Highlighting the strength, innovation, and diversity of the state’s corporate and civic sectors, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is set to honor ten remarkable women leaders. The honorees will be officially recognized at the 2026 Women of Inspiration Awards Reception, taking place on Oct. 22 at The National Conference Center in East Windsor.
The annual awards celebrate trailblazing women who leverage their talent, vision, and hard work to drive economic opportunity, champion sustainable policies, and cultivate a more prosperous business climate across New Jersey.
“We are proud to recognize the New Jersey Chamber’s 10 Women of Inspiration, whose accomplishments reflect the strength and diversity of New Jersey’s business community,” Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, said. “Representing a wide range of industries, backgrounds and experiences, these remarkable leaders inspire through their innovation, dedication and impact.”
The 2026 distinguished honorees
This year’s class features prominent executives, public sector innovators, and advocates spanning healthcare, technology, state policy, and finance:
- Alice H. Parker Outstanding Woman of Inspiration Award: Amy Mansue, CEO, Inspira Health Network — Recognized for four decades of visionary healthcare leadership across New Jersey, advancing employee wellness, and building trusted community health systems.
- Employer Advocate Award: Kellie Doucette, Chief Operating Officer to New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill — Honored for her instrumental role in coordinating state government operations and spearheading business outreach initiatives to cut red tape.
- Outstanding Corporate Leader Award: Heather Staples, Executive Vice President of Enterprise Operations, Business and Technology Solutions, and CIO, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey — A 30-year healthcare technology veteran overseeing enterprise-wide tech infrastructure, data security, and advanced analytics.
- Association Advocate Award: Debbie Hart, President & CEO, BioNJ — Celebrated for over three decades of shaping New Jersey’s biotechnology sector and championing nearly 400 research-based life sciences companies.
- Issues Advocate Award: Eileen Mannion, Vice President, Public Policy-State & Local Government Affairs, Verizon — A seasoned legal and policy strategist guiding state and local legislative frameworks and supporting community health initiatives.
- Business Innovation Award: Liat Krawczyk, Executive Director, New Jersey AI Hub — Spearheading the pioneering public-private partnership between the state, Princeton University, Microsoft, and CoreWeave to accelerate AI innovation and workforce development.
- Business Advocate Award: Michele Siekerka, President and CEO, New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) — A steadfast advocate for business affordability, competitiveness, and the elevation of women in corporate leadership.
- Outstanding NJ Chamber Service Award: Aiysha “A.J.” Johnson, CEO & Executive Director, NJCPA — Representing the state’s accounting professionals while reforming talent pipelines and strengthening the broader business community.
- Young Professional Award: Fatema Raza, Partner, Withum — National Real Estate Practice Leader at Withum and inaugural board member of the NJ Chamber’s Young Professionals Network, dedicated to mentoring emerging business talent.
- Business Communications Award: Joanna Gagis, Former Senior Correspondent, NJ Spotlight News — Acclaimed for rigorous, fact-based multimedia journalism covering the vital intersections of business, public policy, healthcare, and education in New Jersey.
Event details
The upcoming evening reception provides an exclusive networking platform for business executives, community leaders, and industry professionals to connect with the honorees.
- Date: October 22, 2026
- Time: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Location: The National Conference Center, East Windsor
