ATHENA Leadership Awards Welcome to the 39th
Greetings
Ontario County has a deeply rooted history of trailblazing women leaders. From Jikonsaseh, a Haudenosaunee leader who helped establish equality between male and female leadership roles in the Iroquois Confederacy, to Susan B. Anthony who famously faced trial in Canandaigua for casting her vote, the region has long been a hub for women advocating for equality.
At one point, the City of Canandaigua boasted five women in leadership positions, including the president and CEO of Thompson Health, the mayor, the president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, the president of Finger Lakes Community College and the superintendent of Canandaigua School District.
This legacy of shared leadership and mentorship echoes in the women honored tonight at the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce’s 39th ATHENA International Leadership Awards. These 10 outstanding women have each stood in challenging places, relying on the support of mentors, family and colleagues. As they pave the way for future leaders, they carry forward the spirit of collaboration and empowerment that has long been a hallmark of Ontario County’s leadership.
The event, supported by the Sands Family Foundation as the 2024 presenting sponsor, continues to add remarkable women to Ontario County’s legacy. We are grateful to all our sponsors, attendees and volunteers who made this evening of celebration possible. Congratulations to this year’s ATHENA honorees – your work inspires both the present and the future of our community.
Tracey Dello Stritto President and CEO
Ontario County Chamber of Commerce
Kari Buch Board Chair
Ontario County Chamber of Commerce
EVENT SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Sands Family Foundation
FOUNDING SPONSOR
Margaret and Randy Farnsworth
DIAMOND SPONSORS
Garber Randall LeChase
Canandaigua National Bank & Trust
Constellation Brands
F.G. Rayburn Mason Contractors
Finger Lakes Community College
RECEPTION SPONSOR
Fuller Funeral Home
PLATINUM SPONSORS
UR Medicine Thompson Health
Canandaigua Federal Credit Union
Lyons National Bank
Sands Family YMCA
Chrisanntha Construction Corp.
GOLD SPONSORS
MMB+CO
Wegmans
Reliant Credit Union
Chosen Spot Chiropractic
The Friend Team
SILVER SPONSOR
IK Systems Inc.
RUBY SPONSORS
Chesler Photography
Fahy-Williams Publishing
Heiser Logistics
Don’s Own Florist and Flower Delivery
Congratulations!
LINDSAY FRAREY
The Town of Canandaigua congratulates all the Athena Award nominees for your remarkable achievements and contributions!
A special recognition goes to our own Lindsay Frarey, whose dedication truly stands out. Your hard work, selfless service, and commitment to Human Resources in the public sector inspires those around you. We celebrate you and look forward to your continued impact on Town staff and the Canandaigua community.
The Importance of ATHENA
by Gail Herman, 1988 ATHENA recipient
ATHENA is a constant in this everchanging world that we live in. Forty years ago, the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce (now Ontario County Chamber of Commerce) and Randy and Margaret Farnsworth supported this award that recognizes women leaders in the place I call home – Canandaigua.
I was a recipient 35 years ago, in 1988 at the age of 32, and have been able to continually practice the eight core principles of ATHENA in my personal and professional life.
The principles are:
• Live authentically
• Learn constantly
• Advocate fiercely
• Act courageously
• Foster collaboration
• Build relationships
• Give back
• Celebrate
I have found these core principles helpful as I embarked on my journey of professional success in the workplace, community service and being a model/mentor for women.
Be ready for opportunities when they arise. Don’t second-guess yourself or, even worse, do nothing when an opportunity arises – you never get anywhere without taking a leap of faith and having confidence in your abilities. Be courageous and don’t compromise. Be willing to admit when you are wrong. Give credit where credit is due and be confident in the abilities you bring to the table. Know that your added value is just that – valuable. Take time to be kind to yourself first and foremost. All of us have others we care for –family, older parent or a pet. Remember that you need to be strong to support and take care
of others. You don’t have to be Wonder Woman. Be protective of your time and talent and don’t just say yes. Instead, be mindful of what you say yes to, and make sure that yes is going to bring you joy and fulfillment.
Take every opportunity to learn new things, attend networking events, and show others your knowledge and leadership skills. Remember you are your own best advocate.
Lead from your head and your heart. This will nourish the people you work with whether it’s your place of employment, a circle of friends or a volunteer organization. This allows you to celebrate and recognize the people who are most important to you.
Mentoring others is an important aspect of leadership. I realize through my own experience how these interactions have shaped both my career and my personal life, and I am committed to paying it forward. The pleasure I feel when someone else is successful makes me give thanks for being a tiny part of that success.
In the end, remember that you can make a difference by taking a step forward to make our community stronger.
Set high standards, be innovative and respect everyone you interact with.
I believe that ATHENA made me realize that I can create and have created joy in all of my interactions throughout my life.
Thank you for the honor!
CONGRATULATIONS
Finger Lakes Community College applauds the leadership and dedication demonstrated by this year’s Athena Award nominees.
