It’s our distinct honor every year to highlight some of the incredible women working and living in South Jersey, and this year is no exception. We’re pleased to highlight 16 incredible women whose undeniable talent and training as educators, advocates, legal professionals, financial experts, forward-thinking visionaries, caregivers and more so much more all contribute to the rich tapestry of our local landscape.
Stephanie Fendrick, FACHE, MBA, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Virtua Health
Fendrick leads the formulation, development and advancement of Virtua’s growth and transformation and engages relationships with other organizations that support Virtua's strategic imperatives, including clinical collaborations with other local hospital systems. She also oversees Virtua's digital transformation and community-based programs, including the award-winning Eat Well food-access initiative. Under Fendrick's leadership, Virtua's organ transplantation division has doubled its yearly volume. Fendrick is on the Jewish Family and Children's Services of Southern New Jersey board and previously served on American Heart Association's Go Red for Women executive leadership committee.
On her female mentors…
I’ve been fortunate to have remarkable women mentor me throughout my career, especially in its early stages. Their guidance shaped my path, and I’m grateful to now pay it forward by helping others find their voice and recognize their potential. Today, I lean on a trusted network of colleagues and friends for advice and inspiration. Beyond work, I deeply cherish the lifelong support of my girlfriend group and the strong women in my family, who make me feel seen, understood and loved.
Susan Hodges, Firm Shareholder and Co-Chair Labor and Employment and School Law Practice Area, Parker McCay
In her distinguished career, including almost 8 years with Parker McCay, Hodges has worked with both public and private sector clients, providing counsel on employment matters involving employee discipline, hiring and firing, workplace harassment and investigations, policy and compliance.Hodges acts as both counsel and outsourced human resources to ensure her clients make the best possible decisions. She has many years of experience working with all types of employment law in state and federal court. Hodges’s breadth of experience and fair and measured perspective have earned her the trust of all her clients.
What she wishes she knew earlier...
I wish I had truly understood how important it was to advocate for myself and to never be afraid to ask for what I deserved. I also wish I had known that it is OK to make a change if what you are doing doesn’t make you happy. We spend so much time at work that you have to enjoy it!
Fawn D. Martin, Chief Administrative Officer, First Harvest Credit Union
A trailblazer in the financial services industry, Martin possesses both an MBA and PMP certification, and her 13-year professional journey has led her to recognition as the first Black female leader in numerous spaces. In both her current and prior role—the latter as vice president of project management with American Heritage Credit Union—she was hired as the first woman of color. Martin courageously uses her expertise to advocate for, influence and impact change, in a leadership journey emphasizing the importance of collaboration, emotional intelligence and empathy. She currently serves as board member and co-chair of the programming committee for the organization Power of Professional Women and a member of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc., Southern New Jersey Chapter, leading the economic empowerment committee.
What she wishes she knew earlier...
The importance of providing nourishment to my career in the form of being intentional [with the] organizations in which I participate; it is OK to say ‘no;’ the impact of mentor/mentee relationships; and actively practicing self-care and continuous learning.
Merilee Rutolo, President and Chief Strategy Officer, Center for Family Services
Under Rutolo’s leadership, the Center for Family Services has become a well-known and trusted human services agency. Her expertise continues to create growth and opportunities in all areas of specialized services, including a significant increase in partnerships that bring both the funding and services that address key needs in New Jersey communities. Rutolo serves on the board of the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers and Camden Health & Athletic Association, on the National Alliance for Children and Families—a tri-county prevention coalition to end sexual violence—and numerous other coalitions.
On finding the right career path...
I think I always knew that this was the right path for me: Helping others and building a strong foundation so that everyone can be successful has always been my calling. I have been with Center for Family Services for over 20 years and it never gets boring. Our work to meet people where they are and find current solutions for today's problems is dynamic and creative. People and communities change, so we do as well.
Emeshe Arzón, County Counsel, Camden County
In her role serving the county of Camden, Arzón leads a team of law professionals who provide legal advice and counsel to the Camden County Board of Commissioners and all county departments, ensuring that the county’s operations are in legal compliance. She previously served as the solicitor for Cherry Hill Township and as director of human resources for Camden County. And while having more than 20 years’ experience in the public sector has offered diverse experiences and opportunities, she credits her most significant role as being a mother to her daughters, Nadya and Amaya.
The woman who inspired her....
The women in my family are all inspirational in their own right; however, my mother has always been the most inspiring. She inspired me both personally and professionally. Despite the challenges life presented, she was resilient and a pillar of strength. She instilled in me the importance of education and self-sufficiency. When I expressed my desire to become an attorney, she was my biggest supporter and has never wavered in her encouragement.
