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Judith Bannon, CEO and Founder of Cribs for Kids, has played a crucial role in addressing these challenges. As a dedicated advocate for infant health, Judy has been engaged in initiatives to lower SIDS rates and promote safe sleep education. Her journey began in the late 1980s, when she was deeply involved in development roles and organized significant fundraising events.
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W O R L D VOL-07 | ISSUE-01 | 2024 M A G A Z I N E Judy A. Bannon Most CEO/Founder The 10 Cribs for Kids Women Ambitious in Business,2024 “She goes to work every day, knowing that her passion will save babies’ lives throughout the country.” Judith Bannon Pioneering Infant Sleep Education and Support Programs
Magnicent Women Leadership s we reflect on business in 2024, it's clear but are also paving the way for future generations of that the most ambitious women are female leaders. Their stories serve as a beacon of A redefining success with their relentless drive hope and motivation, encouraging others to dream and innovative spirit. Across industries, these big, embrace challenges, and strive for excellence in women are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and their own endeavors. reshaping the future of business. Their leadership is marked not only by strategic acumen and We bring forth the most ambitious women in the operational excellence but also by a commitment to business of 2024 for their extraordinary fostering inclusive and sustainable practices. contributions, solid perseverance, and dedication to making a lasting impact. They are not only shaping In boardrooms and startups alike, these women are the present but also shaping the future of business demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity, with their courage, innovation, and commitment to advocating for diversity and equity, and pushing driving meaningful change. boundaries to achieve unprecedented milestones. Their journeys inspire us all, illustrating the transformative power of determination and vision in driving organizational success and societal change. Through the latest edition, it's essential to recognize the broader impact of their leadership. These women are not just excelling in their respective fields
Judith Bannon Pioneering Infant Sleep Education and Support Programs Women Redefining Success From Entrepreneurship to Leadership 16 ARTICLES Challenges and Triumphs Women Pioneering in the Business World 20
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Judy A. Bannon CEO/Founder Cribs for Kids Cover Story
Judith Bannon Pioneering Infant Sleep Education and Support Programs Her goal is to strengthen these partnerships and continue to add partners both domestically and internationally to spread the “ safe sleep message, thus changing the culture.
The 10 Most Ambitious Women in Business, 2024 Preventing Infant Mortality! he infant care service niche is perpetually working on understanding and preventing T Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a leading cause of mortality among newborns. The field has seen significant advancements through initiatives such as the Back to Sleep campaign, emphasizing the impor- tance of sleep positioning in reducing SIDS rates. Over the years, various studies and public health campaigns have worked relentlessly to educate parents and caregivers about safe sleep practices. Despite these efforts, challenges remain in ensuring that all families have access to the necessary resources and information to provide safe sleeping environments for their infants. Judith Bannon, CEO and Founder of Cribs for Kids, has played a crucial role in addressing these challenges. As a dedicated advocate for infant health, Judy has been engaged in initiatives to lower SIDS rates and promote safe sleep education. Her journey began in the late 1980s when she was deeply involved in development roles and organized significant fundraising events. Judy’s passion for preventing infant deaths led her to become a key figure in the SIDS community, where she pushed forward groundbreaking research and aware- ness campaigns, ultimately founding impactful pro- grams and initiatives. Cribs for Kids, established under Judy’s guidance, is dedicated to preventing infant sleep-related deaths through education and the provision of safe sleep environments. It has grown from a local initiative to a national non-profit with over 2,000 partners across the United States. The organization offers safe sleep products at discounted prices and provides a range of educational materials and programs to hospitals, health departments, and other partners. Through continuous innovation and commitment, Cribs for Kids has made significant strides in changing the culture of infant sleep safety. Let’s explore Judy’s journey to reducing SIDS rates: A Commitment to Infant Health In 1989, Judy served as the Director of Development for United Cerebral Palsy of the Pittsburgh District acting as the producer of their Weekend with the Stars annual telethon. This event raised $22 million nation- wide for people with cerebral palsy. Ray Mansfield, a