Our core values are Inquiry, Vitality, Perseverance, and Interconnectedness. We see these values displayed in the work of this year’s nominees. Their efforts and achievements serve as an inspiration to both their peers and upcoming generations of leaders.
Congratulations, 2024 Athena nominees and recipients!
Meet the 2023 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient
BKRISTEN HARTER
Event Coordinator
Nolan’s on Canandaigua Lake, Canandaigua Country Club
orn and raised in Canandaigua, Kristen is a strong believer in giving back to her community. She created an online take-out program which helped keep all Nolan’s full-time salaried team employed during the COVID pandemic. It also allowed her to connect with the local hospital, nursing homes, police department and other essential workers to be sure they were fed and staying healthy to help keep members of our community safe.
Kristen engages and empowers her staff, clients and those within the community with whom she is honored to work. Additionally, Kristen believes her success has been a direct result of opportunities to work alongside other strong female leaders in the community.
Kristen also served as the assistant director of admissions at Keuka College. There, she was able to successfully mentor and lead one of her first college recruits into the director of admissions role; it was a proud mentoring moment.
As the event coordinator for Nolan’s, Kristen has increased catering sales and has seized the opportunity to mentor three junior staff members who became catering leads and held events on their own. To accomplish this, she trained them to use excellent communication, administration,
customer service and attention to detail skills in addition to the sales aspect of the role.
Receiving the ATHENA Award last year was one of the most humbling and inspiring experiences of Kristen’s life, as it has allowed her to reflect on the importance of leadership, mentorship and community. She has since connected with people and organizations who are dedicated to making a difference and is inspired to “pay it forward” in new ways.
“As I look toward the future, I remain dedicated to mentoring emerging leaders, building stronger networks for women and continuing to serve this incredible community that has supported me every step of the way,” Kristen said. “Thank you to all who have been part of this journey – I am deeply grateful for your trust, your encouragement and the shared commitment to making Ontario County a place where leadership knows no boundaries.”
Kristen attended Keuka College, earning a B.A. in communications and management in 2004 and a M.A. in business management in 2011.
Her family includes parents, Kathy and Allen Harter of Canandaigua; sister, Lindsey Dixon-Marianetti; brother-in-law, Jordan Dixon-Marianetti; and nephews, Hudson Dixon-Marianetti and Merrick DixonMarianetti.
GMAGGIE ATKINS
Retired Engineer and Business Manager
iving back to the community is important to Maggie, as it allows her to make a difference in lives and strengthen the community. Her dedication to philanthropy has led her to participate in several local and regional organizations as well as encourage other women to get involved.
“After nearly 40 years in Ontario County, I recognize the needs of our community and take action to make a difference,” Maggie said. “I continue with this effort and look for new opportunities.”
In 1986, Maggie joined Rush Machinery, Inc. when it was a small, newly incorporated industrial machinery business. She has helped the company grow over the last 38 years, utilizing her previous experience in chemical production and nuclear waste industries to develop safety programs, procedures, company policies, structure and systems for the business; today, Rush is a successful, ethical and vibrant business that supports several area families.
Throughout her career, Maggie was the lone woman in engineering or management. Although there were few, if any, women to mentor her, she has taken leadership seriously, working to develop employees in their current roles and prepare them for future roles. Her perseverance, ethics and
cooperative work have set a good example of female leadership, opening the door for more women to follow in her footsteps.
Maggie’s leadership continues through her community work. During her tenure on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Yates Fund for Women and Girls, Maggie was part of developing communication tools – including a website, newsletters, e-blasts – and aided fundraising efforts to help women and girls become socially and economically healthy and independent. She also served as a board member, treasurer and committee member of the George M. Ewing Canandaigua Forum, Inc., where she was instrumental in creating a working committee structure with policies and standard, updated business operations systems.
“Maggie exhibits the qualities of a leader in all the organizations she belongs to and in all the positions she has held within those organizations,” said nominator Sue Raymond. “She is a role model for all women who belong to those groups, and I’m sure has inspired many of them to imitate her leadership style.”
Maggie earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Cornell University.
Her family includes her husband, Neil Atkins.
Canandaigua National Bank & Trust congratulates all of the
CDR. CATHERINE CANTWELL
Physician and former Medical Director
UR Medicine Thompson Health’s OB/GYN practice
atherine is a trailblazer, as she was the first female surgeon at F. F. Thompson Health. She is also a fierce advocate for women who would follow her.
“I am proud of my 31-year practice in a single community,” Catherine stated. “During these years I have been able to treat, educate and encourage individual patients (sometimes generations of them!), present community lectures and help recruit more OB/GYN providers to our group so we have a vibrant, skilled and well-trained staff to deliver excellent care to the Ontario County community.”
As a result, Catherine has effected change, including family-centered cesarean sections in the community and scheduling follow-up appointments for women two weeks after they have given birth. She has lobbied for upgraded women’s locker room accommodations and requested more inclusive language when medical records referred to the surgeon as a male.
