Porzio Governmental Affairs is proud to announce that Lynn Nowak, Executive Vice President, and Barbara DeMarco, Vice President, have been selected by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) to receive the Candy Straight Woman Trailblazer Award.
The award honors women who have broken barriers and “blazed a trail” for others in New Jersey’s business and political communities. Named in memory of Candy Straight—a pioneering political strategist, investment banker, and lifelong advocate for women in leadership— the award recognizes individuals whose careers exemplify her legacy of mentorship, advocacy, and progress.
Lynn and Barbara are being recognized for their decades of leadership, advocacy, and mentorship in shaping public policy and advancing women’s participation across New Jersey’s political and business landscape.
Lynn Nowak brings more than 25 years of experience in legislative strategy, regulatory affairs, and communications. She represents clients before the New Jersey Legislature and Executive Branch on issues spanning healthcare, education, economic development, telecommunications, and social justice. Known for her skill in coalition building and bipartisan collaboration, Lynn has earned recognition as one of New Jersey’s most powerful and influential women in public affairs. Throughout her career, Lynn’s mentorship has been defined by leading from the front—demonstrating through her work how strategic thinking, credibility, and collaboration drive effective advocacy. By modeling excellence in complex policy environments, she has helped guide and inspire women pursuing careers in government relations. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to advancing meaningful policy solutions while creating pathways for others to grow by example.
Barbara DeMarco advises clients across the gaming, education, agriculture, and technology sectors. She has played an instrumental role in advancing key legislative and economic development initiatives, including helping to establish a world-class data center at the Atlantic City Convention Center through a public-private partnership. Currently, she serves as Chairwoman of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce. A longtime champion of equitable education and innovation, Barbara is a passionate school choice proponent. After decades of advocating on behalf of students with special needs and preschoolers, she believes what is best for the child and the child’s family/support structure should be the first consideration when addressing where a child attends school. Barbara has mentored dozens of young professionals in and around the State Capitol for decades. Her willingness to support the career growth of young women specifically led to her receiving the New Jersey Women’s Political Caucus Trailblazer Award in 2025.
The 2025 Candy Straight Woman Trailblazer Award will be presented at NJBIA’s Public Policy Forum on January 30, 2026, an annual event that brings together state and business leaders to discuss New Jersey’s most pressing policy priorities.