Rutgers Board of Governors Chair Amy Towers Celebrated as Leading Woman in Business

Amy Towers, who is serving her second term as chair of the Rutgers Board of Governors, was named a 2025 Leading Woman in Business by NJBIZ during an awards ceremony on August 19, 2025. 

This year’s Leading Women in Business honorees include more than 60 women across industries who have made a significant impact on business in New Jersey. Towers joins leaders from Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Verizon and others recognized at the event. 

Towers was also recognized by the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey and Commerce Magazine during the 2025 Enterprising Women in Commerce award ceremony, an annual event that honors inspiring and encouraging women across a range of industries. 

"I am truly honored to be recognized alongside such an extraordinary group of women whose accomplishments, vision and leadership continue to inspire me. These recognitions remind me of the value of hard work, perseverance, and the belief that when we apply our knowledge and talents with purpose, we can improve lives and strengthen communities," said Towers. "Representation in leadership matters – not just for the decisions we make today, but for the doors we open for the women who will follow. I am proud to stand among so many who are leading with integrity, courage and a deep commitment to creating a better future for all." 

In 2007, Towers established the Nduna Foundation to advance critical interventions in public health, community redevelopment, human rights and conservation in conflict-affected regions. 

Towers has spent the last two decades serving on several nonprofit boards ranging from community-based organizations to large national and multinational boards – including UNICEF, the CDC Foundation, the Institute for International Education, and the International Peace Institute – providing leadership on international issues and public health. 

Recognized globally for her humanitarian efforts, Towers has received several honors, including UNICEF’s Audrey Hepburn Humanitarian Award and commendations from the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the International Center for Research on Women and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. 

As chair of Rutgers Board of Governors, Towers led the search for the university’s 22nd president, culminating in the appointment of William F. Tate IV, who began his term on July 1, 2025.

“Amy Towers has poured her heart into the Rutgers community – giving freely of her time, leadership and insights. Rutgers is a proud beneficiary of her tremendous generosity and energy for driving organizations to new heights,” said Tate. “Congratulations to Amy for these well-deserved recognitions.”

Towers previously served as the chair of the Rutgers University Foundation Board of Directors and currently serves as the board chair of MANA Nutrition and as a board member of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Institute of International Education, International Peace Institute and Center for Civilians in Conflict. She was also a founding member of the board of advisors to The Elders, created by Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel to work for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet.

Learn more about Amy Towers and her journey to becoming a global business leader, from her humble studio apartment to a family home in Zimbabwe in the videos below. 

What Did You Want to Be When You Grew Up? 

What Was Your First Splurge After Your Career Took Off? 
 

What’s Something Most People Wouldn’t Know About You?