“Since 1993, Dr. Catherine Cantwell has demonstrated outstanding performance, dedication and commitment to her work,” noted nominator Hazel Robertshaw. “She has consistently provided exceptional medical care, compassion and expertise to so many women in our community.”
Community education has always been a part of Catherine’s career. She has presented community lectures on gynecology topics at area libraries and at Thompson’s Harvest of Health; more recently, she participated in virtual clinics. Whether in-person or virtual,
these educational sessions have improved the community understanding of gynecologic care and prompted many women to get care that they put off for years.
Catherine has mentored many young women since her residency, some of whom have gone on to establish their own medical careers; former mentees include Dr. Jillian Babu and Katherine Goh, who is currently in a family practice residency in California. When she came to Canandaigua, Catherine encouraged students – primarily women – to shadow her in the office and has hosted high school, college and medical students. She encouraged her practice to work with resident physicians from the University of Rochester to help advance their education and demonstrate the benefits of working in a smaller community.
Catherine’s family includes husband, Dr. Kevin McCormick, and children, Nicholas, Matthew, Patrick, Meg and Kate.
Catherine J. Cantwell, MD
Cynthia Teerlinck, MD
Melodie Kolmetz, PA
FKERRI MITCHELLDEPORTER
Counselor and UPK-5 Department Chair
Marcus Whitman Central School District, Middlesex Valley Primary School
or Kerri, building relationships is fundamental to fostering leadership, especially among women. She believes that these connections can provide different perspectives, develop empathy, encourage personal growth and break down barriers. In her career and volunteer efforts, Kerri has built a strong network of relationships and made sure that many voices can be heard.
Kerri has served as a counselor at Marcus Whitman Central School District for 26 years. In that time, her most meaningful accomplishment has been observing her students and families succeed. She has helped individuals struggling with difficult issues and celebrated even small successes with them. Former students and families have approached her to share where they are now on their journeys and reflect on their work together. Kerri is thankful for these connections.
“What sets Kerri apart is her remarkable ability to think outside the box,” said nominator Karissa Schutt. “She has implemented numerous innovative programs that address the diverse needs of our students, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.”
Working for the school district has provided Kerri an opportunity to serve as a mentor for more than 20 years. Her mentees include Marcus Whitman employees, college students and women looking to enter the teaching/counseling field or further their education. As a member of Marcus Whitman’s Building Leadership Team, she
works to develop policies and plans that impact those whom they serve. Kerri has expanded her mentoring to women outside of her profession including nurses, social workers, psychologists and college students; she is currently mentoring college students through the Community Schools Mental Health Demonstration program.
As community service is part of Kerri’s core personality, she finds multiple outlets for outreach. She is a member of the local DEI committee and the regional Trauma, Illness and Grief Team which supports schools experiencing traumatic losses. Kerri and her Westiepoo are a certified pet therapy team and have earned an Excellence in Pet Therapy designation for their services. She encourages students to become involved in community service so that they may understand the importance of service to others.
“I believe that when we all participate in these small steps to impact the lives of others, even just one person at a time, we can alter the course of many,” Kerri stated.
Kerri earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology with a behavioral emphasis from SUNY Brockport and is a New York State Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Counselor (CASAC).
Her family includes her spouse, Thomas DePorter; sons, Samuel and Nicholas DePorter; stepsons, Matthew (Chris) and Adam (Erica) DePorter; parents, Joyce and Donald Mitchell, Jr.; and brother, Chad Mitchell. She also has her “canine kids,” Bernie (a Westiepoo) and Duncan (a chocolate Lab).
MDR. BEATA GOLEC
Music Instructor
SUNY Geneseo and Golec Music Studio
usic plays a major part in Beata’s life. She is the owner of Golec Music Studio and a music instructor at SUNY Geneseo, providing piano lessons, music theory and courses in collaboration with the LIVES and Honors Programs. Recently, she became the music instructor at Canandaigua Montessori School.
Beata is a constant learner, as she believes that teaching equals learning. As an instructor, she composes and analyzes music alongside her students, all the while learning about harmonies, music notation, her students’ personalities and the multiple ways to communicate and understand music.
“The process of guiding individuals of all ages teaches me how to be flexible, patient and that each person learns differently,” Beata said. “I am grateful to hear about everyone’s life journeys. Each story opens my mind to a deeper understanding of humanity and vulnerability.”
As most of today’s musicians are freelance artists or sole proprietors, they often face challenges such as discrimination and failure to pay for services. Beata counters these trials by helping her clients with college and job applications, providing interviewing tips and aiding them on how to present themselves in a professional manner. She assists women with preparing contracts and how to address contractual conditions, deadlines and payments.
“Dr. Golec is an incredible example to
me of what a woman is capable of and can achieve in the music world and in life,” said nominator Susan Rebeca Boyd. “Her weekly lessons are more than just piano/composition lessons. They are also life lessons.”
