



Wednesday, June 24, 2026






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Wednesday, June 24, 2026






Greater Rochester Chamber is pleased to bring the first annual Re:Gen Rising Awards program to our region We gratefully acknowledge the generosity of our 2026 sponsors:




To support this event next year, please contact Events Manager, Cassidy Pendell, at Cassidy Pendell@GreaterRochesterChamber com CAUSE +
Young professionals have always been at the forefront of our region’s growth and innovation, and Greater Rochester Chamber has been proud to support and evolve alongside these leaders as they come into their own and shape the future of our region.
In the 20th century, we operated our Rochester Junior Chamber of Commerce. In the 2010s, we founded our Future Leaders’ Advisory Council, developing and platforming young leaders to have a voice in the future of our organization and community. And just last year, we launched our unified Greater ROC Young Professionals’ event series, conference, and leadership program And that brings us to today – at our first-ever Re:Gen Rising awards ceremony. Each version of our young professionals programming has built upon the past versions while evolving to meet the moment and the needs of current young professionals Throughout all of this, one thing has remained consistent: the belief that the support and development of a connected and collaborative network of young professionals helps individuals rise together and propels region-wide growth
By being at tonight’s event, you’re signaling your support for this mission We appreciate everything you have done to uplift tonight’s honorees and any other growing leaders in your organizations and networks. Greater Rochester Chamber is proud to welcome you here and present this year’s awards – and what a fantastic group of honorees to kick off the program. Thank you to all of our partners, sponsors, and supporters for helping make tonight’s event possible. We appreciate the investment you are making in our region and its future.
While tonight’s celebration is recognizing the contributions of our 20 award honorees, we know it is just the beginning of their journeys On behalf of Greater Rochester Chamber and its Board of Direct it d t how all of our honorees’ careers develop and the i make on our community – and we are here for any needed along the way When the right people con with the right support, big things happen, and opportunity turns into action
BobDuffy
President
& CEO
Greater Rochester Chamber



Kip Palmer, CEO of Palmer Foods, is a dedicated leader who takes pride in the company’s history and values.

As a family-owned and operated business since 1850, Palmer Foods has grown into a broadline foodservice company that invests in the communities it serves.
Kip believes in building personal relationships with clients and prioritizing their satisfaction. He aims to help clients focus on outstanding food, superb facilities, great service, and excellent value With a strong commitment to the company’s values, Kip leads Palmer Foods with gratitude for their many wonderful clients and God’s blessings.







Welcome Remarks
Emcee, Stephannie Joseph, 13WHAM
Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber
Featured Speaker
Kip Palmer, CEO, Palmer Foods
Presentation of the 2026 Top Young Professionals Award Honorees
Emcee, Stephannie Joseph, 13WHAM
Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber






Chief Transformation Officer, Dixon Schwabl + Company
Malorie Benjamin
Erin Bombard
Hope Breen
Samantha Britt
Nick Esposito
Dr. Ana Gomez Parga
Kristy Gonzalez
Allison Hinman
Stephanie Hyde
Jasmine Mabry
Alyssa Moore
Kateri Murphy
Lindsay Murphy
Dr. Mary Rombaut
Amy Sadler
Chris Stocking
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes
Rochester, NY Influencer, ROCthecitywithHope
HR Manager, Palmer Food Services
Director, Process & Mechanical Engineering, Re:Build Optimation
Director of Strategic Implementation in Community Engagement & Health Outcomes, University of Rochester Medical Center - Department of Surgery
Global Credit & Cash Manager, Radionix
President & CEO, National Susan B Anthony Museum & House
Community Engagement Planner, Highland Planning
Program and Development Coordinator, Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley
Vice President; Business Banking Relationship Manager, Bank of America
Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, The Arc of Monroe
Disability Resource Coordinator, RochesterWorks
Founder and CEO, R-Sqaured Solutions LLC and Recommenda LLC
Creative Services Lead, Production, Helen + Gertrude
Director of Advancement, Veterans Outreach Center
Founder & Owner, Olive Speech Therapy, PLLC


