The Hoboken Girl’s newly released 2026 “Women to Watch” list isn’t just a roll call of achievers. It’s a snapshot of how women from Hoboken and Jersey City are actively reshaping our region’s culture, economy, and community life.
From nonprofit trailblazers to creative entrepreneurs and grassroots organizers, these 26 women are redefining what local leadership looks like as we head toward the next decade.
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Spotlighting Creators, Innovators, and Culture-Makers
Across Hudson County, creative work drives both economic growth and cultural identity. The women on this list who lead in the arts and creative industries are building platforms that keep local talent rooted here instead of drifting to Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Creative Studios and Sustainable Fashion
Dileiny Baron, the force behind The Creators Loft, carved out space for photographers, designers, and digital storytellers to collaborate and build real careers right here at home.
Vanessa Berentsen and Michaela Rubin of The Loop are championing sustainable fashion. They’re proving style and environmental responsibility can absolutely coexist in Hudson County’s retail and design scene.
Art doesn’t live in galleries alone—and honestly, it shouldn’t. Visual artist Renelle “Buffy” White Buffalo, muralist Emily Strauss, and choreographer Sarah Weber Gallo are transforming everyday spaces into cultural touchstones.
They’re bringing color, choreography, and conversation to streets, stages, and community venues.
Building Community and Amplifying Local Voices
What really stands out in the 2026 lineup is how many honorees are doing the quiet, essential work of gathering people, telling stories, and creating spaces where residents feel seen and heard.
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Food, Storytelling, and Cultural Connection
Sasha Campusano of Dine & Vibe uses food as a bridge, curating experiences that connect neighbors who might otherwise never cross paths.
On the media side, Neidy Gutierrez and Adrienne Romero of Slice of Culture document the narratives of underrepresented communities. They make sure local news and storytelling reflect the full spectrum of who lives in Hudson County.
This emphasis on connection shows up in the long-standing nonprofit and advocacy work represented on the list. Jaclyn Cherubini of The Hoboken Shelter, Simona Ovanezian of HOPES CAP, and Elizabeth Schedl of the Hudson Pride Center have spent years building support systems for neighbors facing housing insecurity, economic barriers, and discrimination.
Civic Leadership, Sustainability, and Youth Advocacy
These days, residents are paying close attention to local government, environmental resilience, and youth services. The presence of civic and nonprofit leaders on the “Women to Watch” list feels especially timely.
From City Hall to Climate Action
Mayor‑Elect Emily Jabbour represents a new chapter of municipal leadership. Heidi Castrillón of the Hudson County Latin American Chamber of Commerce champions small businesses and economic equity.
Environmental stewardship gets a spotlight with Deb Italiano of Sustainable JC and Renee Turonis of St. Mary’s Advocates. Their work shows climate action is a hyperlocal issue, not just a global talking point.
Youth and family advocacy also take center stage. Kyung Lee of Hudson County CASA and Janet Wallach of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County are reshaping what support looks like for kids navigating the foster system and after-school environments.
They remind us that a thriving city invests early in its youngest residents.
Wellness, Care, and Everyday Impact
Not all leadership comes with a podium. Some of the most lasting impact happens in the exam room, the yoga studio, or the neighborhood storefront.
Caring for People and Pets
Veterinarian Dr. Lippman and yoga educator Kate Lombardo round out the list. They remind us that community well-being rests on both physical and emotional health.
Their work helps residents—and their pets—navigate the challenges of dense, fast-paced urban living with a little more resilience and care.
Why This Matters for Jersey City in 2026
These 26 women are mapping out what equitable, community-driven growth looks like, stretching from Hoboken’s waterfront to Jersey City’s city districts. Their influence pops up everywhere—murals you walk by, youth programs your kids love, and the small businesses you keep coming back to.
As more people hunt for things to do in Jersey City—arts events, neighborhood food tours, you name it—they’ll spot these leaders’ fingerprints all over town. Travelers checking into Jersey City hotels or searching for where to stay in Jersey City end up in a city that’s increasingly shaped by women who care about inclusion, creativity, and sustainability.
Even getting to Jersey City feels different now. Transit access has improved, and newcomers quickly find themselves connecting to the networks these women have built.
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Here is the source article for this story: 26 Hoboken + Jersey City Women to Watch in 2026
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