former Center for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his business partner Chuck Puskar, a SIDS Dad and SIDS of PA board chairman, had seen the telethon on TV and approached Judy to become SIDS of Pennsylvania’s first Executive Director. Cribs for Kids, established When it came to Judy’s attention that over 10,000 under Judy’s guidance, is babies a year were dying of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and no telethons were being held to dedicated to preventing support research into the cause of these deaths, her infant sleep-related deaths decision to accept the position was an easy one. Her goal was to determine what was causing babies to die through education and the “mysteriously” in their sleep and then find a way to “ eliminate these deaths. provision of safe sleep The Impact of Sleep Position on SIDS Rates environments. By 1992, the only identified risk factors for SIDS were low birth weight, premature births, and smoking during At that time, Judy contacted the Allegheny County pregnancy and around the infant. In February of that Coroner, Dr. Cyril Wecht, asking if she could review the year, Judy was asked to do a marketing presentation at death scene investigations of all 28 babies to determine the International SIDS Conference in Sydney, Australia. what, if anything, these babies’ deaths had in common. There, the SIDS community learned about a study She was joined in her efforts by the Allegheny County conducted in Australia, New Zealand, and the United District Attorney, Stephen Zappala, a Commander on Kingdom. the Pittsburgh Police Force, Gwen Elliott, and the then President of Pittsburgh City Council and future mayor, This study consisted of parents being asked to put their Bob O’Connor. babies to sleep on their backs rather than their tum- mies to reduce the risk of SIDS. After three years, the These 28 deaths did have something in common. Over rate of babies dying of SIDS plummeted by over 50%. 90% of these infants were found in unsafe sleeping This study marked the beginning of the Back to Sleep environments: in bed with a parent or sibling, on their Campaign, initiated by the NICHD and the American tummies, on couches, in car seats, and some in cribs Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in the United States in cluttered with stuffed animals, pillows, and bumper 1994. pads. In addition, many of the deaths happened in low- income neighborhoods, where many families could not Meanwhile, in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh, PA), under afford a safe place for their babies to sleep. The findings Judy’s leadership, the team at SIDS of PA was working from this informal study launched Cribs for Kids. diligently to spread the Back to Sleep message. Judy’s goal became immediately apparent: change the The Evolution of Safe Sleep Advocacy Back to Sleep message to include safe sleep and provide infant safe sleep education, but more importantly, a By 1996, like the rest of the country, the SIDS rates in safety-approved crib for families in need. Allegheny County had dropped by about 50%, going from 54 a year before the Back to Sleep campaign to 28 The Creation of a Unique Product Line deaths in 1996. As a member of the Allegheny County Child Death Review Team, Judy had access to the Once Cribs for Kids was established in Allegheny autopsy findings related to these 28 deaths. Although County and surrounding counties in western Pennsyl- there was satisfaction with the decrease, the loss of 28 vania, SIDS rates sharply declined. To spread its sleep babies’ lives a year was still too many. message, Judy began writing abstracts for national conferences. At the 2004 APHA conference in Wash
ington, DC, the Director of Maternal and Child Health Early on, a local trucking organization in Pittsburgh, for New York City Department of Health and Mental Pitt-Ohio, offered Cribs for Kids free shipping to its Hygiene, Dr. Lorraine Boyd, approached Judy and partners in 14 states. Today, the non-profit is fortunate expressed her need for Judy’s ‘pearls of wisdom’. to continue to take advantage of this generous dona- tion. Because Pitt-Ohio has successfully grown into a The ‘crib’ adopted for the program because of its cost, full-service trucking organization, they are now Cribs size and portability, the Graco Pack n Play, enthralled for Kids’ shipper of record, bringing products from Dr. Boyd. New York City had a problem with the space China to their door in Pittsburgh and its other ware- that a full-sized crib took up in the small living quarters house locations in Long Beach, California, and Indianap- in the city. Also, the Pack-n-Play, which was the perfect olis, IN. size could be transported in its carrying case on the subway, a popular means of transportation in the city. Judy admits the learning curve has been huge, but New York City signed on as a Cribs for Kids partner that’s why her job is so exciting! which paved the way for Cribs for Kids’ outreach to the rest of the country. Cribs for