The CNY Women’s Network is an independent for-profit media company dedicated to connecting and amplifying brands across upstate new york.

Contact us at partnerships@cnywomensnetwork.com to explore how we can promote your brand, strengthen your community impact, and drive meaningful connections.


we are on a mission to:

  • shine a spotlight on local leaders making waves in our communities.

  • enhance the entrepreneurial landscape and professional community in Upstate New York.

  • provide spaces FOR ambitious women TO CONNECT, DEVELOP, AND THRIVE together.

who we are

CNY Women’s Network (CNYWN) is a regional media platform dedicated to amplifying businesses and brands in Upstate New York. 

what we do

We are a strategic marketing partner, collaborating with local brands on events, media campaigns, and experiential initiatives that resonate with our audience of women professionals and entrepreneurs. 

how we do it

Through our signature events, podcast, newsletter, and social media content — we create opportunities for brands to connect authentically, build trust, and grow their reach while contributing to a thriving community of growth-minded women.

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Since establishment in 2023, we’ve built a vibrant community of more than 16,000 engaged followers. Through a mix of experiential events and digital media, we create innovative platforms for brands to tell their stories and connect with our audience.

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Meet the team

Alex Canavan, Founder + Host of Cultivate

Alex Canavan is an entrepreneur and community leader dedicated to empowering women in Central New York. As the founder and CEO of CNY Women’s Network, she has created a platform that connects, promotes, and uplifts women professionals and business owners.

With a background in marketing, events, branding, and strategic partnerships, Alex saw a need for more visibility and support for women in Syracuse. In 2023, she launched CNY Women’s Network, fostering growth, collaboration, and mentorship.

Alex is also the creator of the CNY Women’s Summit, an inaugural event hosted by the CNY Women’s Network, that brings together over 500 professional women from across Upstate New York for a powerful day of inspiration, connection, and empowerment.

Alex is the host of Cultivate, a podcast show produced in syracuse, ny where she interviews industry leaders and change-makers.

Recognized as a 40 Under 40 Class of 2024 honoree, Alex’s mission is to inspire and support women in all stages of their careers. “I hope women take away valuable insights from our events, but most importantly, I want every attendee to leave feeling empowered, inspired, and supported.”


Follow Alex Canavan on LinkedIn or Instagram and subscribe to Cultivate. For media inquiries and partnership opportunities, please email media@cnywomensnetwork.com.

Aryal Smith, Marketing extraordinaire

If you’ve ever double-tapped one of our Instagram posts, partnered with us on a campaign, or attended a CNYWN event, there’s a chance Aryal was behind the scenes making it happen.

Inspired by Alex’s mission to connect and empower women, Aryal joined the CNY Women’s Network team part-time when she moved back to Central New York in 2023. Since then, she’s worked closely with Alex to dream up and create our content, partnerships, events, and brand initiatives.

Previously, Aryal served as the Digital Marketing Manager at How To Cake It and the Marketing Director at Shokz. Today, Aryal helps local businesses and direct-to-consumer brands grow their social presence and community. connect with Aryal Smith on LinkedIn, Instagram, or at aryal@cnywomensnetwork.com.


Kera Wasserbach, Event coordinator 

Kera Wasserbach leads the planning and execution for the CNY Women’s Network events. Since 2024, Kera has led the CNY Women’s Summit, our annual event that brings together over 500 professional women from across Upstate New York for a day of inspiration, connection, and empowerment.

Kera is the owner of Traveling Event Planner LLC, where she helps clients host transformational, high-impact events. Her company specializes in a range of high-impact events whose approach to event coordination goes beyond managing logistics. Learn more at travelingeventplanner.com


Rebecca LeMunyon, Smooth Operator

Rebecca LeMunyon is the Executive Assistant for Alex Canavan and the CNY Women’s Network. As the Executive Assistant, Rebecca plays a key role in maintaining smooth operations by providing our team with administrative support, refining processes, and thoughtful planning so she can focus on advancing the mission of the CNY Women’s Network. 

Rebecca’s blend of organizational skill, creative problem-solving, and hospitality are essential for the CNY Women’s Network daily success and execution of our various events. With nearly a decade of experience in event production and venue management, she excels at elevating the guest experience behind the scenes, ensuring that every detail contributes to a welcoming and memorable atmosphere. 

Feel free to connect with Rebecca LeMunyon on LinkedIn, at rebecca@cnywomensnetwork.com.


Mae Llaneta, Community Manager

Shaped by her experience in human resources, and business development, Mae llaneta has worked closely with executives, entrepreneurs, and growing teams—building trusted relationships, managing high-touch communication, and connecting the right people with the right opportunities. 

Mae brings a people-first perspective to CNY Women's Network. She understands how strong communities are built: through clarity, connection, and intentional support.

At the cny women’s network, Mae supports member engagement for the collective, manages organizational systems, and cultivates meaningful connections that empower women to grow their businesses and networks with confidence.

diam media group, video & podcast production

the cny women’s network and Diam Media have partnered on a multitude of projects over the last three years, from capturing events on video to producing Cultivate with Alex Canavan.

Diam Media is committed to crafting compelling narratives that captivate audiences and amplify brands. They specialize in campaign videos, documentary-style storytelling, and podcast production.

Connect with Diam Media:
Website: diammedia.com
LinkedIn: Diam Media Group
Instagram: @diam.media

Questions? get in touch with our team

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