2023 ATHENA International Awards Magazine – Rochester, NY

2023

ATHENA

INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

Rochester, NY

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023

FLOREANO RIVERSIDE CONVENTION CENTER

12 2023 ATHENA Award Finalists

20 2023 ATHENA Young Professional Award Finalists

28 2023 ATHENA Organizational Award Finalists

32 ATHENA Ambassadors: Past ATHENA Award Recipients & Finalists

CELEBRATING LEADING

WOMEN IN GREATER ROCHESTER

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and its Women’s Council affiliate are pleased to present the finalists for the 37th Annual Greater Rochester ATHENA International Award, ATHENA Young Professional Award, and ATHENA Organizational Award. The awards are designed to recognize outstanding leadership and organizations in the Greater Rochester region, as well as empower the next generation of women leaders. Each finalist represents the ATHENA leadership model at its best, and our community benefits greatly from their excellence, service, and vision.

The internationally recognized ATHENA Awards program was founded in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan by Martha Mertz to honor the achievements of exceptional women leaders and inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional lives. Since 1982, more than 8,000 top leaders in over 500 communities around the world have received the prestigious ATHENA International Award.

The program was introduced to the Greater Rochester community in 1987 by Greater Rochester Chamber and its affiliate, the Women’s Council. The ATHENA International Awards program is a tribute to all who participate, including our outstanding finalists and their nominators. As the only international awards program in Greater Rochester dedicated solely to recognizing outstanding female leadership and organizations, we thank the community for its continued support and participation.

In addition, we appreciate the tremendous generosity of our sponsors whose contributions, especially during these difficult times, allow us to continue to present the ATHENA International Awards program each year.

The women and organizations profiled in this special ATHENA International Awards publication represent nearly every sector of our business community including corporate, entrepreneurial, education, legal, construction, financial, health care, and not-for-profit organizations. Their work in our community as leaders and individuals who recognize and embrace the importance of assisting other women in their personal and professional development cannot be overstated.

As you read and learn more about the ATHENA International Awards finalists, we know you will agree that they are outstanding examples of achievement and leadership.

Congratulations to all our ATHENA International Award finalists! May you continue to inspire our community and the next generation of trailblazing women.

BOB DUFFY President and CEO Greater Rochester Chamber

SEANELLE HAWKINS President, Women’s Council

Greater Rochester Chamber and its Women’s Council affiliate are pleased to bring the 37th Annual ATHENA International Awards program to our region. We gratefully acknowledge the generosity of the ATHENA International Awards program sponsors.

PARTNERS

ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SPONSOR

ATHENA ORGANIZATIONAL AWARD SPONSOR

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ATHENA RECEPTION SPONSOR:

CORPORATE SPONSORS

• Beyond the Sanctuary

• Brockport Research Institute

• Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

• Empire Justice Center

• LaBella Associates

• Monroe Community College & Monroe Community College Foundation

• New York Kitchen

• Nixon Peabody LLP

• The Harley School

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

• Littler Mendelson P.C.

• Mengel Metzger Barr & Co. LLP

• Paychex, Inc.

• Saunders College of Business, Rochester Institute of Technology

• SUNY Brockport

• Tompkins Community Bank

• Zea Proukou PLLC

Greater Rochester Chamber gratefully acknowledges the generous support for this event from its partners and sponsors. To sponsor this event next year, contact Susan George at Susan.George@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Congratulations to the ATHENA International Award Finalists!

Today we celebrate your excellence and the way you inspire others to be exceptional in their own professional lives.

Regardless of the paths that brought us here tonight, we are all committed to the same thing: finding power within our own community of women and ensuring that we provide mentorship and opportunity for the capable and dedicated women who will come after us. It’s thrilling to see so many women leaders who are role models for the next generation, not only in the great things you achieve professionally but also in your commitment to your communities. The greatest leaders know that success is more meaningful when we can share its benefits with others.

The spirit of this award embraces the idea that women are at their best when we empower each other and give of our time, talents and treasure generously. That’s what you all have done—and in doing so, you have made your communities and our world stronger, better and more interconnected. Baldwin Richardson Foods is proud to recognize you, support you and cheer you on to ever-greater heights.

A message from our 2023 ATHENA Young Professional Award Sponsor, Nocon & Associates

Congratulations to all the ATHENA International Award Finalists! Your organization and our community are made better by on your determination, attention to detail and measured thinking. Your minds are wired for long-term strategic vision. Each of you brings a new, unique, and diverse perspective to our community which helps to move the needle and make the lives of those around you better.

It's inspiring to see ambitious and capable female leaders across the generations and industries chosen for the ATHENA International Award. This year’s ATHENA International Young Professional Award finalists represent an outstanding group of leaders that will ensure that Greater Rochester’s future is bright for years to come.

There are some natural leaders, but most of us need to work towards being outstanding leaders. We need to be intentional not only on excelling in our chosen field, but also in our leadership and business skills. Life is about constantly learning and growing. We can rely on our resilience to overcome the hurdles that come along the way. We must always remember to pay it forward through mentorship so that the tradition continues. The more we practice, the more natural it becomes. Until then, we need to formally recognize the achievements of women and continue to advance in the next generation on female leaders in Greater Rochester. We are proud to be a sponsor of the ATHENA International Young Professional award!

Modeled after the ATHENA Award, the Women’s Council created this scholarship program to help nurture the next generation of women leaders, and to assist them in their higher education endeavors The program is designed to discover & highlight outstanding young women who have displayed leadership, academic excellence, and involvement in our community All donations will be tax deductible

Donate a full scholarship for one of our four Young Women of Distinction recipients or fund partial scholarships for our remaining finalists.

Nannette Nocon

Private Wealth Advisor

Nocon & Associates

Past ATHENA Award Recipient 2017

PAST ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENTS

Since 1987 • Rochester, NY

2022 Dr. Colleen Davis

2021 Lauren Dixon

2020 Dr. Heidi Macpherson

2019 Hilda Rosario-Escher

2018 Sharon Napier

2017 Nannette Nocon

2016 Elaine Spaull

2015 Amy Tait

2014 Dr. Lynn Maquat

2013 Dr. Anne Kress

2012 Dr. Judith F. Baumhauer

2011 Kitty Van Bortel

2010 Jennifer Leonard

2009 Holly Hillberg

2008 Dr. Ruth Lawrence

2007 Patricia Malgieri

2006 G. Jean, Howard

2005 Carolyn A. Portanova

2004 Dr. Elizabeth R. McAnarney

2003 Ursula M. Burns

2002 Sandra A. Parker

2001 Dr. Katherine Keough

2000 Sue S. Stewart

1999 Betsy Harrison

1998 Susan McLaughlin

1997 Linda S. Becker

1996 Kathleen Whelehan

1995 Bernice Skirboll

1994 Barbara M. Kelley

1993 Karen Noble Hanson

1992 Katherine Hudson

1991 Mary-Frances Winters

1990 Louis Woerner

1989 Chris Pulleyn

1988 Rose Marie Beston

1987 (Inaugural Year) Dr. Judith Schwan

PAST ATHENA YOUNG

PROFESSIONAL AWARD RECIPIENTS

Since 2015

2022 Tanvi Asher

2021 Cicely Strickland-Ruiz

2020 Julie Camardo

2019 Shaquana Divers

2018 Kim Allen

2017 Melisza Campos

2016 Melanie Wolk

2015 (Inaugural Year)

Claudia Burcke

PAST ATHENA ORGANIZATIONAL AWARD RECIPIENTS

Since 2018

2022 Family Promise of Greater Rochester

2021 Brockport Research Institute

2020 Butler/Till

2019 HCR Home Care

2018 (Inaugural Year)

Dixon Schwabl

On behalf of the board, staff, and volunteers at Empire Justice Center, we congratulate Yversha on her nomination for the 2023 ATHENA Young Professional award!

