The women of Syracuse Woman Magazine

RENÉE MOONAN

ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT 2011 TO PRESENT

Putting pen to paper to write about something I have loved for 10 years has been an emotional challenge. A decade of Syracuse Woman Magazine has created so many beautiful and heartfelt memories. I truly believe in this magazine's mantra, "Women Supporting Women." That is why I decided to honor my mother, who passed away in 2018. She is the reason I love this magazine so much.

Most women's lives are better when supported by other women - a lesson I learned early on in life. I was blessed with an amazing first woman role model in my Mom and she was the guide on which I patterned my life. My Mom's love was unconditional, her faith in God resounding and her support of her children was unwavering. I was raised with tenacious encouragement. My Mom was always in my corner and really made me feel like I could accomplish anything if I put my heart and soul into it. Even when I stumbled she never gave up on me. To this day this was her greatest gift: she believed in me even when I gave up on myself. I may falter along the way but that's OK because she taught me to just keep trying. Syracuse Woman Magazine has allowed me to live out how I was raised and to improve every day on being a better person.

When we launched this beautiful magazine there were three amazing women by my side - Farah Jadran, Linda Jabbour and Colleen Farley - whom I remain friends with to this day. There are so many women to thank: our talented creative director (and my prayer warrior) Andrea Reeves who came aboard in 2014; Cindy Bell, our past cover photographer; and Alice Patterson, our current cover photographer, who empowers women all over CNY to feel comfortable in front of a camera. The man at the helm of Syracuse Woman Magazine, publisher Dave Tyler, who trusted in the dream of a woman's magazine enough to make it a reality.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all our loyal supporters, readers and clients. We are here today because of you, and only you! ■

LINDA JABBOUR

ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT 2011 TO PRESENT

2011 marks the beginning of the best and most inspiring and rewarding professional relationships that I have made through my work with Syracuse Woman Magazine, and its community of local women. While working at SWM since August 2011, as one of two major sales account managers for our monthly magazine, I have had the pleasure to meet and work with so many local women, and help promote what they do for their individual businesses and organizations. Many of our advertising clients have been with us since the beginning and the relationships that we’ve developed have gone beyond professional interactions and become personal and meaningful friendships.

For each month's issue of SWM, we strive to feature the most inspiring and engaging local women - women who come from all walks of life and who have interesting, compelling, and thought-provoking stories. I also feel a very strong sense of purpose and direction, not just for what we bring to our Syracuse community in telling the stories of these wonderful women, but also with our continued partnerships and affiliations with so many charitable organizations that focus on improving the lives of women in Central New York.

On a personal note, I cannot say enough, and give enough praise to our team at Syracuse Woman Magazine. We have had the most amazing group of talented editors, writers and designers during our 10-year journey. I am grateful for their time and efforts in making this beautiful magazine what it is today.

I know there are so many more exceptional and inspiring stories to tell for SWM. I look forward to continuing to meet our great women throughout CNY, and I look forward to reading these on the pages in the coming issues and years to come! Happy 10th Anniversary to us at Syracuse Woman Magazine! Let's celebrate in 2021 for all the good things to come! ■

ANDREA REEVES

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/DESIGNER 2014 TO PRESENT

My only other job was a cashier at Nichols in Liverpool and we counted back change in those days. So, art, design and teaching has been my life, love and career for a very long time. I am the history of graphic design. I believe art is not what you see but what you make others see.

Ruth Ansel, first art director of Harper’s Bazaar in the sixties said, “being a magazine designer is like being an orchestra conductor.” For me, the challenge, beauty and magic of the composition that is Syracuse Woman Magazine lies in the visual “sounds” of diverse photography styles and subject matter with content that tells each story in a way that is functional, aesthetic and wrapped in human feelings. Our talented and well-rehearsed ensemble brings their best to each issue. I wish I could say I had the luxury of time, but my ultimate inspiration is the deadline. When I’m not burning midnight and weekend hours putting my SWM masterpiece together, I’m an art director at Zoey Advertising, adjunct professor at OCC, coproducer of nationally-airing docuseries, “Honor Flight Heroes” and a magnet for an eclectic collection of professional and familial relationships. Sometimes it feels more like plate spinning!

It takes orchestration, sure, but I’ve built a life I don’t need a vacation from. How many can say that? I don’t let anyone rent space in my head who isn’t a good tenant and I am the energy I want to attract… I just can’t help myself… we designers don’t retire, we die. ■

ALICE G PATTERSON

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER OF SYRACUSE WOMAN MAGAZINE 2014 TO PRESENT

Shining a light on women entrepreneurs and community leaders is what I’m all about, both literally and figuratively. Over the last six years, I’ve photographed remarkable women with such interesting and varied stories for Syracuse Woman Magazine. There are cancer survivors, cystic fibrosis warriors, allies for refugees, government officials, financial planners, performers, educators, artists, neighborhood volunteers, small business owners, corporate leaders, and about everything in between. While each has their unique paths, there’s a common thread (most likely orange in color) which is Syracuse - a community they have found, built and leaned on.

Growing up in a military family, and then moving often as an adult, I never had one city or town to call home for long. I had no idea what to expect when I left Los Angeles and relocated to Syracuse, in 2007. Rebuilding my business from scratch, was challenging, but when I pivoted to personal brand photography for creative women entrepreneurs, I discovered my happy place at work, and I also found my hometown.

