Program
8:45 AM Registration, Networking, & Coffee
9:30 AM Opening Remarks
Susan George, Greater Rochester Chamber
Wende Knapp, Emcee & Planning Committee Chair
9:45 AM Daring to Fail: Turning Setbacks into Superpowers
Cory Raggi, Rippled Radio and Rippled, LLC
10:50 AM Evolving Your AI Toolkit: Next-Level Strategies for Success
Amy Gurske, sayhii
11:30 AM Lunch & Vendor Showcase
12:30 PM Presenting Sponsor Remarks: YMCA of Greater Rochester
Talethea Best, Chief People & Culture Officer
12:35 PM Beyond the Surface: The Courage to Connect Candice Kellogg, Dale Carnegie
1:35 PM Stretch Break
1:50 PM Define Success on Your Terms: Growth, Grit, and Showing Up With Intention
Amanda DeVito, Butler/Till
2:30 PM
3:00 PM
Micro-Session I: Connect with Confidence in 60 Seconds
Maisha Beard-Johnson, Mayor’s Office of Financial Empowerment
Micro-Session II: Wellness as Your Superpower: Habits to Elevate Focus, Energy, and Leadership
Shelly DeVito, Modern Health
3:30 PM Happy Hour & Vendor Showcase
Thank You to our
Exclusive Presenting Sponsor
Premier Sponsors
Corporate Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
The Arc of Monroe
Authentica | Beyond TalentEdge
Chrisom B. Photography
JazzCast Pros Podcast Network
Milestone Construction Partners
Moxie Creative Studios
ON Services
A Message from your
On behalf of Greater Rochester Chamber, thank you for joining us for our 2026 Women Empowering Women Conference! Through its Women’s Council initiative, Greater Rochester Chamber is dedicated to empowering women in our community at every stage of their careers to thrive personally and professionally Today and throughout the year, we believe in fostering spaces where professional women can connect, learn, and lead together From casual networking opportunities at venues throughout Greater Rochester to recognition awards, professional development, and a scholarship program that invests in the next generation, in our community, everyone has a seat and a say. We hope to see you again soon - here’s what we have planned this year: or visit GreaterRochesterChamber com/ Womens-Council
Young Women of Distinction Scholarship Awards | Monday, May 4 at 5:30 PM
Fitness & Social at Midtown Athletic Club | Thursday, May 7 at 3:15 PM
Cultivating Clarity: Empower Your Mind and Daily Habits | Wednesday, July 15 at 3:30 PM
Derby Day Social at Batavia Downs | Wednesday, August 5 at 4:30 PM
When Women Lead–A Panel Discussion & Social | Thursday, October 15 at 3:00 PM
Scan the QR code to learn more & register
Support our Young Women of Distinction Scholarship Awards Program
A Message from our
The YMCA of Greater Rochester is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening our community through programs that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more than 170 years, the Y has been providing opportunities for individuals and families to grow, connect and thrive.
Guided by our mission, we work to create welcoming spaces where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities feel supported. Through branches, camps and community partnerships, the Y helps individuals reach their full potential while fostering a stronger and more connected community
We offer a variety of programs and services designed to meet the evolving needs of our community From full day childcare to beforeand after-school programs, to health and wellness programs to exercise body, mind and spirit, there is something for everyone and every age at the Y’s multiple Family Branches and Neighborhood Centers across the greater Rochester and Finger Lakes regions
The YMCA of Greater Rochester is committed to ensuring programs remain accessible to all. Through Experience Scholarships and partnerships with local organizations, the YMCA works to remove barriers and expand opportunities for those who need us most.
Each year, we serve 100,000+ members and program participants each year, with more than half identifying as female In addition to the nearly 70% female workforce, we are proud to support the women of our community, offering a place where they can find connection and support no matter where they are on their wellness journey
Who’s in the Room?:
Find Your People, Expand Your Network
To help attendees identify shared experiences, allies, and collaboration opportunities in a visual, low-pressure format, we’re excited to share our Connection Wall. Participation is entirely optional.