Melissa Gardner and all the 2022 Athena Award Honorees for their strong leadership in making our communities better places to live and raise a family. We salute you on this WELL DESERVED HONOR!

The Board of Directors and members of Beyond the Sanctuary, Inc. Congratulate

SUNY Brockport congratulates all the ATHENA International Award nominees for their exceptional leadership in the Rochester region.

19 Prince St. Roc 14607 www nspstudio com

ATHENA 2023

INTERNATIONAL AWARD FINALISTS

ROCHESTER, NY

Carmen Allen

President

Beyond the Sanctuary

Kirsten Allen Reader

Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid

The Harley School

Michelle Cain

Partner

Mengel Metzger Barr & Co.

Jeanne Casares

President & Chief Executive Officer

NYSERNet Research & Education Network Provider

Chetna Chandrakala

Chief Financial Officer

Thundermist Health Center

Christina Gullo

President and Chief Executive Officer

Villa of Hope

Connie Marple

Founder/Owner

Women of Color New York

Kelly McCormick-Sullivan

President

Rochester Regional Health Foundations

Mary Ognibene

Partner

McConville Considine Cooman & Morin, PC

Evelyn Parker

Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

Stride K12

Jodie Ryan

Partner and Lawyer

McElroy Deutsch Law Firm

Gretchen Wood

Vice President, Institutional

Advancement and Executive Director, MCC Foundation

Monroe Community College (MCC), Rochester, New York

CARMEN ALLEN

President • Beyond the Sanctuary

Carmen Allen is the founder of the nonprofit Beyond the Sanctuary, Inc. (BTS) and is currently the organization’s president and executive director. She has led BTS from a small food pantry into multi-program organization that addresses the challenges of poverty and helps community members move from assistance to become self-sustaining. She is unwavering in BTS’ core values of treating everyone with dignity, respect and compassion and never turning anyone away. She founded the Rochester Faith-Based Community Service Alliance, a collaborative of churches and faith-driven organizations.

Prior to founding BTS, Carmen had a 31-year corporate career serving in management and senior level human resources positions. She moved to Rochester to join Eastman Kodak Company in 1988 as a HR manager. There she was a founding member of Network North Star, the first African American Network at Eastman Kodak Company. Carmen rose to the level of Vice President at Bausch & Lomb, Senior Human Resources Vice President at Vertis Communications (Baltimore, MD), and Vice President Harris Corporation (L3Harris). In these roles, she was responsible for all aspects of Human Resources for thousands of employees around the globe. She has served as a board member of several organizations, including the Urban League of Rochester, the Urquhart Memorial Foundation, the Monroe Community College Foundation, Garth Fagan Dance, and the Strong National Museum of Play. She served as Vice President of AKOMA, Rochester’s African American Women’s Gospel Choir. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2022 New York State Senate Proclamation Honoring Beyond the Sanctuary for Exemplary Service to its Community and State, 2022 Hannah G. Solomon Award presented by the Rochester Chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women, the 2022 Memorial AME Zion Church Woman of the Year, 2019 Rochester Business Journal Women of Excellence, 2013 Profiles in Diversity Journal, 2007 Diversity Journal Women Worth Watching in U. S., 2001 & 2003 ATHENA Award Finalist, and the 1999 Bausch & Lomb’s President’s Award.

A graduate of the University of Rochester, William E. Simon School of Business Administration, Carmen completed a Master of Business Administration. She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Management from the University of Missouri. Her greatest loves, besides her family and serving the community, are singing with AKOMA and the Memorial AME Zion Praise Team. She resides in Brighton with her husband, John Allen, and her father.

KIRSTEN ALLEN READER

Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid The Harley School

Kirsten Allen Reader has always had children at the center of her life’s work. Having received her Undergraduate Degree in Literature from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland and then her Masters in English Literature from SUNY Brockport, she went on to work in education. For 24 years, she has worked at The Harley School. She spent 19 of those years teaching English in the Middle School and then was appointed Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid in 2018.

Kirsten has primarily taught middle school English, has chaired the English Department, and has trained in mindfulness work for educators at the Omega Institute. In addition, for four years, she also ran the Summer Academy at The Harley School until the fall of 2018 when she accepted a position as the Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid.

As the Director of Enrollment, Kirsten instituted several new and successful protocols to the office and the admission process. Kirsten was critical in launching a scholarship program to enroll underserved students, she and her fantastic all female team has brought in record new student enrollment for two years in a row, and she has continued to hold on to strong enrollment while also strengthening the financial standing of the School. She strongly believes in the power of a team, and she works to encourage that mentality at work.

Kirsten serves on the Visioning Board of Spiritus Christi Church where she has also been a supporter of the Spiritus Prison Outreach and is a member of the Gospel Choir. Also, as an advocate for children as well as having a personal connection to the trauma of sexually abused children, Kirsten enthusiastically volunteers her time at Bivona Child Advocacy Center. Lastly, she and her son, Liam, lead his class in a service project for the last few years bringing 30 homemade lunches a month from him and his Harley classmates to the wonderful organization, A Meal and More.

She and her fiance, Stephen Brown, live in Pittsford with their six children (Liam, Blair, Zoe, Makenna, Reid, and Patrick) ages 1427. She is an avid runner and yoga practitioner, and she loves great music, a good book, and an inspiring podcast. Her connection to their children as well as the Rochester community bring both her, and Stephen, great joy. Kirsten is quite humbled at this recognition, she draws strength from her family and many fierce women in her life, and she strongly believes in the power of love and kindness. The best is yet to come.

MICHELLE CAIN

Partner Mengel Metzger Barr & Co.

As the first female partner in MMB + CO’s Rochester office, Michelle is proud to play a significant role in the strategic growth of the Firm and provide a strong example of women in leadership for our rising professionals. Serving as a member of the Management Committee, Chair of the Assurance Department and Chair of the Not-for-Profit Services Group, she focuses her efforts on being accountable, responsive, and supportive to her peers, her staff, and her clients.

Professionally, Michelle has contributed significantly to the Not-for-Profit industry. As a frequent presenter at industry seminars as well as author of the NYSED Charter School Audit Guide, Michelle strives to support others through education, advocacy, and mentorship.

Personally, Michelle gives of her time to her high school and collegiate alma maters, Bishop Kearney High School and SUNY Geneseo. As Treasurer of Bishop Kearney over the last 12 years, she has supported the school through numerous transitions, challenges, and celebrations. As a member and former co-chair of the SUNY Geneseo School of Business Advisory Council, she was instrumental in reinvigorating the Council in support of the school and its students. Beyond these organizations, Michelle is a Board member of Holy Childhood and a member of 100+ Women Who Care Rochester.

JEANNE CASARES

President & Chief Executive Officer

NYSERNet Research & Education Network Provider

Jeanne Casares is the president and chief executive officer of NYSERNet, a nonprofit organization advancing the research and educational missions of its members by delivering a full range of customized, progressive, and affordable end-to-end data and networking technology solutions. Casares was appointed in June 2022, leading the member-governed organization that includes universities, colleges, museums, healthcare, regional information centers and research institutions. She is responsible for NYSERNet’s strategic direction and operations, and she will further its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, while continuing to influence the national conversation about the future of research network infrastructure and access.

