participating in international summits on Urban Sustainability and Social Cohesion. An active volunteer.

Mrs. Sumter holds an M.B.A. in Healthcare Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a B.A. from Kean University.

Rachel Tedeschi
Rachel Tedeschi Senior Relationship Strategist, PNC
Rachel Tedeschi
Senior Relationship Strategist, PNC
Cyndie Williams
Cyndie Williams Executive Director, Carpenter Contractor Trust
Cyndie Williams
Executive Director, Carpenter Contractor Trust

Cyndie Williams accepted the role as Executive Director of the Carpenter Contractor Trust (CCT) in December 2021. She actively oversees CCT’s partnerships with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EASRCC) and union signatory contractor organizations to promote and support their shared values, competencies, and ambitions. Cyndie extends this vision across the EASRCC domain, encompassing New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.

As the Executive Director, Cyndie is committed to overseeing all CCT’s initiatives, ranging from collaborating with industry partners to developing a unified workforce. She believes that expanding market share and work hours are vital indicators for the union’s sustained growth and well-being.

Under Cyndie’s guidance, CCT aims to broaden its reach and impact within the construction industry. She considers rich talent pools essential to her mission. This emphasis is vital to attracting new talent and fostering a robust, prosperous environment for union carpenters and signatory contractors.

This aligns with CCT’s efforts to bolster the engagement of the region’s workforce partners, encouraging ethically responsible employment strategies. Cyndie supports this effort by promoting the building trades as a promising career path for American youth and advocating for more project labor agreements. Both are important components that add to the development of union jobs.

Cyndie also views energy infrastructure initiatives as vital to maintaining the union’s robust presence in the region’s critical energy sector. The CCT’s involvement with several energy coalitions throughout the council reflects its commitment to long-term energy solutions.

Cyndie’s leadership is instrumental in steering CCT toward achieving these core objectives, with a focus on the broader vision of building a prosperous future for the construction industry and the communities it serves.

Cyndie’s leadership is instrumental in steering CCT toward achieving these core objectives, with a focus on the broader vision of building a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for the construction industry and the communities it serves

Meet Our Award Winners

Former Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno
Former Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno Caren Franzini Leadership Award
Former Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno
Caren Franzini Leadership Award

First Lieutenant Governor and 33rd Secretary of State of New Jersey & Partner, Connel Foley LLP

Kimberly M. Guadagno served as New Jersey’s first Lieutenant Governor from 2010 to 2018 and concurrently as the state’s 33rd Secretary of State. During her tenure, she led economic development initiatives that expanded business investment, strengthened international trade, and supported job growth throughout the state. A former federal prosecutor, attorney, law professor, and Monmouth County Sheriff, she has dedicated her career to public service and leadership.

Today, Guadagno serves as President and CEO of the Mercy Center Corporation, where she leads programs providing food, education, social services, and advocacy for individuals and families in need throughout Monmouth County. Under her leadership, Mercy Center also operates the Sisters Academy of New Jersey, a tuition-free, independent middle school serving girls in grades 4 through 8 from underserved communities. She is also a partner at  Connell Foley LLP⁠, one of New Jersey’s leading law firms, where her practice focuses on commercial and business litigation, corporate compliance, internal investigations, and white-collar defense.

Guadagno has served on the boards of numerous for-profit and nonprofit organizations, bringing expertise in governance, strategic planning, economic development, and community engagement. She and her husband, Judge Michael Guadagno (Ret.), are the proud parents of three adult children.

Chrissy Buteas
Chrissy Buteas Women for Change Award
Chrissy Buteas
Women for Change Award

President & CEO, HealthCare Institute of New Jersey

Chrissy Buteas is the President & CEO of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ). Founded in 1997, HINJ serves as the trade association for leading research-based biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies in New Jersey.

A seasoned leader, Buteas has held significant positions throughout her career. Before joining HINJ, she served as the Vice President of Government Affairs at Optimum, a prominent broadband communications and video service provider operating across 21 states. She also served as the Chief Government Affairs Officer of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), where she influenced policies affecting the 1 million employees of member companies. In addition, she led the NEW JOBS PAC, the State’s largest and most influential ideological business political action committee.

Prior to NJBIA, Buteas served as President and CEO of the Home Care & Hospice Association of New Jersey, representing New Jersey home health agencies, hospices, and healthcare service firms providing care to the state’s Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay patients.

Buteas serves on the boards of trustees of Middlesex College, New Jersey Council of County Colleges, NJ Innovation Institute (NJII), Thanexus, Inc. (a funeral service cooperative), the National Association of Corporate Directors, NJ Chapter (NACD-NJ), South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University, the New Jersey Medical Assistance Advisory Council, Focus NJ, Junior Achievement of New Jersey, Women’s Political Caucus of NJ, and The Historic Village at Allaire. She recently served on Governor Mikie Sherrill’s Economic Development and Innovation Action Team.

Buteas holds an MPA from the School of Public Affairs and Administration at Rutgers University-Newark and a BA from Rowan University.

Christina M. Renna
Christina M. Renna Community Impact Award
Christina M. Renna
Community Impact Award

President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey

Christina Renna currently serves as President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey. In this role, Ms. Renna oversees a nine-person team and has direct oversight of the Chamber’s work in public policy, membership growth, member retention and overall member experience.