Samantha Taylor
Colin Thompson
Nick Wetherwax
Shaina Zazzaro
Architectural Designer, Architect, CPL Architects, Engineers, and Planners
Sr Director of Technical Solutions, Info Advantage, Inc
Founder and CEO, Effortlessly Healthy
Malorie Benjamin is the Chief Transformation Officer at Dixon Schwabl + Company, where she leads strategic change across the agency and its client portfolio With more than 15 years of experience in the advertising and marketing industry, she specializes in driving innovation through the integration of technology, data, and operational transformation
Malorie previously served as Managing Director of Media and Ad Technology, optimizing campaigns across multiple verticals, including financial services, and as Vice President of Media Services, where she enhanced media performance and improved profitability Her background in media and deep understanding of the evolving marketing landscape allow her to help teams modernize processes, improve decision-making, and adapt to a rapidly changing industry

Known for her collaborative and forward-thinking leadership style, Malorie champions curiosity, creativity, and continous improvement across the organization Her work focuses on digital transformation, operational improvement, and building agile cultures that balance creativity with efficiency. At the center of her approach is a commitment to making work more meaningful and impactful for teams, clients, and the audiences they serve.
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes
Erin Bombard is a senior marketing and communications leader with more than a decade o experience turning complex organizations into compelling stories Currently serving as Sr Director of Marketing and Communications at United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes the largest United Way in the state Erin oversees integrated campaigns a digital, media, events, and community engagement
Known for her work at the intersection of strategy and storytelling, Erin has guided organiz rebrands, and developed data-driven campaigns generating $17M in annual revenue Prior t Communications and Business Development at the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce attention for innovative workforce and tourism initiatives
Erin lives in Webster with her husband and five-year-old daughter. She is a board member former board member of the Junior League of Rochester. She is currently pursuing her Exec Business School and is a 2024 Rochester Business Journal Forty Under 40 honoree.



Rochester, NY Influencer, ROCthecitywithHope
Hope Breen is a dynamic voice in Rochester’s tourism and media landscape, known for turning everyday local experiences into must-visit moments. As the creator behind ROCtheCityWithHope, she has built a highly engaged digital community of 72,000 followers, which is more than the combined capacity of a sold out Darien Lake Amphitheater, CMAC, ESL Ballpark, Blue Cross Arena, Gordon Field House, and Auditorium Theater combined. Hope spotlights small businesses, hidden gems, and the people who make the Greater Rochester area special With a background in tourism and a passion for storytelling, Hope has become a trusted resource for locals looking to rediscover their city and for visitors seeking an authentic experience

A published author and sought-after collaborator, Hope partners with businesses and organizations to create meaningful, results-driven campaigns that connect with the community Through her newsletter, curated guides, and creative digital content, she consistently drives visibility and foot traffic for local entrepreneurs while celebrating the spirit of Rochester
Recognized for her impact, Hope has been nominated for multiple community awards, including Best Ambassador of Rochester and Best Social Media Account, all while staying rooted in her mission: helping locals become tourists, and creating Rochester, NY enthusiasts
Sam Britt is an HR Manager at Palmer Food Services, where she partners with leadership to align people strategy with business objectives ensuring talent, structure, and compensation work together to drive performance, engagement, and growth. She believes that when organizations thoughtfully design how they support and invest in their people, both the busines and its employees thrive.
Guided by a leadership philosophy rooted in curiosity, Sam is known for asking thoughtful ques to understand how the business operates at every level. She has built strong, trust-based relatio to serve as a strategic partner and identify meaningful opportunities to strengthen both the em ability to connect with people and understand their strengths allows her to help drive thoughtfu

Sam holds a SHRM-CP certification and serves on the Rochester chapter of the National Human Resources Association (NHRA) Rising Star and Executive of the Year Committee A 2022 NHRA Rising Star Honoree, she is committed to advancing the HR profession and supporting the Rochester community She is passionate about shaping workplaces where people and business grow together