Before joining NYSERNet, Casares was the chief information officer at Rochester Institute of Technology from 2008 to 2022 overseeing the technology strategy and operations. Prior to that, she worked at Paychex, Inc. as Director of IT Services. She has a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s of Education from The College of New Jersey.

Casares is currently a trustee of Our Lady of Mercy School; a member of the board of directors of Coordinated Care Services, Inc.; recipient of the Rochester IT Woman of the Year; and served as event chair of the Rochester CIO Roundtable; former chair of the Association of Women in Computing.

CHETNA CHANDRAKALA

Chief Financial Officer Thundermist Health Center (Previously CFO at Villa of Hope)

“Time is money that you can give back to the community” is Chetna’s mantra. Having worked across the world from Delhi to San Francisco, Chetna was inspired by the philanthropic Rochester community. Her passion for diversity and leadership motivated her community involvement through affiliations and board memberships. She helps organizations by leveraging the intellectual capital of the Indian American community and fostering cultural connections between the world’s largest democracies.

As a finance leader for 25 years, Chetna currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Thundermist, a Community Health Center. Prior to this role, Chetna successfully led teams and implemented strategies at Villa of Hope and GRIPA/Cognisight (Rochester Regional Health). She was instrumental in building a population health financial model, sustaining financial operations, and conducting several key negotiations to grow these organizations that have huge impact in Rochester community.

Chetna loves to mentor the younger generation & women leaders. Organizations including but not limited to United Way, Memorial Art Gallery, Hindu Temple of Rochester, MHA, Al Sigl, EPI, NAMI, DIAL, India Community Center, and Pittsford PTSA have enjoyed her contributions through participation on committees, fundraising and events.

Chetna was a recipient of the PTSA Lifetime Membership award in 2015 and an Honoree of the Rochester Business Journal Women of Excellence Awards in 2019. She currently lives in Pittsford, NY, with her husband. She is proud of her daughter (a Pittsford graduate) who works as an attorney in Boston.

CHRISTINA GULLO

President and Chief Executive Officer Villa of Hope

Christina Gullo became the President/CEO for Villa of Hope in 2010. This nationally accredited, trauma certified agency serves more than 4,000 people annually through behavioral health, care coordination, education, work based learning and preventive programs. Gullo has led a fiscal turnaround, created a new strategic plan, initiated a DEI program, and guided an extensive agency rebranding effort. Recently, the Villa completed construction and opened the Living Hope Treatment Center, a substance use detoxification program for ages 16 to adult.

Gullo’s background includes clinical, professional and business experience. She began her career as a Social Worker for Catholic Family Center and was previously the VP Human Resources, VP Programs & Strategy, and Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer.

Gullo was named a Women of Excellence by the RBJ in 2021 and was a 2008 recipient of the Up and Coming Businesswoman Award. She was a 2005 recipient of the Forty under 40 Award. Gullo co-authored Making Strategy Count in the Health and Human Services Sector and a white paper on Adaptive Change, chronicling the culture, leadership, and strategy transformations at the Villa.

Gullo is proud to serve as a mentor to women in her organization. Additionally, she serves on a number of Boards including Vice Chair of the Children’s Health Home of Upstate NY, and was recently named Chair of the Geva Theatre Trustees.

CONNIE MARPLE

Founder/Owner Women of Color New York

Founder/Owner, Connie Marple introduces Women of Color New York to all who will listen. Women of Color New York is a collaboration of ten women of color doing business together. WOCNY provides fashion, beauty, wellness, and self-care products and services. There is also a dessert bar & bistro on-site.

After retiring from dentistry where she worked as a Dental Hygienist for twenty five years, Connie Marple decided to reinvent herself, returned back to school and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design from Buffalo State in December 2020, during the pandemic. She then launched Women of Color New York in August 2021. While businesses were closing their doors, Connie pushed one open and brought a group of women with her.

Connie Marple is providing more than just space in the South Wedge of Rochester. Connie is fueling hope, creating a foundation for woman-owned businesses to grow, and to celebrate their brand in a brick-and-mortar setting, as they build relationships with a local client base.

Connie’s commitment to her community takes place on the ground. Connie addresses the issues of food insecurity, homelessness, and illiteracy for families in need. She’s growing her business while she attempts to merge the two.

KELLY

MCCORMICK-SULLIVAN

Kelly McCormick-Sullivan is a seasoned senior executive with a specialty in non-profit and healthcare leadership. She currently serves as the President of Rochester Regional Health Foundations. Previous, she served as president & CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester, NY, president of CommuniCare Partners, LLC, and president & CEO of the Pluta Cancer Center. Additionally, McCormick-Sullivan held senior leadership roles within healthcare IT, energy services and higher education.

McCormick-Sullivan has a strong record of commitment to community with service on the several boards including (past and present): the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation, the Hope Hall School, the Nazareth Women’s Leadership Council, Golisano Children’s Hospital, the Summit Federal Credit Union Nominating Committee, the Rochester Hearing and Speech Center, the Northeast American Lung Association Leadership Board, the Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley and the Rochester Institute of Technology Health System’s Administration Advisory Board. She believes mentoring young women is one of the most impactful ways to serve the community. McCormick-Sullivan holds a M.A. in public communication from American University, a M.S in health systems administration from the Rochester Institute of Technology, a M.A certificate in human resources from Cornell University and a B.A. in politics from the Catholic University of America. McCormick-Sullivan lives in Rochester, NY with her husband, Dan, and three kids.

MARY OGNIBENE

Partner

McConville Considine Cooman & Morin, PC

Mary is a corporate transactional attorney with nineteen years of experience in mergers and acquisitions and general contract drafting, review and negotiation. She has worked with clients across varied industries in all manner of corporate practice including business formations, general contract negotiation, stock and asset sales/purchases, mergers, not-forprofit matters and corporate governance. Her style of practice has been described as thorough, ethical and welcoming.

Mary was recently included in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law. The Daily Record also recently recognized Mary’s professional accomplishments, integrity and commitment to her clients and community by naming her a “Leader in Law” as part of its 2020 Attorneys of the Year Awards.

Mary is a member of the Board of Directors of Rochester Broadway Theatre League, a member and past Chair of the Monroe County Bar Association’s Council of the Business Law Section, a performer for Lawyers for the Arts fundraiser supporting Arts Services Inc.’s Give for Greatness grant program, and a past co-chair of the Art of Lawyering fundraiser benefiting JustCause.

Mary is a violinist and singer who has recorded albums with various bands and music projects. She is a supporter of all things music and art.

EVELYN PARKER

Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Stride K12

Evelyn Parker M.S, CDP, CAPM, LSSWB, is a Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) practitioner and BRIM Trainer (Bias Reduction in Internal Medicine) committed to ensuring an inclusive workplace for all employees. She is a strategic thought leader with 20 years of multi-faceted experience in D&I, Human Resources, Learning & Development, Talent Management, Coaching, Change Management, Project Management, and Business Operations within the corporate and higher education services and retail industries. Evelyn, is experienced in designing strategy and implementing large-scale programs aimed at developing, retaining, and advancing underrepresented employees. She is an expert in consulting with Executive Leadership, HR Business Partners, Cross-Functional Teams, and Employee Resource Groups to develop strategies regarding D&I as a discipline. Evelyn, has extensive relationship and coalition building skills, including a robust network of professional and diverse national and local organizations.

Evelyn earned her Master’s in Organizational Leadership and Development from Medaille College and is a certified diversity professional from the Society for Diversity Inc. & Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC). Evelyn is also a Certified BRIM (Bias Reduction Internal Medicine) trainer.