Here’s how it works:
Participants, place your business card on the foam board under the relevant categories based on what they’re looking for:
Mentorship
Volunteer & Board Opportunities
Networking Opportunities
Peer Support & Mastermind Groups
Attendees looking to connect can take a picture of your business card to reach out during lunch, short break, or the cocktail hour. They’re also welcome to connect with you offline after the conference
This exercise helps you find 'your people,' setting the stage for meaningful conversations during conference breaks or offline at your convenience.
This activity aims to foster lasting connections and empower you to actively build your network at today’s Women Empowering Women Conference and beyond!
At CooperVision, empowering individuals to reach their full potential is core to who we are. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the Greater Rochester Chamber's Women Empowering Women Conference, a meaningful platform for connection, learning, and inspiration.
Our commitment to women’s growth extends beyond this event Through mentorship, leadership training, and advancement opportunities, we work to ensure our female colleagues have the support and resources they need to thrive. We celebrate diverse voices and strive to create a workplace where every woman feels valued and equipped to achieve her ambitions
By investing in our people, we help shape a future where empowered women lead, innovate, and create a a more equitable world. As our VP of Human Resources, Colleen McCormick, shares, “Empowering women isn’t just part of our mission—it’s how we grow stronger together. When women are encouraged to thrive, the entire organization benefits.”
Together, we champion women’s growth and limitless potential.
Meet our
Scan the QR code for full speaker bios from all of the outstanding women you will hear from today:
Empowering Women, Inspiring Change At Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP, we believe that empowering women is essential to driving innovation, fostering leadership, and shaping a more equitable future. Across our firm, women serve as leaders, mentors, and advocates, guiding clients and communities with expertise, vision, and integrity.
We are proud to support initiatives that elevate women’s voices, break down barriers, and create pathways to success. From our own team development programs to community partnerships, we are committed to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for women to thrive in law, business, and beyond
The Women Empowering Women Conference aligns perfectly with our mission: celebrating achievement, sharing knowledge, and building networks that strengthen both professional and personal growth By participating as a Premier Sponsor, Woods Oviatt Gilman is honored to stand alongside organizations and individuals dedicated to creating inclusive, supportive spaces where women can lead with confidence and impact.
We understand that progress requires collaboration, mentorship, and visibility. We encourage all women, whether in legal, corporate, or entrepreneurial roles, to embrace opportunities, support one another, and inspire the next generation of leaders. At Woods Oviatt, we are committed to walking that path together, championing innovation, equity, and excellence at every step.
Together, we can elevate voices, expand horizons, and shape a future where leadership is defined by talent, vision, and opportunity, not limitations
Session One:
Presented by Cory Raggi, Host & Founder, Rippled Radio and Rippled, LLC
What if failure wasn’t the end but the fuel for your next breakthrough? Women are often held to higher standards and judged more harshly for failure, yet the ability to take risks and rebound from setbacks is the foundation of resilience and success. This session will challenge the stigma around failure, empowering you to use it as your ultimate launch pad. Learn how to take bold risks, bounce back stronger, and rewrite your own narrative.
Key Takeaways:
How to see failure as a steppingstone to new opportunities.
Proven strategies to build resilience and cultivate a risk-taking mindset. Tools to take control of the failure narrative—both personally and professionally
How to recognize and leverage growth opportunities even in the face of adversity.
It’s time to embrace risk, redefine failure, and turn every setback into a superpower
Session Two:
Presented by Amy Gurske, President, sayhii
Last year, we laid the foundation for understanding AI’s potential. This year, we’re taking it further with a deeper dive into advanced strategies that will amplify your personal and professional impact AI is no longer just a tool; it’s a partner in enhancing how you communicate, make decisions, and present yourself authentically in an increasingly tech-driven world.
This session will move beyond the basics, equipping you with actionable insights and tools to integrate AI more effectively into your daily life and career.
Key Takeaways:
Advanced techniques to leverage AI for improving communication, presence, and engagement
Practical strategies for using AI to make smarter, data-driven decisions. How to train AI tools to reflect your authentic voice, values, and professional goals.
