WIB 2024: 06.05.2024 Leading Ladies - Leadership in the Professional Sector
2024-06-05 15:30 - 18:30 UTC | 1 Bridge Avenue Red Bank, NJ 07701
Enjoy lunch and a cash bar.

All are welcome!

Meet our panelists:

Michele N. Siekerka, Esq., President and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, leads the nation's largest, most influential employers' organization, advocating on behalf of New Jersey's large and small businesses for policies that will make New Jersey more affordable and regionally competitive.

Being known as a collaborative leader, Siekerka leads an NJBIA established coalition (New Jersey Business Coalition) comprised of more than 100 business and nonprofit associations across the state to tackle the tough economic and business challenges our state faced during COVID 19.

Well versed on the 'boots on the ground" issues affecting our state's business community, Michele is often the "go to" resource for media and is sought after to share her expertise in public forums across the state.

Under Siekerka's leadership, NJBIA's award-winning research on outmigration documented the loss of $24 billion in wealth from New Jersey over 12 years and set the agenda in Trenton for the enactment of a series of important pro-business reforms, including the recent repeal of the estate tax, and the adjustment of the state income tax threshold for taxing retirement income.

Siekerka has also been at the forefront of efforts to build more effective workforce development alliances in New Jersey between academia, business and government. The NJBIA Postsecondary Education Task Force's yearlong study of New Jersey's highest-in-the-nation millennial outmigration produced a13-point action plan that is driving policymakers' discussions on how to retain our future workforce.

Siekerka came to NJBIA in 2014 from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where she last served in the critical position of Deputy Commissioner. At DEP, Siekerka was a principal player in the state's charge to restore New Jersey after Superstorm Sandy with the responsibility of coordinating funding, outreach and resources for rebuilding environmental infrastructure.

An attorney by trade, Siekerka's background includes serving as the president and CEO of the Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce, senior legal counsel and vice president of human resources with the Automobile Association of America, and as a partner in a Mercer County law firm.

Siekerka serves on the board of directors of Citizens Financial Group, Inc.; The New Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors; Choose New Jersey; the New Jersey Innovation Institute and Junior Achievement of New Jersey. As a testament to her passion for women's leadership, she serves on the advisory council of both SheTek and Wings for Growth

Siekerka's leadership is annually recognized through her inclusion in Power and Policymaker list rankings by Insider NJ, Politicker NJ, South Jersey Business and NJ BIZ. She is a proud Laureate of the NJ Business Hall of Fame. A Robbinsville resident, Siekerka earned a B.A. in Political Science and German from Rutgers University and a J.D. from Temple University School of Law.

Cara Graham, M.A., BCBA, is the visionary force behind Graham Behavior Services, serving as its Executive Director and founder. Holding a Master of Arts degree in Special Education from Kean University, Cara pursued her passion by completing her Applied Behavior Analysis coursework at Caldwell University, earning her certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, Cara's expertise lies in delivering personalized, home, and community-based services. She is deeply committed to fostering growth and independence in both children and adults within this community.

Beyond her direct client work, Cara contributes significantly to her field. She currently holds the position of Chair for the NJABA Business Practices Workgroup, where she leverages her expertise to share industry standards and best practices, ensuring quality care for all. Cara is also an active contributor to her field, frequently presenting at conferences to share her insights and advancements in applied behavior analysis.

Her dedication extends beyond the professional realm, as she is a loving mother to three children. In her community, Cara generously volunteers her time to teach CCD and as class parent,, sharing her values with young learners. In her leisure time, Cara finds joy in various activities, including baking bread and desserts, nurturing her garden, and meticulously planning family vacations. These endeavors not only bring her personal fulfillment but also reflect her nurturing and detail-oriented nature, qualities that undoubtedly enrich both her personal and professional endeavors.

Morgan Gaynor began her journey in the asset management industry at WBI Investments, where she quickly became known for her innovative approach to digital marketing. As Communications Director, Morgan helped spearhead groundbreaking initiatives that positioned WBI as a pioneer in digital engagement within the traditionally conservative financial sector.

Building on her foundation at WBI, Morgan expanded her influence to ETF providers Emles Advisors and ETF Managers Group, applying her innovative marketing strategies to enhance brand awareness, stakeholder engagement, and lead generation. Her adaptability and leadership in digital marketing within the financial sector underscore her ability to thrive in diverse environments.

As President of the Junior League of Monmouth County, Morgan has spearheaded impactful initiatives such as the Period Project. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, this initiative has distributed over 100,000 period products to underserved populations, demonstrating her innovative approach to addressing community needs.

Morgan's personal battle with stage IV low-grade serous ovarian cancer a rare subtype that disproportionately affects younger women has deeply influenced her advocacy work. As a board member and Secretary of the STAAR Ovarian Cancer Foundation, the only U.S. charity dedicated to fundraising for this subtype of ovarian cancer, she has been a formidable force in organizing key FDA meetings, advocating for patient perspectives, and raising awareness about clinical trials and cancer treatments. Since joining STAAR's board, she has helped direct over $500,000 in funding towards lifesaving research.

Morgan received her Master of Business Administration from Monmouth University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing & Finance from Philadelphia University. Residing in Highlands, NJ, Morgan continues to inspire and lead through her professional endeavors and philanthropic activities, making a lasting difference in the lives of many.

Our emcee:

Kelly Power - Operations Manager, Absolute Home Mortgage Team Cook

An accomplished professional in the mortgage industry, specializing in branch operations, Kelly is known for her exceptional communication skills and ability to build strong relationships, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable mortgage experience. Kelly's expertise lies in facilitating all aspects of a transaction with care and attention, creating a smooth and stress-free process for borrowers. She loves helping her clients and colleagues achieve their personal and professional goals.

With a genuine passion for helping others, Kelly partnered with the team for the 2022 Leukemia Lymphoma Society Visionary of the Year winner to help raise over $250,000 for cancer research and programs. She also helps organize yearly toy and food drives each winter.

Kelly is proud to serve on the EMACC Board of Directors and as the co-chair of EMACC's Women in Business committee and to be a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association of NJ Women's Committee.

Before moving to New Jersey, Kelly lived on the west coast of Puerto Rico for 10 years and is fluent in Spanish. After spending 20 years in Red Bank, she now lives in Bayville with her husband, their 7-year-old German Shepherd, and two rescued cats.
