The CNY Women’s Network is an independent media company dedicated to connecting, supporting, and empowering women professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs across Upstate New York.

Discover opportunities to expand your network, find inspiration, or promote your business here.


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

At the Central New York Women’s Network, we are more than a community — we are a platform for connection, growth, and impact. Founded to empower women in Syracuse and across Upstate New York, we create spaces where ambitious professionals, business owners, and leaders can build relationships, share insights, and amplify their influence.

what we do

We are also a strategic marketing partner, collaborating with local brands on events, media campaigns, and experiential initiatives that resonate with our audience of growth-minded women. By partnering with us, organizations gain meaningful recognition and engagement among professionals who value leadership, connection, and innovation.

how we do it

Through our signature events, speaker series, and media content — including our podcast, Cultivate — we create opportunities for brands and individuals to connect authentically, build trust, and grow their reach while contributing to a thriving community of professional women.

Our mission is simple: to connect, promote, and empower women across upstate new New York — and to help local brands do the same in a way that is intentional, authentic, and impactful.

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Meet the team

Alex Canavan, Founder + Host of Cultivate cny

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.

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 managing contacts and inquiries, coordinating pre-production for the Cultivate CNY podcast, and providing Alex with administrative support 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, or say hello at our next event!


Kera Wasserbach, Events coordinator 

As Event Director, Kera Wasserbach leads the strategy, 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


Aryal Smith, Marketing & communications

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 good 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 direct-to-consumer brands grow their online presence and community. connect with Aryal Smith on LinkedIn, Instagram, or at aryal@cnywomensnetwork.com.


Maggie Robinson, Podcast Production & Strategy Intern

Maggie Robinson is a graduate student at Syracuse University studying broadcast journalism. She joins the team as a podcast production and strategy intern with a background in audio and video production.

She previously worked at the NFL on the broadcasting team, focusing on the production and operations of all games and live events. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where she was a member of the D1 women's soccer team and is passionate about social impact work! Connect with maggie on LinkedIn and follow her journey on Instagram.

Peyton Bond, social media Intern

Peyton Bond is a senior at Oswego High School and a participant in the new Vision Specialized Careers program for college-bound seniors. Through this program, she has the opportunity to earn college credit while gaining exceptional hands-on learning experiences through a variety of internship opportunities.

Peyton plans to attend Le Moyne College next year, where she intends to major in Business and minor in Sports Marketing, while also playing lacrosse. She is excited to contribute her skills and enthusiasm for social media as a member of the CNY Women’s Network team.

Andriana Cannon, President of Cannon Advisory Group

andriana cannon is the president of cannon advisory group. she is a Graduate from Le Moyne College with a Bachelors of Science in Accounting.

She joined the CNY Women’s Network team to provide business consulting and accounting services, helping local businesses adapt to industry-specific changes impacting the Syracuse community. Andriana is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the team and is passionate about giving back—both personally and by supporting other local businesses.

learn more about cannon advisory group here and Connect with Andriana on Facebook and Instagram.

Questions? get in touch with our team

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