Waldner’s Recognized for Transforming the Landscape of Female Representation in the Workplace!

On July 25th, 2024, Waldner’s was recognized as a 2024 winner honoree at the Long Island Business News’ prestigious Empowering Women: Companies Leading The Way awards ceremony! This recognition highlights the company’s ongoing dedication to empowering and uplifting women throughout Long Island.

Empowering Women: A Program for Progress

The Empowering Women program, initiated by Long Island Business News, celebrates organizations promoting gender equality. Through tangible and innovative efforts, these companies, law firms, and nonprofits drive positive change in the workplace and community. As a women-owned company, Waldner’s dedication to empowering women in the workplace has earned it a well-deserved place among the 2024 winners.

Meredith Stern, CEO & President of Waldner's, receiving the 2024 Empowering Women's Award
Meredith Waldner Stern, CEO & President of Waldner's with her husband Steven Stern

Sponsoring the Event

Waldner’s proudly stepped into the spotlight as a sponsor for this year’s Empowering Women awards ceremony, championing Long Island Business News in their unwavering commitment to cultivating an inclusive environment where women flourish, thrive, and break down barriers.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Waldner’s extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in this remarkable event. From employees to partners, each contribution has played a vital role in advancing the cause of gender equality. As a 2024 winner honoree, Waldner’s remains dedicated to creating opportunities and breaking down barriers for women in the workplace!

For International Women’s Day, we asked CEO & President of Waldner’s, Meredith Stern, what advice she would give to women in the workplace:

“Connect with other business leaders; both women and men. For me, I joined WBENC (The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) and attend their events locally and annual business conference as well as YPO which is an organization of Presidents. I’ve learned so much from hearing about the experiences of other leaders, and I consistently take many of their great ideas back to my own business.” – Meredith Stern

Panel Discussion and Q&A

“What I wish I Knew (Before Becoming a Woman Leader)”

In the spirit of supporting professional growth, some of Long Island’s most successful women leaders share “what they wish they knew” at the beginning.

Main Discussion Takeaway:

To reach the top of any industry, connecting with the right people who can offer guidance and support in your professional growth is essential. While everyone’s journey will be unique, surrounding yourself with the right individuals will help you recognize your success when you achieve it.

Panelists:

Moderator, Regina Jankowski, Editor of Long Island Business News

Panelist, Jennifer B. Cona, Founder and Managing Partner of Cona Elder Law
Jennifer emphasized the importance of working twice as hard, becoming an expert in a male-dominated field and being prepared for the opportunities that come your way. She used a court case as an example, where she not only thoroughly knew her side of the case but also took the time to learn the opposing side’s case. As a result, when the judge asked questions that the opposing side couldn’t answer, she was able to step in and provide those answers, leaving a positive impression on that judge for future cases.

Panelist, Gina Farese, CEO of Marcor Construction
Gina’s key lesson was to fully understand every aspect of the industry you are in. Working in a family-owned company, she never anticipated receiving special treatment and instead climbed the ladder through mastering each position. She believes in working hard for what you want and not waiting for things to be handed to you.

Panelist, Kate Farley, Director of Sales for Modern @ ProMach

Kate’s key lesson was to seek mentors with whom you connect, as they provide opportunities for learning and growth.

See more content from the event below


Thank you, Long Island Business News, for this inspiring event!