Ladies Who Lead 2026
Powerful businesswomen share their advice, expertise and stories of success.
Success rarely follows a straight path. Behind every thriving business is a story of perseverance, calculated risks, hard-earned lessons and moments of uncertainty. Across the region, female business leaders are helping shape the local economy while breaking barriers, creating opportunities and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
We spoke with several local women who have built successful careers and businesses in a variety of industries. They shared candid insights about the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned along the way. Their experiences offer valuable perspectives not only for aspiring entrepreneurs, but for anyone seeking to grow professionally, navigate setbacks and lead with confidence.
Karina Anthony | Executive Director of Marketing | Visit Atlantic City
On important lessons learned…
I learned that what often appears “effortless” to others is usually the result of preparation behind the scenes. Whether it’s a presentation, negotiation, campaign launch or major event, I believe in doing the work ahead of time so I can lead with confidence, adaptability and calm under pressure. That mindset has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to shape how I lead today.
On evolving as a leader…
As I’ve grown professionally, I’ve realized that the most effective leadership requires flexibility and trust in the people around you. I’ve learned that you accomplish far more when you surround yourself with smart, talented people and create an environment where collaboration thrives. Today, I see leadership as empowering a team and working together toward a shared vision. That shift has made me not only a better leader, but a stronger teammate as well.
Eileen Wirth | President & CEO | MEND, Inc.
On finding the right balance…
The right balance is critical not only for leaders but for their entire team. To be fully “present” at work means to be fully focused on work while there. Taking time yourself or enabling your team the time to handle personal matters can go a long way in reducing stress and distractions. This allows everyone the opportunity to excel.
The woman she’d most like to have coffee with…
My immediate thought on this is Eleanor Roosevelt. It would be an interesting conversation to gain insight into how she accomplished all she did when women were not seen as leaders. Even better would be Eleanor Roosevelt and Ruth Bader Ginsburg together—two strong women who overcame barriers, opening opportunities for all women.
Jacqueline Dirmann | Vice President, Regional Client Leader, Local and County Government | T&M Associates
On becoming a stronger leader…
My leadership style has evolved over time into a more team-oriented and intentional approach, focused on collaboration, growth and accountability. I value a strong team dynamic and believe in continuous learning—both independently and through shared experiences with others.
On the importance of mentorship…
Having a mentor is critical for leadership growth because the type of guidance you need evolves as your career progresses. Early on, a mentor often plays a more technical role—helping you learn how to perform individual tasks effectively, exposing you to different ways of approaching problems and teaching you how to produce strong, efficient deliverables. At that stage, you are essentially absorbing as much as you can and building a strong foundation of skills.
As you grow into a management role, your needs shift. The technical mentor who was valuable early in your career may no longer be the right fit, and you begin to benefit more from a mentor who is a strong leader of people. In my experience, that type of mentorship was instrumental in helping me refine my management skills—learning how to rely on and trust my team, delegate effectively, and establish processes and procedures that improve overall team efficiency.
Janet Goehner-Jacobs | Executive Director | Saddler’s Woods Conservation Association (SWCA)
On finding the right balance…
I wake up every day being able to pursue one of my great passions, which is to be a steward of nature. I know I make tangible improvements in the environment and in people’s lives. It’s not always a picnic, and the struggles can be quite challenging, but living in complete alignment with my values empowers me to make space for all my parts of me. Finding the right balance allows me to lead SWCA but also to be a multi-sport athlete and a mother.
The woman she’d most like to have coffee with…
Without a doubt, it would be Jane Goodall. She has had a profound impact in the sciences, in international environmental policy and moreover as a shining light of what humanity could and should be. Her dedication had her traveling some 360 days of the year to get her message out about protecting the Earth, and she did this until her last breath. What a gift to the world she was.
Jo-Ann Weiner | Founder | J. L. Weiner & Associates, LLC
On important lessons learned…
I have always remained technically competent. It is important to know your craft and be able to solve the difficult problems. This is very important when your team gets stuck and cannot find a workable solution.
On what needs to change…
More women are needed in leadership positions. Women bring long term thinking to the table, are interested in developing people, and they are willing to collaborate and include others. … As sustainable leaders, women focus not only on profit but also community impact and environmental responsibility to bring organizations into the future. Women and men need to mentor women to help other women who aspire to leadership roles. With the decrease in DEI efforts, there is more pressure on women to prove their abilities. Critical mentorship has declined and the rate of women ascending to CEO and board roles has declined. Paths forward need to be opened and equality of opportunity needs to be created for women in business.