Beata shares her passion for music with the wider community in a variety of ways. She organized fundraiser concerts at Blessed Sacrament Church from 2009 to 2016, served as the assistant director of the Women in Music Festival in 2011 and 2012, and founded Young Musicians’ Concerts (which are fundraisers for food pantries and music programs at area churches) in 2016. She participated in the ROC the Runway charity fashion show in October and plans to provide charity concerts this winter for Cancer Support Center Gilda’s Club.
Beata’s dedication has caught the attention of several organizations. Her accolades include the 2020 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and 2024 Victor Business Award. Blackdog Records released her solo album “Beata Golec – pianist and composer” in 2007. She was interviewed by Rochester Women Magazine this August.
Beata completed her undergraduate studies in piano performance and literature at the Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, Poland as well as studied composition and music theory at the Szymanowski University of Music in Katowice, Poland. She earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in piano performance and literature at the Eastman School of Music.
MMELODIE KOLMETZ
Physician Assistant
University of Rochester Geriatrics Group/ M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center
elodie has a servant’s heart, with a personal motto to never ask anyone to do anything that she is not ready, willing and able to do herself.
She not only continually challenges herself to learn more, but also makes a point to empower others with the knowledge she has gained. This spring, Melodie’s peers nominated her for an F. F. Thompson Shining Star; the accolade is the proudest moment of Melodie’s career.
As a woman working in Emergency Services, Melodie stands out as a leader in a male-dominated profession. She has continuously challenged the status quo and advocated for herself and her fellow female co-workers. She lives by two principles: always do the right thing – even if it’s the hardest thing – and always try to make the next person’s job easier.
“Melodie leads by example,” said nominator Diane Hayton. “She is thorough, never rushed and able to manage multiple issues at once. It is this approach that has allowed young woman to see the benefits of her examples, and we have seen an increase in our female staff wanting to return to school for a higher level of education.”
Melodie serves the local community as the president of the Lakeshore Fire Department, assistant chief of EMS of the Bergen Fire Department and ALS chief for the Town of Livonia Ambulance District.
In these roles, she has sought to improve organization management, advance patient care safely and equitably and advance clinical education. Additionally, she advocates for EMS health workers’ mental health and wellness on podcasts and other media outlets.
On a national level, Melodie is a Physician Associate Foundation Mental Health Fellow, which led her to become a Doctoral Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Here, she has seized the opportunity to mentor new physician assistants and physician assistant educators, serving as a resource and sponsor. Melodie is a proud inaugural supporter of Women in Philanthropy, a diverse group of women that collaborates and supports the PA Foundation through their time, talents and treasure.
“I hope that my legacy is that one person can have a ripple effect on the fractured U.S. healthcare system by serving patients, families and coworkers,” Melodie stated.
Melodie earned an A.A.S. in paramedicine from Monroe Community College, a B.S. to become a physician assistant from Rochester Institute of Technology, an MPAS in physician assistant education from the University of Nebraska, a post-masters’ certificate in anatomy from Hardin-Simmons University and is a doctoral student at the University at Buffalo.
Her family includes her husband, John Cuba and sons, Evan and Owen Cuba.
Quail Summit
MDR. MELISSA O’LOUGHLIN
Co-Owner
Chosen Spot Chiropractic
elissa strives to live authentically as she serves the community through Chosen Spot Chiropractic.
“Authenticity is at the root of my service to our community,” she said. “Clarity on my values and boundaries allows me to be a better leader. Remembering my authentic self provides certainty of what I represent and how I want to shine in this world.”
Chosen Spot Chiropractic is a womanfounded and -owned business which predominately serves women and children. There, Melissa serves the community through projects, mentorships and presentations.
“Melissa has been a pioneer for holistic and natural health which acknowledges our own human potential,” nominator Dr. Maggie Benham said. “She has created a business model unlike most in our profession, one that brings up and supports young doctors.”
In terms of community involvement, Melissa and the Chosen Spot Chiropractic team collaborated with Finger Lakes Lactation and MacMillan Lactation for a breastfeeding pump drive. Chosen Spot Chiropractic served as a drop-off location and started conversations about the benefits of breastfeeding and breast pumps. The donated equipment was sanitized and redistributed to women in the community who could not afford breast pumps.
As a lead clinician, Melissa mentors and teaches the junior associates daily. For the last six years, she has also welcomed graduate students from Northeast College of Health
Sciences to shadow her at the office. Several students have remained in contact with Melissa after graduation, seeking her guidance on navigating their careers.
Melissa continues to engage with college students through her annual presentations. One of her favorite engagements was speaking to the Women in Chiropractic Club about women in business. Melissa wants to help the next generation of women chiropractors succeed in their careers and continue practicing after starting a family.
“Balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood is difficult, and when I embarked on that journey, there were few role models to mimic or ask for blueprints,” Melissa said. “I shared my story and tips for success so that the women who come after me will not struggle or feel alone.”
