Board of Directors
Maria Veglia, President
Maria is an accomplished executive with demonstrated ability to manage cutting edge technological initiatives. She is an expert in operations management, budgeting, and team performance measurement and adept at recruiting and mentoring talent and motivating cross-functional teams. Maria is a strong leader managing projects from inception to completion. She expertly assesses needs and estimates timelines with precision to ensure successful execution of the project plan.
Through her extensive experience in addressing groups, whether in the front of the classroom, boardroom or auditorium, Maria is a dynamic and motivating public speaker. She has many years of experience in curriculum design and development and works with clients to construct training programs appropriate to the needs of the organization.
Skillful at assessing workplace culture, Maria fosters an environment of respect, creativity and collaboration. She is passionate about providing an environment rich with opportunity for all. She believes improving the work culture and providing opportunity leads to employee engagement and satisfaction which, in turn, drives company success.
Maria is adept at identifying resources and developing strategic plans with benchmarks and consistency in achieving organizational goals. She is well-versed in upgrading to the most innovative technological programs while ensuring seamless transitions.
Why I Joined NAWBO: At the first NAWBO SJ event that I attended, I was greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Everyone that I spoke with showed a genuine interest in my business and how to help it grow. After being a member for 4 years, the reason I am still a member is the shared desire to support each other’s goals and journey.
Member Since: 04/2019
Renee Patrone Rhinehart, President Elect
Party Planner. Entrepreneur. Broadcast Media Professional. Experienced Speaker.
Renee Patrone Rhinehart does more than just host a party to remember. The founder of two companies, Events by Renee and Party Host Helpers, Renee is now a self-made business leader.
Over the past decade, she has grown Events by Renee into Philadelphia’s premiere wedding planning business. From the engagement ring to the ‘I do’s,’ Renee has walked dozens of couples down the aisle and into their future with a fabulous celebration.
Why I Joined NAWBO: I joined SJ NAWBO because I want to make a difference in my community of south jersey by connecting with fellow business leaders.
Member Since: 03/2022
Audrey Wiggins, Immediate Past President
She holds an MBA, with a concentration in Marketing from LaSalle University and a BA in Social Science from Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Her desire to become a successful entrepreneur has led her to join the National Association of Women Business Owners. Audrey is also a member of the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Burlington & Mercer County Chamber of Commerce.
Why I Joined NAWBO: My desire to become a successful entrepreneur and the support from the women business community has led me to join the National Association of Women Business Owners.
Member Since: 03/2016
Jenny Breuning, Secretary
Jenny Breunig holds the position of Vice President of Operations at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital. Jenny has over 15 years of healthcare experience, holding various leadership positions throughout her career in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, and New York. Jenny has received awards and honors in the healthcare space and is recognized as a leader in the industry. She has been active in the community over the years volunteering her time with various nonprofit and civic based organizations. Jenny lives in Sicklerville, NJ with her husband, Jeff and her son, Jasper.
Why I Joined NAWBO:
Member Since:
Sarah Brand, Treasurer
Sarah Brand is an Audit Partner in the Real Estate Services Group, with over 20 years of public accounting, serving both public and private companies.
Sarah has significant experience in the real estate industry providing accounting and auditing services for a variety of real estate clients, including private equity real estate funds, commercial and residential real estate companies, hotels, and condominiums. In addition, she has served clients in the manufacturing and distribution, health care industries, and professional services firms, including security companies, lawyers, and dentists, among others.
Prior to joining the firm, Sarah was with a Big 4 accounting firm where she focused on gaming, technology, and life sciences.
Sarah is a contributor to the firm’s real estate blog on Rent Abatements and Deferrals in a COVID-19 Environment.
Megan Knowlton Balne, Co-Director of Advocacy
Megan Knowlton Balne, a partner with the law firm Hyland Levin Shapiro LLP, concentrates her practice in the areas of employment, counseling and commercial litigation. Megan is devoted to serving businesses large and small. Megan was a recipient of SNJ Business People’s 2018 “40 Under 40” Award and more recently, the NJBIZ 2020 “Forty Under 40” Award. Megan was recognized by South Jersey Biz in 2021 as a Woman to Watch. Megan also serves as the Chair of the Legal/Legislative Committee for the Human Resource Association of Southern New Jersey.
In addition to her commitment to the business community, Megan was recognized by the New Jersey Law Journal as a New Leader of the Bar in 2016. Megan is proud to serve as Secretary of the Burlington County Bar Association and founding member of the New Jersey Law Journal’s Young Lawyers Advisory Board. In 2019, Megan received the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Professional Achievement Award, an award given to one young attorney each year who has achieved significant professional accomplishments. Megan was recognized by the New Jersey Law Journal as one of the Top Women in Law in 2022.
