Women of Commerce Conference 2026

Description

Women of Commerce Conference

November 4, 2026 | 5:30 - 8:00 PM

Strength in Seasons: Resilience • Change • Growth

Just as the natural world moves through distinct seasons, a career is rarely a straight line. A woman's professional journey is shaped by moments that test her endurance, transitions that demand reinvention, and milestones that mark deep personal and professional expansion.

Meet Keynote Speaker, Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour

Emily (Ball) Jabbour was elected to be the 40th Mayor of the City of Hoboken on December 2, 2025. Emily was previously elected to the Hoboken City Council as a Councilmember-at-Large on November 7, 2017, and was re-elected to a second 4-year term on November 2, 2021.  For over 19 years, she proudly worked as a civil servant for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Emily began her federal career through the Presidential Management Fellows program and completed a six-month detail assignment with the United States House of Representatives as a Health Fellow for the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Health Subcommittee. During her time at ACF, Emily served as the Performance Officer as part of the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) and was project officer on a number of contracts. 

Emily’s leadership is grounded in collaboration and transparency. She believes local government works best when residents are engaged, voices are heard, and decisions are guided by both data and compassion. Throughout her time in office, she has worked closely with neighborhood groups, small businesses, seniors, parents, and community organizations to deliver meaningful progress. As Mayor, Emily is focused on building a Hoboken that is safe, inclusive, and forward-looking—one that honors its rich history while preparing for the challenges of the future. Her administration is committed to responsive government, responsible fiscal management, and policies that ensure Hoboken remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Emily graduated from Boston College in 2003 with a B.A. in Psychology, and graduated from Columbia’s School of Social Work in 2006 with a Master of Science in Social Work with a policy focus and Law Minor. Emily is the proud parent of two daughters who attend schools in the Hoboken Public School District, and the wife of lifelong Jersey resident Peter Jabbour, Head of Legal for the Americas for Maersk.

Understanding your own seasons

Resilience. There are phases in every career that require quiet strength, grit, and the ability to weather unexpected storms, industry shifts, or burnout. Resilience reminds us we can endure and emerge intact.

Change. Careers are defined by pivotal transitions: stepping into leadership, shifting industries, balancing caregiving with ambition, or starting anew. Change is the catalyst that makes room for fresh perspectives and bold pivots.

Growth. With endurance and adaptation, women claim the right to flourish. Growth is the sunlit reward of seasons past: expanded influence, mentorship, mastered skills, and the confidence to lift up the women coming behind us.

Our strength comes with anticipating change with grace, and ultimately, designing a career path that honors every season of life.

Speakers and Program (in formation)

5:30 pm -  Networking Reception

6:30 pm -  Welcome and Dinner

7:00 pm -  Program begins

8:00 pm -  Event closes

About Women of Commerce

The Women of Commerce Conference is an inspiring and empowering event designed to bring together women leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Women of Commerce is a committee of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce that empowers women from all industries, sectors, and segments, and their allies, providing leadership, educational programs, professional development opportunities and activities that serve women in business.

“A strong woman stands up for herself. A stronger woman stands up for everybody else.” ― Maya Angelou