Melissa earned a post-doctoral certification in perinatal and pediatric chiropractic from the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics; only 1 percent of chiropractors in the U.S. complete this level of specialized training. She also pursued certifications in breastfeeding, tongue tie supports, craniosacral therapy and applied kinesiology from other organizations.
She wrote an article about the utilization of pelvic stabilizing orthotics during pregnancy and postpartum care; it was published in ChiroEconomics magazine July 2020.
Melissa’s family includes her husband, Ryan O’Loughlin and her children, Quin and Jacob O’Loughlin.
DDONNA SCHAERTL
Executive Director
Ontario County Back the Blue
onna has persevered through personal hardships and tragedy in her pursuit to live authentically.
“Your principles and values show who you truly are and how you are going to handle different situations,” Donna shared. “I would not be able to do the work I do or have the trust of so many law enforcement agencies unless I truly embraced living authentically.”
Donna married her husband, Eric, who was an Army officer, at the age of 23 and learned how to be strong through deployments and multiple moves. The Army life also introduced Donna to women who inspired her to raise her two daughters to be strong women; both women currently serve in the Army.
When Donna’s son, Jared, was diagnosed with autism, Donna sought to learn as much about autism to help him communicate. Unfortunately, Jared passed away at 4 years old after getting into an unsecured swimming pool while the Schaertls were visiting family in Shortsville. The tragic incident spurred Donna to volunteer with Safe Kids Chester County in Pennsylvania, which is a part of Safe Kids Worldwide. She became a car seat technician and learned how to educate adults and children about safety aspects, including water safety.
Donna was instrumental in piloting a program in New Jersey called First Signs. The program, created by Nancy Wiseman,
provides information to doctors and families about how to identify autism in young kids. Donna spoke with doctors and officials about the importance of early intervention and was invited to Washington, D.C. to speak before Congress on the issue.
When Eric retired from the Army and moved the family to his hometown of Shortsville, Donna saw it as an opportunity to give back to the community that had rallied around them after Jared’s death. She helped establish Safe Kids Finger Lakes in 2007, which morphed into Ontario County Back the Blue in 2016.
Through Ontario County Back the Blue, Donna has sold signs and apparel to support law enforcement agencies and hosted several noteworthy programs and countless events in the county. The Ontario County Shop with a Cop program has been Donna’s most meaningful program; in December, Ontario County students are paired with a law enforcement officer to buy gifts together.
Donna has volunteered with multiple organizations. She was a UPK teacher assistant at her kids’ school, worked as a patient care technician at Clifton Springs Hospital, was an office assistant at Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES and served as a secretary at Canandaigua Academy’s counseling office. After she was diagnosed with breast cancer, Donna took a job as a caseworker for Senator Pam Helming.
Donna’s family includes her husband, Eric; and children, late son Jared, Savanna (Josh Coleman), Devon, Mckenzie and Ethan.
IDR. CYNTHIA TEERLINCK
Primary Care Physician and Medical Staff President
Thompson Health
Director of Informatics
UR Medical Center
n every aspect of her career, Cynthia connects with people around her, from patients to staff members and colleagues. She shares her aspirations, feelings and failures to enlist their trust to make a difference in their healthcare journey or their career. Cynthia credits her experience on multiple sports teams growing up for instilling the value of teamwork as well as her parents for teaching her to treat everyone with sincerity and respect.
Cynthia’s first 19 years of her medical career saw her caring for her own patients in the hospital. When she transitioned to outpatient care, she became a member of Thompson Health’s Population Health Committee. There, she focused on finding solutions to patient care barriers and improving the health of the community. Cynthia partnered with a radiology colleague to educate patients and primary care providers about lung cancer screening.
“Cynthia is a phenomenal doctor, and all of her patients will tell you that,” nominator Jennifer Logan stated.
Cynthia’s dedication as a mentor in her everyday work has allowed her to help her female colleagues and staff gain confidence, advocate for themselves and continue to be learners. She has been a teacher for
several nurse practitioners who now work for Thompson Health. For Cynthia, her leadership roles have allowed women in healthcare to see how they can be successful at work, in the community and in their personal lives.
Most recently, Cynthia was elected as the medical staff president at F.F. Thompson Hospital for 2024-2025. She is the first woman to hold this position.
“I am proud of being considered one of the top primary care providers in the community,” Cynthia said. “I have developed relationships with my patients as some have been under my care for more than 20 years.”
Family is very important to Cynthia. She has volunteered in her children’s classrooms and supported their soccer endeavors. She helped both of her daughters to organize a collection of used soccer equipment and money to send to children in Haiti.
Cyntha earned her B.S. in chemistry from William Smith College, doctor of medicine from Pennsylvania State University Medical Center and board certification in family medicine, residency, from St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center.
Cynthia’s family includes her husband, Christopher Teerlinck; daughters, Alexandra and Elizabeth Teerlinck; mother, Wendy Oyler; and father, Charles Oyler.