Kids’ motto was “We’re in The Growth of a Lifesaving Team New York City; if we can do it there, we can do it anywhere.” And indeed, the organization did it! Cribs for Kids now Judy believes she has the best job in the world! She has over 2,000 partners nationwide. goes to work every day, knowing that her passion will save babies’ lives. When Cribs for Kids began in 1998, However, reaching this success did not come without a her staff was only five ladies strong. The organization’s story has been chronicled in “Five Ladies and a Forklift,” learning curve. Shipping containers into Pittsburgh written by her daughter, Jennifer Bannon. Although, from China, finding a warehouse and learning how to prepare shipments (palletizing, shrink wrapping, etc.) to due to untimely deaths and retirements Judy is the only assure timely delivery to our partners were just part of one of the ladies left to carry on the mission. However, that learning curve. But the five ladies, along with their she now has a staff of 20 employees who come to work donated forklift, prevailed! More importantly, they every day with their mission in mind and with the same never let their partners know they were learning as passion she has always possessed. Cribs for Kids would they went. not have been possible without them. The time came when Cribs for Kids wanted a personal- Changing the Culture of Infant Sleep ized crib with the safe sleep message embossed on the fabric: ABC: Alone on My Back in a Crib. When Graco At its core, Cribs for Kids is an infant-safe sleep couldn’t accommodate them, Judy contacted factories educational program that includes the donation of in China (the only place in the world where play yards safety-approved cribs to families in need. The organiza- are manufactured) and embarked on her most ambi- tion’s expansion can be attributed to its all-inclusive tious journey: having a Cribs for Kids’ line of products. approach to changing the culture of infant sleep. In addition to offering safe sleep products at discounted Judy found a company, Korbex International, that was prices, Cribs for Kids boasts a robust catalog of free happy to accommodate this request. Through Korbex, educational materials based on the American Academy Cribs for Kids now has a line of baby products that tout of Pediatrics Recommendations of 2022. the ABC messaging: the Cribette, their portable crib; the Snoozzzette, their wearable blanket; the Furthermore, educational programs, which include Safe Swaddlette, their swaddle; the Snapette, their onesie; Sleep Ambassador, Hospital Certification, Managed the Snuggette, their baby carrier; the Toilette, their Care Incentive Program, and its National Public Safety potty chair; and the Snackette, their booster seat. Initiative, are offered free of charge to its partners. Cribs for Kids also hosts ongoing webinars and a bi- In 2019, Cribs for Kids opened its online retail store annual conference for partners to keep them updated featuring these products. The name of the store: ette on the latest research and recalls of infant products. cetera! was fitting since all the organization’s products end in “ette.”. To truly change the culture of infant sleep, Cribs for Kids has established its online store, ette cetera!
She goes to work every day, knowing that her passion will save babies’ lives throughout the “ country. which allows the organization to sell its products to the Bridging Research and Advocacy public. The store can be found at ettecetera.com. Cribs for Kids is very fortunate to have Dr. Michael A Strategic Approach to Infant Safety Goodstein on its board of directors. He also serves on the Sudden Unexpected Death (SUID) subcommittee of Spreading a clear, concise, and consistent safe sleep the American Academy of Pediatrics, so they are message on a limited budget proved to be a challenge. immediately aware of the latest research. Through its After identifying the place where most new moms bi-annual National Cribs for Kids Conference and gather—the 113 birthing hospitals in Pennsylva- monthly webinars, the organization invites safe-sleep nia—Judy and Dr. Eileen Tyrala, a pediatrician from advocates and researchers to share their findings with Philadelphia, realized they needed to work smarter, not the safe-sleep community. harder. They got the ear of a few sympathetic legisla- tors, a bill was introduced, and on October 19, 2010, Building a Nationwide Network for Infant Safety Governor Edward Rendell signed Act 73 of 2010 into law. The most rewarding aspect of Judy’s role as CEO has been watching Cribs for Kids grow from a local “cam- This law made it mandatory that every hospital in paign” to a national non-profit organization with over Pennsylvania provide safe sleep education to mothers 2,000 partners nationwide. These partners comprise after giving birth. The tenets of this bill were the health departments, hospitals, non-profits, churches, beginning of their Hospital Certification Program, Planned Parenthood affiliates, and many other groups which has spread throughout the country. advocating for mothers and babies.