JoBeth Mauriello | Senior Executive Vice President, Head of Consumer Banking | Fulton Bank
On the importance of mentorship…
Mentors have played an important role in my growth by helping me see around corners, offering perspective, encouragement and candid feedback. As a woman leader, that support is especially meaningful because it helps you navigate complexity, build confidence and stay intentional about how you lead and engage every day.
On important lessons learned…
Early in my career, I learned that how you show up truly matters. As a leader, your presence—whether in a room or on a screen—sets the tone for everyone around you. I’ve carried that with me by being intentional about being fully present, actively listening and engaging in a way that makes people feel heard and respected. That focus on presence and connection has been a constant guide in how I lead and build strong teams.
Katie Olt-Orphanos | Project Manager | RYEBREAD Architects
On important lessons learned…
Take time to consider options and choices that you can make. There are many circumstances beyond your control, but the things you can influence are worth careful thought. You have to live with the results of those decisions.
On finding the right balance…
I have found that maintaining a perspective of sequencing phases of opportunities is more likely than a daily balance of personal life and passions. Developing skills and relationships when you can, to the fullest extent possible, builds depth, meaning and fulfillment over time.
The woman she’d most like to have coffee with…
I would love to sit with Georgia O’Keeffe to get to witness her creativity and visionary craft. Her commitment and strength in artistic pursuit through her heartaches, illnesses and hardships inspires awe and persistence.
Courtney Zaccardi | Director of Marketing & Corporate Engagement | The Michaels Organization
On what needs to change…
While a lot of great strides have been made to make workplaces more inclusive, I believe there are a lot of changes that can still be made to allow for more opportunities for women.
Most importantly, I think that women need to be intentionally chosen for leadership positions. Representation holds a lot of weight, and seeing women in leadership roles will encourage and empower younger generations to strive for those positions.
The woman she’d most like to have coffee with…
Marsha P. Johnson. As a queer woman, there are so many amazing LGBTQ+ leaders of the past and present that I’d love to sit down with, but Johnson is such an icon for so many underrepresented members of this community. Johnson was a complex person, and she spent much of her life dedicated to activism. … I would love to sit down with her and tell her how much of an impact she has had.
Isolde (De) Benyo | Partner | Baratz & Associates
On important lessons learned…
Early in my career, a CFO shared a perspective that has stayed with me: As a finance professional, you are often considered part of a cost center. Because of that, it’s essential to be customer- and user-focused with your colleagues. That advice shaped how I approach my work—I strive to be approachable, supportive and solution-oriented, ensuring I add value by helping others succeed.
On becoming a stronger leader…
My leadership style has evolved significantly over time—I see myself as a constant work in progress. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to lead with empathy and grace, recognizing that everyone is navigating challenges outside of work that we may not see. I strive to create a supportive environment where my team feels valued, and I focus on mentoring them while giving them the space and trust to grow, take ownership and develop their own strengths.
Anne Koons | Owner | Vineland Construction, Anne Koons Real Estate
On becoming a stronger leader…
My leadership ability has evolved over time. I was fortunate to learn a lot from my father over the years, and other successful women and men in both business and nonprofits that I have been involved with. I try to treat people with respect and give them all the information I can concerning a deal so they can make an informed decision and feel comfortable in their decision.
On what needs to change…
I think women have made great strides in the business world but there are still some barriers out there. If you know your own self-worth and are confident in your decision making and know your product better than the competition, you should do well in the business world. … I think women in general have to feel strong about what they’re doing and be good at it, and people will see they bring a lot to the table.
Kym Leiby | Chief Revenue, Commercial Risk & Compliance Officer | Lerepco IT Group
On important lessons learned…
One of the most important lessons I learned early in my career was the value of having a clear goal, staying passionate about what you do and never compromising your ethics. Success rarely happens overnight. It takes hard work, consistency and sometimes being willing to work a little harder than everyone else. In my experience, that effort always pays off.
On the importance of mentorship…
I have been fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout my career, especially early on, and I continue to seek out opportunities to learn from people who have been there and done that.
I believe leadership growth comes from being willing to listen, learn and remain coachable. A good mentor can help you avoid mistakes, see opportunities you may not recognize on your own and challenge you to think bigger.
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Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 16, Issue 6 (June 2026).
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