Ms. Renna joined the Chamber in 2007 and served as Director of Government Affairs through early 2010. She returned in 2014 as Vice President, then rose through the ranks before taking over the helm of the organization in January of 2020.

Prior to her most recent stint at the Chamber, in 2010 Ms. Renna served in state government for four years, including as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the prior Administration. Ms. Renna’s past work experience also includes government affairs, constituent relations, and communications work in both the private and public sector.

In 2010, Ms. Renna was proud to be named as one of SJ Biz Magazine’s first-ever list of rising stars in the South Jersey business community. Additionally, every year since 2019 she has been listed on both NJBIZ’s Power List as one of the most powerful people in New Jersey’s business community and the ROI-NJ Influencers Power List. Active in the community, Ms. Renna currently serves on the Board of several nonprofit and community organizations in the region. She is also one of 100 Chamber executives selected to be on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce CCC100 Committee, which is comprised of the top 100 Chamber executives in the nation.

A graduate of Vineland High School, Ms. Renna received her BA in political science from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and her master’s in Public Administration, with a minor in City Management, from Villanova University.

Reshma Saujani
Reshma Saujani Women in Advocacy Award
Reshma Saujani
Women in Advocacy Award

CEO and Founder, Moms First 

Reshma Saujani is a leading activist, the founder of Girls Who Code, the founder and CEO of Moms First, and executive producer of the new documentary No Country for Mothers. Named one of TIME’s Women of the Year in 2026, Reshma has spent more than a decade building movements to fight for women and girls’ economic empowerment, to close the gender gap in tech, and most recently, for the structural changes moms deserve including affordable child care, paid leave, and equal pay. She is a New York Times Bestselling author of several books including PAY UP, Brave, Not Perfect, and the Girls Who Code book series. As a leading voice on women’s empowerment, her 2023 Smith College Commencement speech on imposter syndrome has more than 18 million views, and her influential TED talk, “Teach girls bravery, not perfection,” has more than 54 million views globally.  Reshma began her career as an attorney and Democratic organizer. In 2010, she surged onto the political scene as the first Indian American woman to run for U.S. Congress. Reshma lives in New York City with her husband, Nihal; their sons, Shaan and Sai; and their dog Steve.

Rick T. Thigpen
Rick T. Thigpen EmpowerHER Award
Rick T. Thigpen
EmpowerHER Award

Senior Vice President – Corporate Citizenship, Public Service Enterprise Group

Richard T. Thigpen was named senior vice president for Corporate Citizenship in July 2018. Mr. Thigpen also is chair of the PSEG Foundation. He is responsible for public affairs strategies to support areas of the business that are impacted by public policy, including federal, state and local government affairs, sustainability, charitable activities, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility. Mr. Thigpen is a member of PSEG’s Senior Executive Team.

Mr. Thigpen joined PSEG in March 2007 as vice president for State Governmental Affairs, PSEG Services Corp. He has been a public affairs consultant since 1999 and was a co-founding partner of 1868 Public Affairs, which provides lobbying, strategic planning, public relations and government relations services to clients in New Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C.

Previously, Mr. Thigpen was an associate at the New York law firm of Thacher Proffitt and Wood in the mortgage-backed securities practice group (1988 to 1990), district director for U.S. Rep. Donald Payne (NJ-10) (1990 to 1996) and executive director of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee (1996 to 1999). He has served as a political analyst for New Jersey Network and as an academic associate for PublicMind, Fairleigh Dickinson University Polling and Survey Research Institute. Mr. Thigpen was a former assistant to the president of the NAACP State Conference for Public Affairs. Currently, he is chair of Alliance to Save Energy, as well as a member of the boards of the Regional Plan Association, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, Public Media NJ Inc. (NJ PBS), New Jersey Business & Industry Association, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark Public Radio, Inc. (WBGO), New Jersey Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation (President), and the Donald M. Payne Global Foundation. He is also an emeritus board member of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, and serves as a visiting associate at the Rutgers University Eagleton Institute of Politics.

Mr. Thigpen holds a Doctor of Law degree from Columbia University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Brown University.

Briana Vannozzi
Briana Vannozzi Women In Media Award
Briana Vannozzi
Women In Media Award

Anchor, NJ Spotlight News

An Emmy award-winning journalist, Briana Vannozzi serves as the anchor for NJ Spotlight News, the newsroom of NJ PBS. She’s worked in several capacities since joining the news division in 2012, as interim anchor and senior correspondent after years of general assignment reporting as a multimedia journalist. Vannozzi began her television journalism career by cutting her teeth on New Jersey State House politics for New Jersey Network News, and later as a news radio correspondent at FM News 101.9 covering crime and politics in New York City. Her work has taken her to national presidential nominating conventions, Capitol Hill, up and down the East Coast and every corner of the Garden State. She’s interviewed every New Jersey governor dating back to Jon Corzine and moderated numerous political debates and forums. Her work has also earned awards from the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists and the Philadelphia Press Association. A Burlington County native, she’s honored to be serving and covering her home state and raising her family there.

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