cny women’s
summit
10-10:45: REGISTRATION + COFFEE HOUR
11-11:30: OPENING CEREMONY ft. kathleen avery & kim fischer
11:30-12: CNY COMMUNITY PANEL
Amy Bleier-Long, CNY Magazine
Michele Diecuch, Leadership Greater Syracuse
Nancy Eaton, United Way of CNY
Meghan Florkowski, WISE
Melanie Littlejohn, CNY Community Foundation
12-1:20: break + LUNCH
1:20-1:40: FIRESIDE CHAT #1
Gwen Webber-Mcleod, Gwen Inc.
1:40-2:00: FIRESIDE CHAT #2
Dr. Kimberly Townsend, Loretto Management Corporation
2:00-2:20: FIRESIDE CHAT #3
Jackie Ferrari, American Fashion Network
2:20-2:40: FIRESIDE CHAT #4
2:40-2:50: BREAK
2:50-3: FIRESIDE CHAT Q&A PANEL
3-4: ROUNDTABLES
Facilitated by Kathleen Avery, Kathleen for Today
4-6: COCKTAIL HOUR + VENDOR FAIR sponsored by she fancy grazing co.
2024 itinerary
confidently lead with purpose, resilience, and innovation.
The CNY Women’s Summit is the largest event we host every year in order to connect, inspire, and celebrate THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF WOMEN IN CENTRAL NEW YORK.
events on our radar
Check out what events are happening in Central new york that we aren’t hosting, but you should definitely have on your radar.
2024 Speakers
CNY COMMUNITY PANEL
President & ceo, cny community foundation
melanie littlejohn
meghan florkowski
director, wise women’s business center
michele diecuch
executive director, leadership greater syracuse
amy bleier-long
editor-in-chief, cny magazine
nancy kern eaton
president, united way of central new york
2024 fireside chats
gwen webber-mcleod
Gwen Webber-McLeod, M.S., brings an impressive wealth of experience to her role as the President/CEO of Gwen, Inc., with a remarkable 30-year background in leadership development, facilitation, and motivational speaking. Her extensive expertise spans various sectors, including public, private, healthcare, and education, where she has successfully worked with CEOs, executives, and mid-level managers.
As a recognized thought leader in leadership development, Gwen significantly contributes to the nationwide cultivation of outstanding leaders. Her insights and unique perspectives make her a sought-after speaker for lectures and conference keynotes, where she shares valuable insights for both emerging and established leaders.
Gwen Webber-McLeod is also the founder of You Can’t Fail Inc., a nonprofit providing strategically designed multicultural leadership development experiences for women leaders. These experiences explore and place emphasis on the unique leadership journey of professional women of color.
dr. kimberly townsend
Dr. Kimberly Townsend is the President and CEO of Loretto Management Corporation in Syracuse, NY.
Dr. Kimberly Townsend is an expert in the fields of healthcare management, board governance, and leadership. Appointed to Loretto’s board in 2011, she assumed the role of President and CEO in 2014.
Overcoming challenges, she pursued education in her early 30s while supporting her children. Her dedication resulted in the attainment of five degrees, including a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, an MBA, a Juris Doctorate, and an Executive Masters of Public Administration from Syracuse University, as well as a Doctorate in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University.
In addition to being an attorney admitted to the New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. Bars, she is also a Certified Public Accountant and SHRM-certified in Global Professional Human Resources. Dr. Townsend was an Adjunct Professor at Syracuse University and the recipient of the 2010 President’s Award-Customer First at Welch Allyn, Inc.
Nonprofit is a huge force in Dr. Townsends life and she’s affiliated with many professional and civic organizations, including the New York State Workforce Investment Board, HealtheConnections, WISE, and United Way of Central New York.
Jackie Ferrari
Jackie Ferrari, CEO, and founder of American Fashion Network (AFN), leads an 18-year-old certified Woman-Owned business specializing in designing, developing, and manufacturing uniforms, workwear, and corporate apparel for the federal government and American corporations, with a manufacturing footprint in the USA, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico.
Embarking on her entrepreneurial journey in 2005 after a successful career as a retail buyer and production specialist, Jackie swiftly propelled American Fashion Network to become a trendsetter, pioneering faster manufacturing processes and adapting to market demands. Today, AFN serves top retail brands and corporations such as Comcast and Sysco Foods, providing speed, fashion, and bespoke solutions.
Ferrari is committed to reshaping global sourcing by strengthening apparel manufacturing in the U.S. and the northern triangle of Central America. Since 2005, Ferrari has refined her product development and manufacturing skills in Central New York, California, and Wisconsin. She resides in Skaneateles and is the mother of three, grandmother of four, and step-mother of one—all while championing the Made in America movement.
kate brodock
Kate is General Partner of W Fund, a venture capital firm investing into early-stage tech startups, and CEO of SWITCH, a global ecosystem focused on improving the innovation economy through the advancement of women founders, funders and ecosystem players.