Outside of her practice, Megan has a passion for the arts. She remains active in regional theater and co-founded her own theatre company, Masquerade Theatre.
Why I Joined NAWBO: I joined NAWBO because I wanted to connect directly with local women business leaders in South Jersey
Member Since: 07/2022
Arlette Leyba, Co-Director of Advocacy
Arlette Leyba is an associate with the firm and concentrates her practice in labor and employment, complex civil litigation, and financial services and banking.
Arlette earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Rutgers University in 2017. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers University School of Law in 2022. While in law school, Arlette earned the Camden City Invincible Award, Eve Biskind Klothen Law Student Pro Bono Distinction Award, and the Deans Pro Bono Publico Award for Exceptional Service with Distinction.
Currently, Arlette serves on the board for the Holy Name of Camden Ministries and Rutgers Law School Alumni Association, she is the Young Lawyers Division Co-Chair for the Alumni Association, and is the Deputy Chair to the National VP for Divisions, Sections & Committees of the Hispanic National Bar Association. Most recently Arlette joined NAWBO as the Advocacy Co Chair.
When not at work or participating in the above organizations, she is cuddling at home with her two kittens Mango and Marble!
Why I Joined NAWBO:
I was introduced to NAWBO by two of my colleagues and previous board members- Kathleen Dohn and Alyssa Lott. They spoke so highly of the women they interacted with and the experiences they had while serving on the board. They raved about how empowering each event was and emphasized how much they grew being part of this group. This really resonated with me as a young female attorney. I am excited to build a network of women who build each other help and hope to be a positive contribution to the group as well!
Member Since: July 2025
Sharon Dunkel, Co-Director of Corporate Partnership
PayDay Employer Solutions offers cost effective and comprehensive services from new hires to termination for 1-1000 employees.
“WE HAVE YOUR BACK”
Having spent over 35 years running payroll companies for ADP and Paychex in the Tri-State area.
I work to improve companies needs for their growing business and keep them up to date on all Federal & State laws.
I am an active member of SJNAWBO Board of Directors –Corporate Sponsor now Community Relations.
Member since 04/01/2015
Why I Joined NAWBO: I joined Nawbo when I started my business. I wanted to meet like minded women to work with.
Member Since: 2017
Lisa Giovannini, Co-Director of Corporate Partnership
Why I Joined NAWBO:
Member Since:
Nancy Lipkin Starr, Co-Director of Corporate Partnership
First Impressions Marketing works with savvy, driven business owners and leaders in companies of various sizes who understand the positive impact that marketing can have on their business – but are frustrated because they feel like they’re wasting money on marketing that doesn’t get results. First Impressions does things a bit differently – instead of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, they start with a ‘marketing road map’ that provides expert marketing advice – customized just for their business. As a full service firm, we provide a variety of services all under one roof: we plan, create, manage + execute. First Impressions is not a good fit for everyone. If you have been thinking about how to improve your marketing results – let’s start with a conversation.
Nancy understands that any successful marketing campaign – whether during or after the pandemic – starts with a plan. Her ability to approach projects from a strategic point of view, with expert guidance and advice customized to match the goals of the client, has earned tangible results for her clients. She and her team have also had extraordinary success with campaigns that focus on moms and families – resulting in waiting lists and 300%+ increases in sales. Have a question? Reach out!
Nancy is very responsive and deadline oriented – and enjoys sharing her expertise with others.
Why I Joined NAWBO: I have always enjoyed being a part of professional women’s groups, as I like to support fellow women-owned businesses. Two years ago, I was invited to attend NAWBO-SJ’s Gala – I was impressed with the event, and made some good connections. Since then, I have found the SJ Chapter to be made up of smart, generous, giving women. I’ve met new clients and made new vendor connections.
Member Since: 01/2022
Susan Hodges, Co-Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging
Susan Hodges serves as firm Shareholder and Co-Chair of the Labor and Employment and School Law Practice Areas at Parker McCay. Parker McCay is a leading regional corporate law firm in Mout Laurel, New Jersey, representing a myriad of government entities, school boards, and businesses of all types and sizes.
In her role, Susan works with both public and private sector clients, providing counsel on employment matters involving employee discipline, hiring and firing, workplace harassment and investigations, policy and compliance. Susan acts as both counsel and outsourced human resources to ensure her clients make the best possible decisions. She has many years of experience working with all types of employment law, with experience in both State and Federal court. Susan’s breadth of experience and fair and measured approach have earned her the trust of all her clients.
Olivia Mendler, Co-Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging
Olivia focuses her practice on all areas of family law, including divorce, child custody, parenting time, alimony and spousal support, child support, relocation, adoption, domestic violence, and cyber harassment. She is a zealous advocate who is dedicated to delivering the highest level of legal representation and best possible outcome for her clients.
