Mission:
To provide women with opportunities for professional and business growth through leadership, education and networking.
Vision:
To create a thriving and supportive women's business organization whose members are inspired to work collaboratively, to grow professionally, and to contribute to the economic vitality of the community.
Rockland Business Women’s Network — A Brief History
When a small group of women banded together in 1979 to form th RBWN, their ultimate goal was to enhance the members’ personal growth and expand their career goals.
Those early kitchen table and living room meetings produced workshops, lectures and open discussions, some held at Rockland Community College, to accommodate their thirst for knowledge, networking and female support. The “founding mothers” were also community minded, so they created an annual “In Celebration” event, to recognize individual Rockland County women’s accomplishments and community contributions. In the mid-80’s to early 90’s, several subgroups were formed: SOS for single/divorced women, Women in Business (WE) and the Rockland Women’s Bar Association. During the 1990's, many changes took place as women moved forward in business and in the workplace. The organization's structure once again evolved into the cohesive group that exists now as RBWN.
The RBWN Scholarship Fund, established in 1997, has donated over $50,000 to support local students with college scholarships and training and professional development opportunities for our members.
Over the years the organization has been recognized by local and county government officials for the value of our mission and for serving the needs of many women.
Today the RBWN continues to encourage, nurture, connect, and advise business women in Rockland County and the local region.
2022-2023 Board of Directors
President: Janet Levitt, Park Avenue Benefit Planning, Inc.
Executive Vice President: Jill Cruz, Work with Your Nature Weight Loss, Inc.
Vice President Community Engagement: Bonnie Werk, TD Bank
Vice President Programming: Cheryl Baun, Arts Council of Rockland
Vice President Membership: Amanda Gaul, Bleakley, Platt & Schmidt, LLP Dr.
Vice President Marketing: Simone HoSang, Caribbean Food Delights, Inc.
Secretary: Phyllis Rosenthal, Decorating Counselor, Inc.
Treasurer: Mindy Zlotogura, Law Offices of Mindy R. Zlotogura
Scholarship Chair: Kathleen Cuneo, Psychologist
Immediate Past President: Risa B. Hoag, GMG Public Relations, Inc.
Board Members:
Amy Kanarek, Amy Kanarek Designs Artisan Jewelry
Fabiola Riobe, SUNY Rockland Community College
Tatyana Kochergina, Balance with TK
Sharon Martini, Meals on Wheels
Donna Johns, promarketdirect, inc
Tivona Cunningham, PTS Contracting
Julie Chitiyo, M&T Bank
RBWN Email: info@rbwn.org