She’s lived in the tech startup world for almost 20 years, and has played an active leadership role in the women in tech and entrepreneurship ecosystem throughout, having led a global, 60+ chapter organization focused on the issue as President for several years prior to coming to SWITCH/Women 2.0 in 2016.
The two decade combination of her operational experience in startups and her deep expertise on and central commitment to gender and representation in the ecosystem has positioned her as an expert and leader on the creation and development of a more equitable future for our innovation economy.
She’s an EIR at Techstars and has held prior roles as CMO of untapt, an AI-driven tech talent marketplace based in NYC, COO at Atribute, a deep tech EdTech startup focused on scaled learning, CEO of Girls in Tech, and Adjunct Professor of PR and Marketing at at Syracuse University.
Kate has keynoted, spoken at and been featured in 100s of places, including SXSW, Collision Conference, Fast Company, Rally, Inventures, TED, Fifteen Seconds, UNLEASH, Microsoft, IBM, MSNBC, Techcrunch, IBT, the BBC and Al Jazeera.
She holds BAs in Political Science and African American History from the University of Rochester, an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from Goizueta Business School at Emory University and an MA in International Relations from the Fletcher School at Tufts University.
When she’s not doing all *that*, she’s a very non-professional (but adventurous!) athlete, an equally as non-professional musician, can be found outdoors in any weather — skiing, biking, hiking, sailing — loves a good meal with bubbly, craft beer and good friends, hilariousness and life. Her husband is a startup-web-developer-turned-beer-guy and they live on a hops farm in Cazenovia with their two boys.
30+ local brands
cash bar
12-ft grazing table sponsored by she fancy GRAZING CO.
cozy networking lounge sponsored by refine rentals by rd
Portrait Studio sponsored by Boudoir by Rae Taryn
Plus: beauty + wellness expo featuring:
captivate wellness w/ IV hydration + vitamin shots
The Cosmetic Queens w/ botox + injectables consults
Chelsea’s Esthetic boutique w/ Chair massages & luxury skincare products… and more!
2024 VENDOR FAIr
TESTIMONIALs
Courtney Kahler
founder & ceo,
crown coordination
“When I started my entrepreneurial career over a decade ago in CNY, I yearned for local networking events, but there weren't many that catered to women in business or in the event industry. The CNY Women's Network is the first organization that we've seen perform to such a large scale. They're focused on community connection, professional development and empowering women to be leaders.
We attended last year's summit, and were pleasantly surprised by not only how many new connections we made, but also the amount of knowledge that we gained. We even booked a wedding from the event. It doesn't get any better than that, and we're grateful to be a part of something so inspiring!”
tracy dando
founder & ceo,
safe space organization
“Attending last year’s Summit, I had no idea what to expect.
I knew that it was a networking event, but I didn’t realize how intimate the evening would become and how many connections I would take from it.
My favorite time was sitting around the table, connecting with 12 other women that I’d seen around the community, but had yet to have a conversation with. This happened multiple times throughout the night. I found that by the end of the evening, I had collected so many business cards and started so many conversations that I was so energized and empowered leaving the venue.
This year seems to bring a significant LINEUP, more vendors and the opportunity to connect on so many levels. I am truly excited to be a part of the community we are building and witness all OF the incredible women that will be present on March 8th.”
AMBASSADORS
JENA MURPHY & STACEY COOK
@the.cosmetic.queens
SARAH FREDENBURG
@shpbrandbash
Courtney Kahler
@crowncoordination
ELENA BOMBARDIER
@elenanicolehealth
JULIA FREEMAN
@savorcuse
ELANA AGRASTO
@elanalucia
RACHAEL DEMLING
@refinerentalsbyrd
ANNA SOFER
@shefancygrazingco
MARIA MAIER
@maria maier
DANIELLE BENJAMIN
@WANDERCUSE
CATHERINE HOVER
@catherinehover
JACQUELINE COLELLO
@jacqueline_colello
MARIA ROTELLA
@exhalecafeandbakeshop
CORINNE BARDOF
@corinne.bardof
Thank you to our sponsors
March 2025 | syracuse, ny
INSPIRING WOMEN TO CONFIDENTLY LEAD WITH PURPOSE, RESILIENCE, AND INNOVATION.
CNYWS Team
alex canavan: event manager
ALEX DISCOVERED ENTREPRENEURSHIP EARLY ON AS A PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST SPECIALIZING IN LUXURY WEDDINGS ALL OVER NEW YORK STATE.
in 2021 she went back to school for business, and started interning at equitable advisors. it was there where she pitched her idea for the annual cny women’s summit in 2022.
WITH OVER SIX YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY, ALEX IS WELL-VERSED ON ALL THINGS BEAUTY & WELLNESS. SHE’S CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH ALL THINGS: BUSINESS, SELF-DEVELOPMENT, WELLNESS, AND FOSTERING COMMUNITY.
ALEX HAS EXPERIENCE IN SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING, AND AN AFFINITY FOR BRANDING, experiential marketing, AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS.