Clients appreciate Olivia’s approach. She guides her clients through the legal process with compassion and understanding, while still aggressively protecting their rights. She believes in honest and clear communication and strives to make her clients feel comfortable and empowered to make informed decisions. Prior to joining Archer, Olivia was an associate at a national law firm, where she focused on family law. Previous to her legal practice, Olivia served as a law clerk to the Honorable Joseph L. Marczyk, formerly the P.J.Cv., Atlantic City, NJ at the time of her clerkship. She was also an intern for the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, as well as the Lycoming County Public Defender’s Office in Williamsport, PA.
Cheryl Squadrito, Co-Director of Events
Respected journalist Cheryl Squadrito launched Media Friendly Public Relations in 2005, knowing she could run a PR firm based on her news instincts to find interesting story angles for her clients. Media Friendly’s track record for placements is perfect, getting all clients into the media spotlight. The firm works with a variety of for-profit businesses and firms, non-profits and foundations, and authors and entertainers. Media Friendly PR evolved as media landscape has changed, for example adding video content and social media management to the company’s menu of services. Media Friendly’s team are experts in their specialty – event planning, social
media curated, website design, brand management, public speaking coaching, and crisis communication.
Since August 2012, Cheryl has instructed public relations, media, public speaking, and marketing courses at Temple University in Philadelphia as an adjunct professor in Klein College. Cheryl is the co-founder of Strike It Strong, a 501c3 non-profit organization that empowers women through self-defense workshops and supports women in crisis. Residing in Haddonfield, NJ, with her family, Cheryl is a certified Spinning instructor, avid vinyl collector, and rock & roll trivia aficionado. She is working on her first novel, London Calling.
Why I Joined NAWBO:
Member Since: 2006
Angela Tofani Kucenski, Co-Director of Events
Fulton Bank is proud to be a corporate sponsor of NAWBO supporting women-owned business owners throughout the region. We believe that the people and businesses that make this community work, need money to work for them. At Fulton, we’re here to help. With over $25 billion in assets, we offer the products and services of a large bank with the personal one-to-one relationships of a community bank. In addition to consumer products like checking and savings, we offer small businesses with what they need to grow. We’re here for our customers when they need us most. In 2020, Fulton Bank helped nearly 10,000 customers with $1.94 billion in PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans. Plus, we offer convenience in neighborhoods across the region with over 200 financial centers and 230 ATMs. For more information call 1.800.FULTON.4 (1.800.385.8664) or visit us on the web. We know money is personal for you. So, it’s personal for us. Fulton Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Fulton Bank is not affiliated with the Small Business Administration and NAWBO.
Kelly Wernersbach, Co-Director of Events
Lisa B. Snyder, Director of Marketing
More than a decade ago, Lisa Snyder switched out of an 18-year career in the health insurance industry, where she worked closely with small business owners. Her expertise evolved toward assisting professionals in starting, enhancing, and managing their web presence. Lisa Snyder, founder of Silver Hoop Edge, is passionate about exploring effective ways to use WordPress for the continual enhancement/growth of her clients’ websites.
Why I Joined NAWBO: I joined NAWBO to connect with women business owners in New Jersey and beyond.
Member Since: 05/2023
Debra Berman, Co-Director of Membership
Carly Jordan, Co-Director of Membership
Carly A. Jordan, CFP®, has nearly fifteen years’ experience in wealth management. Specializing in comprehensive financial planning for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families, Carly has deep expertise in working with business owners and high-level professionals in the tech industry. She understands the complexities of stock compensation, liquidity events, and business transitions, helping her clients navigate these financial milestones with confidence. Her background in investment planning, mortgages, and credit underwriting allows her to deliver sophisticated, integrated solutions that address both sides of the balance sheet.
She spent many years working with a financial advisory team that partnered with the Exit Planning Institute of Greater Philadelphia to help educate and advise small and middle market business owners on their succession planning. The basis of all good financial outcomes is a plan, and that is what drives business for Carly and her clients every day. Carly sits on the board of her favorite non-profit, Strike It Strong, and has been selected as the 2025 Corporate Chair of the South Jersey Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk. In years’ past, Carly sat as the co-chair of the Morgan Stanley Women in Wealth Philadelphia Market employee network, and she is credited with partnering to launch the area’s newest Financial Literacy program for Morgan Stanley.
When not fulfilling her commitments to her career and community, Carly spends time with her husband, Ryan, and dog, Shay, at their home near the Pine Barrens. They love to travel the world and her stepson, Quinn, joins in their adventures as often as possible. Gardening and podcasts are two topics that Carly can chat on for hours.
Why I Joined NAWBO: After attending her first NAWBO networking event, Carly was hooked. There is something extra special about doing business in a room with mostly women.
Member Since: 2024