Director, Process & Mechanical Engineering, Re:Build Optimation
Nick Esposito is an operations and engineering leader recognized for driving performance in complex, highly technical industrial environments He currently serves as Director of Process & Mechanical Engineering at Re:Build Optimation, where he leads a multidisciplinary team of approximately 20 engineers and designers delivering custom skid-based and modular process systems for customers in specialty chemicals, alternative fuels, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals
Earlier in his career, Nick held roles in strategy consulting at Accenture and participated in General Electric’s Operations Management Leadership Program, leading cross-functional initiatives across manufacturing and engineering organizations His work has spanned safety and quality improvements, multi-million-dollar inventory reductions, and significant lead-time performance gains

Nick earned both an MBA and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from MIT’s Leaders for Global Operations program, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University
He lives in Pittsford with his wife, Meghan, and enjoys cycling, golfing, and skiing.
Director of Strategic Implementation in Community Engagement & Health Outcomes, University of Rochester Medical Center - Department of Surgery
Dr Ana Gomez Parga is an educator, strategist, and community leader whose work is grounded belief that access, representation, and belonging can change the trajectory of a person’s life As University of Rochester Medical Center, she has dedicated her career to creating pathways for stu economically marginalized communities to pursue futures in medicine, science, research, and he
With a background in communication studies and education, Dr. Gomez Parga combines strategy g mentorship, advocacy, and innovative programming, she works to ensure students are not only welcomed into academic and professional spaces but genuinely supported once they arrive. Her initiatives connect students with resources, professors, clinicians, researchers, mentors, and handson experiences that make communication and healthcare careers feel tangible and attainable, while also integrating leadership development, violence prevention, and long-term mentorship into youth programming.

Known for leading with strategy, empathy, honesty, and collaboration, Dr. Gomez Parga is recognized not only for her professional accomplishments, but for the care, authenticity, and purpose she brings to the communities she serves.


Global Credit & Cash Manager, Radionix
Kristy Gonzalez is a finance and technology leader recognized for building high-performing teams, modernizing financial operations, and creating scalable business solutions across industries As Global Credit & Cash Manager at Radionix and Founder of IntegrateXpress LLC, she has built a career at the intersection of accounting, technology, operations, and leadership
An ATHENA Awards, Women of Excellence honoree and RBJ Financial Leader award recipient, Kristy successfully grew IntegrateXpress into a multi-million-dollar company before selling a portion of its assets to Connectify in 2025 Her transition back into a global corporate leadership role allowed her to refocus on what she enjoys most, leading international teams, optimizing processes, mentoring professionals, and driving operational transformation through technology and accounting strategy

Her work today continues to reflect the same entrepreneurial mindset that built IntegrateXpress, “connecting people, systems, and strategy to help organizations evolve”
Beyond her corporate leadership, Kristy is actively involved in mentorship and community development across Greater Rochester through organizations including Catholic Charities Family & Community Services, the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship, The Commissary, the Ibero Business Center, the Urban League Women’s Business Center, and the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. She supports entrepreneurs, young professionals, and emerging leaders as they navigate their growth and career journeys.
President & CEO, National Susan B. Anthony Museum &
Allison Hinman is the President & CEO of the National Susan B Anthony Mu She has nearly a decade of progressive experience in historic house museums w provides visitors with opportunities to experience the power of place and conn changemakers of our past.

Hinman has served in a variety of capacities at the Anthony Museum, which began with an internship in 2014. In 2024 as chief operating officer, she served as project manager for renovations to the Carriage House to prepare the site to become an early voting location. The Anthony Museum welcomed over 6,000 early voters in Monroe County that year.
Before joining the Anthony Museum, Hinman served as Assistant Director of Development at the George Eastman Museum and as Director of Development at the Seward House Museum In addition to a B A in History from Westminster College, Hinman earned a M A in Museum Studies and a M A in Arts Leadership Administration from Syracuse University She is a former member of the City of Rochester’s Preservation Board, has taught courses in museum studies at SUNY Oswego, and currently serves on the Landmark Society of Western New York board