Aryal Smith: Marketing Manager
Aryal is a seasoned marketing manager who thrives in building high-impact campaigns for consumer-facing brands, including CNY Women’s Network, How To Cake It and previously, Shokz.
After making the move back to Central New York from Austin, Texas, she felt a strong pull to join the CNY Women’s Network team in October 2023. It was Alex’s mission to build a platform that connects and empowers women in the region that truly resonated with her.
Aryal attributes much of her success and personal growth to the incredible guidance and support she has received from strong female leaders, managers, and mentors over the years. Their influence has sparked a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to pay it forward by supporting others in their own career paths.
When Aryal isn’t working at home or at a coffee shop, you can catch her leading a meditation or immersing herself in one of her many cozy hobbies.
kera wasserbach: event strategist & coordinator
Kera Wasserbach is an Event Strategist and Coordinator who has managed events all over the world. Her mission is to help those who are changing lives host transformational and life-changing experiences by focusing on the details that make each event a success. Throughout her career, Kera has been lucky enough to be in the forefront of the ever-changing event industry. Through this, she developed a skill and passion for event strategy. The best events don't just happen, and the best way to plan your event is not to work with someone who will just check tasks off your list- it's to work with someone who cares about your event and has the knowledge and experience to help you develop strategies in every area. Kera has worked with some of the top women leaders in the coaching and leadership world for the past ten years and understands the unique aspects of the industry. She loves working with people who aim to grow, serve and inspire!
emma martens: content assistant
Emma Martens is an astrologer and brand strategist creating scroll stopping brands for entrepreneurs looking to monetize their magic. Through her signature AstroBranding reading, she serves "oh that's totally me" design and consulting that's cosmically aligned. Delivering you not only a lush image but also the tools needed to support a robust business.
When she's not consulting the planets, you can often find Emma at home in Central New York baking a loaf of bread, listening to Brittany Broski's podcast and annoying singing to her cat.
Jackie Foley: coordinator
Jackie is a San Francisco native now living in Syracuse, by way of New York City. She currently leads a B2B Marketing team at Adobe, and has over a decade of experience working for SaaS companies in various roles across Marketing & Sales Strategy. Jackie is passionate about driving impact in her community and workplace, and is actively involved with employee resource groups and community volunteering. She most recently took on a role within the Leadership Committee for Women @ Adobe, whose mission is to attract, develop, and engage Women at Adobe and allies, to foster connection and growth, and to create an environment that empowers every woman to define and achieve her own success.
In her spare time, Jackie enjoys trying new workout classes, playing volleyball, traveling, going out to dinner, and spending time with her husband and two yellow Labs.
RACHAEL DEMLING: EVENT DESIGNER
Rachael is born and raised in Oswego, and has always lived within CNY where she has grown to love the community development and collaboration within the area. With a true passion for events and weddings since high school, Rachael consistently worked in the event industry beginning in 2014 after college as an event coordinator/planner, before starting her own event planning and design company in 2020 during the pandemic. With a mission to create unique and authentic events across NYS, Rachael founded RD Events + Design and just recently launched its sister company, Refine Rentals - a modern luxury specialty rental company.
When Rachael isn’t planning and designing events, you can find her on the soccer field or volleyball court, traveling, trying new restaurants, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying this beautiful life with her husband and rescued hound dog, Zoey.
TRACY BALDUZZI: COORDINATOR
Tracy Balduzzi, Ed.D. is the Associate Director Strategic Initiatives at the Graduate School at Syracuse University. She is a graduate of the Leadership Mohawk Valley program, Upstate Leadership Academy, and Citizen’s Academy.
In addition to her full-time role, she is an adjunct lecturer at Utica University, a board member for St. Camillus Nursing Home and council member on the Women’s Fund OF CNY.
chelsea carhart lehmann: Vendor fair manager
Chelsea is a central NY native, always calling Hamilton home. Before she started her events planning biz, hometown events, She went to graduate school for higher education administration and worked at Colgate University for 10 years before starting her own wedding and event planning business. The most recent position she held at Colgate was in Career Services planning professional development events for students and alumni. Chelsea is an active member of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and the event coordinator for the Utica Chapter of The Rising Tide Society. She is a certified wedding and event planner through the Certified Wedding Planner Society. Chelsea prides herself on creating connections with people while also supporting local businesses, and that’s exactly how she found the CNY Women’s Network!
Caitlin pacilio: ambassador campaign manager
Caitlin has historically marketed the Tourism Industry by first developing a Travel Blog while studying abroad during University. She continued on to receive a Masters in Marketing & Communications in Rome, Italy. She brought that knowledge back to her hometown in the 1000 Islands NY as a Marketing Director at a Resort. She most recently moved to Syracuse NY and is continuing her career in Tourism at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown as the Marketing Manager there. One of her biggest well-known passions amongst her friends & family is feminism, women's rights and improvement for all in the workplace, so coming across the CNY Women's Network when moving to Syracuse was an incredible find. She brought 5 strangers with her to her first Networking event at The Pressroom Pub!