Women of Commerce Conference

Description

Women of Commerce Conference

October 22, 2025 | 

5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Advancing Your Career

Women account for nearly half of the workforce but only 9% of all CEOs. Women CEOs make 23% less on average than men. How can women advance in the workplace? How do you negotiate your salary package, build a team of support and address other career issues that may be holding you back? 

Speakers and Program in formation.

5:30 pm -  Networking Reception

6:15 pm -  Welcome and Dinner

6:45 pm -  Program begins, featuring

                    Lisa Morris, President and CEO, Pierre Fabre USA

                    Alison Banks-Moore, Keynote Address

                      Vice President & Chief Inclusion Officer, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ

                    How To Build the Life You Want, Panel Discussion 

                      Sharon Ambis, Sharon Ambis LLC, Moderator

                      Kristina Fitzpatrick, Paper & Flowers

                      Philip F. McGovern, Jr., Esq., TK Trial

                      Christina Sartorio Ku, Esq., Connell Foley

7:45 pm -  Power Networking

8:00 pm -  Event concludes

About Women of Commerce

The Women of Commerce Conference is an inspiring and empowering event designed to bring together women leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Women of Commerce is a committee of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce that empowers women from all industries, sectors, and segments, and their allies, providing leadership, educational programs, professional development opportunities and activities that serve women in business.

“A strong woman stands up for herself. A stronger woman stands up for everybody else.” ― Maya Angelou

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Featuring

Keynote Speaker 

Alison Banks-Moore, Vice President & Chief Inclusion Officer, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ)

Alison Banks-Moore is Vice President & Chief Inclusion Officer at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, where she has spent more than twenty years leading initiatives that foster an inclusive, equitable, and high-performing workplace. With over 40 years of experience in Human Resources, including leadership roles at AT&T, KPMG, and Cablevision, Alison has championed diversity and opportunity across industries. Her work has helped Horizon earn national recognition from organizations such as DiversityMBA Magazine, Military Friendly®, and Seramount for its commitment to workplace excellence.

Beyond Horizon, Alison is deeply involved in the broader community, serving on the boards of the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Ramapo College of New Jersey, among others. A passionate mentor and advocate, she believes in empowering people at every stage of their careers—grounded in Muhammad Ali’s words: “Service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on earth.”

Program Speaker 

Lisa Morris, President and CEO, Pierre Fabre USA

Lisa Morris is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in the beauty and health sectors, currently serving as President & CEO of Dermo-Cosmetics Pierre Fabre USA since February 2023, overseeing a team of 110 and managing P&L for notable brands. Previously, Morris held the position of General Manager for U.S. Consumer Business at Galderma, leading a $500M business, and served as Vice President at Philips, where leadership encompassed all Personal Health marketing in North America. Morris has a rich history at L'Oréal, advancing through roles such as General Manager of L’Oréal Professionnel and Global Project Manager for Garnier US, contributing to significant growth and brand management. Lisa holds an MBA from the University of Rochester and additional certificates from Harvard University and is an alumna of both MIT and the University of Western Sydney.

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Panelists

Sharon Ambis, Founder & CEO, Sharon Ambis LLC

Sharon Ambis is a senior communications, PR, and marketing leader with 30+ years across healthcare, nonprofit, media, and corporate sectors. She is founder and principal of Sharon Ambis, LLC, a Jersey City consultancy delivering integrated marketing, fundraising, and PR campaigns. Sharon previously served as Interim President and CEO of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, guiding a pivotal leadership transition, and was Senior Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications at Jersey City Medical Center/RWJBarnabas Health, where she led COVID-19 crisis communications. Earlier, she spent nearly two decades as Director of Marketing at The Jersey Journal and began her career in broadcast journalism with NJN News and A Current Affair. A dedicated civic leader, she co-chairs the Women of Commerce program and has served on boards including Women Physicians of New Jersey and NJCU’s Arts Advisory Council; she is a Chamber “Legend of Hudson County.” Sharon holds a B.A. in Journalism from Rutgers University and is a frequent speaker on communications, community impact, and women’s leadership.

Kristina Fitzpatrick, Founder & CEO, Paper and Flowers NYC

The visionary behind Paper and Flowers. With a deep passion for craftsmanship and beauty in the everyday. Her standards are high, and her imagination knows no limits. From delicate paper sculptures to custom floral installations. 

Philip F. McGovern, Jr., Partner, TK Trial

An accomplished and experienced commercial practitioner, Phil McGovern combines his strong and diverse business background to provide clients pathways to successful conclusions of complex matters. He also brings a proven ability to serve as outside general corporate counsel to a wide range of companies, varying in size and industry, providing guidance in formation, financing, contractual negotiation, acquisitions/dispositions, succession planning and litigation.

Christina Sartorio Ku, Partner and Co-Chair, Connell Foley

Christina Sartorio Ku is a profoundly experienced litigator who leverages her background in biological sciences and environmental regulation to represent parties in complex environmental cases. Her practice also includes significant work in the commercial litigation arena, including international arbitration forums, as well as work on election law and regulatory compliance matters.   

Ivana Rodriguez, Private Wealth Manager, Goldman Sachs

Ivana is a Private Wealth Advisor in the Goldman Sachs New York City office, where she advises families and non-profits. Prior to joining Goldman, Ivana was a consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she advised clients on international tax strategy. Ivana received a B.B.A. in Finance from the Villanova University School of Business. She received her MBA from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management.