■ Enterprising Women
■ Enterprising Women
development , fostering corporate and business continuity and growth .
New Jersey Institute of Technology Grace Wang Professor and Associate Dean , Ying Wu College of Computing
Wang is a distinguished professor and associate dean for research at NJIT ’ s Ying Wu College of Computing . She is also the founding director of the Center for AI Research . Within the Institute of Data Science , the Center brings together cross-disciplinary AI research and trains postdoc researchers , graduate students and undergraduates in fundamental and applied AI research . Wang is a renowned researcher whose work spans applied deep learning , machine learning , blockchain technologies , FinTech , mobile computing , IoT and intelligent transportation systems . Among her most influential contributions is her acclaimed study , “ A Deep Reinforcement Learning Network for Traffic Light Cycle Control ,” which continues to receive accolades and citations for its innovative application of AI in urban traffic management . Wang is also the director of the FinTech Lab in NJIT ’ s Martin Tuchman School of Management . Her expertise is being leveraged beyond the lab ; she is the sole academic appointee on a New Jersey court committee tasked with guiding judges and lawyers on AI ’ s role in the legal system .
HUMAN RESOURCES
Whitman Nicole Destin Vice President Human Resources and Administration
Whitman is nominating Nicole Destin for her outstanding achievements and dedication throughout her career . Nicole joined Whitman in 2002 as Business Development Administrator , and due to her determination and ambition has ascended through the ranks to our firm ’ s Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Administration . Nicole consistently demonstrates dedication to her role , actively seeking ways to develop and implement company programs , policies , procedures and efficiencies , and improves every employee ’ s work experience and career growth . Her infectious positive attitude sets the tone for our company , and she serves not only as a valuable resource to our staff , but a shining example of someone who is passionate about what they do , and who strives to help and uplift those around her . Despite her full schedule , Nicole is currently pursuing
her MBA to achieve a personal goal and to use her knowledge learned to bring more value to the organization . Nominated by Whitman
LAW
Greenbaum , Rowe , Smith & Davis LLP Barbara J . Koonz Partner , Environmental Department Chair , Energy , Renewable Resources & Sustainable Development Practice Group
Barbara Koonz focuses her practice in environmental and energy law . As an attorney and a geologist , for over 25 years she has provided guidance on environmental and energy-related legal issues to private and public sector clients , often serving as local counsel to domestic and overseas clients on projects in NJ . She has provided legal advice on some of the most significant solar development projects in the state and was recently elected a Fellow in the prestigious and highly selective American College of Environmental Lawyers . She holds leadership roles both within our firm and in legal and industry organizations and is truly a model for the advancement of women in her traditionally male-dominated area of professional focus . As a volunteer advocate for public safety , she chairs the Middlesex County ASAP Board for the rehabilitation and re-entry of drug dependent inmates and serves on the Middlesex County Workforce Development Board Reentry Committee . Nominated by Diana Parker of Greenbaum , Rowe , Smith & Davis LLP
Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi ’ s ( CSG Law ) Lindsay A . Dischley Practice Group Leader , Employment Law Group
Lindsay represents employers in all aspects of employment litigation , including wrongful discharge , discrimination , harassment , whistleblower , retaliation and wage and hour claims in the state and federal courts of New Jersey and New York and before federal , state , and local administrative agencies , including the EEOC , New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development , and the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights . Lindsay provides counsel in all aspects of employment law , including leaves of absence , accommodations , cannabis , wage and hour law requirements , prevailing wage , employment and separation agreements , restrictive covenants , implementation of employment policies , employee training programs and other employment issues . She also conducts internal workplace investigations for employers on employment-related issues such as claims of harassment and discrimination , and provides trainings to employees , such as sensitivity and anti-harassment training . Nominated by CSG Law
MARKETING
Barnett Design Debbie Barnett Founder and CEO
From the humble beginnings of starting a business on her own in her apartment to thriving for over 35 years , Debbie Barnett is leaving an indelible mark on the design and marketing industry . Her determination , creative vision , exceptional listening skills , care for her clients , keen attention to detail , and ability to continually learn and adapt have driven her success . Balancing creativity with business management , Debbie formed a dedicated and talented core team who aligned seamlessly with her vision , delivering innovative solutions in package design , POP , collateral materials , and full branding strategies while embracing current trends in social media , web development , and the evolving digital landscape . She continues to be an inspiration as a flourishing female business owner , creator , and adjunct professor . Her strengths in cultivating relationships and growing her business , while always maintaining a finger on the pulse of her clients , are the keys to her enduring success . Nominated by Tara Farley Maratea of Barnett Design
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County Teri Capparelli Executive Director
Teri Capparelli began her career with Habitat Bergen as the Re‐ Store Manager and was promoted to the ReStore Director and then Executive Director , all within a matter of 18 months . Teri has worked with the public in many roles : a sole proprietor , retail management , real estate , and event planner and stylist , where she gained considerable knowledge and expertise . This year Teri again was responsible for Habitat Bergen achieving its highest earnings for
Continued
August 2024 COMMERCE 9