The 10th Annual New Jersey Women Business Leaders Forum, organized by NJBIA, took place on September 25-26 in Atlantic City. The event included panel discussions and networking opportunities and recognized three female executives with leadership awards. Additionally, five college students received Rising Star awards.
Karen Kessler, CEO of Kessler PR Group, was honored with "The Caren Franzi Leadership Award." Kiran Handa Gaudioso, CEO of United Way of Northern NJ, received the "Women for Change Achievement Award." Mary Gay Abbott-Young, retired CEO of Rescue Mission of Trenton, was awarded the "Legacy in Leadership Award."
The Rising Star awards were presented to Paige Comerford from Ocean Township, Youcy Fuentes from West New York, Isabella N. Gaudio from Ridgefield, Cynthia Santos from New York City, and Jessica Schneider from St. Charles, Missouri.