Stephanie Hyde is a Community Engagement Planner at Highland Planning, where she designs and leads outreach strategies that ensure public input shapes equitable, actionable planning outcomes Working across New York State, she supports infrastructure and community development projects by engaging diverse stakeholders and elevating underrepresented voices Her expertise includes coordinating public meetings, conducting stakeholder interviews, and implementing creative outreach efforts Stephanie played a key role in the award-winning City of Rochester Urban Forest Master Plan Update, where she managed the Tree Ambassador program that engaged more than 1,200 residents

With a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University at Albany and training through the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2), Stephanie brings a unique ability to listen deeply and translate community perspectives into meaningful insights. She is committed to advancing community engagement practices that build shared ownership, develop local leadership, and strengthen long-term relationships beyond individual projects. As a lifelong Rochester, NY resident, Stephanie is passionate about empowering community members as trusted partners and expanding people-driven engagement models, including ambassador and youth-centered approaches.
Outside of work, she brings her unmatched energy to running local races and DJing high-energy community events and wedding dancefloors.
Program and Development Coordinator, Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley
Jasmine Mabry is a Program & Development Coordinator, community advocate, event strategist, professional problem-solver, and most importantly, mom to her energetic 5-year-old daughter, Jordyn who keeps her on her toes and serves as her daily reminder that leadership begins at hom
Born and raised in Rochester, Jasmine has built a career centered around connecting people, creati opportunities, and making things happen. Throughout her professional journey, she has worked in departments at Monroe Community College, supported customers at Verizon Wireless, served as a and even worked as a Flight Attendant. These experiences taught her how to communicate effectiv with people from all walks of life whether on a college campus, in an airport, or at 30,000 feet.

Today, she serves as the Program & Development Coordinator for the Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley, where she manages community initiatives, fundraising efforts, special events, and programs that empower women and girls throughout the region When she's not coordinating conferences, cultivating partnerships, or juggling a million moving pieces, she's caring for her grandmother, spending time with family, traveling, trying new experiences, and planning beautifully curated events simply because she loves bringing people together
Jasmine believes that life is about creating meaningful connections, embracing new adventures, and showing young people especially her daughter that anything is possible with hard work, compassion, and a little bit of humor. After all, if she can balance nonprofit programs, family caregiving, event planning, and parenting a spirited five-year-old, she can probably handle just about anything.


Alyssa Moore is a Vice President and Business Banking Relationship Manager at Bank of America, where she partners with local business owners to deliver strategic financial solutions and support long-term growth With over a decade of experience in the banking industry, she is known for her relationship-driven, advisory approach and her ability to connect clients with the right resources to help their businesses thrive
Deeply committed to the Greater Rochester community, Alyssa is actively involved in local initiatives and serves as Co-Chair of Bank of America’s Community Volunteer Board, where she helps connect employees with meaningful volunteer opportunities and supports impactful community efforts She is passionate about supporting local businesses and contributing to the continued growth and success of the region

Outside of her professional work, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her family, playing guitar, being outdoors, and traveling. She brings the same energy and curiosity to her personal life as she does to her career always seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact
Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, The Arc of Monroe
Currently serving as a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, Kateri Murphy has spent her career at The Arc of Monroe, evolving alongside the organization and the people they support Over the past 7 5 years, she has progressed through roles guided by a deep commitment to inclusion, innovation, and service excellence, ultimately leading to human resources
Kateri first witnessed the transformative impact of meaningful employment during an early experience at The Arc, working in employment programs as a job coach and later as a program manager.
In pursuit of continued professional development, Kateri saw human resources as a natural progression of this work; an opportunity to expand her impact at an organizational level In HR, she has learned from an incredible team that invests in her development while encouraging her to carry forward “direct service roots ” She has found a passion in recruitment, workforce development, and employee engagement, exemplified through creating and launching a paid internship program, the first of its kind at our agency



As employment landscapes evolve, Kateri is led by her “human services heart” and “human resources brain, ” grounded in a belief in each candidate’s potential, and the importance of creating inclusive pathways to employment and career advancement
Lindsay Murphy is a Disability Resource Coordinator with RochesterWorks under the New York State Department of Labor’s NY SCION initiative, where she specializes in and builds collaborative solutions that connect job seekers with disabilities to meaningful employment opportunities She works closely with employers, community organizations, and training partners on initiatives that strengthen the local workforce and address evolving industry needs She also serves as Co-Chair of the Monroe County Employment Equity Coalition, advancing inclusive workforce practices across the community
With a Master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling and over 10 years of experience in the disability employment field, Lindsay takes a holistic, person-centered approach to her work. As a certified Work Incentive Practitioner (WIP-C), she guides individuals in understanding how employment impacts Social Security benefits, empowering them to make informed decisions about work and income.

