Founded in 1980, Executive Women of New Jersey (EWNJ) has been a driving force in the state for 46 years, working to ensure women have equal access to executive leadership roles alongside their male colleagues. Over the years, members of this organization have advocated for each other, elevated one another, and set critical goals for success.
Today, the shift is obvious. More and more women are being seen and heard, successfully pursuing careers in ‘C-suite’ positions in the boardroom, in the classroom, in the operating room and in the courtroom. In every instance, they are leveraging their seat at the table to do the right thing, to share experiences and expertise, to effect change, and most of all – to serve as mentors and cheerleaders for the successor generations of tomorrow.
And that is exactly what the “Salute to the Policy Makers” dinner is all about. This unique biennial event was launched to honor those making an impact today while empowering the next generation to assume their roles as leaders in the coming years.
On Oct. 21, 48 extraordinary honorees will gather at the Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains to be recognized for their contributions to New Jersey’s business and nonprofit communities, from corporate to professional services to government to health care to academia and beyond; their stories reflect the power of purpose, determination, and relationships. Together, their voices resonate across the landscape, growing stronger with each woman’s contribution.
An honoree shares her insights
EWNJ 2026 honoree Nora DeVeau-Rosen grew up in New York before moving to the West Coast, where she spent a decade enjoying life in sunny Los Angeles. After developing a strong reputation for her expertise in theater management, Nora moved back to the East Coast in 2023, settling in Red Bank, where she became Managing Director of Two River Theater.
For Nora, her responsibilities span every aspect of theater management, from legal and financial operations to human resources, marketing, fundraising and administration. With top executive leadership positions often dominated by her male colleagues, Nora was eager to take advantage of this exciting career opportunity but also realized that being one of the few women at the table could be isolating.
Almost four years later, having successfully transitioned to New Jersey as a newcomer while navigating a critical leadership role at Two River Theater, she reflects on the good advice she received as she acclimated.
“One of the best suggestions I ever received was from a friend who told me that to be successful, I would need to reach out to the community,” Nora remarks. “By doing so I could gain support from other women, be open to unique perspectives, and seek out experienced mentors. Following that sage advice, I joined Executive Women of New Jersey (EWNJ), a place where I immediately felt included, believed in, seen, and heard.
“The women I have met over the years of my involvement – from EWNJ Board President Susan Dromsky-Reed, Esq. and Joanne Spears to every EWNJ member – have all inspired me. I learn so much at every networking event and seminar that I attend. The topics are intellectually stimulating and fun, but most importantly, I am continuously meeting new people and forging new relationships.
“Becoming active in EWNJ was truly a game changer for me, enabling me to build the confidence I needed to succeed, both professionally and personally. I highly recommend that every woman join the EWNJ community where you will receive the encouragement you need to be your best self. I am so proud to be a 2026 honoree!”
Supporting women is more than uplifting words. Since its inception, EWNJ has proudly distributed 350 scholarships totaling over $1.4 million to women from nontraditional backgrounds pursuing graduate-level work, providing the funds they need to achieve their dreams. With the financial support from EWNJ, these scholarship recipients have been able to take ownership of their futures and reach new milestones.
Through the eyes of a scholarship winner
Over the years, EWNJ has generously funded its scholarship program, carefully selecting each nontraditional candidate based on her distinctive journey and unique experiences. But to fully understand the impact of the scholarships, it is important to hear from the women in their own words. In a recent conversation, Talin Medz Araian, recipient of the 2024 and 2025 President’s Award, EWNJ’s highest-recognized award, shared her thoughts on what the award means to her.
“After graduating from Montclair State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, my career path took several turns, ultimately leading me to build a career in pharmaceutical sales and later within a major hospital system,” said Talin. “Although those experiences shaped me professionally, I ultimately realized that the work most meaningful to me was helping people navigate through some of the most difficult and consequential periods of their lives. After going through significant life experiences of my own, I decided to go back to the field I had originally been drawn to in order to pursue a career centered on helping others.
