MANASQUAN, NJ – December 5, 2023 – The President and CEO of Stateside Affairs, Cristina Pinzon, has been recognized and celebrated at the prestigious 2023 ROI-NJ Champions of the C-Suite Gala. This exclusive award, organized by ROI-NJ and proudly presented by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, acknowledges the outstanding achievements of the top 150 business leaders in the state of New Jersey. The gala, a culmination of the Power and Influencer lists for 2023, serves as a platform to honor leaders who have made significant contributions to the business landscape.
Cristina Pinzon, the visionary founder and owner of Stateside Affairs, is at the helm of the company's growth and success. With a career spanning over 17 years, Cristina has demonstrated her expertise as a former journalist and government official. Prior to establishing Stateside Affairs, she garnered valuable experience working with prominent organizations such as the State of New Jersey, NBC, News 12 New Jersey, and United Way.
Cristina's journey serves as evidence of her tenacity and willpower. She is a first-generation Latina who emigrated to the United States at a young age from Colombia. She and her family overcame the difficulties of adjusting to a new environment and culture while growing up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, which helped to mold her into the successful professional she is today.
Branching out on her own at the age of 30, Cristina founded Stateside Affairs, a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership. In her role as President and CEO, she has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and innovation, driving the success and growth of the company. Stateside Affairs, is a minority and woman-owned business located in the State of New Jersey. Stateside Affairs, a premier public relations company, stands at the forefront of the industry, with a team comprising former journalists, media specialists, and seasoned government officials boasting a collective experience of 50 years, it excels in garnering nationwide recognition for clients through unparalleled quality work. Leveraging state-of-the-art marketing techniques and strategic acumen, navigating the media landscape to connect clients with their desired audience, setting them apart as leaders in their respective fields. The company, under Cristina's leadership, has successfully navigated the intersection of public and private sectors, providing creative marketing solutions and strategic thinking to address diverse crisis communication issues.
In 2022, Stateside Affairs achieved notable recognition and accolades, showcasing its excellence and impact in the business world. The company proudly secured the prestigious Gold Stevie® Award in the international 19th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Notably, Stateside Affairs stood out as the sole U.S. company named a finalist in the highly competitive Social Media Team of the Year category, ultimately clinching the top honor with the Gold Stevie®. This accomplishment reflects the company's outstanding contributions and achievements on a global scale.
Stateside Affairs continued its streak of recognition on the local front, earning a place among the Top three in multiple categories on NJBIZ's 2022 Reader Rankings. The company excelled in the Minority-Owned Business, Women-Owned Business, and Public Relations Firm categories, reaffirming its position as a leader in these crucial sectors for the second consecutive year.
Stateside Affairs has received recognition for its outstanding performance not only in 2022 but also in years prior. Stateside Affairs' ingenuity and influence in entrepreneurship were highlighted in 2019 when it was named a Leading Women Entrepreneurs & Business Owners' Intrapreneur, Socialpreneur, or Brand Builder Finalist.
In 2018, Stateside Affairs was honored to be included in NJBIZ's Winner Circle as an Emerging Business of the Year, further solidifying its status as a rising star in the business community. The company's commitment to excellence and its contributions to the business landscape have also been acknowledged by statewide publications, including Insider NJ and Americano News.
Cristina Pinzon is a dedicated advocate for diversity and community development, actively contributing her efforts to various organizations. Currently, Cristina plays a crucial role in promoting diversity within the New Jersey economy through her involvement in the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Supplier Diversity Development Council. Her dedication to championing diversity aligns with the council's mission to create opportunities for minority-owned businesses in the state.
Additionally, Cristina is an active member of the New Jersey Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where she continues her work to advance diversity and inclusivity. In this capacity, she collaborates with fellow Chamber members to support and empower Hispanic entrepreneurs, contributing to the overall economic vibrancy of the state.
Furthermore, she serves on the Latina Civic Action Board, demonstrating her commitment to fostering civic engagement and empowerment within the Latino community.
Cristina's contributions are particularly significant in the context of the New Jersey economy. As highlighted by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), the Garden State is home to more than 120,000 Hispanic-owned businesses. These businesses, collectively generating thousands of jobs and contributing over $20 billion in economic output annually, play a vital role in the state's economic landscape.
Through her multifaceted involvement and leadership, Cristina Pinzon continues to make a meaningful impact, not only in the business arena but also in the promotion of diversity, economic development, and community empowerment within the state of New Jersey.
Cristina Pinzon's impact extends beyond her professional endeavors. She has actively contributed to economic development, affordable housing, social justice, and women’s rights, collaborating with cities like Elizabeth, Trenton, Newark, and Perth Amboy to garner community and government support. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Cristina's work has been featured in major publications, including NJBiz, NJ.com, The New York Times, Telemundo, and Univision.
"Celebrating these honors is more than a recognition of my personal achievements; it's a testament to the dedicated team at Stateside Affairs and the collaborative spirit that fuels our success. Being honored by ROI-NJ and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is not just a validation of my journey but an acknowledgment of the collective effort to make a meaningful impact in New Jersey's business landscape, “ said Cristina Pinzon. “These accolades inspire us to continue pushing boundaries, fostering innovation, and championing diversity in our economy. This honor propels us forward, reinforcing our dedication to excellence, creativity, and making a lasting difference in the communities we serve."
The ROI-NJ Champions of the C-Suite Gala is a testament to Cristina Pinzon's remarkable achievements and leadership. The event, organized by ROI-NJ and executed by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, provides unparalleled networking opportunities with influential leaders from across the state. The evening included cocktail receptions before and after the awards ceremony, fostering connections and celebrating the collective success of New Jersey's top leaders.
About Stateside Affairs
Stateside Affairs is an award-winning, woman and minority-owned government affairs and public relations company based in New Jersey. Founded in 2015, the company’s reputation for success has garnered both state and regional recognition for its work in public affairs as well as print and digital communications. As industry leaders, the Stateside Affairs team prides itself in delivering plans that are beautifully designed and skillfully executed, gaining its clients nationwide recognition for quality work. For more information about Stateside Affairs, visit www.statesideaffairs.com.
ROI-NJ is a leading business publication in New Jersey, providing in-depth coverage of the state's business news, trends, and influential leaders. The Power and Influencer lists showcase the individuals making a significant impact on New Jersey's business landscape
About New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is a prominent business advocacy organization, dedicated to fostering economic growth and supporting businesses across the state. The chamber plays a crucial role in organizing events that recognize and celebrate the achievements of New Jersey's top business leaders.