ATHENA Young Professional Award About
The ATHENA Young Professional Award program was created in 2007 by ATHENA International. The ATHENA Young Professional Award honors emerging women leaders who demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession. Recipients must also demonstrate their commitment to service by contributing time and energy to improving the quality of life for others in the community while serving as a role model for young women both
personally and professionally. The ATHENA Young Professional award, introduced to our community in 2010, recognizes women 40 years old or younger who:
• Demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession.
• Provide valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
• Clearly serve as a role model for young women personally and professionally.
Meet the 2023 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Recipient
FELISHA EVERSON
Operations Manager
or 17 years, Elisha worked as the manager of communication and events at the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce. During that time, she received her IOM certification for nonprofit management. She proved to be successful in fundraising, building partnerships, committee management and creating tools and programs for businesses. Elisha greatly values the relationships that she built during that time.
As events manager for the Chamber, Elisha coordinated the ATHENA Leadership Program; during her tenure, the program’s net growth increased by 111 percent. This resulted in raising more funds for women’s scholarships and bringing enhanced awareness to the program’s mission. She also helped initiate and coordinate the ATHENA Connections program in partnership with the ATHENA Steering Committee, Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) and SUNY Geneseo.
Elisha’s time coordinating the ATHENA Leadership Program allowed her to witness the impact of past recipients, and now she is honored to be recognized alongside them.
“Receiving the ATHENA Young Professional Award has truly been a humbling experience, reminding me of the power of living authentically and advocating fiercely for others,” Elisha stated. “This award renews my commitment to act courageously in my leadership journey while continually
learning, mentoring and celebrating the success of others along the way. I am inspired to pay this recognition forward, empowering those around me to reach their full potential and make a lasting difference.”
A few years ago, Elisha changed careers to create a new role as a marketing specialist at SimcoHR. Her initiative and drive resulted in her earning the role of operations manager. In her position, Elisha provides direction and creates team processes in payroll, HR, benefits and insurance.
From 2021 to 2022, Elisha served as president of the Kiwanis Club of Canandaigua and spearheaded events that lead the club to raising the most funds in its 80-year existence. The club earned the “Distinguished” designation while Elisha was named “Distinguished Past President” by the Kiwanis NY State District. During that year, she actively served on more than 20 committees, two boards and was the program chair for the Finger Lakes Division in the New York District of Kiwanis International.
Elisha holds an A.S. in business administration from FLCC, a Certificate in office technology from FLCC and IOM certification from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Institute for Organization Management for nonprofits.
Elisha’s family includes her parents, Richard and Susan Everson; significant other, Matthew Curran; and rescue dog, Molson.
LLINDSAY FRAREY
HR and Parks Director Town of Canandaigua
indsay’s passion for building relationships has fueled a genuine interest in learning about people and guided her to help them reach their potential. For Lindsay, relationship building has been a major key to success for her, the individuals and organizations.
As the Parks and Recreation director, Lindsay’s professional accomplishments include achieving her SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification. Additionally, she has developed work policies that created an environment where women feel they can thrive personally and professionally.
“Lindsay always steps up, ready to take on more to ensure the Town’s success,” nominator Adeline Rudolph stated.
Her position has opened doors to various community service opportunities. Lindsay volunteers on the Sands Family YMCA Board and collaborated with the YMCA to operate a summer camp program at Onanda Park. She serves on the Greater Canandaigua Civic Center Board as one of the only women, sharing her unique perspective. Her involvement with the Town’s all-inclusive playground, Motion Junction, and the partnership with Think Big! Inclusion in Motion Group has impacted thousands of individuals who can now enjoy the experience of play.
Sports provides a chance for Lindsay to instill confidence and important values such as teamwork, communication and
perseverance in athletes. She volunteers as a youth sports coach for T-ball, CASL soccer and Canandaigua Youth Cheer. As a coach for co-ed teams, Lindsay demonstrates how women can hold leadership positions. She assesses and utilizes young athletes’ strengths and guides the girls as they become young leaders.
Lindsay’s top accomplishment, however, has been empowering her mentees and watching them succeed. She provides regular one-on-one meetings and structured development programs. She has helped several women navigate their career paths, develop leadership skills and build confidence. Her mentees have become zoning inspectors, code enforcement officers, full-time laborers and motor equipment operators. Examples include proposing new paid family leave policies, competitive PTO strategies to support work life balance and handbook changes that allow staff to still be successful on and off the clock. Furthermore, Lindsay has helped support and initiate a flexible work schedule, hybrid work opportunities and a family-first mentality.
“I’ve learned that women are most successful when they are given support to be,” Lindsay said. “It’s my mission to never let another woman or person feel like they can’t do something, so I show them that they can.”
Lindsay has a B.S. in business administration.
Her family includes her husband, Eric; daughter, Elsa; and son, Ezra.
Abbey’s dedication to giving back to the community can be seen throughout her professional and personal life.
“For me, giving back is not just a principle; it is a way of life that brings purpose and fulfillment,” Abbey stated.