As a recent graduate of United Way’s Emerging Leaders Development Program and a 2025 recipient of the National Disability Institute’s Randee Chafkin “Heart” Award, Lindsay uses her experience and training to continue her dedication to the community Lindsay is dedicated to creating inclusive, sustainable workforce strategies that align job seeker strengths with employer needs, benefiting individuals, businesses, and the broader community
Founder and CEO, R-Sqaured Solutions LLC and Recommenda LLC

Dr. Mary Rombaut is the CEO and Founder of R-Squared Solutions and Recommenda, where she helps organizations build scalable revenue systems. Known professionally as “The Revenue Marketing Doc™ , ” Mary is the creator of the Revenue Marketing System™ , a framework designed to help businesses move from inconsistent growth to predictable, profitable revenue. She just released her book by the same title. With a background in research, analytics, and strategic planning, Mary began her career leading organizational effectiveness initiatives in higher education before moving into executive leadership roles in operations and marketing. Across multiple national organizations, she helped drive revenue growth through data-driven strategy and modern marketing systems. Today, Mary serves as a fractional CMO, strategist, and advisor, helping companies scale through AI, marketing technology, and revenue operations.
In addition to her professional work, she serves on the executive leadership team and board of TechRochester as Secretary and Director of Operations, supporting innovation and growth across the Rochester technology community.
Outside of work, Mary is a wife and proud mom of three who is passionate about helping more women build successful businesses and leadership careers.


Amy Sadler is an award-winning creative marketer, photographer, and production leader with over a decade of experience spanning production houses, marketing agencies, and academia Passionate about using creativity to build stronger human connections, Amy’s work is rooted in creating opportunities for others to grow, thrive, and feel seen.
As Creative Services Lead at Helen + Gertrude, she leads integrated productions with a people-first approach grounded in collaboration, empathy, and thoughtful storytelling. Her work has helped shape team standards around inclusive casting, fair freelancer pay, and ethical creative practices, contributing to nationally recognized campaigns, including a 2025 Telly Award-winning video for the Rochester Child Advocacy Center.
Since moving to Rochester in 2015, Amy has become deeply connected to the local creative community through photography, mentorship, and education She has collaborated with organizations including TEDxROC, Gilda’s Club Rochester, ROC Girl Gang, and The Center for Youth, while also teaching photography business courses at Rochester Institute of Technology to support the next generation of creatives

Chris has spent the last decade helping nonprofits tell their stories and connect with supporters. After studying journalism at SUNY Brockport, he discovered his real passion was using those storytelling skills to build communities and inspire people to give back. He’s currently working toward his CFRE certification, because even after 10 years in fundrais he’s always looking to learn more

Though he never served in the military himself, Chris grew up surrounded by stories from three generations of Navy veterans in his family. Those experiences shaped his values and his commitment to service in a different form. Now, he gives back to those who served by working at Veterans Outreach Center. Chris lives in Webster, NY, with his wife, two children, two dogs, and two cats.