In 2019, Evelyn was nominated as an “Emerging Leader” an award recognizing female leaders in their careers who have strong engagement in the community, show strong leadership ability, and exhibit high potential for collaborations.

When she is not busy multitasking as Chief Diversity Officer, she has three beautiful children who inspire her every day to be a better version of herself. She also owns two businesses: “All Things DEI” by Evelyn Parker Consulting Firm and “Mi ‘Amors Boutique” clothing boutique, both located in Rochester, NY.

In closing, “Small Change, Big Wins” make everyday count no matter how small the change is, it can make a huge difference.

JODIE RYAN

Partner and Lawyer McElroy Deutsch Law Firm

JODIE L. RYAN is a partner in the Rochester office of McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney and Carpenter, LLP. She concentrates her practice in the areas of civil and commercial litigation, with emphasis on chemical exposure and toxic tort, products liability, premises liability, and personal injury matters. Ms. Ryan also represents clients in landlord/tenant disputes and commercial collection cases. She also donates her time and talent to Just Cause, where she represents low income residents who are faced with non-criminal legal issues. She has handled numerous pro bono name change petitions, in various counties in NY. She regularly assists members of the LGBTQ community with acquiring legal name changes.

She is also very active with the Greater Rochester Assoc. of Women Attorneys (GRAWA) where she recently served on the Board of Directors and was President of GRAWA in 2017-2018. She has also been a member of GRAWA’s Nominations, Mentoring, and Executive Committees. Since 2016, Ms. Ryan has also served on the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) and worked with GRAWA to redefine and publish new judicial candidate rating criteria. Ms. Ryan is currently a co-chair of GRAWA’s JEC, who evaluates, interviews, and rates judicial candidates. Ms. Ryan is also a member of the American Bar Assoc., the NYS Bar Assoc., the Monroe County Bar Assoc., the NYS Trial Lawyers Assoc., and the Defense Research Institute.

In 2019, she received The Daily Record’s Attorney of the Year Award, as she was honored as a Leader in Law. The award is given to attorneys who demonstrate professional accomplishment, exceptional character, integrity and ethics, and commitment to their clients/community. She is also a past recipient of the Daily Record’s Up and Coming Attorney award, RBJ’s Forty Under 40 award, and the NYS Bar Assoc.’s President’s Pro Bono Service Attorney Award for the 7th Judicial District.

GRETCHEN WOOD

Vice President, Institutional Advancement and Executive Director, MCC Foundation Monroe Community College (MCC), Rochester, New York

Gretchen brings 25 years of nonprofit experience to her role as Vice President, Institutional Advancement for Monroe Community College (MCC) and Executive Director of the MCC Foundation. At the MCC Foundation, she leads a team of professionals who work with a board comprised of extraordinary leaders dedicated to supporting student success. The MCC Foundation awards more than $1 million in scholarships annually and recently celebrated exceeding their $50 million Every Bright Future Needs a Strong Foundation campaign—one of the country’s largest community college campaigns.

In recognition of the career resource the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) has been to her, Gretchen is an active volunteer. In addition to serving on the CASE Commission on Philanthropy, Gretchen is chair of CASE’s Mid-Atlantic District Cabinet.

Locally Gretchen is active with the Association of Fundraising Professionals Genesee Valley (AFPGV) Chapter Board, including serving as President in 2018-2019. A highlight of her service was the chapter earning the AFP International Friends of Diversity designation for the first time in 2016—which it maintains today.

A Rochester Business Journal Women of Excellence honoree in 2019, Gretchen lives in Brighton with her husband, Mick, and their children.

Gretchen D. Wood, CFRE Vice President, Institutional Advancement, Monroe Community College Executive Director, MCC Foundation

Gretchen Wood for being named a 2023 ATHENA International Award Finalist!

We’re inspired by your leadership and commitment to excellence in our community.

ATHENA 2023

INTERNATIONAL YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD FINALISTS

ROCHESTER, NY

Twylla Dillion

Executive Director

HealthConnect One

Maiah Johnson Dunn Beverage Education Manager

New York Kitchen

Jeiri Flores

Advocacy Specialist; Co-Director of Diversity & Inclusion

Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities

Melissa Gardner

Executive Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Kristy Gonzalez

CEO/ Founder

IntegrateXpress LLC

Jennifer Aronson Jovcevski

Corporate Attorney and Creator/Host of She Talks Law podcast

Nixon Peabody LLP

Jessica Kruse

Project Manager/Architect

LaBella Associates

Lesley Niebel Attorney

Faraci Lange Attorneys

CaTyra Polland

CEO/Founder

Love for Words

Randi Nicole Proukou

Founding Partner

Zea Proukou PLLC

Yversha Roman

Director of CASH (Creating Assets, Savings & Hope)

Empire Justice Center/ CASH

Natalie Sinisgalli-Kettavong

Founder & CEO

NSP Studio and Embolden

TWYLLA DILLION

Executive Director

HealthConnect One

Dr. Twylla Dillion is the Executive Director of HealthConnect One (HC One). Nationally, HC One supports birthing families, nonprofit organizations, and community-based birth workers. HC One provides training, advocacy, and connections in underserved Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities experiencing a maternal mortality crisis.

Since joining HC One in 2020, Twylla has tripled the nonprofit’s budget, increased the team’s size and diversity, supported doula public/private insurance coverage, and expanded online training.

A proud Rochestarian, Twylla has connected local communitybased organizations to the national HC One network. A current collaboration with Healthy Baby Network, Finger Lakes Community Health, FLPPS, and GRHF attracted $2M to support Black and Latinx birthing families in the area.

The Washington Post, NBClx, and Early Learning Nation have featured Twylla. She was a 2021 Promise Venture Studios Fellow and is a 2022 Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow. She serves on Trillium Health and NY State Children’s Alliance boards and is on the NY State Maternal Mortality Review Board.

She holds a BA and Ph.D. from the University of Rochester and an MBA from St. John Fisher College. A wife and mom of four, she enjoys volunteering with her kids’ teams/clubs, family adventures, and mentoring emerging women leaders.

MAIAH JOHNSON DUNN

Beverage Education Manager

New York Kitchen

Maiah Johnson Dunn tells heart-forward stories about New York wine.

After a 13-year career in experiential and event marketing, Maiah transitioned to the wine and hospitality industry. Her shift began with Chasing Grapeness, an Instagram account turned wine pairing dinner series focused on diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry. Following two sold-out dinners in 2020, she started writing about wine and never looked back.

Her bylines include 585 Magazine, City Newspaper, Edible Finger Lakes, and the New York Wine & Grape Foundation among others. Her work on New York and Finger Lakes wines can also be found in the forthcoming 5th edition of Jancis Robinson’s Oxford Companion to Wine, due to be published in 2023.

Maiah is the Beverage Education Manager at New York Kitchen in Canandaigua, New York, where her focus is building a warm and inviting educational space for everyone. Quarterly, she co-teaches a class called DEI over Wine, which breaks down the concepts of DEI into easily digestible conversations with delicious pairings.

In 2022, Maiah was named a New York Wine & Grape Foundation Unity Award recipient for her “enthusiastic support of the New York wine industry and exemplifying the use of wine as part of a happy, healthy lifestyle.” When she’s not writing or talking about wine, Maiah serves on the Board of Directors for The Smith Opera House in Geneva, New York.

The Boston native lives and loves in Rochester, New York.