Gwen Houldsworth, Senior VP of Administrative Services, Acenda Integrated Health
Before joining Acenda in 2019, Houldsworth began her career providing family preservation services in Salem County, which offered invaluable insights that shaped her subsequent roles in maternal and child health with both the Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition and the March of Dimes, Georgia Chapter. Houldsworth achieved a historic milestone by leading a New Jersey emergency shelter for unhoused pregnant and parenting women through its first-ever accreditation. She then transitioned to directing a $10 million Head Start program in Camden focused on early childhood education.
On finding the right career path...
Inspired by my mother’s lifelong dedication to volunteering, I knew early on that I wanted a career in the nonprofit sector. Throughout high school, college and graduate school, I volunteered with various organizations, making service a way of life. My passion led me to pursue only nonprofit roles, where I’ve had the privilege of contributing to meaningful causes along the East Coast. I look forward to continuing my journey, driving positive change and making a lasting impact.
Monica Adya, Ph.D., Dean and Professor, Rutgers School of Business–Camden
As dean, Dr. Adya steers the school through strategic growth of its undergraduate and graduate programs, bringing the multidisciplinary perspective of a business education and strong commitment to lifelong learning to her role. She chairs Women Administrators in Management Education, an group designed to support the professional growth and mentorship of over 800 women academics in business. Dr. Adya also mentors female faculty through The Tenure Project and serves on the boards of two nonprofits: SheTek, dedicated to developing women IT professionals; and the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. She received a teaching innovation award from the Decision Science Institute and an honorable recognition from the American Council of Education.
The women who inspired her....
I’m inspired every day by women in many walks of life who have overcome obstacles to move and pave the way for others—who lead with grace, dignity and an unshakeable commitment to progress. Their resilience, courage and quiet determination create lasting change, sometimes without recognition. My mother was such an inspiration through her transformative work as an educator in India.
Kym Leiby, VP Sales & Marketing, The Lerepco IT Group
Employment at a global brokerage firm was Leiby’s first lesson in the value of strategic relationships. After a career shift and driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, Leiby founded her own insurance agency before taking a career break to focus on family; she returned to work and joined a global professional services company that specializes in helping organizations manage risk, finances and human capital. Now at Lerepco, she brings the same drive and dedication.
The woman who inspired her....
On a personal level, the woman who has inspired me the most is my mother. She was a beautiful Georgia peach who, alongside my dad, raised 10 kids. She was raised during the Jim Crow era, and despite the challenges, education and hard work were always central in our household. She was a strong, determined woman who loved baseball and was our biggest cheerleader. Her constant encouragement to work hard, stay focused and not worry about what others were doing has stayed with me throughout my life. Her strength and resilience shaped who I am today.
Abby Adams, Governmental Affairs Director, Associated Construction Contractors of NJ (ACCNJ)
Adams has been with ACCNJ for nearly seven years, where she started her career in communications but quickly developed an interest in both New Jersey government and its politics. She takes great pride in representing not only the ACCNJ but also union contractors and the union construction industry through ongoing, boots-on-the-ground lobbying efforts in New Jersey’s capitol. Adams is a graduate of the University of Maryland College Park and a resident of Asbury Park.
What she wishes she knew earlier...
I wish I had realized at the beginning of my career that ‘everyone has been here.’ As the youngest person in the room, or the only woman, it is easy to let the self-doubt or fear of the learning curve take over. But more often than not, those around me were eager to help me grow and learn. Everyone had to start somewhere. I am lucky enough to have had my start at ACCNJ, where everyone wants to see you succeed.
Catherine Frugé Starghill, Esq., Vice President, New Jersey Council of County Colleges/Executive Director, New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development
Starghill created and implemented the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities statewide initiative with over 1,800 industry and education partners building a stronger economy by aligning education with workforce needs. Because of the initiative, she helped launch two industry-specific workforce development organizations: the NJ Film Academy and NJBioFutures. Starghill has hosted the annual NJ Pathways to Career Opportunities Summit, where over 500 industry and education partners learn from thought leaders focused on education and workforce training to encourage stronger state economies, innovative workforces and economic mobility.
A female milestone she'd like to see…
The first—and maybe even the second—female president of the United States. We came close to this milestone at least twice, not to mention Shirley Chisholm’s 1972 attempt. The power of women to manage careers, families, households, companies large and small, and simultaneously keep themselves centered and composed is the all-encompassing power and self-control needed in the White House now more than ever.
