Rizco, a woman-owned, brand-led marketing agency in New Jersey, is thrilled to announce its recognition as an honoree in the NJBIZ Empowering Women – Companies Leading the Way awards program on November 14 at The DoubleTree by Hilton in Somerset, NJ. Now in its second year, this award celebrates over 40 New Jersey-based organizations actively promoting women’s empowerment and advancement through strategic and impactful initiatives.
Rizco’s growth-oriented culture is founded on a deep commitment to advancing women and fostering a sense of ownership and innovation among all team members. Employees are encouraged to approach the business as their own, empowering them to make bold, impactful decisions that contribute to Rizco’s success. To support this, Rizco provides each team member with an annual $500 professional development stipend and continuous industry training, fostering personal and professional growth.
As active members of the NJ Ad Club, Rizco has seen individual achievements recognized within the organization. Two of Rizco’s standout female leaders, Michelle Mazur and Alexa Rafael, were honored in 2021 and 2022, respectively, as part of the NJ Ad Club’s Jersey’s Best Professionals Under 40—a testament to their professional excellence and leadership.
Rizco also actively supports association engagement and community leadership, with many female team members holding or having held roles in influential New Jersey organizations. These include the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council, Professional Women in Construction, Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce, Wall High School Business & Finance Academy, and Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce. Rizco’s network continues to expand through new engagements with the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce and NJBIA, highlighting the company’s commitment to meaningful community involvement and leadership development for women across the state.
In New Jersey’s construction sector, where women make up just 9% of the workforce, Rizco is actively driving change. Led by VP of Sales Jill Nappi, a Professional Women in Construction (PWC) board member, PWC membership has tripled, and mentorship programs have grown. Jill mentors new female professionals every six months, serves on the scholarship committee awarding $30,000 annually to women in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC), and volunteers at vocational schools—furthering Rizco’s commitment to advancing women in underrepresented fields.
Rizco’s dedication to team health and well-being is equally strong. In October 2024, Rizco launched the Rizco MOVEment, a wellness initiative aimed to bolster health, work-life balance, and personal wellness, which is particularly critical as half of Rizco’s female team members navigate motherhood. The Rizco MOVEment, spearheaded by Director of Strategy & Content Alicia Shepherd, includes quarterly sessions with New Jersey’s top women in health, nutrition, and education, demonstrating Rizco’s commitment to a culture of holistic support.
“We are honored to receive the NJBIZ Empowering Women award and proud to be part of a community that promotes women’s advancement,” said Debra Rizzi, Co-founder and President of Rizco. “The Rizco MOVEment and our professional development initiatives are expressions of our belief in creating environments where women can thrive personally and professionally.”
The NJBIZ Empowering Women award program recognizes organizations for achievements in:
- Recruiting, hiring, and promoting women.
- Providing mentoring programs for women.
- Advocating for systemic change to combat inequality.
- Engaging in philanthropic and community efforts that support women.
Rizco and other honorees will be featured in an upcoming NJBIZ issue.
