Leading Women Entrepreneurs 2020 Force for Change winners announced

Lt. Gov. Shiela Oliver joined to make the announcement

Linda Lindner//June 22, 2020//

Lt. Gov. Shiela Oliver joined to make the announcement

Linda Lindner//June 22, 2020//

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Leading Women Entrepreneurs 2020 Force for Change awards were announced on June 19, with Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver making the announcement.

This year the organization expanded its base to honor New Jersey’s most innovative leaders of the next
decade. In light of this unprecedented year, the Force For Change platform in 2020 will recognize those individuals who, through heroic efforts, made a significant and positive impact upon the lives of others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“You are the change makers who are helping make a difference in the lives of others and as we wade through these uncertain times, heroism in the face of adversity is very much needed and valued,” Oliver said to the nominees.

Men, women and companies who were a Force for Change during the pandemic in various categories are being recognized this year as the Force for Change mission is to create a sustainable ongoing environment that brings leaders together and showcases their attributes and contributions.

“Together we can be a force for change and we can pave an easier and gentler path,” 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Linda Wellbrock, founder and chief executive officer at Leading Women Entrepreneurs, tells the audience as she accepts her award. - AARON HOUSTON — Wellbrock

“I am truly honored to commemorate Juneteenth with Lt. Gov. Oliver and to honor some of New Jersey’s finest citizens,” said LWE founder Linda Wellbrock.

Separately, the 2020 Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs, Intrapreneurs, Brand Builders and Socialpreneurs were also announced with Oliver.

This group of women is selected out of hundreds of nominations based on their business acumen and ability to both influence and inspire within their respective industries. These are the women business owners and corporate leaders who excel in innovation and advocacy for women.

The Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs of New Jersey will be honored on Oct. 8, 2020, and the Force for Change leaders will be honored virtually on Nov. 2, 2020. Visit the Force for Change website for information and to register for both events.

The following were announced as Honoree, Illuminators and Crusaders:

Global Force For Change Honoree:

Mark Trudeau, CEO – Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical

Force for Change Illuminators:

Jim Fakult – JCP&L
Utilities
Henry Curtis Adamson – Verizon
Technology
William Murray – MWWPR
Communications and Public Relations
Dr. Francois Nader – Jesra Advisors LLC
Bio Pharmaceuticals
Alan Nau – Trophy Park
Sports
Dr. Sheetal Parmar – Natera
Bio Tech
Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, D-35th District – Mountainside Hospital
Government
Mike Wenger – Trial Scope Medical
Technology
Ed Zimmerman – Lowenstein Sandler
Private Equity
Dr. Michael Most – General Surgeon
Medical Policy

Force For Change Crusaders:

Dr. Carol Ash – Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health
Health Care
Dr. Natasha Chinn – Brescia and Migliaccio
Health Care Practitioner and Clinician
William Almasi & Family – Almasi Companies LLC
Construction
Alma DeMetropolis – J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Financial Services
Brian Semcer – MICRO
Manufacturing
Gary Fisch – Gary’s Wine
Consumer Products
Margie Heller – RWJ Barnabas Health
Health Care Administration and Leadership
Samantha Hernandez – Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Telemedical Educational
Laura Jackson – FTI Consulting
Consulting Services
Lynn Killeen – HUB International Northeast
Insurance
Janine Wallace – Cartwright Inc.
STEM
Steven Schinella – CohnReznick
Accounting Services
Diane Williams – JBWS Inc.
Nonprofit
Michael Dermer – The Lonely Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurship