The CNY Women’s Network is an independent 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 areCNY Women’s Network (CNYWN) is a regional media platform dedicated to amplifying businesses and brands in Upstate New York.
what we doWe 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 itThrough 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 20,000 engaged followers. Through an intentional mix of live events and digital media, we create innovative platforms for brands to tell their stories and connect with our audience.
Interested in the work we do? click the link below to explore our services & upcoming opportunities.
Meet the team
Alex Canavan, Founder + Host of Cultivate
Alex Canavan is the Founder & CEO of CNY Women's Network, a women's professional community and multi-platform media company. She hosts and produces the Cultivate with Alex Canavan podcast (140+ episodes and counting) and built The Collective, CNYWN's membership community. Alex leads sponsorship and partnership development, drives content and campaign strategy across social and email, and manages a small team that includes a Community Manager, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Event Coordinator, Executive Assistant, and social media support. She also personally leads membership sales and sponsorship outreach, and serves as the primary face of the brand in relationship-building with sponsors, guests, and partners.
Follow Alex Canavan on LinkedIn or Instagram, and subscribe to Cultivate.
For media inquiries and partnership opportunities, please email partnerships@cnywomensnetwork.com.
Aryal Smith, Marketing & communications
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 help bring our content, partnerships, and marketing initiatives to life.
outside of the cny women’s network, Aryal works with direct-to-consumer brands and local businesses to grow their social presence and community. Previously, Aryal served as the Digital Marketing Manager at How To Cake It and the Marketing Director at Shokz.
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.
contact kera: events@cnywomensnetwork.com
Grace Njoki is the Executive Assistant to Alex Canavan and the CNY Women’s Network. She supports the day-to-day operations of the organization through executive support, project coordination, workflow management, and process improvement, helping keep priorities organized and moving forward.
With experience supporting founders and growing businesses, Grace brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to her work. She enjoys creating structure in fast-moving environments, strengthening systems and processes, and providing the behind-the-scenes support that allows leaders and teams to focus on what matters most.
At the CNY Women’s Network, Grace is excited to support the team as the organization continues to grow and contribute to a community that empowers women to connect, grow, and thrive.
contact grace: admin@cnywomensnetwork.com.
Grace Njoki, executive assistant
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.
contact mae: join@cnywomensnetwork.com
Milagros "Mimi" Davis, social media intern
Mimi is a Junior studying Broadcast and Digital Journalism at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
At the CNY Women’s Network, Mimi is working to highlight members and their work across social media and digital platforms.
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, she is driven by her passion for storytelling and content creation that connects people across various communities.
Her experience with radio and social media has helped her develop skills in communication, outreach, and media. Feel free to check out some of her work at milagrosdavis.com.
Lucy shaffer, social media intern
Lucy Shaffer is thrilled to join the CNY Women’s Network as an intern, where she looks forward to contributing to the organization’s mission through collaborative digital media campaigns featuring women-owned businesses and brands.
Currently pursuing a degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism at Syracuse University, she is passionate about sharing the stories of women across Central New York.
lucy is eager to work with CNYWN’s upcoming initiatives and is excited to learn from such a talented community of women professionals. When she isn’t in the office or the classroom, you can usually find her exploring local restaurants, reading, or cycling!
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