GLEN RIDGE, New Jersey (August 17, 2026) — The Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ) and Commerce Magazine celebrated and recognized enterprising women who achieved success in their respective industries during a breakfast reception in Glen Ridge, NJ, on Wednesday, August 12th. These women captured the essence of hard work, determination, and perseverance as they continue to inspire and encourage others. CIANJ and Commerce want to highlight the incredible work that these honorees do for our businesses and for our community. There were over 230 people in attendance, making this the largest Enterprising Women’s Awards to date.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees for the inspiring example they set through their hard work, bold leadership, and perseverance,” said CIANJ President, Anthony Russo. “Their accomplishments and dedication serve as an inspiration to us all. We are proud to host this annual celebration and look forward to sharing the stories and successes of these remarkable women.”
[See Commerce Magazine’s August issue for the stories of all honorees]
CIANJ thanks Jennifer Velez, Executive Vice President of Health & Network Solutions at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, for taking the time to be our keynote speaker. “We appreciate her taking the time out of her schedule to speak with our members and share the personal journey, experiences, and accomplishments that have shaped her path to where she is today.”
Attendees also heard from an esteemed panel of women professionals who shared their journey and lessons learned in their careers. Panelists included Heather Darling, Morris County Surrogate; Ellen Marshall, the EVP and head of Corporate and Middle Market Banking at Santander Bank, N.A.; Sherri Holzer, the Founder and Speaker of Simply Sherri; Kylie Cimmino, the Director of Business Operations & Administration at Mikula Contracting; Andrea Diaz, a Partner at SKC & Co. CPAs, L.L.C; Toni Modak, MBA, BSN, the Vice President, Home Health and Population Health at Valley Health System; and Lisa Chowansky, the President of HC Constructors, Inc. The panel was moderated by Jen Mannino, the Assistant Vice President, Marketing at LAN Associates.
All recipients were recognized for their achievements in the July/August edition of Commerce Magazine, which can be read here.
Industry Honorees:
1. Erin Kidney – Whitman
2. Brooke Simco – DPR Construction
3. Sherri Holzer – Simply Sherri
4. Gaby Wickizer – The Earle Companies
5. Kathy Ouellette – Salaera
6. Carlye Gilbert, MSN, RN, CIC – Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
7. Marion Troise Rusk – Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
8. Kalpana Ramakrishnan – Pharming Group
9. Dr. Mina Ahn – Bergen Community College
10. Sherrille Shabazz, EdD – Berkeley College
11. Dr. Marilú Marcillo – Felician University
12. Lisa Ambrose – Ramapo College of New Jersey
13. Michelle Delaney – CSG Law
14. Christina Sartorio Ku – Connell Foley LLP
15. Priyanka Singh – Litera
16. Tara Farley Maratea – Barnett Design
17. Valerie Haymes – Barnett Design
18. Cheryl Pfister – Terrie O’Connor Realtors
19. Cheldin Barlatt Rumer – This Is It Network
20. Kelly Castro – Carson’s Cookies/Just a Taste NJ
21. Lil Corcoran – Women’s Rights Information Center
One to Watch Honorees:
22. Brittany Manna – CSG Law
23. Aleksandra Popovik – CP Engineers
24. Tiffany Del Valle – Phoenix Accountants & Advisors
25. Katherine Kelliher-Wessel – PSE&G
26. Lauren Thomas – PSE&G
27. Theresa Mancusi – The Earle Companies
28. Aarti Shah – VirtualFit
29. Jenny Stokolyas – Zeus Electrical Solutions
Platinum Honorees:
30. Raquel Ortiz – Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
31. Karen Campi – Campi Dental
32. Marcia Frieze – Case Medical
33. Tenisha Malcolm-Wint, MPA – Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey
34. Martha Marchesi – JK Communications
35. Caryn Barnes – Langan
36. Audra Giese – MSI Plumbing & Remodeling
37. Jennifer D’Angelo – New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII)
38. Kim Hanemann – PSE&G
39. Sheila Rostiac – PSE&G
40. MaryEllen Keane – Sunnyside Manor
41. Sarah Drennan – Terrie O’Connor Realtors
2026 Enterprising Woman Of The Year:
42. Joyce P. Hendricks – Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) Foundation
The mission of CIANJ is to be the leader in free enterprise advocacy, fostering an economic climate that enhances business potential through education, legislative vigilance, and membership interaction, thereby making New Jersey a better state in which to live, work, and conduct business.
Commerce magazine, the flagship publication of CIANJ, reaches more than 40,000 business leaders. Explore more at CommerceMagazineNJ.com, sign up for weekly newsletters, or follow Commerce’s LinkedIn page.