Awards and Achievements Although Judy has never been in the child safety and SIDS prevention field for awards, it always thrills her to be recognized for her work. It is an a?rmation that the Cribs for Kids infant safe-sleep message is being recognized by groups that will eventually help companies change the culture of infant sleep. Speaking Engagements Judy has been asked to present the Cribs for Kids Program for national and interna- tional audiences, including: The SIDS International Conferences in Yokohama, Japan, in 2006; Portsmouth, Eng- land, in 2008; and Sydney, Australia, in 2010, received their International Achievement Award as Distinguished Educator in Amsterdam in 2014; presented in Glasgow, Scot- land, in 2018; and, along with her team, presented at their 2023 conference in Florence, Italy. Judy’s Awards: Ÿ Received the Woman of Achievement Award honoree in 2006—Celebrate and Share—Pittsburgh, PA. Ÿ She received the ‘Making the Di?erence’ award from the National Center for Child Death Review in 2009. Ÿ She received the Pittsburgh Business Times’ Outstanding Women in Business Award in 2011. Ÿ Received the Chairman’s Award from the Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012. Ÿ Received International Achievement Award as Distinguished Educator in Amsterdam in 2014 at the ISPID (International SIDS) conference. Ÿ She was named an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist in 2015. Ÿ On April 26, 2017, the Pittsburgh City Council declared it “Judy Bannon Day” in Pittsburgh, PA. Ÿ Presented a TEDx talk at the University of Pittsburgh: From Grief to Action: Following Your Passion, March 31, 2019. Ÿ Safe Kids Worldwide Champion for Children’s Award in 2023.
Driving a National Non-Profit Cribs for Kids Chief Development Officer, Andrea Wilson, MSW, has her master’s in social work and Cribs for Kids has a leadership team of hard working oversees partner relationships and the coordination of professionals. Handling the operations end of Cribs for the webinar and conference curriculum. Kids is its Chief Operations Officer, Bridget Gaussa, who came to the organization with 27 years of property This leadership team, along with a robust support staff management experience in Pittsburgh. Gaussa handles and an active board of directors, has enabled the its Managed Care Organization Incentive program, growth of Cribs for Kids to the multi-million dollar responsible for over 50% of its sales revenue. organization it is today. Cribs for Kids’ Chief Logistics Officer Perry Coomans Changing the Culture of Infant Sleep manages the organization’s warehouse staff, logistics of importing its product from China, distribution to Cribs Judy’s main goal is to change the culture of infant sleep. for Kids’ partners, and facilities management. The In October 2023, Cribs for Kids officially became a organization’s Chief Financial Officer, Nicole Smith, worldwide organization, including Canada and Israel, oversees budgeting, inventory management, and all and began talks with Australia. Judy’s goal is to financial transactions that keep the organization afloat. strengthen these partnerships and continue adding domestic and international partners to spread the safe Cribs for Kids’ main pillar of education is in the hands of sleep message, thus changing the culture. its Chief Programs Officer, Devon George, MSN, who, with her master’s in nursing, has championed the A Guide to Impacting Child Safety and Public Health organization’s education department. In her book “Five Ladies and a Forklift," Judy advises other professionals aiming to make a significant impact on child safety and public health: “Find your passion and never give up on achieving your goals. From realizing that 80% of success is just showing up to not getting hung up on the “hows” of your dreams and surrounding yourself with a strong team, your mission will meet your passion, doors will open, and your success will be guaranteed.” According to Judy, nothing is achieved without passion. A Store with a Mission Judy is excited about Cribs for Kids’ for-profit subsid- iary: ette cetera!, getting the name because all the safe- sleep products end in ‘ette’. Because Cribs for Kids is a non-profit, it is prohibited from selling to the public. Its online store, ette cetera !, helps spread the infant safe-sleep message to the public through products that include the ABC safe-sleep messaging. The tagline for ette cetera! is “Shop to Save Lives,” with all the proceeds from the sale of its products benefiting Cribs for Kids’ mission of “Helping Every Baby Sleep Safer.”
