ENTERPRISING WOMEN
Celebrating the outstanding achievements of women across industries
ENTERPRISING WOMEN
2024 Enterprising Women in Commerce
Celebrating the outstanding achievements of women across industries
Compiled by Diane C . Walsh and Jamie Grill-Goodman
I
am proud and humbled to introduce this year ’ s crop of “ Enterprising Women in Commerce ” as the new editor of COMMERCE magazine . As former editor Diane C . Walsh passes the baton to me – an accomplished female leader herself – I can think of no better way to get acquainted with New Jersey ’ s business and academia community than through this spotlight on such talented women .
For the awards , now in their fourth year , the magazine again asked the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey ( CIANJ ) to nominate extraordinary women in business and academia to be recognized for their achievements . While all the stories are remarkable , this year one overall female whose lifelong achievements are significant to the community will be named the “ CIANJ / COMMERCE Enterprising Woman of the Year .”
The 2024 Enterprising Woman of the Year is chosen out of the “ Platinum ” award winners , who have all reached the C-suite or pinnacle of their careers and celebrate tremendous accomplishments . In addition , the “ Ones to Watch ” winners encompass an outstanding group of females just getting started in their careers , but already making their mark on their respective industries . Finally , this year ’ s industry-specific “ Enterprising Women ” demonstrate a breadth of accomplishments across the accounting , architecture , environmental , financial services , healthcare , higher education , human resources , law , marketing , non-profit , and real estate industries .
I hope you ’ ll join us on August 14th to celebrate these amazing women at the annual Enterprising Women in Commerce 2024 Awards Reception at the Glen Ridge Country Club , Glen Ridge , NJ . The breakfast ceremony not only honors this year ’ s winners but brings the female business and academia communities together for invaluable networking opportunities and the chance to support female peers across industries . Finally , thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate someone this year . Your support brings to light the accomplishments of these bright stars and all of the tireless and innovative female leaders throughout New Jersey .
Enterprising Women of 2024 : By Industry
15 ACCOUNTING
Smolin Lupin & Co ., LLC Dina DeMarco CPA , Member of the Firm
I am pleased to nominate Dina DeMarco , CPA , from Smolin Lupin & Co ., LLC . A licensed CPA in New Jersey with over 15 years of experience , Dina ’ s professional dedication and leadership in serving clients in manufacturing , distribution , and construction are unwavering . Her specialization in ERISA audits complements her expertise in auditing and financial reporting , which clearly set her apart . Notably , Dina ’ s active role in the firm and active membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants demonstrate her commitment to professional excellence . As a member of Smolin Lupin ’ s Accounting & Auditing and Human Resources Committees , and recent election to the firm ’ s Executive Committee , she is instrumental in shaping the future of our organization . Dina balances her demanding career with her roles as a mother and active community member , resonating the quintessential attributes of a successful woman in business . Nominated by Noelle Merwin of Smolin Lupin & Co ., LLC
ARCHITECTURE
AECOM Abigail Benjamin , AIA , NCARB , CNU-A Senior Program Manager
Abigail is a licensed architect and Senior Program Manager at AECOM , running the NJ Commercial Studio . Abigail oversees commercial client accounts for the AECOM NY Metro Region and manages a team of 14 architects , delivering design services for two ( 2 ) multi-site retail accounts nationwide . Her leadership of these programs has lead to over 500 successfully completed projects and generated $ 10M in NSR for AECOM in the NY Metro region from 2022 to the present day . In addition to this , she also mentors twelve ( 12 ) team members who are in pursuit of architectural licenses . Active in professional organizations , Abigail serves as AIA NJ licensing Advisor and AIA NJ Young Architect Representative . She also volunteers with Career Carnival for Kids and Morris County 4-H , educating students about architecture . Previously recognized as a Commerce and Industry Association NJ Generation Now Game Changer in 2019 , Abigail is a distinguished leader in the architectural profession . Nominated by Frank Constantinople , PE of AECOM
ENVIRONMENTAL
ExxonMobil Maureen Forlenza Senior Project Manager
Maureen Forlenza has 25-plus years of experience as a Senior Project Manager at ExxonMobil . Her deep understanding of the New Jersey environmental regulations , permitting processes , and 3rd party management have earned her the respect of regulators and industry peers . Maureen has volunteered to be on multiple New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ( NJDEP ) committees updating guidance documents . Her contributions on NJDEP committees have positively impacted the 700-plus New Jersey Licensed Site Remediation Professionals ( LSRPs ) that implement NJDEP regulations and policies . Maureen is not a person that just joins a committee ; she inspires collaboration within the entire group to ensure best available science is considered by NJDEP . Maureen also is a phenomenal mentor who creates learning opportunities for early-career Project Managers . Lastly , her innovative approach to site safety has achieved amazing results . Since Super Storm Sandy , Maureen developed a best-in-class safety program that connects personnel safety shares with donations to a local foodbank . To date , over 12,000 pounds of food have been donated . Nominated by Paul Lucuski of Kleinfelder and Tim Gunter of ExxonMobil
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