ABBEY FRIENDVIENNA
Realtor
The Friend Team at Keller Williams Realty
Since 2016, Abbey has helped 570 families, friends and clients buy and sell homes as well as made more than $153 million in real estate sales. Her consistently outstanding results earned her the recognition as one of the area’s leading agents and the top listing agent in Ontario County and Canandaigua for multiple years. Abbey has shared her expertise by speaking on numerous panels and educating agents, buyers and sellers through Keller Williams Realty, Rochester Young Professionals & Ontario County Chamber of Commerce.
“She has a true passion for serving others, and her dedication helps her to deliver a terrific educational experience,” said nominator Laurie O’Shaughnessy. “For each of these reasons, Abbey has solidified her reputation as a trusted professional.”
As the director of sales for The Friend Team, Abbey leads and mentors a team of nine women – including three agents – helping each member set and achieve their goals and excel in their careers. She
has also implemented training programs and provided personalized mentorship. Her dedication has empowered other women to become confident leaders in their own right.
Abbey’s most meaningful community leadership role has been serving as the vice president of the Professional Women of the Finger Lakes (PWFL). There, she has helped raise funds for scholarships and been a part of creating a supportive environment for women. Abbey’s work with PWFL is very fulfilling as she believes the organization is making a tangible difference in the lives of women in the community.
Furthermore, Abbey is involved with organizations including Ontario County ARC, the Ontario County Chamber and Mended Little Hearts/Golisano Children’s Hospital. At the hospital, Abbey and her husband established the Strong Like Quinn Foundation in honor of her daughter who underwent open-heart surgery there. The foundation has raised more than $11,000 through events and donations while Abbey and her husband mentor and advocate for cardiac families.
Abbey graduated from Canandaigua Academy in 2010 before earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2014.
Abbey’s family includes her husband, TJ and daughter, Quinn.
Professional Women of the Finger Lakes
The mission of the Professional Women of the Finger Lakes (PWFL) is “Building powerful women professionally, personally, and politically.”
Founded in 1952 as the Canandaigua Business and Professional Women, the current organization was established in 2010 under New York State Women, Inc.
For more than 70 years, year-round and amidst their other personal and professional commitments, PWFL members have hosted and participated in networking events, gatherings for women to join in fellowship and fundraisers for the organization’s annual scholarships.
A few of PWFL’s annual events include Holiday Cheer, when the organization adopts a local family at Christmas and brings the magic of the season to them, including buying them presents; Nine, Wine & Dine, a fun women’s golf tournament and dinner held each October that raises funds for PWFL’s scholarships; and the Women of Distinction event in May, where the organization recognizes women in the community for their accomplishments in the areas of professional achievement, women helping women, entrepreneurial achievement and volunteerism.
At the Women of Distinction event, PWFL also awards its annual scholarships. The scholarships – the PWFL ATHENA Scholarship and the PWFL Scholarship – are funded by the silent auction hosted at the ATHENA awards dinner, fundraisers and donations.
The PWFL ATHENA Scholarship is awarded to a female in Ontario County over the age of 25 who is pursuing further education – either college coursework or other accredited educational work toward a degree or certification – after a break of
one or more years. This year’s recipient was Audrey Button. Audrey graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 2019 and will be returning to school to attend Keuka College for a master’s degree in social work.
The PWFL Scholarship is given to a young woman in Ontario County who is graduating from high school. The recipient must be accepted at a college, institute of higher learning or other accredited education program. This year, PWFL awarded four $1,500 scholarships. Recipients were:
• Libby Payne, attending SUNY Delhi for veterinary sciences
• Kelsea Socha, attending St. John Fisher University for marketing
• Christina Stryker, attending LeMoyne College studying to become a physician’s assistant
• Kaylee Williams, attending the 3+4 Program with SUNY Brockport and UB for Pharmacy
“There are so many talented women who are not part of our group, and the Women of Distinction gives us a chance to get to know them,” said PWFL President Laurie O’Shaughnessy, adding the event is her favorite aspect of PWFL. “Plus, we get to meet all these great students and their families. They are our future.”
