The Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI) has announced the winners of the Women Influencing Business (WIB) Committee’s distinguished Female Business Leader of the Year and Rising Star of the Year awards. These two women in our community have established a presence in our community, achieved significant professional success, given back to the community, and have stood as advocates for other women.

After careful deliberation, the WIB Committee has selected Rosemary Fordjour, Founder & CEO of ROW Psychiatric Services, to be honored as the Female Business Leader of the Year and Samantha Jackson, President of EZ Pizzi Cleaning, to be honored as the Rising Star of the Year.

Fordjour, the visionary founder of ROW Psychiatric Services, is a licensed outpatient mental health treatment facility that provides mental health services to children, adolescents and adults. Row Psychiatric Services provides mental health care with a focus on equity and prevention.

Fordjour’s passion for mental health extends beyond her professional endeavors, as she actively contributes to the community through volunteer work and service on the board of directors for the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. In her role as the Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the YMCA, Fordjour demonstrates a commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable community. She also focuses on youth development and contributes to the fundraising efforts for the 7th grade initiative.

Recognizing the importance of diversity and empowerment in the business landscape, Fordjour is proud to be certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). This certification reflects her leadership and entrepreneurship in a sector where women’s voices and perspectives are pivotal.

Fordjour’s journey is not just about providing exceptional mental health care but also about making a lasting impact on the community, promoting diversity, and empowering women in business. Her powerful impact on the community also earned her recognition as a VISTA Millennial Superstar in 2021. Through ROW Psychiatric Services and her various roles, she continues to be a trailblazer, creating positive change in both the mental health and business arenas.

Samantha Jackson is the owner of residential cleaning company, EZ Pizzi Cleaning. Jackson was born in Chester County, then moved to North Carolina, splitting her childhood between the two locations. She attended Downingtown East High School for two years, and graduated in 2006 from West Carteret High School in NC. In 2011, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Pulmonary Rehab from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC.

She then utilized her degree as a personal trainer for years, specializing in training young athletes, specifically volleyball and softball. Samantha had pursued the American dream of business ownership – overcoming challenges, balancing motherhood, and owning a company while still focusing on the community.

Jackson believes in giving back and establishing “hats for the homeless.” She is an active member CCCBI, supporting the chamber and various nonprofits in the community. She was recognized as a VISTA Millennial Superstar in 2023, and was also awarded the 2023 Small Business Person of the Year award with the Exton Region Chamber of Commerce. She is a friend, mother and mentor to her staff and other small business owners.

While her goal for EZ Pizzi Cleaning includes endless growth, empowering other small businesses is a passion of hers. The greatest compliment to Jackson is a person confiding and trusting her enough to mentor them through reaching new heights along their journey.

“Chester County is filled with inspiring and admirable people,” said Jackson. “I am beyond grateful to be recognized and I appreciate the support from everyone.”

CCCBI’s Women Influencing Awards Dinner will take place on Thursday, May 16 from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Chester Valley Golf Club. Registration is now available at www.chescochamber.org for both women and men in the Chester County community. Tickets are $125 for CCCBI Members, $150 for Non-Members, and include a sit-down dinner with remarks from Keynote Speaker, Ann King Lagos, Founder and Designer of REALM Fine + Fashion Jewelry.

Learn more at CCCBI.