ATHENA Awards 2015

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Advertising supplement to the Daily Messenger

for November 15, 2015

C A N A N D A I G U A

A T H E N AAwads

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Anua

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NADIA

HARVIEUX

2014ATHENAYOUNG

PROFESSIONALLEADERSHIP

AWARD

RECIPIENT

DEBORAH

WILBUR

2014

ATHENAAWARD

RECIPIENT

The ATHENA Foundation

supports, develops and

honors women leaders;inspiring women to achieve

their full potential and

creating balance in

leadership worldwide.

THE ATHENALEADERSHIP MODEL

Relatio

nships

Co

urageous

Acts

Learning

FIERCE

ADVOCACY

CollaborationReaching out beyond what

you can achieve on your own.

Working in unison with others,while celebrating diverse

points of view, ideas and actions.

The

AuthenticSelf

GIVINGBACK

C O L L A B O R A T I O N

Celebration

&Joy


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ATHENAAwards Dinner

November 20, 2015Finger Lakes Community College

Student Center

Cocktails 5:30 pm

Dinner & Program 6:45 pm

Edith Davey Wendy K. EmersonLauren Kolb Betsey Lee

Jennifer A. Orcutt Deborah Rought

2015 ATHENA NOMINEES

2015 ATHENA YPLA NOMINEES

Kari Buch Kelly Colf Teresa DeaconSarah Genecco Tammra Schiller

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Founding Sponsor:Randall Farnsworth Auto Group

Diamond Sponsor: Five Star Bank

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ATHENA Reception Sponsor:Fuller Funeral Home, Inc.

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2014Deborah Wilbur

2013Stephanie

Kunes

2012

Sharon Gullo

2011Barbara G.

Risser

2010Lynne Erdle

2009Ginny Clark

2009Margaret &

RandyFarnsworth

2008

Deborah M.Denome

2007Barbara Fuge

2006Janet E. Tenreiro

2005Rhoda Childs

2004Marci Diehl

2003Karen

Davison Blazey

2002Deborah

Weymouth

2001Valerie

Knoblauch

2000Lauren Dixon

1999Gail OBrien

1998Sharon Pepper

1997Teresa Hall

1996Ellen Polimeni

1995Gail Love

1994Judith Stewart

1993Linda

FarchioneHawks

1992Joyce Ezrow

1991Linda Welch

1990Kay James

1989Lois

Kozlowski

1988Gail

Dorr Herman

1987

Barb Nelson

1986Tarry Shipley

1985Diane Reed

PAST

ATHENA RECIPIENTS

Collaboration

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31st ANNUAL

Platinum Sponsor: EFPR Group LLP,Sharon & Ben Gullo and theGullo Dental Group, Thompson Health

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ATHENA 2015:Collaboration: Womens Initiative on Leadership

By Laurel Wemmett | Freelance Writer

ATHENA Award Recip-ients readily give back.Over the past few yearsmany have shared theirpersonal insights intothe characteristics of

becoming a successfulleader with students atFinger Lakes Community

College. Beginning in thespring of 2014 the WomensInitiative on Leadership

(W.I.L.) was created atthe college as a six-weekseries open to femalestudents with the goalto build their self esteem

and confidence.The program is already havingan impact beyond the collegecampus.

I saw a need to develop a programin leadership skills, says JennieErdle, Director of Student Life

who arrived at FLCC in 2013 after10 years at colleges in the Boston area.

Erdle, a Canandaigua native, developed the

new program with Sarah Whiffen, AssociateVice President of Student Affairs at FLCC.

Each academic year up to 50 students have the opportunity to interact withand be mentored by ATHENA and Young Professional Award Recipientsand nominees during the six-week womens leadership program. The seriesoffers practical skills they can apply in their daily lives while in college andbeyond into the workforce. It addresses topics such as: building confidence/self-esteem, group dynamics/communication techniques, overcomingadversity, the art of leadership, taking risks, and creating support networks.The guest speakers share stories related to the topic being discussed. Erdle,

who oversees W.I.L., says currently 12 college students are in the programand 46 have completed it to date.

It puts a huge smile on my face, says Erdle of the outcome. Its not aseminar its an experience. She says guest speakers get caught up inthe program. They find it as impactful to tell their story as to hear the

students. One presenter came to every session. Now in its fourth semester,the series includes discussion of the best-selling book, Lean Inby SherylSandberg, which focuses on encouraging women to pursue their ambitions.Support for W.I.L. comes from the Student Life Department, the StudentCorporation, the Finger Lakes Community College & Foundation, theCanandaigua Chamber of Commerce and the Canandaigua ATHENAAwards Program.