Eunide Alexandre, Founder and Managing Director, HelpForce
Alexandre is both an educator and entrepreneur who is passionate about supporting others. She is the founder of HelpForce, specializing in facility support services. She is also the managing partner of HelpForce & Bartkowski JV LLC, focused on general construction and renovations for federal government projects. Born outside the U.S. and raised in Brooklyn, she started her first business immediately after high school and has since developed multiple ventures. She has served on many boards and also founded a wellness group for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. She holds a master’s degree in education and applied behavior analysis from Arizona State University.
On finding the right career path...
I have always been fascinated by how the human mind works. This curiosity started while walking home from junior high, sparking my psychology studies in undergrad and grad school, and later I earned a Master’s in Education. Simultaneously, I discovered a childhood passion for entrepreneurship, which I have pursued ever since, combining my interest in human psychology with my entrepreneurial drive.
Kim Bezanis, Executive Director, Zallie Community Foundation
Bezanis had spent most of her career in sales and marketing before becoming executive director at the Zallie Community Foundation. Her guiding desire to serve others is especially helpful in leading a nonprofit focused on food insecurity, health education and helping communities thrive. In addition to her work with the nonprofit organization, Bezanis has been involved in many community organizations, served on the Medford Lakes Board of Education for 12 years, and is both a member and current president of the Medford-Vincentown Rotary Club.
The woman who inspired her…
Katherine Graham, like many women in the 1960s, lacked female role models when, after her husband’s unexpected death, she took the reins and became publisher of The Washington Post. Despite initial struggles for credibility, her tenacity led to great success in what was very much a man’s world. Facing death threats, she courageously published the Pentagon Papers, exposing Watergate and contributing to President Nixon’s resignation. I greatly admire her determination and fearless pursuit of the truth.
Amber Perry, PMP, CISA, Vice President of Regulatory Strategy and Services, Pepco Holdings/Atlantic City Electric
Perry oversees regulatory proceedings and clean-energy programs for Atlantic City Electric and Delmarva Power, as well as energy acquisition processes for Pepco.
She develops strategic positions with a multi-stakeholder view, maximizing the impact of the company’s investments in jurisdictions supporting customers and communities the utility serves. Perry is the president of the board and development committee lead for TasteWise Kids, and established a STEM GEMS after-school program.
The importance of celebrating wins and sharing struggles…
Women leaders bring such rich and unique experiences to all that we do. Sharing a balanced perspective on the wins and struggles of women gives clarity to what it takes to drive impactful and sustainable growth and change in the workplace.
Amy Vazquez, Vice President, Employers Association of New Jersey (EANJ)
With over two decades of experience at EANJ, Vazquez has played a key role in advancing its mission, from managing special projects to serving as interim president. She has driven strategic initiatives, supported educational outreach and fostered partnerships to ensure agility and growth. Her leadership is built on transparency, collaboration and innovation to deliver value to stakeholders.
A female milestone she'd like to see…
I hope to see the first female president. Representation matters, and having a woman serve in our nation’s highest leadership role would inspire future generations to continue breaking barriers and reimagine what’s possible. It’s not just about making history: It’s about creating a world where women’s voices and perspectives are fully recognized and valued in shaping policy and progress.
Stefanie Sutton, Manager, Special Events, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey
Sutton oversees the chamber’s programs and events to ensure that they’re executed at the highest level of excellence. Sutton previously worked in both events and marketing roles at several nonprofits, including Penn Museum and Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. She served as AIGA Philadelphia’s board president and the Young Friends of Vetri Community Partnership’s marketing chair. In her spare time, Sutton is a hobbyist street photographer.
A female milestone she'd like to see...
The first female president. When we had our first Black president, I remember feeling an immense sense of optimism and pride. It would be amazing to see that same feeling in women and young girls one day.
Julia Puchtler, CFO, Penn Medicine
Joining Penn Medicine as the vice president of finance operations and budget in March 2015, Puchtler now oversees the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Before Penn Medicine, she served as Trinity Health’s vice president for strategic financial planning and decision support and within Ernst and Young’s Health Care Assurance and Advisory Services.
On finding the right career path...
I knew I found the right career when I realized that, even if I won the lottery tomorrow, I would still want to continue doing what I do. It’s about more than the financial or external rewards for me: It’s about the important nature of the work and the impact I know I can make. It gives me a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond financial gain.
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Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 15, Issue 2 (February 2025).
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