“What are we going to do for the next 24 hours?” New Jersey Business & Industry Association President and CEO Michele Siekerka asked a packed ballroom at the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott during the recent Ninth Annual New Jersey Business Women Leaders Forum. “We’re going to reach in and we’re going to reach up. And we’re going to unleash that inner leader in each one of us. And we’re going to celebrate it all together for the next 24 hours.”

The yearly event – the largest statewide conference of its kind – was held Sept. 27-28, featuring more than 50 speakers and panelists, ample networking opportunities, 12 breakout sessions, two rounds of Ted-style talks, one-on-one coaching, a cocktail reception and more, drawing over 500 attendees from across the state’s business landscape.

There were also several honorees, including five students who were presented with Rising Star Awards: Chavonne Brown and Tania Mottos of Berkeley College, Andrew Clark of Ramapo College of New Jersey, Arianna Gehan of Stevens Institute of Technology, and Liangy Gomerez of Bergen Community College.

“NJBIA’s Rising Star Awards honor students who have demonstrated a passion for their career path, academic success, and a commitment to their communities during their undergraduate careers,” said Siekerka. “This year, we are proud to recognize the accomplishments of five students who are destined for their great professional service.”

Celest Quintana, an entrepreneur and owner of 10 North Jersey McDonald’s franchises who also provides for people in need, was honored with the NJBIA’s 2023 Caren Franzini Leadership Award.

“Let me tell you what happens in her McDonald’s stores. Generations of families come and break bread at the table in her McDonald’s. She solves community problems at the table in her McDonald’s,” said Siekerka. “She invites in people who otherwise are not getting along in her community and works with them to collaborate – in her McDonald’s. That’s a Celeste McDonald’s. And I’m incredibly proud of this amazing woman standing behind me to receive the Caren Franzini Award.”

“This is truly an honor because I knew Caren,” Quintana said. “What an amazing woman she was. So, Caren, this is for you. And this is for all of you that are inspired by Caren.”

Sally Glick, business development advisor and ambassador with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, was presented with the 2023 Legacy & Leadership Award in recognition of her professional achievements, mentorship of women in business, and years of public service. Glick was also honored by NJBIZ in 2016 with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Siekerka said that the NJBIA award was created last year and was not intended to be given out annually, but that Glick’s efforts and contributions throughout her career warrant the recognition. She also noted that Glick would soon move from the Garden State to California for family reasons.

“We’re going to miss you so deeply here in New Jersey,” said Siekerka. “But we know that New Jersey is a big part of you. And you’ve left a big part of you with us here in New Jersey. Thank you for allowing us to award you the Legacy & Leadership Award.”

In recounting the story of Paul Revere, Glick spoke about the importance of relationships and making connections – and paying those things forward as your opportunities expand. “Remember, to be present, to be a connector, to be genuinely concerned for others. It is the building of relationships that is actually the special formula for success. And the best part is, it’s not a secret sauce,” said Glick. “This answer is there for everyone and anyone to embrace.”

The breakout session topics included: Improving Your Professional Presence; Role-play Your Way Up the Ladder; Courageous Conversations; Women Leaders in Manufacturing; Boards, Taking the Step; Salary Negotiation & Pay Equity; Finding Your Bliss; Secrets to Building a Strong Network; Is Confidence a Dirty Word; Branding Yourself; Mentorship Culture; and Imposter Syndrome.

The first day of the conference also featured opening remarks from Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, who recently succeeded the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver as the third woman to hold the title in New Jersey and the second of color. Way, who continues to serve as secretary of state, noted that the speech was her first public policy address since being sworn into the lieutenant governor position.

“She has dedicated her entire life to public service,” said Siekerka as she introduced Way. “Her leadership is wonderful. So, we are incredibly proud that she could be here this morning.”

“There is not a soul who can replace the incomparable Sheila Oliver. But it is my solemn honor to be tasked with building upon her and our governor’s legacy that they began together,” said Way, who acknowledged how Oliver helped the next generation of diverse leaders. “She was a cherished mentor and role model to countless women, who chose a career in public service. So, as I look out into this great audience today, I am reminded of what motivated her and me to embark on careers in public service.”

Way touted the Murphy administration’s efforts on diversity as well as the economy – pointing to work on the innovation economy, the recent run of credit rating upgrades, property tax relief, resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs, infrastructure investments, the revitalization of the film and production sector, clean energy efforts and tourism.

“Under the governor’s leadership, we are taking the necessary steps to build a world-class economy and prepare residents to capitalize on these opportunities,” said Way. “From our public education system to our record on public safety to the peace of mind that simply comes from knowing your fundamental rights are protected without doubt. New Jersey established herself as the most welcoming state in the nation for women, for families, for all. Looking out into this great audience today, I can see that you know that the secret is already out – because you are the boardroom titans, you are the thought leaders, the entrepreneurs, innovators and civic warriors.”

The lieutenant governor closed by nodding to the lineup of speakers and attendees, noting that she had no doubt that the wisdom shared would help inspire all participants. “And my earnest hope is that the connections forged today, tomorrow and forever more will bolster your love for the Garden State in your continued desire to be part of the renaissance, which we call the ‘next New Jersey,’” said Way.

During one of the breaks, Siekerka discussed the goals of the New Jersey Business Women Leaders Forum and how it has evolved. “This is our ninth annual. And I believe our first one – we had maybe 120 people,” Siekerka told NJBIZ. “Each year, it just grew. And the energy grew, and the momentum grew. Now, people look forward to it.”

Siekerka stressed that this event follows the organization’s strategy of doing things with intent and purpose. “So, in the case of women, we have a lot of very talented women here in the State of New Jersey. It’s for them,” she explained. “It’s providing visibility that they’re here. And it’s that next generation. As I always say – our executive and our higher-level women – reach back and bring them forward and share how they got into the C-suite and the boardroom. So, we focus on C-suite and boardroom.”

She said that concept is important.

“When you can see someone who looks like you in a particular role and say, ‘I can do that, too,’” Siekerka said. “When you see a Tahesha Way as the lieutenant governor, you hear her speak. And then the Black women in the room say, ‘I could be a leader in New Jersey.’ Young women will see me in the C-suite or boardroom and say, ‘Well, if Michele can be there, I can be there.’ And it is incumbent upon me to help their pathway to get there and to grease the skids for them. But they have to have the goods. And not just show up but be present and walk away with something – and be intentional and purposeful as you go on.”