JEIRI FLORES

Advocacy Specialist; Co-Director of Diversity & Inclusion

Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities

Jeiri Flores is a strong, passionate Puerto Rican disability justice activist from Rochester, NY. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in the study of Sociology and African-American Studies at SUNY Brockport in 2014. Currently she is pursuing her masters degree in Human Development at the University of Rochester’s Warner School. Jeiri serves as a resource for residents in her community by connecting them to existing services and supports. As a disability advocate Jeiri shares her unique perspective at various colleges and conferences where she introduces attendees to the struggles and invisibility people with disabilities face.

She provides insight regarding inclusion, citizenship, disability intersectionality and challenges that remain unaddressed by society. She hopes to influence young disabled people to fulfill their purpose and create a new narrative for what it means to be disabled.

MELISSA GARDNER

Executive Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer Excellus

BlueCross BlueShield

Melissa Gardner is a wife, mother, and advocate for women leaders and community health.

As Executive Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Melissa strives to ensure all have equitable access to high quality, affordable healthcare. Melissa oversees initiatives that improve quality of care and help control rising healthcare costs for Excellus BCBS’s 1.5 million members. Initiatives include partnerships with providers, engagement with members through their care journeys, new pharmacy services to improve member health and community investments in health equity.

Melissa serves as Chair-Elect of the Board of Directors of Common Ground Health, a regional community health collaborative. She also treasures the opportunity to support children and families through her role on the Board of Governors for Hillside.

Melissa is grateful for mentors who earlier in her career believed in her more than she initially believed in herself. She’s an Excellus BCBS Women’s Leadership Council member and an active resource for leaders, especially working moms.

She’s a Rochester Business Journal Forty Under 40 honoree and a Profiles in Diversity Journal “Women Worth Watching.” Melissa is most proud of the family she is a part of with her husband Brett and children, Allison, Cole, and Kyle.

KRISTY GONZALEZ

CEO/ Founder IntegrateXpress LLC

Kristy Gonzalez is an innovator, integrator, and implementer with demonstrated success in project streamlining, acquisitions, and organizational mergers. As the Founder of IntegrateXpress, her professional experience and education has focused on business operations, accounting, leadership, and compliance, skillsets she has utilized to contribute to her communities and encourage the advancement of others.

As an innovator, Kristy guarantees a strategic plan customized to organization goals, with action items, executed milestones, and, most importantly, increased employee engagement.

An experienced accounting consultant born and raised in Miami, Florida, she has benefited from unique opportunities to work with a variety of cultural backgrounds, management styles, and industries over the last 15 years. This experience has inspired a talent for effectively communicating across barriers, finding new approaches, and out-of-the-box problem solving, while further fueling a passion for business analytics, financial reporting, and analyzing metrics for success to ultimately spark creative innovation within organizations.

Kristy strives to be a role model for others, especially Latina girls. In her personal time, she actively seeks out opportunities to advocate for her communities, often using her professional skillset to do so. As a member of the DEI Subcommittee of Penfield School District, and the Rochester Hispanic Business Association Subcommittee, she has helped build a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in local schools, and supported mentoring programs for LatinX community members. Kristy has also organized bilingual workshops to increase accounting literacy among up-and-coming Hispanic entrepreneurs.

Kristy is currently completing her MBA by the fall of 2023 and resides in Penfield with her husband, three children, and two dogs.

JENNIFER ARONSON JOVCEVSKI

Corporate Attorney and Creator/ Host of She Talks Law podcast Nixon Peabody LLP

An attorney in Nixon Peabody LLP’s Corporate group and Host/ Creator of the She Talks Law podcast, Jen counsels public and privately held clients on various corporate legal matters, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions. A former urban Teach for America teacher, Jen also established a niche practice in charter school law.

During the pandemic, women left the workforce in droves which only enhanced Jen’s legal voice. Jen’s mission became equipping women with necessary tools to “get back to business” while shedding light on the corporate gender gap. Leveraging her legal skills and advocacy, Jen launched a monthly roundtable of 200+ women in her network where she provided free legal education and addressed DEI topics relevant to women in business. This evolved into a nationwide podcast, She Talks Law, now available on Apple and Spotify.

Central to Jen’s civic involvement is empowering Rochester’s women and young girls, including board service for Young Women’s College Prep Charter School and the Greater Rochester Association of Women Attorneys. She is a member of the Women’s Council, WomenUnited and co-leads Nixon Peabody’s regional Women’s Resource Group, among others.

A Canandaigua native, Jen now resides in Rochester with her husband and sons, Jax and Jagger.

JESSICA KRUSE

Project Manager/Architect LaBella Associates

Jessica Kruse is a licensed architect and project manager at LaBella Associates DPC. In this role, Jessica focuses on projects in the higher education and sustainability markets.

Jessica is an active community volunteer, where she sits on the following committees/Boards: Construction Specification Institute (CSI) Rochester Chapter - Education Chair and 2nd Vice President, American Institute of Architects (AIA) Rochester Chapter’s Women in Architecture Committee - Chairperson, Fairport Perinton Design Committee – Member, Village of Fairport Sustainability Committee – Member, and United States Green Building Council (USGBC) – ProReviewer. She previously participated in the ACE Mentor Program of Rochester as a mentor, Board member, and fundraiser chairperson.

In the past, Jessica has received multiple awards, including the CSI Starlight Award (2017), AIA Rochester Emerging Architect of the Year (2018), and Rochester Business Journal Excellence in Construction Award in the Architect category (2021).

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture degree from the University of Buffalo. Her Master’s degree focused in sustainable design, in which she is still an active proponent of through her involvement as a sustainability coordinator at LaBella. Jessica holds multiple certifications, including Construction Document Technologist (CDT), WELL AP, LEED Green Associate, and Living Future Accreditation (LFA).

Jessica lives in Fairport with her husband David and sons; Noah and Samuel.

LESLEY NIEBEL

Attorney

Faraci Lange Attorneys

Lesley E. Niebel began working as an Attorney with Faraci Lange, LLP, in 2015 when she graduated from law school. In her capacity as Attorney, she focuses her practice on all aspects of personal injury litigation, including cases involving medical malpractice, automobile negligence, construction accidents, and premises liability. In 2019 when the New York Child Victims Act was signed into legislation, Lesley began representing survivors of sexual abuse that occurred decades ago and whose cases were brought in the revival window of the Child Victims Act. Lesley prides herself on the work she does for injured clients and the results she is able to achieve.

Lesley is currently a member of the Board of Directors for JustCause, a not-for-profit legal assistance program, is Chair of the Monroe County Bar Association’s Ethics Committee, and is an Associate Board Member for the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers.

Lesley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and English from the State University of New York at Geneseo and graduated cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law. In her spare time, Lesley is a Board Member of the Rochester Spinal Association and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

CATYRA POLLAND

CEO/Founder

Love for Words

CaTyra Polland is an accomplished author who has been published in nine publications. She is also a national editor and speaker. Her entrepreneurial spirit has been the driving force behind her career, and her love of expression--her life-long passion. Joining these passions together, CaTyra has become an important voice in the literary community as well as the business world speaking to professionals from all backgrounds. Since founding Love for Words, CaTyra has been instrumental in a variety of projects that advance and elevate creative expression. CaTyra is the proud founder and CEO of Love for Words (an MWBE editing boutique for writers and authors.) Through Love for Words, CaTyra helps creative people with professional editing services while supporting their creative vision. In this capacity, she serves as an editor, a mentor, and a supporter of each writer’s creation. She is wholeheartedly committed to every project and every client, and her passion for what she does bleeds through every step of the way. Her ambition garnered her recognition as a 2018 Rochester Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, a Business Elite 40 Under 40 (North America) honoree, and a national Point of Light honoree. CaTyra, a service leader and community pillar founded the Literacy Love Scholarship for high school students in Rochester, NY. As a professional committed to supporting and creating platforms for Black authors and writers, she launched Editor Knows Best, an international podcast for literary creatives. CaTyra’s mission is to promote literacy, empower others, and see that her wildest dreams come to fruition.

