NJBIA will honor five standout college students with “Rising Star Awards” when hundreds of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and students gather for the 10th Annual New Jersey Women Business Leaders Forum on Sept. 25-26 in Atlantic City.
The honorees include Paige Comerford of Ocean Township; Youcy Fuentes of West New York; Isabella N. Gaudio of Ridgefield; Cynthia Santos of Staten Island, New York; and Jessica Schneider of St. Charles, Missouri. All five have distinguished themselves by their academic work and continued service to their communities.
The 2024 New Jersey Women Business Leaders Forum, powered by NJBIA, is the state’s largest professional women’s conference. The event will bring together hundreds of women and men for engaging workshops, dynamic TED-style talks, and one-on-one coaching opportunities. The Rising Star winners will be recognized during an awards ceremony on the first day of the two-day event.
“We are thrilled for the paths that are being forged by this year’s outstanding Rising Star honorees,” NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka said. “They have very inspiring stories to tell and demonstrate a passion for their career paths, academic success, and a commitment to their communities during their undergraduate careers."
“We are proud to recognize the accomplishments of five young ladies who are destined for great success,” she added.
The five Rising Star winners are:
Paige Comerford, Clemson University
After witnessing her childhood friend Mya Lin Terry battle cancer in the 5th grade, Paige Comerford decided at an early age she was destined to become a physician.
“[Mya’s] face lit up as she told me about her doctors at St. Jude’s. She said they were funny, caring, great listeners, brilliant, took the time to play games with her, and worked hard to help her feel better,” she wrote in her medical school application essay. “I wanted to be everything she described.”
Comerford recently traveled to Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic as a medical intern with Volunteers Around the World helping set up mobile medical clinics in underserved communities lacking access to healthcare. She has also worked in multiple medical internships across various disciplines including physician-assisted weight loss and orthopedics.
While attending Clemson University where she graduated with honors as a pre-med student, Comerford developed a neurological condition that hindered her ability to work out as usual. In response, she founded Pilates Social Clemson for low-impact but high-intensity workouts.
“Mya inspires me and all of us at Pilates Social to make purpose a part of our passion,” she said. “In her honor we will donate a portion of our profits to charities that support our mission.”
Youcy Fuentes, Berkeley College
Fuentes is completing her Associate degree as a surgical processing technician and has been accepted into Berkeley College’s Health Services Management program for a Bachelor’s degree this fall. She aims to go into forensic nursing.
“It has been so hard to balance being the mother I want to be going to school and working,” Fuentes said. “There have been times I have wanted to give up but I know my children need me.”
Fuentes currently works as a surgical/sterile processing technician at Palisades Hackensack Meridian inspired by her mother who is a nurse and sister who is also in surgical processing.
“At first I was afraid to go back to school as I doubted my abilities [but] with hard work I found I could succeed,” she said.
Fuentes shared her experience during Newark Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) hosted by Berkeley College aimed at enhancing students’ awareness of career pathways through knowledge and mentorship.
“It was an honor teaching class making positive influence on high school students,” she said.
Isabella N. Gaudio Montclair State University
Gaudio is interning at MARGIN while pursuing Business Administration with Marketing concentration as Presidential Scholar at Montclair State University aiming positively impact society through corporate roles.
In May 2024 Gaudio received certificate from New Jersey Collegiate Business Administration Association ranking top 1% business students statewide.
“Isabella Gaudio natural leader using empathy respect inspire others best,” Claira Zambon Versland Marketing Instructional Specialist Montclair State University remarked adding future bright watch professional achievements unfold.”
At MARGIN Gaudio organizes data prepares social media posts additionally tutors assists manager Kumon Math Reading Center Cliffside Park demonstrating leadership ensuring smooth operations even assuming charge when manager absent Versland noted observing semester-long group project leadership communication fostered environment encouraging collaboration.”
Cynthia Santos Berkeley College
Santos pursuing Business Administration – Management degree opened small event planning business Cynscreations4u LLC driven create develop ideas aiding others transforming talent profitable income aspiring purchase event space applying business acumen long-term goal absorbing skills resources offered Berkeley short-term objective volunteering Community Food Bank New Jersey Hillside packing food containers needy despite pain from multiple car accidents testing determination persevering instilling striving mindset children motto ‘Never give up strive goals mind over matter.’”
Jessica Schneider Lindenwood University
Schneider veteran U.S Army pursuing Bachelor’s degree Business Administration Lindenwood University promoted Project Manager Hussmann Performance Parts marking third promotion few years focusing strengthening project management skills seeking education opportunities future growth envisioning leadership role talented team inspired exceptional role models participating volunteer activities United Way American Cancer Society CARESTL Animal Shelter Boy Scouts America fostering stray cats community engagement key priority.