Samantha Taylor, M S , CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist, entrepreneur, advocate, and founder of Olive Speech Therapy, PLLC, a thriving pediatric private practice, as well as the Empowered Parent Network, a platform dedicated to equipping families of children with unique needs A 2025 NXT Level Collective Trailblazer Award recipient, Samantha is recognized for her leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to creating meaningful impact in her community
With more than 12 years of experience across schools, private practice, and advocacy, Samantha has built her career around helping children find their voice while empowering parents to become confident advocates Her work is deeply personal As the mother of a deaf son who uses ASL and a son with ADHD, she understands firsthand the emotions, challenges, and life-changing decisions families face

Samantha holds a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, serves in leadership roles with organizations including Hands & Voices and Partners in Deaf Education, and is a recognized Pro-ASL provider through Language First Through her growing social media community of 26,000+ parents and professionals, she shares practical guidance, advocacy, and hope, helping families move from overwhelm to empowerment
Architectural Designer, Architect, CPL Architects, Engineers, and Planners
Colin Thompson is an architect and emerging leader in Rochester's architecture, engineering, and construction industry. In 2025, he became one of the youngest licensed architects in the United States at the time.
A summa cum laude graduate of SUNY Alfred State, Colin received both the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence and the AIA Medal for Academic Excellence. As a LEED Accredited Professional, he is committed to advancing sustainable design practices that create lasting value for clients, communities, and the environment.


At CPL, Colin contributes to the design and delivery of industrial, commercial, higher education, and community projects, guiding work from concept through construction. His approach combines design excellence with technical coordination to create spaces that are functional, sustainable, and responsive to client and community needs.
Beyond his professional practice, Colin serves on the Board of Directors of AIA Rochester as Director of Practice + Design, mentors students through t he ACE Mentor Program of Rochester, and was selected for the inaugural cohort of the Retain program through the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Through his professional and community involvement, he is dedicated to advancing the future of the design profession in the Greater Rochester region

Sr. Director of Technical Solutions, Info Advantage, Inc.
Nick Wetherwax is a seasoned technology leader and solutions strategist serving as Senior Director of Technical Solutions at Info Advantage Inc in Rochester, New York In this role, he leads high-performing technical teams, architects innovative IT solutions, and partners with organizations to drive operational efficiency, security, and digital transformation

With a strong foundation in network infrastructure, systems engineering, and enterprise IT strategy, Nick has built a reputation for translating complex technical challenges into practical, business-focused outcomes His expertise spans a wide range of technologies and platforms, supported by multiple industry certifications, including Cisco (CCNA), Microsoft (MCSA/MCPS), CompTIA (A+ , Network+ , Security+), and Juniper Networks
Beyond his corporate leadership, Nick is deeply committed to community impact and service He is the founder of Open Heart Outlaws, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting working-class families through difficult circumstances He has also contributed his time as a certified instructor with the National Archery in the Schools Program and has held leadership roles in youth development initiatives Nick combines technical depth, strategic vision, and a strong sense of purpose bringing both professional excellence and community-driven leadership to everything he does.
Founder and CEO, Effortlessly Healthy
Shaina Zazzaro is the Founder and CEO of Effortlessly Healthy, a Top 100 company in Rochester, New York, which she launched in 2013 at just 25 years old Built from a personal transformation losing over 60 pounds and reclaiming her health Shaina turned her passion into a thriving busines that now serves thousands, including seniors, hospitals, and busy professionals across the region

Under her leadership, Effortlessly Healthy has grown into a trusted provider of large-scale meal services, corporate catering, and government-supported nutrition programs Shaina’s impact has been recognized through multiple honors, including the MWBE Award and the Elevate Women Award, highlighting her leadership, innovation, and commitment to community wellness
In addition to her role as CEO, Shaina is a high-performance coach, speaker, and author of Built by Resilience, where she shares her journey and empowers others to build discipline, resilience, and long-term success
A dedicated wife and mother, Shaina leads with purpose both at home and in business, continuing to inspire others through her mission to make healthy living simple, sustainable, and accessible for all







ROC the Riverway Walking Tour
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 (3:30 PM - 5:30 PM)
2026 Greater ROC Young Professionals' Conference
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 (9:00 AM - 3:30 PM)
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Irondequoit Country Club Social
Thursday, September 10, 2026 (3:30 PM - 5:00 PM)
Greater ROC Young Professionals Leadership Program
2027 Dates and Registration Coming Soon Scan to learn more about the program



Scan the QR code to the left to see our full Greater Rochester Chamber Events Calender or visit my.GreaterRochesterChamber.com/calendar