Collaboration: Womens Initiative on Leadership

Like other guest speakers, Erdle is an ATHENA Young Professional

Nominee (2014) and has distinguished herself in the community as aboard member with both Habitat for Humanity of Ontario County and theYouth Council for the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment. Immediatelyafter joining FLCC, she took on other collaborative initiatives includingdomestic violence awareness and student veteran experience.

There are not many opportunities to connect with other women, saysErdle who is proud that the W.I.L. program was adopted by the FLCC Boardof Trustees as an initiative of the FLCC Strategic Plan (2014-18). It wasone of five originally selected in its first year of the strategic grant proposalprocess to receive funding. W.I.L. has also expanded into the community.

In the spring of 2015, a pilot program with Midlakes School District had atotal of 32 young women from 7th and 8th grades participate in a mentorprogram. Graduates of W.I.L. were paired with a guest speaker and trained tobe mentors for the young students. Overall the FLCCs Womens Initiativeon Leadership has had an impact with over 100 women and girls.

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Edith Dvey

Describe your top business and/or professionalaccomplishments.While teaching in Kansas, I wasable to implement programs to enrich the lives andcompetence of the children in my care; and to providemusic, theater, art, native language (Potawatomi), GED classes and other culturaland educational opportunities to three underserved communities. As ConservationEducator (Cornell Cooperative Extension and Ontario County SWCD) I

created outreach programs for recycling, stormwater management, agriculturalenvironmental management, a Water Workshop for Real Estate Professionals,written Standard Operating Procedures for stormwater management; and designedand constructed rain gardens and soil erosion control gardens. I have fostered thecreation of municipal organizations for watershed protection in the Canandaiguaand Seneca Lake Watersheds, and assisted the Honeoye Lake Watershed Task Forceand Honeoye Valley Association and the Wayne-Ontario Stormwater Coalition.

Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and theresults that were accomplished. While in college, I was able to help initiate,promote and participate in a tutoring service by education majors for local studentsin need of assistance. The service continues to date. Potawatomi language instruction

(mentioned above) has been assumed by the Tribe. As chairman of a local educatorsassociation, I was able to secure adherence to Title IX (equal athletic opportunitiesfor girls) and secure binding arbitration in School Board/ Teachers Associationdisputes. Outreach to farmers in the Canandaigua Lake Watershed enlisted 92%in the AEM program. Establishment of the Seneca Lake Watershed IntermunicipalOrganization for protection of that lake has been a protracted, but essential andrecently successful effort.

Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for theadvancement and leadership of women in your profession. As a teacher, I wasable to identify several gifted female students and made every effort to promotetheir advancement. One second-grade girl, Miranda, was particularly proficient inmath. I convinced her parents and the school of the need to provide opportunitiesfor her development and arranged attendance at a university Math Camp. Shehas received her PhD and teaches at a college. I have mentored new hires in bothCCE and SWCD. Having created many of the programs that I implement, it hasbeen essential to inform and enlist the interest and talents of other female staff.Mentoring a new CCE Educator with the (DEC assisted) youth fishing club I hadinitiated required gently overcoming her initial resistance to children, worms andalgae.

Describe how you have integrated Collaboration in your professional and/or personallife.Watershed protection is a major focus of my work and personal commitment. Ihave been privileged to work with many talented persons fromvarious communitiesand backgrounds to identify and focus on mutually beneficial approaches to difficult

problems. Collaboration in solving environmental issues requires input from manystakeholders. The need for environmental protection touches every facet of ourcommunity: governance; agriculture; commerce; tourism; property values; education;safety; emotional, physical and mental health to name a few. Collaboration amongmunicipalities, economic interests, educational institutions, agencies and privatecitizens must continue and improve to ensure the best possible protection of naturalresources and our quality of life. Reaching consensus may be difficult in the shortterm, but maximizes the probability of long-term success.

CURRENT POSITION:Conservation Educator,Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District

EDUCATION HISTORY: BS Kansas State Universityand extensive inservice education.

IMMEDIATE FAMILY:Three children. KathrynBissitt, Christina McGuey, William Leuthold, 13grandchildren. Mother, Gene Dickinson.

Wnd K. Emeson

Describe your top business and/or professionalaccomplishments.I am fortunate that my career is alsowhat I love. I became a social media strategist beforeit was even recognized as social media. I collaboratewith others online to use social media for good. Ive developed award winningwebsites and blogs. I was a key developer for one of the worlds largest automotivemanufacturers to create a social media program tapping into their loyal

customer base on social media to reach new audiences. For me, this is a projectI am most proud of. I led the development of a complex website for purchasingprescription eyeglasses online, and brought the Google Glass Explorer programto my workplace. This all led to working on the wearable technology productdevelopment team and co-hosting a weekly wearable technology web-TV show.

Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and theresults that were accomplished.Volunteering at Crosswinds Celebrate Recoveryis my most meaningful work because of the healing I myself have found. Thisministry changes lives by empowering people to work through their hurts, habitsand hang-ups to find freedom, hope, and forgiveness they never thought possible.For more than 8 years I have offered women the grace given to me during mydarkest hour by teaching at Celebrate Recovery meetings, sponsoring andmentoring women, and leading womens small group 12-step studies.

I use my social media expertise to fundraise and crowd-source for communityprojects; supporting organizations like Embrace Your Sisters. Most recently Iorganized an event that went viral drawing 100+ women together to arm-knit over 200 scarves for Open Door Mission in one afternoon, all promoted onFacebook & Twitter.

Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for theadvancement and leadership of women in your profession. At Sigma, I mentoreda young woman helping her develop her Life Plan. I worked with her weeklyto develop a vision for her life and create balance between the key areas of her

life including faith, marriage, children, finance, career, and health. Throughthe process, she began to dig deep into these areas and focus on prioritizingand evaluating her life goals. She could see where she was wasting energy, anddiscovered things she could focus on to improve her relationships, career, health,confidence, and finances.

There is no greater feeling than helping other women realize their full potentialthrough self-reflection. I get to be a part of helping women turn their dreams intoreality.

Describe how you have integrated Collaboration in your professional and/orpersonal life.Every aspect of my life is about collaboration. I have learned alongthe way that life is about embracing the differences and gifts of others. I am made

strong in my weakness, but only when I can acknowledge I need the help ofothers. I strive to build teams who embrace each others talents and not competewith one another. Whether I am mentoring the women on my Pampered Chefteam, serving as an accountability partner, sponsoring women in their recoveryjourney, or working with a client at equaTEK on their digital marketing, I alwaystry to embrace the gifts and talents of others to allow them to shine. Marriage andparenting are no exception; without my family, I am nothing.

CURRENT POSITION: Director of DigitalMarketing, equaTEK Interactive

EDUCATION HISTORY:Associates Degree/Liberal Arts

IMMEDIATE FAMILY:Husband Greg, daughterJessica, son Sheldon and son John

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The community gains when others work together.


2014 ATHENA Award Recipient

DEBORAH WILBUR

For Deborah Wilbur, her first day of school in 1961was one of great anticipation. I couldnt wait to getthere, recalls the 2014 ATHENA recipient andlife-long educator. Wilbur even remembers what shewore as she headed off to school for the first time.

The excitement and love of learning that startedin kindergarten stayed with her throughout heracademic years at Canandaigua and shaped her future.I always had great teachers who made learningenjoyable. After graduation from CanandaiguaAcademy, she completed an undergraduate degree atKeuka College and then pursued a graduate degreein Reading and Special Education at the Universityof Rochester. Upon graduating, Wilbur returned

to her hometown and began her 36-year career asa special education teacher with the CanandaiguaCity School District.

Eight distinct attributes or tenets reflect womenscontributions to leadership and underlie theATHENA Awards program. These include authenticself, celebration & joy, collaboration, courageous acts,fierce advocacy, giving back, learning, and relationships. When asked abouthow the tenet of collaboration, this years chosen theme, has impacted herteaching career, Wilbur offers the familiar adage: Many hands make light

work. Collaborating with others who share your goal can accomplish farmore than any individual. It eases everyones load.

Beyond that it inspires everyone involved and it can trigger new ideas thatyou dont think of independently. Small groups accomplish a lot.

Any teacher has to be a collaborator, asserts Wilbur of her chosenprofession. As a special education teacher Wilbur co-taught with content-area teachers. For most of the last 10 years she co-taught 9th grade SocialStudies and English courses.

In the classroom Deborah was constantly monitoring and adjusting herfocus depending upon the needs of the students. My building Principal

called me a chameleon, saying, I see you doing different jobs in every

room depending on the content teacher, recallsWilbur.

Typically, when she observed a student not fully

comprehending something the content teacher hadsaid, Wilbur stepped in. I would try to be in theheads of our special needs students.

Wilburs busy teaching career never precludedvolunteering with organizations that meet avariety of educational and societal needs. Again,collaboration was essential. The community gainswhen others work together. Networking, ignitingideas, and motivating each other allows everyoneto benefit. A thought or word by one person cantrigger a winning thought or idea of another.

Deborah believes the mix of people who serveon boards brings together different perspectivesand encourages collaboration. Wilburs strongdedication to her community includes 15 yearson the Board of Directors of Ontario ARC, anorganization that serves people with intellectual

and developmental disabilities. Her longtime membership in the AlphaTau chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society of womenteachers, supports educational opportunities for women. Further, Wilburis currently both president of the Board of Managers and the first female

Trustee on the Ontario Childrens Foundation, an organization whichdisperses interest-free loans to individual students in any of the nine schooldistricts in Ontario County, helps fund day care centers in Ontario County,and offers financial support for one-time health needs of area children.

