New Jersey Women Lawyers Association

Panel Program Presented by NJWLA and NJCCA
Offers Rare Insights Into Pathways to Leadership for Accomplished Women Leaders

Florham Park, New Jersey – The New Jersey Women Lawyers Association and the Women’s Networking Committee of the New Jersey Corporate Counsel Association co-sponsored a dinner and networking event at the Hamilton Park Hotel on January 23rd. The event, entitled “Pathways to Leadership: In House and Law Firm Perspectives from Accomplished Women Leaders,” included dinner and a moderated panel discussion, and attracted over 125 registered guests. The program was generously sponsored by Ogletree Deakins and Resources Global Professionals.

The impressive panel featured Pamela F. Craven, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel of Avaya, Michellene Davis, Senior Vice President for Policy Development and Government Affairs at Barnabas Health, Susan A. Feeney, a partner at McCarter and English, LLP and immediate Past President of the New Jersey State Bar Association, and Lora Fong, General Counsel and Senior Vice President at Diversity, Inc. The panel was co-moderated by Galit Kierkut, NJWLA President, and Mary Ellen Lenahan, head of the Women’s Networking Committee for NJCCA. The panel shared personal stories about their respective journeys to the leadership positions they hold today, as well as the often unexpected twists along the way. The women spoke candidly about their own experiences and said that some of the keys to their success were being involved in bar associations and other professional organizations, becoming experts in their substantive disciplines and seeking mentors and sponsors who helped with their advancement.

NJWLA President-elect, Suzanne Cerra, said the event offered a rare opportunity to hear the personal perspectives of these accomplished women leaders, as well as their guidance for the next generation of women leaders. The audience members reported being inspired by the panelists and really enjoyed being privy to the valuable insights and tips these esteemed leaders have developed during their distinguished careers.