From Entrepreneurship to Leadership n the modern business, the narrative of success is being reshaped by women who are not only I breaking barriers as entrepreneurs but also as leaders redefining what it means to achieve and sustain success. This evolution is not just about reaching the top but also about redefining the journey, the values, and the impact of leadership in business and beyond. The Rise of Women Entrepreneurs The 21st century has seen a significant rise in women entrepreneurs across the globe. Empowered by access to education, technology, and a shifting cultural landscape that increasingly values gender equality, women are launching businesses at unprecedented rates. Whether it's tech startups disrupting industries traditionally dominated by men or social enterprises addressing pressing global challenges, women entrepreneurs are making their mark. Women-led businesses are not just a statistical anomaly; they are driving economic growth and innovation. Studies consistently show that companies with gender-diverse leadership perform better financially and are more resilient in times of economic uncertainty. This success is not merely a coincidence but a testament to the unique perspectives, skills, and determination that women bring to the entrepreneurial table. Beyond Entrepreneurship While entrepreneurship marks the beginning of many women's journeys, the transition to leadership roles within their organizations or industries is where their influence truly expands. Leadership, as defined by these women, is not just about overseeing operations or managing teams but about embodying values that inspire and drive change. July 2024 | 16 | womenworldmagazine.com
Women Redefining Success July 2024 | 17 | womenworldmagazine.com
Leadership qualities traditionally associated with navigating the complexities of business and leadership. masculinity—such as assertiveness and From tech trailblazers like Sheryl Sandberg and Susan decisiveness—are being complemented by traits like Wojcicki to social entrepreneurs like Melinda Gates empathy, collaboration, and a focus on sustainability. and Oprah Winfrey, these women have shattered glass Women leaders are championing workplace cultures ceilings and set new standards for success. that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, leading to more engaged teams and higher organizational Moreover, the rise of women-led networks and performance. organizations dedicated to supporting female entrepreneurs and leaders has created a supportive Redefining Success on Their Terms ecosystem. These platforms offer mentorship, funding opportunities, and a sense of community that is crucial One of the most profound impacts of women in for overcoming obstacles and achieving sustainable leadership roles is their ability to redefine success itself. success. Historically, success in business has often been narrowly defined by financial metrics or market The Way Forward dominance. However, women leaders are expanding this definition to include broader measures of impact Looking ahead, the trajectory of women in and sustainability. entrepreneurship and leadership appears promising yet challenging. As more women enter these roles, there is For many women leaders, success is about creating a a growing recognition of the need for systemic change workplace where employees feel valued and in business practices and policies to ensure equitable opportunities for all. empowered, fostering innovation that solves real-world problems, and building a legacy of ethical leadership. This holistic approach not only benefits their Advocacy for policies promoting gender equality in the organizations but also contributes positively to society workplace improved access to capital for women and the environment. entrepreneurs, and initiatives to address unconscious bias are critical steps toward creating an inclusive Challenges and Triumphs business environment. Leadership development programs that emphasize diverse leadership styles and Despite the progress made, women entrepreneurs and skills are also essential for nurturing the next leaders continue to face challenges unique to their generation of women leaders. gender. Access to funding remains a significant barrier, with studies showing that women-led startups receive In conclusion, from entrepreneurship to leadership, a fraction of the venture capital funding compared to women are not only redefining success but also their male counterparts. Additionally, navigating biases reshaping the future of business. Their journey is and stereotypes in male-dominated industries can be marked by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to an ongoing struggle. values that prioritize people and the planet alongside profit. By challenging traditional norms and embracing However, these challenges have only fueled the diversity in leadership, women leaders are not just determination of women leaders to create systemic breaking barriers—they are setting new standards for change. Initiatives promoting mentorship, networking, what it means to lead with purpose and impact in the and advocacy for gender equality in business have 21st century. gained momentum, paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs and leaders. Role Models and Inspiration The importance of role models cannot be overstated in the journey of women from entrepreneurship to leadership. The visibility of successful women leaders not only inspires but also provides a roadmap for July 2024 | 18 | womenworldmagazine.com
