The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce announced today that it is honoring 12 exceptional 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 and serves as chair of the Monmouth County Board of Elections appointed by Govs Christie and Murphy respectively. Additionally appointed by Gov Murphy she serves on both State Board Pharmacy First Lady Tammy Murphy appointed her as Drumthwacket trustee Lastly president bipartisan Women Political Caucus
**Public Sector Advocate Award**
Melanie Willoughby Executive Director New Jersey Business Action Center
Melanie Willoughby leads team pro-business proactive organization helps companies navigate government services programs Before NJBAC Melanie served chief government affairs officer New Jersey Business Industry Association A seasoned government relations strategist working Trenton years worked federal state local levels government advocate businesses sizes types She started career administration Governor Brendan Byrne directing Governor agenda fiscal control housing development land-use planning
**Legislator Award**
Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D) Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R)
We recognize Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez deputy speaker chair housing committee years public service humanitarian work Since first term office Assemblywoman Lopez dedicated legislative work addressing most pressing issues facing New Jerseyans Criminal justice reform expanding workers’ rights ensuring affordable housing families just some assemblywoman hard-fought legislative achievements Prior role Assembly Lopez spent years corporate philanthropy nonprofit management aiding countless organizations individuals For charitable work relentless work ethic Assemblywoman Lopez recognized many organizations
Assemblywoman Aura Dunn served budget analyst education policy U.S Senate Appropriations Committee later policy advisor House Veterans Affairs Committee She also worked lobbyist America Public Television Stations advocating behalf clients like Sesame Street Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood U.S Senate From until Dunn District Director Rep Rodney Frelinghuysen joined New Jersey Assembly serves budget committee
**Nonprofit Advocate Award**
Carolyn Welsh President CEO NJ Sharing Network
Carolyn Welsh president CEO NJ Sharing Network works employees local hospitals hundreds volunteers achieve record growth lives saved enhanced organ tissue donation transplantation Welsh recognized NJBIZ list Best Women Business Health Care Power list named ROI-NJ Health Care Influencers list
**Business Communications Award**
Jeanette Hoffman President Marathon Public Affairs
Jeanette Hoffman political commentator advocate strong relationships elected officials key decision-makers political spectrum both beyond recognized ROI Influencers List NJBIZ Forty Under list
**Employer Advocate Award**
Christina Renna President CEO Chamber Commerce Southern New Jersey
Christina Renna leads team oversees Chamber work public policy membership growth member retention overall member experience Previously Renna served Christie administration several capacities including director intergovernmental affairs primary point person business community chambers commerce During first stint CCSNJ Renna served director government affairs
**Issues Advocate Award**
Audrey Lane President Garden State Initiative
Audrey Lane known effective advocacy awareness campaigns working grassroots organizations legislators Lane previously executive director Jersey developed campaigns focused education overregulation community safety Lane worked directly legislators positively impact lives people disabilities state emerged pandemic shutdown Lane former small business owner served councilwoman Mountain Lakes four years
**Woman Of Inspiration Award**
Stacie Sherman Senior Editor Americas News Desk Bloomberg News
Stacie Sherman senior editor Bloomberg helps direct coverage day biggest stories with Bloomberg years including Trenton bureau chief Sherman inspiring advocate autism awareness writes personal blog parenting special needs children recently published book topic called "My Broken Road: tangled twisted musings autism mama" Sherman former trustee development committee chair Eden Autism not-for-profit organization improves lives autistic children adults past co-director Eden annual fundraiser helped raised hundreds thousands dollars addition job Bloomberg Sherman adjunct professor appeared regularly events discussing issues
**Young Professional Award**
Catherine Tung Government Affairs Advisor McCarter English
Catherine Tung extensive knowledge political landscape impressive years experience Tung advocates individual clients trade associations multiple industries including health care telecommunications technology energy Before joining McCarter she served associate executive director state Assembly Majority Office collaborated elected officials stakeholders develop public policy areas such 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 look forward celebrating achievements reception"
The event will feature dinner cocktail reception providing attendees opportunity network industry leaders honorees To register event click here
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