The Pocono Chamber of Commerce, a partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, hosted the annual Women in Business Awards Reception on Nov. 18.

It was a night to celebrate outstanding female leaders and entrepreneurs making a difference throughout Monroe County.

The Pocono Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Scholarship recognizes a Monroe County female who has demonstrated a commitment to learning, empowering others and community service. The scholarship assists young women in their pursuit of higher education.

This year’s recipient is Katelynn Martini, a senior at Pleasant Valley High School and enrolled in the Culinary Program at Monroe Career & Technical Institute.

Martini plans to attend Northampton Community College next fall.

The 2025 Woman in Business Award honors a female leader who inspires and motivates other women to reach their full potential. This honoree will demonstrate excellence and initiative, both personally and professionally.

This year’s nominees were:

Dr. Akia Sheema Blandon with New Beginnings Healthcare, Amanda Alappat with SPARK, Amanda Counterman with Cozy Kitty Cafe, Breanna Betarie with East Stroudsburg University, Cindy Carr Knecht with Carr Realty of the Poconos, Courtney Quaresimo with Quantifi Media, Erika Huber with Pocono Family YMCA, Kayla Rosica with Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono, Lori Ruiz with ESSA Bank, Marjorica Ducheine with MMD Counseling Services, Nichele Brown with Greater Pocono Section NCNW, Patrice Dume with East Stroudsburg University, Sonia Williams with Sonia’s Handcrafted Art, Tanya Johnson with Trademarked Fitness Studio, Tina Nuntree with The Willow Tree Inn, and Tonya Uliano DeLorenzo with Liviana Kathleen’s Beauty Studio.

Tanya Johnson of Trademarked Fitness Studio was the winner. Johnson, a first-generation Caribbean American, holds double master’s degrees in marketing and management. She is also a tenured professor at Kingsborough Community College of CUNY.

After experiencing a devastating loss in her family and confronting the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson decided to take control of her life. She turned to fitness and began offering online Zumba classes, which fostered a wonderful community during a difficult time.

In 2023, Johnson successfully launched her in-person facility.