“With that in mind, I returned to graduate school and am now a doctoral candidate in Felician University’s APA-accredited Psy.D. program in Counseling Psychology. Over the past three years, my advanced clinical training has included psychotherapy at Fordham University’s Counseling and Psychological Services, followed by two subsequent years of specialized research, assessment, and clinical training at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where I am currently completing my second year within the Department of Psychiatry. My doctoral research uses empirical methods to better understand the complex relationships among factors that influence and impact vulnerable populations whose experiences are too often overlooked.
“My path to this point has not been linear and reaching this stage, while balancing the demands of doctoral education, clinical training, research, professional responsibilities, and life outside of school has required persistence and sacrifice. Funding for graduate-level education is extremely limited, and EWNJ’s financial support has helped mitigate some of the substantial burden associated with unsubsidized graduate loans. That support has helped me continue moving forward toward the career I have worked very hard to rebuild and toward goals I once was not certain would be possible.”
Talin continued, “I deeply appreciate the scholarship, but the award represents much more to me than monetary support. What is especially meaningful is what EWNJ represents: accomplished women coming together to support and encourage other women by providing resources, mentorship, opportunity, and pathways toward leadership. One of the greatest sources of strength a woman can give another woman is to uplift her. Women supporting one another, learning from one another, and drawing strength from one another is, to me, the essence of EWNJ. This organization is deeply aware of the challenges many women face while building careers, pursuing higher education, and balancing the many other responsibilities in their lives, particularly as nontraditional students.”
For Talin, receiving the scholarship in recognition of her accomplishments also carries important personal significance. In addition to her exceptional academic record and extensive clinical and academic training, she has made a meaningful impact through her clinical work while remaining actively involved in professional advocacy and leadership.
She serves on the New Jersey Psychological Association’s Committee on Legislative Affairs and has been involved with the New Jersey Psychological Association of Graduate Students. She has also served as Treasurer of the Active Minds organization on her campus and as both a Graduate Assistant and Teaching Assistant within Felician University’s Doctor of Psychology program.
“I hope that, as my career develops, I can extend that same support to other women and be the kind of mentor and role model that EWNJ’s members have been for so many,” Talin concluded.
This is an event not to be missed. On this one evening, exceptional women from every sector across the state will come together to network, renew past connections, build new relationships and join forces to demonstrate how much can be accomplished, while acknowledging how much still remains to be done.
With surveys reporting that women hold between 11-15% of Fortune 500 board chair seats, change is happening, but slowly. This is all the more reason for New Jersey’s women to celebrate those who have come so far and encourage the next generation to renew their efforts and forge ahead.
“This event just demonstrates that we think the future is bright. People can try to tell us otherwise, but as long as we continue to support each other and work together, we know we can, and will, continue to lead,” noted EWNJ Board President, Susan Dromsky-Reed, Esq., Brach Eichler. “There’s so much positive energy in the room, and people are just so excited when they leave.”
Along with meeting each other and engaging with the scholarship winners, attendees will have the chance to learn from the best – as Mikki Taylor serves as the keynote for this amazing evening.
Taylor is a renowned author, cultural storyteller, producer, editor-at-large for Essence Magazine – and so much more. Most of all, she is a supreme champion for women. Profoundly influential, she leverages her well-earned reputation, built over her 30-year career, along with her wisdom and life experiences, to help break down barriers and reshape the scene to elevate and advance women whenever possible.
“This event is our signature event. It is very meaningful to us. One, celebrating the leaders of today and also investing in the leaders of tomorrow. So it’s really special to us,” commented Onome Adejemilua, Esq., McCarter & English, President-elect of the EWNJ Board.
To participate in this year’s 2026 EWNJ Salute to the Policy Makers event, interact with New Jersey’s current and future women leaders, and meet Mikki Taylor, click here to register.
