RWJBarnabas Health Named a 2024 NJBIZ Empowering Women Honoree

Suzette Robinson (center), Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Lynda Markoe (right), Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at RWJBarnabas Health, proudly accept the Empowering Women Honoree award at the NJBIZ 2024 Empowering Women Awards event.

West Orange, New Jersey, November 14, 2024 - RWJBarnabas Health, the largest, most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, is thrilled to announce its recognition as one of the 2024 Empowering Women honorees by NJBIZ. This esteemed award celebrates organizations across New Jersey that demonstrate a profound commitment to empowering and uplifting women in the workplace.

The NJBIZ Empowering Women awards program acknowledges over 40 companies for their innovative and impactful efforts to advance women's roles in both professional and community settings. RWJBarnabas Health is proud to be among these distinguished organizations, demonstrating its dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive.

RWJBarnabas Health's comprehensive approach to empowering women in the workplace, is firmly rooted in its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). As one of New Jersey's largest private employers-with over 41,000 employees and 9,000 physicians-it operates with the belief that a diverse workforce is essential to its mission of delivering exceptional care to patients. By fostering a sense of belonging in all its facilities, RWJBarnabas Health has been able to create a workforce that is 74% female.

At the forefront of the RWJBarnabas Health's efforts to elevate its female workforce is the Women's Leadership Alliance (WLA), a dynamic program focused on inspiring and advancing women through personal and professional development opportunities. The WLA aims to cultivate leadership skills that benefit not only the system but also the broader healthcare community.

Complementing the WLA is the Young Professional Advisory Council (YPAC), which provides education, leadership training, and networking opportunities specifically tailored for emerging leaders within the organization. This initiative ensures that the next generation of female healthcare professionals is well-equipped to take on leadership roles in the future.

Further demonstrating RWJBarnabas Health's commitment to women's advancement are the seven Advancing Women Through Advocacy, Recognition, and Empowerment (AWARE) Business Resource Groups. These groups serve as platforms for women to connect, share experiences, and advocate for their professional growth within the healthcare system.

The system also supports nine Promoting Respect, Outreach, Understanding, and Dignity (PROUD) Business Resource Groups, which focus on meeting the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. These groups promote equality and create spaces where employees, including those who identify as women, can be their true, authentic selves.

Through its Employee Business Resource Groups, the WLA and YPAC, RWJBarnabas Health remains steadfast in championing DEI. The system's Corporate Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion along with Human Resources play a critical role in driving this mission, ensuring health equity for its patients and workforce alike.

Beyond its internal efforts, RWJBarnabas Health is actively engaged in philanthropic endeavors and community outreach programs aimed at empowering women and addressing social disparities. Through these initiatives, it works to create equitable opportunities both within the system and in the broader communities we serve.

About RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health is the largest, most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, with a service area covering eight counties with five million people. The system includes twelve acute care hospitals - Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, Community Medical Center in Toms River, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton in Hamilton, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway in Rahway and Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, three acute care children's hospitals, Children's Specialized Hospital with a network of outpatient pediatric rehabilitation centers, a freestanding 100-bed behavioral health center, two trauma centers, a satellite emergency department, ambulatory care centers, geriatric centers, the state's largest behavioral health network, comprehensive home care and hospice programs, fitness and wellness centers, retail pharmacy services, affiliated medical groups, multi-site imaging centers and two accountable care organizations.

RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey's largest private employers - with more than 41,000 employees and 9,000 physicians- and routinely captures national awards for outstanding quality and safety. RWJBarnabas Health launched an affiliation with Rutgers University to create New Jersey's largest academic health care system. The collaboration aligns RWJBarnabas Health with Rutgers' education, research and clinical activities, including those at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey - the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center - and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.