RANDI NICOLE PROUKOU

Founding Partner

As Co-Founding and Managing Partner of Zea Proukou PLLC, Randi Proukou has fostered the firm’s growth and expansion since opening the doors in Rochester in 2014, and a second office in Canandaigua in 2021. In addition, she manages an active client load representing injured workers in their Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability cases. Randi spearheads community service projects throughout the year for the firm in order to encourage community outreach. Randi has made it a top priority to have a family friendly atmosphere in their small firm environment, while creating a caring environment for clients and the community.

Randi’s resume outside the law firm is lengthy, including very active involvement with Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys (GRAWA), serving as President of the Board 2020-2021; she created the Women in Leadership Committee, and is currently chairing this committee. She has chaired the Membership and Strategic Planning Committees, and is an active and longstanding member of the Nominating Committee. Additional memberships include Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, the Monroe County Bar Association, the Injured Workers’ Bar Association, and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives.

In addition to these commitments, Randi devotes time and energy to numerous other community-based organizations, including Nazareth College, the Jewish Community Center, and Girls on the Run (GOTR). Randi has volunteered as a coach and mentor for nine seasons. She even finds time for her husband, Nicholas, also an attorney in the Rochester community, and their children, 9 year old Levi and 5 year old Lilah.

YVERSHA ROMAN

Director of CASH (Creating Assets, Savings & Hope) Empire Justice Center/ CASH

Yversha Roman has twenty years of experience in progressively responsible roles within not-for-profit services settings. Having lead teams and initiatives at: United Way of Greater Rochester, Center for Youth Services, Rochester After School Academy, Action for a Better Community/Action Front Center and as an Adjunct at Nazareth College, where she graduated from with her B.S. in Social Work. She is the current Director of the C.A.S.H (Creating, Assets, Savings & Hope) at Empire Justice. As a non-profit professional and advocate, she also serves the community as the Minority Leader of the Monroe County Democratic Caucus, representing the 26th Legislative District.

Yversha’s service to the community has received recognition on numerous occasions, including “Rochester 10” by City Newspaper, Inspiration in Action award by Latino Rotary and 40 under 40 by the Hispanic Institute of New York State. She has been an active participant on many boards and committees, such as the Advisory Board for Community Youth Development at Nazareth College, Healthi Kids Coalition of Common Ground Health, Genesee Waterways Center, Latino Leadership Development Program (LLDP) and Mayor’s Advisory Group on Financial Empowerment. She is the co-founder of Rochester’s Pay Equity Coalition, State Board member and facilitator of the Women Elect Program and founding member of the Monroe County Language Access Coalition. As a new mother, fiancée, and 1st generation homeowner, she is committed to ensuring underrepresented communities have a voice at all tables. She works to guide, uplift, and empower those around her daily while working towards systemic changes.

NATALIE SINISGALLI-KETTAVONG

Founder & CEO NSP Studio, and Embolden

NSP Studio and Embolden

Natalie Sinisgalli-Kettavong launched her award-winning boutique portrait business, NSP Studio, in 2007 before the ink on her diploma from RIT had even dried. She has spent the last 15 years empowering women and building community daily through her stunning, confidence-boosting headshots, boudoir, family and wedding photography.

Today, she works with her growing team of creatives to ensure their studio is a space where everyone feels seen and celebrated, free of judgment. Over the course of each year, they host multiple headshot fundraiser events to support non-profit organizations that lift up women in our community. Past events have benefited YWCA, Dress For Success, the Women’s Foundation, Willow Domestic Violence Center, and NAMI Rochester.

In 2019, Natalie started her second business, Embolden, with one goal in mind: to help female entrepreneurs and professionals excel through 1:1 coaching, online resources, speaking engagements, and her “Own Your Bold” podcast. She believes when women step into their power and build the livelihood of their dreams, they can create immense impact in the world.

Over the years, she’s photographed stars including Michael Douglas, Michael Keaton, and Julia Roberts — but these days, her favorite subject to feature is her 2.5 year old son, Massimo.

ATHENA 2023

Baldwin

Erin Tolefree President

Littler

Jackie Phipps Polito Shareholder

New York Kitchen

Alyssa Belasco Executive Director

Nocon & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Nannette Nocon Private Wealth Advisor

BALDWIN RICHARDSON FOODS

Erin

Tolefree President

Baldwin Richardson Foods is one of the largest Black family-owned and -operated businesses in the food industry. It is also a women-led business owned by Erin Tolefree, a performancedriven visionary with more than two decades of experience in the food and beverage manufacturing industry.

Baldwin Richardson Foods (BRF) is a true service business that offers customers a range of services, including innovation, product development, procurement, logistics, customer service and consumer insights. Our overall approach is to build long-lasting, strategic partnerships with our customers and suppliers. This spirit of partnership extends to everyone who works here. Being part of BRF is like being part of a family. We know each other as friends, colleagues and fellow human beings, not just as coworkers. Over the past twenty years under Erin’s leadership, BRF has grown significantly in size, sophistication and capability. The comprehensive range of products and services we offer is a major reason we’ve established longstanding strategic partnerships with our customers. And as a true partner, we help our customers plan and prepare for new, emerging trends, as well as potential growth opportunities on the far horizon.

The Baldwin Richardson Foods Scholars Program at Babson College and the Baldwin Richardson Annual Scholarship at Spelman College. The program provides four-year, fulltuition scholarships to deserving students. In addition, BRF partners with the Rochester Area Community Foundation and U3 Advisors on a multi-year effort to close the racial disparity gap by leveraging the impact of corporate and institutional procurement dollars within communities of color in Rochester.

LITTLER

MENDELSON P.C.

Jackie Phipps Polito Shareholder

At Littler, our unparalleled commitment to labor and employment law helps our clients navigate a complex business world with nuanced legal issues – building better solutions for their toughest challenges. The Rochester office is managed by Jacqueline Phipps Polito.

Phipps Polito is a trial attorney with substantial experience in all aspects of traditional and non-traditional labor and employment litigation. She represents both public and private sector clients, at the trial and appellate level. She has significant collective bargaining and labor relations experience. Her practical approach, combined with her management background, enables her to offer strategic employment advice to clients, recognizing the global needs of the organization. Prior to joining Littler Mendelson’s Rochester office, Jackie served as the Chief Human Capital Initiatives Officer and Chief Labor Negotiator for the Rochester City School District, where she oversaw and managed human resources, employee benefits, and labor relations.

For more than 75 years, Littler Mendelson focused exclusively on labor and employment law. By understanding the challenges and opportunities of their businesses, they tackle everything from simple questions to complex litigation needs with the same rigor and nuanced approach.

NEW YORK KITCHEN

Alyssa Belasco Executive

Director

New York Kitchen believes that a strong connection between people, place, and produce is essential to promoting healthy lifestyles and thriving communities, and uses the stories of agriculture, food, and craft beverage to educate and engage the world in a celebration of the incredible bounty of New York State. Each day, New York Kitchen drives this mission forward through fun and educational handson cooking and craft beverage pairing classes and programs, industry certification courses, and a 100% New York State Tasting Room. Through partnerships with area farmers, wineries, breweries, distilleries, producers, and entrepreneurs, New York Kitchen offers an array of inviting experiences which proudly highlight and promote the quality, diversity, and economic impact of food and beverages that originate in New York State.

