NJBIA Hosts 11th Women Business Leaders Forum to Boost Diversity

• NJBIA welcomed the 11th Annual Women Business Leaders Forum on Sept. 17, courtesy of Citizens
• The forum united business leaders from all industries to foster women's growth and diversity among business leaders

On September 17, the NJBIA hosted the 11th Annual Women Business Leaders Forum (WBLF), sponsored by Citizens, featuring a number of business leaders from across New Jersey industries committed to furthering women's leadership and growing the diversity of business. 

Michele Siekerka, Esq., President and CEO of the NJBIA, had great enthusiasm in celebrating women leaders throughout New Jersey.

The first day of the forum featured 10 breakout sessions with panel presentations, several networking receptions, a C-suite panel, a fireside chat, a TED talk-style presentation, and an awards reception.

One of the awards given was the Rising Star Award to undergraduate students who exhibit academic success, passion for their professional path, and dedication to their communities. The 2025 recipients are:

Alicia Brownstein, Paramus, Melissa De Cunto, Hopatcong, Laasya Kandakurti, Belle Mead, Zeynep Nalan Kus, Clifton, Alusha Olivier, Irvington

The second day of the WBLF will include more breakout sessions, networking, and TED-style presentations, culminating in the keynote program, Women Leaders Series: Being More Impactful and Thriving as a Business Leader, by Emily Lampkin, founder of Women Leaders Series.

Recently, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) hosted the 11th Annual Women Business Leaders Forum to support and encourage increased women’s leadership and diversity across all industries.

The two-day forum brought together industry leaders for panel discussions, engagement, networking, fireside chats, and talks in the style of TED; while also having the weekend highlight of The Rising Star Award for undergraduate students who were both scholars and students-leaders with social integrity