Women Pioneering in the Business World n the arena of business, women have been carving out their place as pioneers, challenging norms and I driving change across industries globally. From breaking through glass ceilings to reshaping corporate cultures, their journey is marked by both formidable challenges and inspiring triumphs, shaping not only their own careers but also paving the way for future generations of female leaders. The Landscape of Women in Business The 21st century has witnessed a significant rise in the number of women entering the business world, fueled by greater access to education, evolving social attitudes towards gender equality, and the increasing recognition of the unique perspectives and skills women bring to the table. Women are not only starting their own ventures at unprecedented rates but also ascending to leadership positions in established corporations, reshaping business strategies, and driving innovation. Despite this progress, women continue to face numerous challenges that stem from systemic biases, societal expectations, and structural barriers ingrained within corporate frameworks. Overcoming Systemic Bias One of the most pervasive challenges women face in business is systemic bias. This bias manifests in various forms, from hiring and promotion practices to pay disparities and access to funding. Studies consistently highlight that women-led businesses receive significantly less venture capital funding compared to their male counterparts, reflecting deep-rooted gender biases within investment decision-making processes. July 2024 | 20 | womenworldmagazine.com
Challenges and Triumphs July 2024 | 21 | womenworldmagazine.com
Women often encounter stereotypes and unconscious obstacles and achieve their full potential. biases that can hinder their career advancement. The perception that women may not possess the same The visibility of successful women leaders serves as a leadership qualities as men or the expectation that they source of inspiration and aspiration for women entering prioritize family over career can create barriers to their or advancing in their careers. Role models demonstrate professional growth and advancement. that it is possible to break through barriers, challenge stereotypes, and succeed on one's own terms in the Navigating Male-Dominated Industries business world. Many industries remain heavily male-dominated, Triumphs and Contributions posing additional hurdles for women seeking to establish themselves as leaders. In sectors such as Despite the obstacles they face, women pioneers in technology, finance, and engineering, women often find business have achieved remarkable triumphs and made themselves in environments where they are significant contributions to their industries and society underrepresented and may struggle to gain recognition at large. Their leadership has been characterized by for their contributions. innovation, resilience, and a commitment to fostering inclusive and diverse workplaces. Navigating these male-dominated industries requires resilience, assertiveness, and strategic networking. Women leaders bring unique perspectives that drive Women pioneers in these fields often find strength in creativity and problem-solving, leading to enhanced forming networks of support with other women and business performance and sustainable growth. allies, advocating for inclusive practices, and Research consistently demonstrates that companies demonstrating their competence and leadership with gender-diverse leadership teams outperform their capabilities through tangible results and achievements. peers in terms of profitability, employee satisfaction, and customer loyalty, underscoring the business case Balancing Career and Family for gender diversity at the highest levels of leadership. The challenge of balancing career ambitions with family Advocacy and Collective Action responsibilities continues to be a significant obstacle for many women in business. The expectation to juggle The journey of women pioneers in business is not solely demanding roles in the workplace with caregiving about individual achievement but also about responsibilities at home can create immense pressure advocating for systemic change and fostering inclusive and impact career trajectories. environments where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive. Initiatives promoting gender equality in the Flexible work arrangements, supportive organizational workplace, policies that address pay equity and policies, and the active involvement of partners and parental leave, and efforts to increase the family members can help alleviate some of these representation of women on corporate boards are challenges. However, achieving work-life balance critical steps towards creating a more equitable remains a complex and ongoing endeavor for women business. pioneers striving to excel in their careers while nurturing their personal lives. In conclusion, the journey of women pioneers in the business world is marked by resilience, determination, Mentorship and Role Models and a commitment to breaking barriers and driving change. By addressing systemic biases, fostering Amidst these challenges, mentorship and the presence inclusive workplaces, and promoting mentorship and of strong role models play a crucial role in the journey role models, we can create an environment where of women pioneers in business. Mentorship provides women thrive, succeed, and lead with impact. Together, guidance, support, and valuable insights into navigating we can build a future where women's contributions are career challenges and seizing opportunities. It also valued, celebrated, and integral to shaping a more fosters a sense of community and solidarity among equitable and prosperous business landscape for all. women professionals, empowering them to overcome July 2024 | 22 | womenworldmagazine.com
