The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Forum will host its 15th Annual Women’s Leadership Summit on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Conference Center at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg, NJ.

This year’s theme, “The Power to Pivot: Leading with Courage in Times of Change,” will explore how women leaders navigate evolving professional landscapes to embrace adaptability and lead with resilience. The summit will be moderated by Joyce Heckman, founder of Joyce Heckman & Associates, LLC. Heckman is an executive coach and former human resources executive with experience in talent acquisition, talent management, and organizational effectiveness within the global financial services and public utility industries. Through her executive coaching and HR consulting practice, she has partnered with organizations across the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and energy sectors. Heckman is an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and serves as Vice President of Credentialing for the organization’s New Jersey chapter.

Featured panelists include Renee M. Robeson, Hunterdon County Prosecutor; Karen H. Bearce, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Raritan Valley Community College; and Kristy Alfano, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hunterdon Health. Together, these accomplished leaders will share insights on leadership, resilience, and the importance of adaptability in today’s business environment.

For 15 years, the Women’s Leadership Summit has reflected the Chamber’s broader mission to foster a thriving business community by providing meaningful opportunities for professional development, leadership growth, and strategic networking. As a cornerstone of the Chamber’s programming, the summit equips attendees with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and valuable connections that directly contribute to long-term business success and organizational strength.

“The Women’s Leadership Summit is a powerful example of how investing in professional development strengthens not only individuals, but our entire business community,” said Chris Phelan, President & CEO of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce. “At the Chamber, our mission is to support and empower businesses through connection, education, and advocacy. This event brings that mission to life by providing leaders with the insights and relationships they need to adapt, grow, and succeed in an ever-changing economy.”

In keeping with its commitment to accessibility and workforce development, the Chamber is proud to offer a limited number of scholarships for this year’s summit. These scholarships are designed to ensure that emerging leaders, non-profit professionals, and small business representatives have the opportunity to participate in this impactful professional development experience.

The featured panelists bring an exceptional depth of leadership, experience, and inspiration to this year’s program. Renee M. Robeson, Hunterdon County Prosecutor and a proud Hunterdon County native, has built a distinguished career in public service. Prior to her appointment in 2021, she served for more than seventeen years as an Assistant Prosecutor with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, where she was recognized with the Mercer County Victim Witness Advocacy Award for Outstanding Service on Behalf of Crime Victims. Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to justice, advocacy, and community leadership.

Also taking the stage is Karen H. Bearce, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Raritan Valley Community College. With more than two decades of leadership in higher education, Bearce has been a driving force behind academic innovation and student success. Her previous role as Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs at Northampton Community College in Pennsylvania included oversight of four academic schools and the creation of the college’s Guided Pathways program—an initiative designed to improve student outcomes and career alignment.

Rounding out this powerful panel is Kristy Alfano, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hunterdon Health. Since stepping into her role in 2023, Alfano has overseen operations at Hunterdon Medical Center, bringing a strategic, patient-centered approach to healthcare leadership. With more than a decade of experience at Hunterdon Health, including leadership roles as Director of Patient Care and Experience and Director of the Emergency Department and Inpatient Behavioral Health, she exemplifies adaptability, operational excellence, and compassionate leadership.

Together, these accomplished leaders represent the very essence of this year’s theme—demonstrating how courage, adaptability, and vision can drive success across public service, education, and healthcare. Their insights promise to energize, empower, and inspire attendees to lead boldly in times of change.

The Women’s Leadership Summit provides a dynamic setting for women leaders and professionals across industries to connect, exchange ideas, and draw inspiration from one another while advancing their leadership capabilities.

Tickets are $65 for Chamber members and $105 for non-members. Registration is required. For more information or to register, please visit https://www.hunterdon-chamber.org or contact the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce.

The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the sponsors who make this event possible: Gentlestone Wealth; Prevention Resources, Inc.; Raritan Valley Community College; MSI Plumbing & Remodeling; NightingaleNJ LLC; BKC Certified Public Accountants, PC; BrightStar Care of Hunterdon; Hunterdon Care Center; Northridge at Woolverton Inn; Rolling Hills Care Center; ShopRite of Hunterdon County; Unity Bank; Woolverton Inn; Health Village Retirement Community; Joyce Heckman Associates LLC; and Loew and Patel Orthodontics.