With both of my businesses Alice G Patterson Photography and Loving My Company LLC, I help women entrepreneurs with all of their personal brand photos and social media marketing images. I’ve put all of my blood, sweat and tears into building these businesses, and yet, when someone asks “What do you do?,” I often lead with, “I’m the cover photographer for Syracuse Woman Magazine.” It’s become a major part of how I define myself. ■

NICHOLE CAVALLARO

CONTRIBUTING WRITER, SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR 2016 TO PRESENT

My name is Nichole Cavallaro, and I am a licensed mental health provider, based here in Syracuse. I work as an online therapy provider, and blog about mental health on my practice site (www.mhwellnesstherapy.com).

I started with Syracuse Woman Magazine in 2016, as a contributing writer on fashion/lifestyle for women. I wanted to write in hopes of empowering women to be confident with what they do, eat or wear.

After writing on various themes throughout the year, I felt that I could offer something different to readers. I was starting my own private practice at the time and writing about fashion no longer fit my intentions. I wanted to write articles that would give women knowledge with regards to their mental health, so I presented this idea of a mental health and wellness section, and it was received well.

I then started writing about various topics such as post-partum anxiety, parenting, holidays, the pressures of everyday life changes, and seasonal depression, to name a few. I choose to do all of this voluntarily because I believe in providing support if I am able to, as a qualified professional. I think it’s important to share my ability to educate women of all ages about mental health.

A free magazine like SWM is so important to have as it showcases local businesses, helpful resources, and thoughtfully written pieces from many different writers who have a range of experience. I write for the woman who wants knowledge and support and I truly hope that my writing helps. ■

ALYSSA LOFARO

SWM EDITOR 2014 TO 2015

Even though I had only been editor of Syracuse Woman Magazine for one year, my relationship with the publication extended well beyond that. I actually began writing for the magazine in the spring of 2012, working as an intern while pursuing my master’s degree at S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. I continued to produce stories for the magazine well beyond graduate school, until I was ultimately hired full-time in the summer of 2014.

My beat for those few years before becoming editor was the WBOC feature. Little did I know at the time how large a role that organization would eventually play in my life; the friendships I’d form because of it, and the lessons I would learn.

Perhaps the biggest lesson, WBOC — and, really, my entire experience at Syracuse Woman Magazine — taught me is the power of community. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that level of support in any other instance of my life. Even when I decided to leave Syracuse, and ultimately the magazine, to move to North Carolina, so many people encouraged me to follow that dream. A few who were particularly instrumental are Nicole Davidheiser, Allison Haslam, Mary Ellen and Dan Clausen, Jussara Potter, Linda Jabbour, and Renée Moonan.

There are so many stories I could share here about the impressive people we featured, stories of grit and grace, of love and loss. But it’s my own personal story that was most changed by this publication and this place. I am forever grateful for that. To everyone who ever came across my path in Syracuse, please know I haven’t forgotten you. In the words of E. E. Cummings: “I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart).” ■ LORNA OPPEDISANO

SWM EDITOR 2016-2018

As I sit down to reflect on my time as editor of Syracuse Woman, the first thought that comes to mind is a slightly panicked one: how can I sum this up in a few paragraphs?! I could write a book about the influence the magazine played — and still plays — on my life.

About two years ago, I left the world of journalism and joined the nonprofit community, working daily with people I’d had the privilege of writing about as SWM editor. These past couple of years have been a winding adventure, ultimately leading to the Museum of Science & Technology. Now, I work for an organization led by an amazing team of strong women.

That’s only half the impact SWM has had on my life. Since my time as editor, I’ve had an idea simmering in the back of my mind. Since I had the honor of interviewing leaders and entrepreneurs, served on the WBOC Board of Directors, learned about the WISE Women’s Business Center — all with the amazing SWM team alongside me — I’ve thought about following in the footsteps of those influential women, to continue sharing their stories.

This year, with the help of the community SWM built, I’m taking the next step on my own entrepreneurial journey and founding a storytelling business — Tell Me A Story. As I start down this path, I know that if not for my time as editor, I wouldn’t have an idea of which direction to turn.

Thank you, SWM family, for being my foundation. ■

SARAH HALL

SWM EDITOR 2018 - 2020

I took over as managing editor of Syracuse Woman Magazine in November of 2018. After 12 years with Eagle Newspapers covering Onondaga County’s northern suburbs, I was thrilled to be focused on telling the stories of some of the area’s most incredible women. Take survivors like Tiana Mangakahia. The Syracuse University women’s basketball guard was diagnosed with breast cancer last year at just 24. Her determination and poise was incredible to see in someone so young.

Or public servants like Sharon Owens, the deputy mayor of the city of Syracuse, who has spent her life working to improve housing for city residents and provide a better life for mothers and children—and has done it with the brightest, most optimistic attitude I’ve ever seen in an elected official. (She gives Leslie Knope a run for her money.)

Or Drs. Amy Tucker, Theresa Waters, Priyanka Pitroda and Luna Bhatta, who entered the traditionally male-dominated field of cardiology even though the odds were stacked against them.

These are just a few of the stories I was able to share in my time as editor. There’s a lot more I would have liked to do with the magazine, and I’m disappointed I wasn’t able to pursue those goals.

Unfortunately, the pandemic cut my career short. But I’m happy I was able to highlight just a few of the amazing women in the Central New York community. ■