NJBIZ sets Empowering Women recognition program

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NJBIZ is launching a program to recognize companies and organizations that have shown a strong commitment to supporting and elevating women in New Jersey.

The program is designed to showcase tangible and innovative efforts by companies, law firms, nonprofits and other organizations to advance women in the workplace and community. It will complement long-standing NJBIZ programs that highlight high-achieving women across the state, notably, The Best 50 Women in Business awards.

“It is time to honor those organizations that invest in, elevate and support women leaders,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, publisher and managing director. “Women leaders can only succeed with the support of the organizations they work for and with.”

Program judges will use a variety of criteria to evaluate companies and to showcase those that have earned recognition. Empowering Women will honor companies that can demonstrate a commitment to some or all of the following:

• Have a track record of recruiting, hiring and promoting women.
• Offer a mentoring program for women.
• Work toward systemic change in society to combat inequality.
• Place women on the board or in the C-Suite.
• Contribute to advancing the cause of women through outside philanthropic or community endeavors.
• Support programs that assist marginalized women.
• Provide scholarship assistance to women.

Eligible companies must have 50% or more than 100 staff working in New Jersey. The nomination form must be completed by a CEO, HR leader, marketing leader, or other high ranking employee. Nominees may not be members of the judges’ panel or members of the judges’ families. Nominations that do not follow guidelines may be subject to disqualification.

By recognizing the achievements of those organizations that have empowered women, Fischer-Huettner said the program will provide guidance and inspiration to others hoping to emulate those successes.

“Empowering Women will shine a spotlight on organizations that make diversity efforts part of their mission, resulting in greater overall success,” she said. “In the long run, all of us … will benefit and learn from those inspirational organizations.”

Applications and nominations are open now and will close June 4. Winners will be announced in August and recognized in a future edition of NJBIZ.

To learn more about the program and nominate a company, click here.