"Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. And believe that anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you." Misty Copeland

Once again, the NJ Conference for Women brought together an awe-inspiring community of professional women with a shared mission to build lasting relationships, lift each other up, and grow together.

Hosted by the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber’s Women in Business Alliance (WIBA) since 2012, this event has grown into the largest one-day gathering of professional women in the State of New Jersey. The NJ Conference for Women blends the experience and insights of seasoned professionals and executives with the boundless energy and fresh ideas of the next generation of leadership.

During this year’s event, you could see and feel the positive energy, with equal parts inspiration, connection, education, motivation, laughter, and joy throughout the day.

Relationships were started and strengthened. Learning was constant and empowering. And every individual walked away from the event with a renewed sense of purpose and strength to overcome challenges, seize new opportunities, and find fulfillment in their life and career!

The NJ Conference for Women by the Numbers

• More than 600 attendees
• Two keynotes: Adriana Carrig and Melanie Curtis
• Eight breakout sessions
• 20 sponsors, featuring presenting sponsor NJM Insurance Group
• 35 exhibitors
• 12 student volunteers
• 18 Women in Business Alliance (WIBA) committee members

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Nathalie Nelson is CEO and President at Younity, a Lawrenceville nonprofit that provides services for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Although Nathalie has been a WIBA committee member who has helped organize the NJ Conference for Women for several years, she is still amazed by the truly unique vibe of this one-of-a-kind event.

“When you walk in the room, it just feels like a happy place, almost like a retreat,” Nathalie said. “Even if you don’t know anyone, you feel comfortable sitting down to have a conversation. You enjoy acknowledging the success of other women. The speakers are all down to earth and real, talking about challenges we all face. It doesn’t matter where you are in your career. It’s relevant to all of us.”

Topics of this year’s keynotes and breakout sessions ranged from positive affirmations and accessing untapped potential, to stress and resilience, to leveraging AI and growing wealth.

Staff from The College of New Jersey provided free resume reviews for attendees, while professional headshots with ProPhotos Plus were completely booked a week before the conference.

“Attendees enjoyed our exhibitors as much as the speakers,” Nathalie said. “You could get your hair done, check out jewelry, grab coffee, and meet new people. The resume reviews and professional headshots were both a big hit. We try to switch it up every year to create different experiences for attendees.”

Of course, simply being surrounded by an extraordinary group of women who see you, hear you, and support you makes the day unforgettable.

“The NJ Conference for Women is unique because it’s all about you,” Nathalie said. “I didn’t worry about emails or work. This event was me taking eight hours for myself. As busy professionals, we don’t get many opportunities like this. I loved being able to connect, network, learn, and be inspired.”

What Women Are Saying About the NJ Conference for Women on LinkedIn

Melanie Curtis (keynote): “This walk-out moment is always really fun, but the MOST fun is every conversation I get to have AFTER walking back off the stage. Connecting with real humans, hearing their real stories and knowing how what I just shared made a positive difference for them. This is what motivates me to push through my own fears and anxieties, to do all the work to prepare for moments... for OPPORTUNITIES... like this one.”

Evelyn Pettit (attendee): “Beyond the inspiring speakers and beautifully run program, what stood out most was the power of networking and the positivity in every interaction. Conversations flowed naturally, support was genuine, and I walked away not just with new contacts, but with real connections and a renewed sense of purpose.”

Catherine Connelly (attendee): “Coming from the tech industry, my experience as a woman at events often felt like an afterthought. At one event where I was one of the finalists in an entrepreneurship competition, my ‘prize’ was a man’s watch and a bottle of cologne… It was so refreshing to be surrounded by so many amazing women. Everyone I met was grounded, kind, and supportive.”

Ashley Nwankno (attendee): “Meeting so many incredible women—leaders, dreamers, and changemakers—reminded me that our journeys aren’t always easy, but they are worth it. I was encouraged to keep showing up, to keep fighting for what I believe in, and to keep pursuing my goals even when others might doubt me. Grateful for spaces that celebrate women’s voices and amplify our impact.”

Nathaly Segura (student volunteer): “One of the highlights of my day was doing an introductory opening for J. Kelly Hoey’s breakout session, where I learned about her framework for positioning yourself for success through meaningful connections. Being surrounded by so many passionate professionals, volunteers, and vendors reminded me of the power of community, mentorship, and women supporting women in business. I’m so grateful to have been part of it!”

Save the Date for the NJ Conference for Women in 2026!

The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber and WIBA committee are sincerely grateful for all who attended and participated in the NJ Conference for Women. You are the reason this event is among the most anticipated events of the year!

 We encourage you to save the date for next year – Friday, October 23, 2026. We’ll see you at the next NJ Conference for Women