As a women-led nonprofit organization and tourism hub located in the heart of New York State’s lush Finger Lakes region, New York Kitchen introduces consumers to the world-class products made right here in the Empire State. New York Kitchen leadership is comprised of extremely knowledgeable, motivated women from across the Greater Rochester and Genesee Valley regions, including Monroe, Ontario, and Yates counties, who understand and appreciate the importance of shopping local to support producers, strengthen communities, and boost New York State’s diverse economy.

NOCON & ASSOCIATES, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Nannette Nocon Private Wealth Advisor

Nocon & Associates is a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC led by Nannette Nocon. Nocon & Associates is a team of 15 and often has 5 to 6 interns each year. The team manages over $800M in assets and works with about 700 households in 38 states. The majority of the team’s clients are in Rochester, NY. In nearly 40 years, Nocon & Associates has supported the team’s individual educational pursuit. Whether it’s a college education, graduate degree or financial planning professional designations such as Certified Financial Planner. At Nocon & Associates, the emphasis is that we never stay where we are. We have to progress or we regress. Giving back is important to this organization.

Nocon & Associates is a proud women-led business. Nannette has known since the age of 10 that inspired team work can make a world of difference in goal achievement, and has used this to build her team of financial advisors. Nocon additionally mentors and supports education for women and children in her personal life and gives back to the Greater Rochester community. Currently serving as the board chair for the George Eastman Museum, Nannette has served on several non for profit boards including Rochester Area Community Foundation, Geva Theatre Center, United Way, WXXI to name a few.

Business is Complex. Paychex Makes it Simple.

ATHENA AMBASSADORS PAST ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENTS & FINALISTS

Our ATHENA Award Ambassadors are past ATHENA Award Recipients & Finalists who continue to support our awards program and uplift women in the Greater Rochester region. We are grateful to these women for their contributions to the 2023 ATHENA International Awards program, and for sharing valuable insights for other women trying to achieve the ATHENA status in our region. We recognize and celebrate their continued success.

What has been your journey since being recognized as an ATHENA Recipient?

When I received the Athena in 1996, my youngest child was 2 years old! In the past 27 years, the children have grown up, I’ve gotten divorced, moved twice, and changed positions twice. I’ve been fortunate to spend most of that time in banking so I’ve been able to use my experience to grow both professionally and personally. I’ve also been able to stay very involved in my volunteer work.

What is your advice to those aspiring to join this elite group of ATHENA women in Greater Rochester?

My advice is to change your thinking about change. It’s not necessarily good nor is it necessarily bad. It’s just different. Stay aware of opportunities and be ready to respond to them. And take time to help people who are in need….whether that is family, friends, coworkers or total strangers.

What has been your journey since being recognized as an ATHENA Finalist?

2022 has been a big year in my journey! I was appointed President/CEO of Starbridge, a Rochesterbased nonprofit supporting more than 11,000 individuals with disabilities and families throughout the region. This position has been one of my career goals and it is a great honor to be at the service of Starbridge, people we support, and our community. I also enjoyed the opportunity to be a panelist for both the Women Empowering Women Conference and the ATHENA Roundtable.

What is your advice to those aspiring to join this elite group of ATHENA women in Greater Rochester?

Athena women continuously work on themselves and have a high level of self-awareness. We are also willing to coach and mentor others to achieve their goals and outcomes. You have to be willing to get in the trenches to guide others along creating space for others to rise. You need to be a servant leader and recognize the work you do isn’t about you. It’s about identifying and meeting the needs of your team and the community.

NIKISHA RIDGEWAY ATHENA Award Finalist 2022

KATHLEEN WHELEHAN ATHENA Award Recipient 1996

SARA SILVERSTONE

ATHENA Organizational Award Recipient 2020

What has been your journey since being recognized as an ATHENA Recipient?

Over the past two years, BRI has grown tremendously, nearly doubling our revenues. One key thing I have learned in my journey is how to respond to difficult or stressful situations. To quote Viktor Frankl “between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” I have learned to delay my reaction if I feel an emotional response or lack of clarity, to give myself time to reflect or discuss the situation with my mentor or a coworker, which allows me to make better decisions.

What is your advice to those aspiring to join this elite group of ATHENA women in Greater Rochester?

Find a good mentor to talk things over with so that you can make more thoughtful and rational decisions. Sometimes challenging situations can shake our confidence, which, in turn, limits our possibilities. Having someone to help you reflect, tell you the truth, give you a little push, and coach you through difficult decisions and conversations can be a huge asset and help you access the strength and wisdom within. Once you start to enjoy your own success, pay it forward by BEING a good mentor to others, to help them along in their journey.

COLLEEN O. DAVIS, MD

ATHENA Award Recipient 2022

What has your journey been since being recognized as an ATHENA recipient?

Since receiving the Athena award last January, I have been privileged to meet many wonderful female leaders in our community - including women working in: business, finance, law, media, research, real estate, education, fashion, healthcare, community outreach and other fields.

Each one has inspired me to continue to work hard to help make my patients and our Rochester community ‘ever better’.

What is your advice to those aspiring to join this elite group of ATHENA women in Greater Rochester?

My advice to women aspiring to be recognized by Athena - and to all women - is to be yourself. Dedicate yourself to your faith, your family, your career (whether it be in the workplace or at home) and your community.

When you bring your best self to these important aspects of your life - many good things will follow.

ATHENA AMBASSADORS PAST ATHENA FINALISTS & RECIPIENTS

What has been your journey since being recognized as an ATHENA Finalist?

2022 saw record growth. We brought on brilliant team members from all over the world. We introduced new tools, frameworks, and process improvements to enable our team to deliver more powerfully for our partners and to scale into the future.

Connecting with the community was a renewed focus. I spoke at events about User Experience and Product Inclusion. I helped co-organize ITX’s fifth “Product + Design Conference”, our first since the pandemic. And, I was lucky enough to attend a Women’s Leadership event, reminding me of all the amazing women who make a difference in our community.

What is your advice to those aspiring to join this elite group of ATHENA women in Greater Rochester?

Put yourself in situations with people that inspire and push you. Make an effort to develop relationships with those people. They’ll share their experiences and ask you thoughtful questions, and it will open your eyes to a world of possibilities.

Be intentional about reflecting and self-learning. Build an understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and passions. Talking with others is an easy way to do this organically (so make those connections!). Self-awareness will allow you to make better decisions about where to put your time and energy. Get excited about something and go put a stake or two in the ground!

What has been your journey since being recognized as an ATHENA Finalist?

I have been fortunate to continue to work with an exceptional leadership team and outstanding individuals in a year of record growth. The UX org that I oversee grew almost 45% in 2022. We’ve implemented new ways of working, with a clear focus on our client’s needs and team member’s growth. Mentoring and coaching play a large role in how we grow and adapt. It has been a joy to see some of the women on my team grow from entry level designers to design leaders over the years. I feel blessed to have the privilege to work with them.

What is your advice to those aspiring to join this elite group of ATHENA women in Greater Rochester?

Follow your passion, because whatever it is, if you go after it and nurture it, you will find opportunities to make a difference. Take advantage of those opportunities – look to make a difference. Know your worth. Be prepared and share your ideas. Speak with confidence and conviction, and then listen. Be open to the perspectives of others and seek common ground. Don’t overthink who is in the room. Take your seat at the table, and know you belong there. Lastly, be agile. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and don’t be afraid to pivot.

NANCY NEUMANN ATHENA Award Finalist 2022

CHRISTINA HALLADAY ATHENA Young Professional Award Finalist 2022

What has been your journey since being recognized as an ATHENA finalist?

