Commerce_21_03_Digital | Page 10

COVER STORY

COVER STORY

Women Leaders on the Rise , Living the American Dream

New Jersey is fortunate to have these 15 accomplished women as decision-makers .
By Diane C . Walsh Contributing Editor

2021 is proving to be an exceptional year for

women : Kamala Harris became the first female Vice President of the United States ; Janet Yellen was named the first female U . S . Treasury Secretary ; and women now hold 142 or 26.5 percent of the 535 seats in the U . S . Congress .
Across the globe , women control about 17 percent of the seats on corporate boards and their numbers are expected to grow as many countries encourage gender equity .
The Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey ( CIANJ ) is celebrating women leaders as part of its tribute to Women ’ s History Month . CIANJ asked successful women in politics and various industry sectors to join them at the American Dream entertainment complex in the Meadowlands for networking with appropriate COVID-19 safety protocols and for photos .
Each woman was asked to answer two questions from CIANJ : “ How did you succeed in your career choice — given any challenges or roadblocks you faced as a woman ? And what advice would you give young women who want to be a success in their career ?” Here is what they said .
ACCOUNTING
Kathleen Alexander , CPA , MST , CFE , Partner , Sax LLP
I began at Sax LLP in 1988 and worked up the corporate ladder to partner less than 10 years later . It was sometimes challenging being the only woman in the room in a male-driven industry . However , I also feel like that helped catapult me in my career by working hard and standing out . As new tax laws emerged , I went back to school to get my master ’ s in taxation . My willingness , dedication and drive to be better every day set me apart and solidified my success . In advising young women , my secret to success is relationships . I suggest living life and taking names along the way . Join boards , associations , networking groups , etc . Build your network today , it will help you in the future . Seek out mentors . Take on challenging projects , too . It will make you stronger and more knowledgeable . Another key attribute is demonstrating integrity — and that means doing the right thing when no one is looking . Be someone that others can learn from and want to follow .
NON-PROFIT
Helen Archontou , CEO , YWCA of Northern New Jersey
Diversity in boards is the gateway to diversity in nonprofit leadership . Key in navigating that for me has been creating trusted relationships and strong partnerships .
“ One of my mantras in life is the zen saying , ‘ Leap and the net will appear .’ ”
I witnessed the value of this during a graduate school internship where I helped develop a countywide coalition . Divergent groups came together because there was a strategy employed and leaders who expertly facilitated the outcome . That experience shaped how I approach all initiatives . Consistent and trusting relationships with staff , partners or donors allow for a comfort to have difficult discussions and an openness to change .
Never be fearful and always be comfortable stretching . One of my mantras in life is the zen saying , “ Leap and the net will appear .” My first executive position was with Literacy Volunteers of America . I was only 25 at the time and their board took a chance on me , which was unique . It was a stretch for me , but I was successful because I asked for help and was secure enough to create a strong team .
MANUFACTURING
Marcia Frieze , CEO , Case Medical
I was in school during the ’ 60s involved in social change and found the sciences interesting but not a strong point for me . Little did I know that I would develop products , hold several patents and truly enjoy making things . I excelled in behavioral sciences and in analytic thought . I got into business originally
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Women executives enjoy an opportunity to network and take a tour of American Dream hosted by CIANJ and American Dream executives .
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