These Exceptional Women Will Receive the N.J. Chamber's 'Women of Inspiration' Awards

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce announced today that it is honoring 11 exceptional women who have used talent and hard work to create economic opportunities and help make New Jersey a better place to live and work. The women will be recognized at the 2024 Women of Inspiration Awards Reception, on Oct. 24 at The National Conference Center in East Windsor.

The N.J. Chamber's Women of Inspiration Awards recognize women who are inspiring leaders or advocates in the state's business community. This year's distinguished honorees are:

Alice H. Parker Outstanding Woman of Inspiration Award

Ruthi Byrne, Founder, Zinn Graves & Field Inc.

Ruthi Byrne has long been a master at uniting people in the business and nonprofit sectors. As a founder of the public relations firm Zinn, Graves & Field, Byrne accompanied her husband, the late Gov. Brendan Byrne, on the N.J. Chamber's Walk to Washington at least 30 times. Through her numerous community initiatives, she earned the respect and admiration of the broader business community.

Private Sector Advocate Award

Mary Kay Roberts, Partner, Riker Danzig

Mary Kay Roberts specializes in government affairs across a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, banking, insurance, education, technology, telecommunications, and utilities. She has also been a long-time advocate for the advancement of women entrepreneurs in all sectors. Prior to joining Riker Danzig, Mary Kay was the chief of staff and legislative liaison to the New Jersey Department of Banking under Gov. Florio.

Small Business Advocate Award

Eileen Kean, State Director, New Jersey, National Federation of Independent Business

Eileen Kean, with vast government relations and business experience, works on behalf of small and independent businesses to promote their voice with state lawmakers. Kean is also a partner at Komjathy and Kean, a respected Trenton lobbying firm. Additionally, Kean serves as the chair of the Monmouth County Board of Elections, appointed by Gov. Christie and reappointed by Gov. Murphy. Gov. Murphy also appointed her to serve on the State Board of Pharmacy and First Lady Tammy Murphy appointed her to serve as a Drumthwacket trustee. Lastly, she is president of the bipartisan Women's Political Caucus.

Public Sector Advocate Award

Melanie Willoughby, Executive Director, New Jersey Business Action Center

Melanie Willoughby leads the team at the New Jersey Business Action Center, a pro-business and proactive organization that helps companies and business owners navigate government services and programs. Before joining the NJBAC, Melanie served as the chief government affairs officer of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association A seasoned government relations strategist, with 48 years working in Trenton, Melanie has worked with federal, state and local levels of government as an advocate for businesses of all sizes and types. She started her career in the administration of Governor Brendan Byrne, directing the Governor's agenda on fiscal control, housing development, and land-use planning.

Legislator Award

Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez ( D)
Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R)

We recognize Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, deputy speaker and chair of the housing committee, for her years of public service and humanitarian work. Since her first term in office, Assemblywoman Lopez has dedicated her legislative work to addressing the most pressing issues facing New Jerseyans. Criminal justice reform, expanding workers' rights and most recently ensuring more affordable housing for New Jersey's families are just some of the assemblywoman's hard-fought legislative achievements. Prior to her role in the Assembly, Lopez spent years in corporate philanthropy and nonprofit management aiding countless organizations and individuals. For her charitable work and relentless work ethic, Assemblywoman Lopez has been recognized by many organizations.

Assemblywoman Aura Dunn served as a budget analyst on education policy for the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee from 1997 to 2000 and later as a policy advisor for the House Veterans Affairs Committee. She also worked as a lobbyist for America's Public Television Stations, advocating on behalf of clients like Sesame Street and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood in the U.S. Senate. From 2016 until 2019, Dunn was the District Director for Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen. She then joined the New Jersey Assembly, where she serves on the budget committee.

Nonprofit Advocate Award

Carolyn Welsh, President & CEO, NJ Sharing Network

Carolyn Welsh is president and CEO of NJ Sharing Network, where she works with employees, local hospitals and hundreds of volunteers to achieve record growth in lives saved and enhanced through organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Welsh has been recognized by NJBIZ on its list of New Jersey's Best 50 Women in Business and its Health Care Power 50 list. Welsh was also named on ROI-NJ's Health Care Influencers list.

Business Communications Award

Jeanette Hoffman, President, Marathon Public Affairs

Jeanette Hoffman is a political commentator and advocate with strong relationships with elected officials and key decision-makers across the political spectrum, both in New Jersey and beyond. She has been recognized on ROI's Influencers List and NJBIZ's Forty Under 40 list.

Employer Advocate Award

Christina Renna, President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey

Christina Renna leads a 10-person team, and oversees the Chamber's work in public policy, membership growth, member retention and overall member experience. Previously, Renna served in the Christie administration in several capacities including director of intergovernmental affairs, where she was the primary point person to the business community and chambers of commerce in New Jersey. During her first stint with the CCSNJ, Renna served as director of government affairs from 2007 to 2010.

Issues Advocate Award

Audrey Lane, President, Garden State Initiative

Audrey Lane is known for her effective advocacy and awareness campaigns, working with grassroots organizations and legislators. Lane was previously executive director for Jersey1st where she developed campaigns focused on education, overregulation, and community safety. Lane worked directly with legislators to positively impact the lives of people with disabilities as the state emerged from the pandemic shutdown. Lane is a former small business owner and served as a councilwoman in Mountain Lakes for four years.

Young Professional Award

Catherine Tung, Government Affairs Advisor, McCarter & English

Catherine Tung's extensive knowledge of the New Jersey political landscape is impressive for her years of experience. Tung advocates for individual clients and trade associations across multiple industries, including health care, telecommunications, technology, and energy. Before joining McCarter, she served as the associate executive director of the state Assembly Majority Office, where she collaborated with elected officials and stakeholders across the political spectrum to develop public policy in areas such as sports betting, tax incentive programs, and liquor license reform.

"We are proud to honor these extraordinary women who have made significant contributions to New Jersey's employer community," said Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. "Their dedication and leadership are truly inspiring and we look forward to celebrating their achievements at this year's reception."

The event will feature a dinner and cocktail reception, providing attendees with the opportunity to network with industry leaders and honorees.

To register for the 2024 Women in Innovation Awards event, click here.

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