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How do you stand out from the crowd? You take pointers from those who excel in their fields.

The 2026 NJBIZ Leading Women in Business are doing just that. These are the professionals who have made a significant impact on business in New Jersey.

Formerly known as the NJBIZ Best Fifty Women in Business, this program was expanded in 2024 to allow us to recognize even more of the state’s top leaders.

This year’s more than 60 honorees span all industries, including finance, healthcare, law, technology and more. We’re also honoring three Rising Stars – up-and-coming leaders with high potential to one day fill senior-level roles and shape the future.

After an open nomination process, a panel of independent judges selected this year’s award recipients using a points system to evaluate submissions.

The community is invited to celebrate these women Aug. 18 from 6–9 p.m. at The Palace at Somerset Park. Tickets for the event are available on the event page. Early-bird pricing ends July 12.

The celebration will feature a cocktail reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres followed by the award presentation. After the ceremony, attendees are invited to stay for a dessert and networking reception.

Congratulations to the 2026 Leading Women in Business!

Divya Andhavarapu, multi-unit franchise owner and operator
Meineke 

Jaime Arlia, executive senior vice president, Clinical Services; executive director, Care Plus Foundation
Care Plus NJ Inc. 

Dianne Batistoni, audit and assurance partner
EisnerAmper 

Lauren Borawski, co-founder and owner
Child’s Play Challenge Courses 

Mary Brown, chief compliance officer
Provident Bank 

Angela Calzone, president and CEO
Inroads to Opportunities 

Megan Cannella, principal and co-chair, Private Client Group
Bressler, Amery & Ross PC 

Jaynie Carlucci, founder and real estate professional
The Boss Team at Real Broker 

Stephanie Casano, director, Business Growth and Innovation
New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program Inc. 

Pilar Castro Di Carlo, founder and CEO
More Canvas Consulting 

Bonnie Cintron, chief operating officer
NexGen Orthopedic Health & Wellness 

Noel Criscione-Naylor, professor and chair, Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management, School of Business
Stockton University 

Catherine Davis, partner
RRBB Advisors LLC 

Tara Dohoney, principal; director, Construction Administration; code specialist
USA Architects, Planners and Interior Designers LTD 

Yelena Dunaevsky, senior vice president, Transactional and SPAC Practice
Gallagher 

Crystal Edwards, attorney
Porzio, Bromberg & Newman PC 

Afigo Fadahunsi, chief litigation and managing counsel
Verisk Analytics Inc. 

Christina Fleming, senior vice president, Communications and Brand
Complete Care Management 

Regina Foley, president, Specialty Hospitals and Clinical Services; chief nursing executive
Hackensack Meridian Health 

Henrietta Fuchs, partner; manufacturing and distribution industry co-leader
CohnReznick LLP 

Jenna Gabay, partner
Rivkin Radler LLP 

Smita Garg, principal, Investments and Asset Management
SKG Capital 

Kelly Gatto, president and co-owner
Brute’s Roots 

Nathalie Gerschtein, CEO US and president North America
Haleon 

Gemma Giantomasi, member, Executive Committee; practice group leader, Real Estate Group
Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC 

Kate Gibbs, deputy director
ELEC 825 

Elyssa Goldstein, chief operating officer
Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo LLP (RAM Law) 

Ann-Margaret Gutierrez, chief operating officer
YMCA of Montclair 

Abbey True Harris, partner
Connell Foley 

Deirdre Hartmann, partner
Nisivoccia LLP 

Jane Kim, CEO
Edge Golf Inc. 

Lyndsay Knight, director, Planning
Neglia Group 

Lisa LaVecchia, senior vice president, Wealth Management Advisor
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 

Sharyn Lewin, director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program
Holy Name 

Kay LiCausi, president and CEO
Hoboken Strategy Group 

Debra Lienhardt, executive vice president, chief business development and legal officer
RWJBarnabas Health 

Stacia Lupinacci, senior director, Client Relations
Green Ridge Wealth Planning 

Sonia Mangalick, chief financial officer and business strategist
Sistah Sam LLC 

Chenelle Manley, audit partner
PwC 

Marina Margarucci, managing director; national leader, Private Client Services
CBIZ 

Joynicole Martinez, CEO and president
Rising Tide Capital 

Jaime Masler Beach, principal
DIG Architecture 

Emilie McEnerney, first senior vice president, corporate controller and deputy chief accounting officer
Valley Bank 

Anya Nawrocky, director, Member Experience and Growth
Wellpoint NJ 

Sara Palovick, tax partner
Withum 

Kelli Prinz, attorney
D’Arcy Johnson and Day Lawyers 

Kalpana Ramakrishnan, associate director, Global Business Development
Pharming Group 

Diane Raver, director
New Jersey Film Academy 

Carly Ritter, owner and CEO
Speakcore 

Karen Rossilli-Kiefer, president
TeamPAR Inc. 

Lara Schwager, founding principal
LJS Consulting & Development 

Yadira Simmons, director, Asset Management and Legal Services
The Housing Partnership Network Inc. 

Lynn Spence, senior vice president and chief people officer
T&M Associates 

Amrita Thapa, managing director, Risk Management & Client Solutions
Palisade Capital Management LP 

Elaina Tucci, vice president of marketing
Russo Development 

Deborah Visconi, president and CEO
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center 

Kimberlie Wagner, CEO
Haddon Home Care 

Lori Waldron, chair, Life Sciences Practice Group
Sills Cummis & Gross PC 

Julia Walker, vice president, Corporate Legal Services; assistant general counsel
Atlantic Health

Kristen Walters, partner
Forvis Mazars LLP 

Nancy Walzog, CEO
Satori Academy of Martial Arts 

McKenzie Wilson, chief legal officer and corporate secretary
University Hospital 

Diana Zita, CEO
Hamilton Area YMCA 

Congratulations to the 2026 Rising Stars! 

Marlene Arabia, associate
Mandelbaum Barrett PC 

Lupe Dragon, public relations specialist and account executive
SCG Advertising + Public Relations 

Renata Pinheiro, CEO and founder
The Maid Squad NJ LLC