My journey is influenced by the financial services industry. Individual investors have been on a roller coaster ride the last few years, experiencing above average investment returns in 2020 & 2021 when many expectations were low. Then as we went into 2022, more positive expectations were met with disappointment and negative returns in the markets.

So much is out of our control. It re-enforces one of my key messages – stay focused on what you can control and put your energies where they are most valued and where you can most influence results.

What is your advice to those aspiring to join this elite group of ATHENA women in Greater Rochester?

Focus on your journey. Have long term goals and a sense of direction of where you are heading –well defined goals are important to help guide your daily activity. At the same time stay in the moment—engage fully in day-to-day events. These are the things that will shape your journey. These are the opportunities for growth, personally and professionally, that can be missed if you are too focused on the future instead of today.

What has been your journey since being recognized as an ATHENA Recipient?

2022 was a year of growth and learning for Family Promise of Greater Rochester as the organization continued to address the crisis of local housing affordability and accessibility. Receiving the ATHENA award affirmed FPGROC’s commitment to assisting the most vulnerable households in our community, while providing compassionate care and recognition to the frontline staff doing the daily work. The Board of Directors approved the formation of a 3-woman Leadership Team, which meets monthly to make collaborative decisions on operations and program initiatives. A quarterly “decompression day” for staff was also created in 2022. In July, we spent the day at a Habitat for Humanity building site in the Beechwood Neighborhood…nothing beats swinging a hammer AND building a home!

What is your advice to those aspiring to join this elite group of ATHENA women in Greater Rochester?

To critically examine how your organization and individuals within it can be a driving force toward a more just, humane community, or in the words of ATHENA, “to improve the quality of life for others in the community”. At FPGROC this means using our voice, and catalyzing others to use theirs, to eradicate systemic racism, poverty, and homelessness from all parts of the region.

KIM HUNT-UZELAC ATHENA Organizational Award Recipient 2022

ELIZABETH THORLEY ATHENA Award Finalist 2022

ATHENA AMBASSADORS

LOUISE WOERNER

ATHENA Organizational Award

Recipient 2020

What has been your journey since being recognized as an ATHENA Recipient?

My business experienced significant growth in size and revenue since 1990, expanding from 250 employees to nearly 800, and from one county to 25 counties across New York State.

Personally, I sat on several public boards and large foundation boards, and served the maximum two terms as a Director on the New York Federal Reserve Board. My husband and I successfully climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

What is your advice to those aspiring to join this elite group of ATHENA women in Greater Rochester?

Stay patient and constant to purpose. Learn from your mistakes/failures and “fail forward.”

AUDREY WACKERMAN

ATHENA Young Professional Award

Finalist 2021

What has been your journey since being recognized as an ATHENA Finalist?

Since being named an ATHENA Young Professional, I have experienced tremendous professional and personal growth. In 2022, I was recognized as a USI PEAK qualifier, an honor reserved for the top 1% of consultants within our organization, where I help clients manage the strategic direction, vision, and performance of their employee benefits programs. I’ve taken on new leadership positions within the community, now serving as the Board Chair of the Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley and Chapter President of NAWIC. In my downtime, I enjoy sharing new experiences with my husband and our 4-year-old daughter.

What is your advice to those aspiring to join this elite group of ATHENA women in Greater Rochester?

Find your #squad. People that will mentor you, sponsor you, challenge you, and celebrate you. It is no coincidence that many of my closest professional and personal connections share the ATHENA recognition, as they pave the way for those following behind them. Lastly, give yourself permission to not get it right the first time, to say no, to be uncomfortable, because in those moments, you will find the most growth.

ATHENA Young Professional Award Finalist 2015

What has been your journey since being recognized as an ATHENA Finalist?

Professionally, I just celebrated 20 years with USI (previously First Niagara Risk Management), where I continue to provide risk management and insurance services to mid-size and large companies. I am now a leader of the Upstate NY Non-Profit and Healthcare practice, and enjoy mentoring younger professionals in the business. Personally, my husband Matthew and I are busy parents of 2 teenagers. We enjoy spending low-key time with friends and family and occasional travel.

What is your advice to those aspiring to join this elite group of ATHENA women in Greater Rochester?

Be authentically you and define your own success. As a young professional, I felt pressure to achieve things that others deemed valuable; a sales threshold, a community award, or an invitation to a group or event. I checked many of those boxes without feeling successful or enjoying that time. Once I learned to let go of external pressures and define what I really wanted, I found authenticity gave me confidence. I learned to lead with my own values and set my own goals. I’ve found enjoyment in my personal and professional accomplishments, and achieved things I couldn’t envision while chasing external goals.

ATHENA International Award Finalist 2008 & 2013

What has been your journey since being recognized as an ATHENA Finalist?

My journey has been all about embracing change. Our firm has changed parent companies twice since then and my role was all about shepherding our team through systems and culture change. I remain firm in the belief that no matter the corporate structure, the culture of your office is what you make it. My board roles have moved forward into leadership positions with a significant focus on strategic planning. equity and inclusion. My journey has also taken me to a greater understanding of racism and I will continue to invest time learning and drive change where I can.

What is your advice to those aspiring to join this elite group of ATHENA women in Greater Rochester?

Life will through you curve balls. While it is good to have a plan, it is most important to be flexible and always act in the best interest of all concerned. Be careful that your ambitions and opinions don’t get in the way. There are a lot of balls to juggle: family, career, community. Don’t spread yourself so thin that you can’t be effective and happy. Always be true to yourself.

SUZANNE NASIPAK

JENNIFER WALLACE

ATHENA INTERNATIONAL AWARDS SELECTION COMMITTEE

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and its Women’s Council affiliate thank the independent panel of judges that determined the recipients of the ATHENA International, ATHENA Young Professional, and ATHENA Organizational Awards. These community leaders from diverse backgrounds and industries volunteered their time to assess the ATHENA nominations and choose the finalists based upon professional achievement, community service, and the support and mentoring of women.

The internationally-recognized ATHENA Award Program was founded in 1982 in Langsin, Michigan by ATHENA International Founder Martha Mertz. The award was

originally established to honor the achievements of exceptional women leaders. And more importantly, it was established to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and business lives.

The ATHENA Award recognizes women 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

• Actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential.

ATHENA Award Selection Committee

ATHENA Young Professional Award Selection Committee

ATHENA Organizational Award Selection Committee

DR. COLLEEN DAVIS University of Rochester Medical Center

CAROLYN NUSSBAUM Nixon Peabody LLP

JOSEPH SEARLES Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

LAUREN GALLINA PAYNE Gallina Development Corp

KIM HUNT-UZELAC Family Promise of Greater Roche

CASEY FITZGERALD Chase

MYRA HENRY YWCA of Rochester

KESHA CARTER Coordinated Care Services, Inc.

NORMA HOLLAND University of Rochester Medical Center

more, do more and become more ...”

Kirsten, your vision for education makes our school better each day. We’re so proud of you— congratulations!

“... your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn

— Dolly Parton

Kirsten Allen Reader Director of Enrollment & Financial Aid

Thursday, March 16, 2023 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and our Women's Council affiliate invite you to join us for an interactive and impactful half-day event. You will join an amazing group of professional women in learning how to make an impact in your career, community, identify your strengths, and get clarity on your next power move!

Come for the honest questions, conversations, and answers; leave with key strategies and tangible takeaways to help elevate your success at work.

Tickets & Sponsorships Available Now!

GreaterRochesterChamber.com/WomenEmpoweringWomen Contact Gena.Stein@GreaterRochesterChamber.com with questions!