At the 11th annual Women Business Leaders Forum, hosted by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), Monica Slater Stokes was named the recipient of the 2025 Caren Franzini Award. Stokes, who leads government relations for United in the Northeast, said she looked up to Franzini as a role model.
“Caren’s presence in the room made you want to be better, to do better, to show up and work hard, and to affect change,” Stokes told more than 500 attendees at the DoubleTree by Hilton Somerset. “I admired Caren's way of moving in spaces where women weren't expected to use and live their voices, but she used hers no matter the expectation of those in the room.”
Stokes was among several honorees at what is considered New Jersey’s largest professional women’s conference. Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (D-35) received recognition for her legislative work supporting small businesses, women, and civil rights. Other honorees included Mike Renna, President & CEO of South Jersey Industries, for his leadership style and community engagement; and James Horne Jr., President & CEO of Junior Achievement of New Jersey, for his efforts preparing young people for financial success.
Five college students—Alicia Brownstein of Paramus; Melissa De Cunto of Hopatcong; Laasya Kandakurti of Belle Mead; Zeynep Nalan Kus of Clifton; and Alusha Olivier of Irvington—were presented with NJBIA’s “Rising Star Awards” in recognition of their academic achievements and community service.
Franzini led the New Jersey Economic Development Authority from 1994 until 2012 under seven governors and later served on NJBIA’s Board of Trustees before her death in 2017 at age 57.
Stokes is a Newark native who oversees United's external affairs programs that support public policy initiatives, social impact investments, and business development goals.
NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka praised Stokes: “She takes a problem head on. She is a problem solver, is a mentor, a role model. She is someone that if you don't know her, you want to get to know her. If you are looking for someone to emulate it is a Monica Slater Stokes.”
Sumter received NJBIA’s Public Service Award for representing Bergen and Passaic counties since 2012 and advocating for small businesses and civil rights. In addition to her current roles as Legislative Black Caucus Chair and Chair of the Assembly Community Development & Women’s Affairs Committee, Sumter has also served as Majority Conference Leader and Deputy Speaker.
“Shavonda Sumter’s leadership of the Legislative Black Caucus was significant in bringing to light the state's disparity study, which was an analysis that showed state contracting agencies underutilized minority and women-owned business enterprises,” Siekerka said. “It is because of her leadership that the caucus was created, to take a very close and deep look at this disparity and begin to take action in the state of New Jersey to ensure everybody has a fair piece of the pie when it comes to government and conduct.”
In response to receiving her award Sumter told attendees: “I thank you for recognizing my work. Because people may not always remember the hard work that goes into getting legislation across the table with bipartisan support and the support of the business community.” She added: “I will cherish this crystal vase that is just gorgeous and my flowers. And thank you for giving them to me while I can still smell them.”
