ICF New Jersey Members Recognized with NJBIZ Leading Women in Business Award
Posted by Sue - Admin on Oct. 16, 2024 / Subscribe 0
by Irina Gaister, ACC
This week, the International Coaching Federation New Jersey Charter Chapter proudly celebrated two of our esteemed members, who were recognized with the NJBIZ Leading Women in Business Award. These exceptional women have not only made significant strides in the business world but have also had a profound impact on their communities. Following an open nomination process, a panel of independent judges evaluated submissions using a points-based system to select this year’s honorees.
Join us in congratulating these outstanding leaders and exploring their inspiring stories:
Shefali Raina, President and Founder, Alpha Lane Partners, Montclair
Shefali Raina, president and founder of Alpha Lane Partners, has devoted her career to elevating women to leadership roles in the corporate world. With over two decades of experience in financial services and consulting, she has used her expertise to coach C-suite executives and board members from Fortune 500 companies and venture-backed startups.
As a first-generation immigrant, Raina rose to become Managing Director and Business Unit COO at Lehman Brothers Holdings in 2017. Her client roster includes leaders from companies like Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis, Google, and the United Nations.
Reflecting on her journey, she shares: “Looking back at what I thought was my hardest decision, it is now my proudest accomplishment—building Alpha Lane Partners and helping others, especially female executives, soar.”
Raina is a Professional Certified Coach accredited by the International Coaching Federation, an Emotional Intelligence Meta-Coach, and a member of the Forbes Coaching Council. She actively invests in female-led startups through the How Women Invest Fund and the Neythri Futures Fund. Beyond her professional achievements, she co-leads the Corporate Board Readiness Program for Neythri, which has trained over 200 senior executive women for board positions. A symbolic moment of her journey was ringing the NASDAQ opening bell on behalf of the How Women Invest Fund.
Dorisse Shakir-Ullah, Founder, Career Forward Coaching, West Orange
Dorisse Shakir-Ullah, founder of Career Forward Coaching, has dedicated her life to empowering others and maximizing opportunities for success. With a distinguished 40-year career in the FBI, she ascended from typist to the first Black Muslim woman to serve as an administrative officer for New Jersey’s FBI field office, the seventh largest in the nation. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s call to service, “What are you doing for others?” Shakir-Ullah has applied this philosophy to her leadership and community efforts.
As chair of the Newark Federal Executive Board, she fostered partnerships and led fundraising campaigns, raising $425,000 for various causes. Her commitment to service extends beyond her professional life. She serves as co-director of membership for the ICF New Jersey Charter Chapter, mentors emerging leaders, and supports organizations like Dress for Success and Sierra House. Her work is focused on creating pathways for future generations and inspiring public servants. She has said:
“I want my success to be about the lives I touch, the bridges I build, the impact I have, and the legacy of kindness, support, and grace I leave behind.”
Balancing a high-stakes career with family life, as a mother of four and wife of 43 years, has taught her valuable lessons in humility and self-compassion. These experiences shape her coaching approach, where she helps professionals align their values, strengths, and skills to achieve career fulfillment.
Please join us in celebrating the achievements and contributions of these two inspiring women, whose impact reaches far beyond business and into the heart of their communities.
***
Irina Gaister
Facilitator, Coach & Communications, and Marketing Director for the New Jersey International Coaching Federation Charter Chapter
***
0 Comments