Montclair, NJ – October 7, 2023 – Cheryl McCants, the visionary founder and CEO of Impact Consulting Enterprises, has been recognized as one of the inaugural "50 Women to KNOW in New Jersey." This prestigious accolade celebrates McCants’ nearly four decades of distinguished service across entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, public service, and civic engagement. The honor, presented by KNOW Women, highlights individuals whose professional achievements, leadership acumen, and profound community impact are instrumental in shaping the Garden State’s future.
The recognition was bestowed upon McCants at the highly anticipated Women to KNOW in New Jersey Dinner & Gala, held on October 6th at the elegant 18 Label venue in Montclair. The event served as a vibrant testament to the remarkable contributions of women across diverse sectors, acknowledging their pivotal roles in driving innovation, fostering growth, and championing social progress throughout New Jersey.
McCants’ extensive career is a tapestry woven with threads of entrepreneurial spirit, astute corporate management, dedicated public service, and insightful strategic consulting. Her professional journey has traversed a broad spectrum of industries, including business, government, education, healthcare, and life sciences, consistently demonstrating her ability to drive impactful change within mission-driven organizations.
A Legacy of Impact: McCants’ Journey and Philosophy
The "50 Women to KNOW" honor is particularly meaningful to McCants, as it acknowledges the multifaceted nature of her professional and personal journey. "This recognition reflects so many dimensions of my journey – building a business, leading through change, serving my community, and helping other people recognize the power of their own ideas and voices," McCants stated in a reflection following the ceremony. "As the mother of a daughter, developing the next generation of women leaders is deeply personal to me. Through The Impact Institute, I am building on my experience to help others strengthen their voices, develop their skills, and create their own paths forward."
This dedication to nurturing future leaders is vividly embodied in The Impact Institute, an initiative spearheaded by McCants and her dedicated team. The Institute offers comprehensive workforce development programs, focusing on professional growth and skill-building in critical areas such as writing, public speaking, and strategic thinking. These programs are designed to equip individuals with the tools and confidence necessary to navigate their professional landscapes and achieve their aspirations.
Furthermore, McCants extends her expertise directly to business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs through her popular podcast, "Build Your Brand with Cheryl McCants: Make the Invisible Visible." This platform serves as a conduit for practical, actionable insights on branding, marketing, leadership, enhancing visibility, and achieving sustainable growth. By sharing her wealth of experience, McCants empowers her audience to overcome challenges and unlock their full potential.
The Guiding Light: Influence of Alma Williams
Central to McCants’ leadership philosophy is the profound influence of her late aunt, Alma Williams. McCants often cites her aunt’s enduring mantra, "Nothing ever happens wrong," as a foundational principle that has shaped her approach to adversity and innovation. This philosophy instilled in McCants a unique ability to identify opportunities within setbacks, fostering a mindset of adaptability and persistent forward momentum.
"My Aunt Alma’s mantra, ‘Nothing ever happens wrong,’ taught me to find possibility in setbacks, adapt and keep moving," McCants explained. "She taught me to see what others might overlook – a philosophy embedded in my commitment to Make the Invisible Visible." This core belief underscores McCants’ dedication to bringing overlooked ideas and voices to the forefront, ensuring that valuable perspectives are not lost and that opportunities are created where they might otherwise be missed.
A Multifaceted Career: From Corporate Giants to Civic Duty
McCants’ illustrious career is marked by significant achievements across various sectors. Her professional trajectory includes pivotal leadership roles with globally recognized brands such as Nike and Jordan Brand. During her tenure with these iconic companies, she honed her strategic marketing and brand-building expertise, developing a keen understanding of how to connect with diverse audiences and drive commercial success.
Beyond the corporate arena, McCants has made substantial contributions to public service. Her experience as a former town commissioner provided her with firsthand insight into the intricacies of local governance and community development. This role allowed her to champion initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents and fostering economic vitality within the municipality.
Her commitment to community betterment extends to her service on numerous influential boards, including those focused on business development, education, and economic growth. Through these engagements, McCants has consistently leveraged her strategic acumen and leadership skills to advise organizations, shape policy, and drive progress.
Throughout each distinct chapter of her career, McCants has remained steadfast in her commitment to a singular, overarching goal: elevating overlooked ideas and voices. Her work is characterized by a deep-seated desire to create opportunities, foster innovation, and facilitate the transformation of strategic visions into tangible, meaningful action. This dedication to making the invisible visible, to empowering those who might otherwise be unheard, is the bedrock of her enduring legacy and the driving force behind her recognition as one of New Jersey’s most influential women.
The "50 Women to KNOW" Initiative: Recognizing Impact and Shaping the Future
The "Women to KNOW in New Jersey" initiative, spearheaded by KNOW Women, aims to spotlight and celebrate women who are making a tangible difference across the state. The selection process for the inaugural class of 50 honorees was rigorous, seeking out individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, a commitment to their communities, and a proven track record of professional success.
KNOW Women, the presenting organization, is dedicated to empowering women through networking, mentorship, and recognition. Their mission aligns perfectly with the profiles of the women honored, who consistently demonstrate a passion for lifting others and contributing to a more equitable and prosperous society.
"We are thrilled to celebrate these 50 incredible women who are truly shaping the future of New Jersey," stated a representative from KNOW Women. "Their diverse backgrounds, unique talents, and unwavering dedication to their respective fields are an inspiration to us all. Cheryl McCants, in particular, embodies the spirit of leadership and community impact that this award seeks to recognize."
The selection committee emphasized McCants’ holistic approach to leadership, noting her ability to seamlessly integrate her entrepreneurial ventures with her passion for community development and her commitment to mentorship. Her consistent ability to identify unmet needs and develop innovative solutions, whether in the corporate world or through her philanthropic endeavors, sets her apart as a true leader and change-maker.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
Cheryl McCants’ inclusion in the "50 Women to KNOW" list carries significant implications for New Jersey’s business and civic landscape. Her recognition serves as a powerful endorsement of her innovative business strategies, her dedication to fostering talent, and her unwavering commitment to social responsibility. As a prominent figure in the state, her continued leadership is likely to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, to pursue their ambitions with confidence and purpose.
The Impact Institute, under McCants’ guidance, is poised to play an even more critical role in developing New Jersey’s workforce and empowering individuals with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving economy. The podcast and professional development programs offer accessible avenues for learning and growth, democratizing access to valuable business and leadership insights.
Furthermore, McCants’ advocacy for making the "invisible visible" resonates deeply in a society that often overlooks the contributions of marginalized communities and underrepresented voices. Her philosophy encourages a more inclusive and equitable approach to development, where all ideas and talents are recognized and nurtured.
As New Jersey continues to navigate economic shifts and social transformations, leaders like Cheryl McCants are indispensable. Her ability to bridge the gap between strategic vision and practical execution, coupled with her profound commitment to empowering others, positions her as a vital asset to the state’s progress. The "50 Women to KNOW" honor is not merely a recognition of past achievements but a testament to the ongoing impact and future potential of women who are actively shaping a brighter tomorrow for New Jersey and beyond. McCants’ journey serves as a compelling narrative of resilience, innovation, and dedicated service, embodying the very essence of what it means to be a woman to KNOW in New Jersey.
