The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce announced today that it is honoring 11 women who have used talent and hard work to create economic opportunities and help make New Jersey a better place to live and work. The women will be recognized at the 2024 Women of Inspiration Awards Reception, on Oct. 24 at The National Conference Center in East Windsor.
The N.J. Chamber’s Women of Inspiration Awards recognize women who are inspiring leaders or advocates in the state’s business community. This year’s distinguished honorees are:
**Alice H. Parker Outstanding Woman of Inspiration Award**
Ruthi Byrne, Founder, Zinn Graves & Field Inc.
Ruthi Byrne has long been a master at uniting people in the business and nonprofit sectors. As a founder of the public relations firm Zinn, Graves & Field, Byrne accompanied her husband, the late Gov. Brendan Byrne, on the N.J. Chamber's Walk to Washington at least 30 times. Through her numerous community initiatives, she earned the respect and admiration of the broader business community.
**Private Sector Advocate Award**
Mary Kay Roberts, Partner, Riker Danzig
Mary Kay Roberts specializes in government affairs across a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, banking, insurance, education, technology, telecommunications, and utilities. She has also been a long-time advocate for the advancement of women entrepreneurs in all sectors. Prior to joining Riker Danzig, Mary Kay was the chief of staff and legislative liaison to the New Jersey Department of Banking under Gov. Florio.
**Small Business Advocate Award**
Eileen Kean, State Director for New Jersey at National Federation of Independent Business
Eileen Kean works on behalf of small and independent businesses to promote their voice with state lawmakers. Kean is also a partner at Komjathy and Kean, a respected Trenton lobbying firm. Additionally, Kean serves as chair of the Monmouth County Board of Elections appointed by Govs Christie and Murphy; she is also appointed by Gov Murphy to serve on the State Board of Pharmacy and by First Lady Tammy Murphy as a Drumthwacket trustee; lastly she is president of bipartisan Women’s Political Caucus.
**Public Sector Advocate Award**
Melanie Willoughby Executive Director New Jersey Business Action Center
Melanie Willoughby leads NJBAC which helps companies navigate government services Before joining NJBAC Melanie served as chief government affairs officer for NJBIA A seasoned strategist with 48 years working in Trenton Melanie started her career under Governor Brendan Byrne directing fiscal control housing development land-use planning
**Legislator Award**
Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D) Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R)
Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez deputy speaker chair housing committee dedicated legislative work addressing pressing issues facing New Jerseyans criminal justice reform expanding workers’ rights affordable housing Prior role corporate philanthropy nonprofit management aiding countless organizations individuals recognized many organizations
Assemblywoman Aura Dunn budget analyst education policy U.S Senate Appropriations Committee policy advisor House Veterans Affairs Committee lobbyist America Public Television Stations advocating clients Sesame Street Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood U.S Senate District Director Rep Rodney Frelinghuysen joined NJ Assembly budget committee
**Nonprofit Advocate Award**
Carolyn Welsh President CEO NJ Sharing Network
Carolyn Welsh works with employees local hospitals volunteers achieve record growth organ tissue donation transplantation recognized NJBIZ Best 50 Women Business Health Care Power 50 list ROI-NJ Health Care Influencers list
**Business Communications Award**
Jeanette Hoffman President Marathon Public Affairs
Jeanette Hoffman political commentator advocate strong relationships elected officials decision-makers recognized ROI Influencers List NJBIZ Forty Under 40 list
**Employer Advocate Award**
Christina Renna President CEO Chamber Commerce Southern New Jersey
Christina Renna leads team oversees Chamber public policy membership growth retention overall member experience Previously served Christie administration several capacities director intergovernmental affairs primary point person business community chambers commerce first stint CCSNJ director government affairs from 2007-2010
**Issues Advocate Award**
Audrey Lane President Garden State Initiative
Audrey Lane effective advocacy awareness campaigns grassroots organizations legislators previously executive director Jersey1st developed campaigns focused education overregulation community safety worked directly legislators positively impact lives people disabilities former small business owner councilwoman Mountain Lakes four years
**Young Professional Award**
Catherine Tung Government Affairs Advisor McCarter English
Catherine Tung extensive knowledge New Jersey political landscape impressive years experience advocates individual clients trade associations multiple industries health care telecommunications technology energy Before joining McCarter associate executive director state Assembly Majority Office collaborated elected officials stakeholders develop public policy areas sports betting tax incentive programs liquor license reform
"We are proud to honor these extraordinary women who have made significant contributions to New Jersey's employer community," said Tom Bracken president CEO New Jersey Chamber Commerce "Their dedication leadership truly inspiring we look forward celebrating achievements this year’s reception"
The event will feature dinner cocktail reception providing attendees opportunity network industry leaders honorees To register for 2024 Women Innovation Awards event click here
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