PWFL membership includes more than 40 individuals from across the region, most of whom live or work in Ontario County and surrounding counties. Membership is open to all who have an interest in its mission. For more information about PWFL, upcoming events and how to join, visit pwflnys.org. You can also find the organization on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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PROFESSIONAL WOMEN OF THE FINGER LAKES
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Women of Distinction nominees: PWFL President and Woman of the Year Award recipient Laurie O’Shaughnessy with the 2024 Women of Distinction nominees: Kristy Aldrich, Abigail Blake, Tracey Dello Stritto, Hannah Freida, Shane Grant, Melissa JamesGeska, Chelsea Obourn, MD, Dawn Priolo, Quinn Smith, Barbara A. Wagner, Karen White, Danielle Willardson (not pictured, Kimberly Vakiener-Bacon)
The 2024 Women of Distinction Planning Committee, left to right: Anne Piorkowski, Melissa Streber, Tammra Schiller, Rachel Allen, Laurie O’Shaughnessy, Suzi Istvan – Chair, Jennie ErdleKrampen and Sharon Joslyn (not pictured, Natalie Payne)
Scholarship recipients: Four of the scholarship recipients at the 2024 Women of Distinction event
2023
ATHENA Honor Roll
ONTARIO COUNTY ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENTS
Kristen Harter
Event Coordinator – Nolan’s on Canandaigua Lake, Canandaigua Country Club
2022
Michelle Pedzich
Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer – Canandaigua National Bank & Trust
2021
Hazel Robertshaw Chief Nursing Officer –UR Medicine Thompson Health
2019
Margaret E. Somerset, Esq. Partner –Underberg & Kessler LLP
2018
Marge Donhauser Owner/LPN –Donhauser Nursing Service
2017
Terrie Meyn Vice President of Strategic Initiatives – Happiness House
2016
Ann Scheetz Executive Director – Ontario ARC 2015
Lauren Kolb Vice President and Business Development Officer –Genesee Valley Trust Company
2014
Deborah Wilbur Teacher –Canandaigua Schools
2013
Stephanie Kunes President and CEO –National MS Society
2012
Sharon Gullo Psychiatric Nurse –Canandaigua Lake Counseling 2011
Barbara Risser President Emeritus –Finger Lakes Community College 2010
Lynne Erdle
Secondary Executive Principal –Canandaigua City School District
2009
Margaret & Randy Farnsworth Owners – Randall Farnsworth Auto Group
2009
Virginia “Ginny” Clark Senior Vice President, Public Affairs –Constellation Brand, Inc.
2008
Deborah Denome Director –Seeking Common Ground
2007
Barbara Fuge Former CFO –Genesee Regional Bank & Community Volunteer
2006
Janet Tenreiro Former Owner – The Medicine Shoppe
2005
Rhoda Childs Former, Managing Regional Director – United Way of Ontario County
2004
Marci Diehl Owner –Double Vision Creative
2003
Karen Davison Blazey Executive Officer –Quantum Performance Group, Inc.
2002
Deborah Kinney Weymouth Executive Director, Senior Vice President –New Milford Hospital
2001
Valerie Knoblauch President –Finger Lakes Visitors Connection
2000
Lauren Dixon CEO and Owner –Dixon Schwabl Advertising, Inc.
1999
Gail D. O’Brien Retired President –Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce
1998
Sharon Pepper Retired, Senior Vice President of Senior Living Services –Thompson Health
1997
Teresa Hall President –TCHMED Consulting, Inc.
1996
Ellen Polimeni
Mayor of the City of Canandaigua and Former Assistant Principal –Canandaigua Middle School
1995
Gail D. Love
Retired Owner –Human Resource Associates
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ONTARIO COUNTY ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENTS
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1994
Judith M. Stewart
Retired Senior Vice President –Canandaigua National Bank & Trust
1993
Linda Hawks
Retired President and CEO –Thompson Health
1992
Joyce Ezrow
Associated Professor of Business –Anne Arundel Community College
1991
Linda Welch
Retired Owner –The Shopping News
1990
Kay James
Retired City Manager –City of Canandaigua 1989
Lois Kozlowski
Retired Owner –Wizard of Clay Pottery
1988
Gail Herman
Director, Sales and Marketing –The Medicine Shoppe
1987
Barbara Nelson
Executive Director –West Ontario County Red Cross, American Red Cross
1986
Tarry Shipley
Retired Business Manager –WCGR/WFLC
1985
Diane Reed
Associate Professor and Co-Director, Graduate Educational Leadership Program – St. John Fisher College
ONTARIO COUNTY ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS
2023
Elisha Everson
Operations Manager – SimcoHR
2022
Tara Rago
Canandaigua Branch Manager –Lyons National Bank
2021
Mandy Friend Gigliotti
Lead – The Friend Team Real Estate
2019
Allison Hildebrandt
Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator – Habitat for Humanity of Ontario County
2018
Jennie Erdle
Director of Student Life – Finger Lakes Community College
2017
Sayeh Rivazfar
Investigator –New York State Police
2016
Kimberly Sorel
Assistant Vice President, Community Office Manager – Canandaigua National Bank & Trust
2015
Teresa Deacon
Family Assessment and Support Worker – Chile & Family Resources
2014
Nadia Harvieux
Conservation Outreach Educator, Muller Field Station and Adjunct Faculty Member, Conservation Department – Finger Lakes Community College Education Program Manager –Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith Colleges
2013
Erica Bapst
Owner – Adorn Jewelry and Accessories
2012
Margaret (Maggie) Whelehan
Assistant Vice President and Personal Banking and Insurance Services Manager
2011
Tracey Fuller
Heiser Brand President/Branch GM –Heiser Logistics Inc.
2010
Teresa Pare
The Law Offices of Teresa M. Pare
Congratulations to the 2024 ATHENA Award Nominees, especially our own, Donna Schaertl
From the City of Canandaigua Police Department
