Cristina Amyot Makes for 2015 Leading Women Entrepreneurs Finalist

Cristina’s Advocacy for Women

Cristina takes an all-encompassing approach to advocating for women, starting in her home. Her two sons not only see that she works, but they see that she has a profession. They see her husband grocery shopping and picking them up from school, traditionally female responsibilities, so that she can meet with CEOs and land new clients. They know all of my employees personally, most of whom are women. Having children grow up seeing firsthand the value and contribution women make to society and the family in a variety, not just traditional ways, is critical to fostering a society that advocates for women as much as it advocates for men.

As a business owner, she provides flexibility for her employees so they can balance work and their personal lives. One employee works four days a week. Two work three days a week. They still provide full-service support to our clients (Yes, it can be done in a service-based industry! And she tell her clients that too!).

The biggest professional obstacle she has faced is overcoming the stereotype that HR is not capable of making a tangible impact on the business. Her education at Rutgers, coupled with her work experience (She once reported to the female owner of a marketing firm who taught her to incorporate the “So what?”, or impact, into all of her communications) has paid off. As one client, a CEO of a $3 billion firm recently said to her, “It’s clear you know HR. What’s even clearer and more impressive is that she understand business.” Wow. Mission accomplished.

Cristina’s Favorite Quote or Words That Inspire Her

This is a tough one, as there are a few, but the one that has given her the greatest inspiration is the one her mother repeats to her, even to this day, “He puts his pants on one leg at a time.”

As a woman and as a business owner, you really have to put yourself out there, and seeing other people be so successful can make you wonder, “Can I do this? Am I good enough?” To which my mother scolds, “Snap out of it! He’s no different from you. He puts his pants on one leg at a time”, Cristina said.

This gives her the inspiration to lift herself out of her momentary insecurity and focus on being the successful person who she really was.

Cristina L. Amyot as President and CEO of EnformHR, LLC

Ms. Amyot is the President and CEO of EnformHR, LLC, a human resources consulting firm based out of Red Bank, New Jersey. Ms. Amyot and her team of HR Generalists provide a full range of customized HR services, helping companies protect and grow their business, including: HR Management, Training & Development, and Strategic Partnering.

In addition to conducting seminars for clients on topics such as anti-discrimination/non-harassment, discipline and performance management, and effective communication, Ms. Amyot speaks publicly to industry associations on a variety of HR topics.  Recent engagements include Take Your Seat at the Table at the Garden State SHRM’s 20^th Annual Conference, How to Build a High-Performance Workforce in Your Organization at the Tri-State Human Resource Management Association’s 23rd Annual Conference, and Need to Know Employment Laws & HR Practices and The Do’s and Don’ts of Compliant Hiring Practices, both at the Minority Business Council of New York/New Jersey.

Cristina’s Educational Background

Ms. Amyot graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Masters in Human Resource Management from Rutgers University.  She holds an SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) from the Society for Human Resource Management, a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute, and a Life, Accident and Health Insurance License from the State of New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.

Ms. Amyot is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management Association, the Human Resources Management Association of Princeton, the Jersey Shore Association of Human Resources, the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, the Monmouth Ocean Development Council, and the BNI Hawks Chapter.

Her company, EnformHR, is certified as a Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) with the State of New Jersey and with NJ Transit, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, and the Port Authority of NY/NJ under the New Jersey United Certification Program (NJ UCP).

About 2015 Leading Women Entrepreneurs

Hundreds of nominations were received from women entrepreneurs who are all accomplished, intelligent and inspired by their work; these trend-setting women make a difference in their companies, industries and communities. Their contributions have given rise to the creation of the Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners Initiative, an honor which was open to the women of our state who have been keeping the small business economic engine warm in these troubled times.  We are also excited to announce our new category, Leading Women Intrapreneurs, which recognizes the innovators who are creating the future for corporations.

The 2015 finalists who were selected are women who support numerous non-profits, are employing thousands, generating billions and represent a variety of industries. The impact they have for our state and local communities is amazing.

We are very excited about the 2015 initiative in partnership with New Jersey Monthly Magazine that honors women business owners because women are the forerunners to the economic recovery of our state.  Over the last twenty years, women have surpassed men at twice the rate for starting their own companies.  Our joint project presents phenomenal exposure for their efforts and the issue that finalists are listed in will reach over 750,000 households,” states Linda Wellbrock, Founder of Leading Women Entrepreneurs.

Selecting the Finalists for 2015 Leading Women Entrepreneurs

After analyzing hundreds of entries, an independent committee selected the initial finalists for phase one of the competition who were judged in four areas:  Market Potential, Innovation, Advocacy for Women and Community Involvement.  Finalists are then automatically submitted for phase two of the competition. This list will be further analyzed by the Advisory Board to assist in selecting the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs who will be recognized on November 16, 2015 at the Liberty House in Jersey City, NJ at a cocktail reception.

Leading Women Entrepreneurs is a media and events company that recognizes outstanding women business owners. The mission is to create a sustainable, ongoing environment that brings leaders together and showcases their attributes and contributions.

Ms. Amyot was nominated by a 2013 top 25 LWE winner, Melissa Oliver from Star Bright Services as 2015 Leading Women Entrepreneurs Phase One Finalists