Best practices for co-creating content and staying ahead of evolving AI trends.
Balancing AI-powered efficiency with your creativity and intellect to maintain authenticity.
This session builds on your foundational knowledge, offering deeper insights and actionable strategies to help you thrive in an AI-driven world.
Prepare to elevate your AI toolkit and integrate it seamlessly into your professional journey.
Session Three:
Presented by Candice Kellogg, Master Trainer, Dale Carnegie
Building meaningful connections in today’s increasingly disconnected world can feel overwhelming, but your network is one of your most valuable tools for both personal and professional growth This session begins with a powerful presentation on overcoming isolation and nurturing authentic relationships, followed by an engaging activity designed to create immediate, meaningful connections with others in the room.
Part 1: Formal Presentation
Insights into the loneliness epidemic and its impact on professional women. Strategies to overcome feelings of disconnection and foster a sense of belonging. Tips to identify, build, and maintain relationships that align with your personal and professional goals
Part 2: Interactive Activity: "Speed Connection" Deep Conversations, Real Connections
Goal: Foster deep, meaningful connections quickly.
How It Works:
Think of this as speed networking, but with a refreshing focus on vulnerability and empathy
Attendees rotate every 6 minutes to meet new people
Each conversation will be guided by thoughtful questions, such as:
“What’s one way you’ve felt disconnected this year?”
“What’s one small joy that’s helped you feel more connected?”
“Who is someone you wish you reached out to more often?”
End each conversation with an invitation to exchange contact information or LinkedIn for continued connection
Why It Works:
This activity is designed to create multiple meaningful touchpoints in a short period of time You’ll leave with several new connections and actionable next steps to deepen these relationships after the session.
Session Four:
Presented by Amanda DeVito, Chief Marketing Officer, Butler/Till
Ambition isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s climbing the corporate ladder, pivoting into a new career, or thriving as the only woman in the room, your path to success should reflect your values, not society’s expectations This session will empower you to break free from the hustle culture narrative, redefine what success means to you, and confidently pursue a life that aligns with your goals and passions
Key Takeaways:
How to define success in a way that evolves with you and build clarity that creates momentum.
Why feedback, curiosity, and intentional relationships are the real accelerators of growth
How to build a personal brand and reputation that walks into the room before you do
Practical tools to turn ambition into action through 30-60-90 day sprints
This is your reminder that your worth is bigger than any title, grade, or review. The best version of your future starts with how you choose to show up today.
Micro-
Session 1: Connect with Confidence in 60 Seconds
Presented by Maisha Beard-Johnson, Coordinator of Business Asset Development, Mayor’s Office of Financial Empowerment
First impressions are everything. This session will teach you how to deliver a powerful, memorable introduction that highlights your strengths and leaves a lasting impact. Whether you’re introducing yourself in a meeting, at a networking event, or in a professional setting, you’ll learn the tools to make every word and moment count
Key Takeaways:
How to craft a concise, compelling introduction that resonates.
Body language and verbal techniques to project confidence and authenticity.
Practical tips to adapt your introduction for any audience or situation. Present yourself with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.
Session 2: Wellness as Your Superpower: Habits to Elevate Focus, Energy, and Leadership
Presented by Shelly DeVito, Senior Director of Quality & Value Based Care, Modern Health
In the fast-paced demands of professional life, wellness often becomes an afterthought but it doesn’t have to. This session empowers you to make your well-being a core leadership strategy by creating practical, sustainable habits that boost your energy, sharpen your focus, and fuel your career growth.
Key Takeaways:
Practical Wellness Routines: Integrate nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness into even the busiest days
The Power of Micro Recovery: Learn how to manage stress effectively in small, actionable steps.
Small Actions, Big Results: Harness the impact of consistent, bite-sized habits to achieve long-term wellness goals.
Tailored Self-Care: Adapt wellness practices to your unique lifestyle and career demands
Advocating for Your Health: Successfully partner with women-centric providers to prioritize your care and needs
Discover how prioritizing your health isn’t just self-care it’s a leadership strategy that drives your success, resilience, and growth.