Newly retired this year from teaching, Wilbur did not head back to schoolthis fall for the first time since kindergarten. She admits cheerfully, I feellike Im playing hooky! While the future is a bit uncertain, she has beenspending time with her two adult children. Wilbur is enthusiastic about thenext chapter of her life and has even considered event hosting at her 19thcentury farmhouse. I love to cook and entertain! (Another ATHENA

Tenet, Celebration and Joy.)

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Laurn Ko

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. Afterspending twenty-two years traveling internationally as a professional entertainer,I transitioned into the financial services field as a bank teller for CNB. In twoshort years I was asked to assume the role as Assistant Vice President of the Main

Office. Under my leadership, our office grew at an unprecedented rate during thegreatest recession in over forty years. Simultaneously, I attended night schoolat Roberts Wesleyan College (RWC) earning a 4.0 GPA for both degrees; BSin Organizational Management and MS in Strategic Leadership. In 2013, I wasasked by CNB to continue my efforts at GVT as the Vice President & BusinessDevelopment Officer. With that, I was recognized for integrity, performanceexcellence, business acumen and community service by receiving the Arthur S.Hamlin Award.

Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and theresults that were accomplished.As a former professional entertainer, I feel deeplyabout supporting Arts in our community. After serving three years on the Board

of the Bristol Valley Theater, I spent the following five lobbying to secure a muchneeded capital improvement grant. As a result of my efforts, BVT was awarded$225,000 for the renovation and preservation of the beloved venue. Serving onthe Board of the Serenity House has been one of the most rewarding experiencesof my life! Our House, a comfort care facility, is a tranquil place to die withdignity. I have spent six years being a fierce advocate and strategic visionary forthe organization which has resulted in a complete revitalization! By creatingpartnerships and asking tough questions, the Serenity House is open for business.

Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for theadvancement and leadership of women in your profession. As a professionalwomen in the financial services industry, I think it is extremely important totake an active role in the development of other women. I have the pleasure ofmentoring women who are bank tellers as well as executives. By encouragingwomen to be honest and authentic leaders, they go forth and add tremendousvalue to whatever project they embark upon. Additionally, I frequently speak as aVoice of Experience for the ONYA organization. It is startling how many youngwomen lack the self-confidence required to create economically sustainable lives. Ishare with them my story of overcoming adversity so they feel hopeful about theirfutures. Being a role model for women has made a profound impact on me for Ialways receive more than I give.

Describe how you have integrated Collaboration in your professional and/orpersonal life.Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much (HelenKeller). Building relationships and collaborating with others is truly the foundation

of my success. However, in order to achieve positive results, participants mustalign themselves with shared goals while simultaneously displaying courage, open-mindedness and leadership. This is not an easy task, but one I feel personifies me.I have collaborated with many organizations and individuals in our area in order toleave a project or place better than I found it. Most recently, I was asked by RobertWesleyan College to collaborate on a new graduate course called Creativity andProblem Solving. This is stimulating subject matter that I feel very passionateabout and will be teaching the class this coming spring.

CURRENT POSITION: Vice President & BusinessDevelopment Officer, Genesee Valley Trust Company

EDUCATION HISTORY:Bachelor of Science,Organizational Management Master of Science,

Strategic Leadership Certified Wealth Strategist(CWS) Expected completion 12/2015

IMMEDIATE FAMILY:Husband: Brian M. KolbNYS Minority Leader Stepchildren: Britton,Clayton and Kylie

Btsey Le

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments.The first yearwith the Finger Lakes Treatment Court, I co-wrote a grant to begin a JuvenileDrug Court. I was the first Coordinator for that court. In 2013 due to increasingnumbers of mentally ill people in the Jail, I worked with the Public Defenders

office to open a Mental Health part to our court. In 2014 I again partnered withthe PDs office to open a Veterans part to the Treatment Court. I am now theCoordinator of both new parts to the treatment court. In 2010 I had the distincthonor of being awarded the Ontario County Bar Association Friend of the CourtAward. This award was in recognition of my efforts on behalf of defendants whostruggle with chemical dependency issues.

Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and theresults that were accomplished.I have been involved with several communityorganizations. I was on the board for Community Action Partnership (CAP)and felt CAP did amazing work. My most meaningful volunteer work was withPony Club. Pony Club is an organization that develops character, leadership,

confidence and a sense of community in youth through a program that teachesthe care of horses and ponies, riding and mounted sports. I was on the board ofBristol Hills Pony Club for years and was District Commissioner for two years. Isaw young people learn how to ride and care for a horse, but more importantly howto compete including learning to win and lose gracefully, learn teamwork andcollaboration, learn how to give back to the community and blossom into youngadults of strong character.

Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for theadvancement and leadership of women in your profession.I have worked withat least 15 interns (and counting) in my job with treatment courts. Most of myinterns have been women and most of them pursing a job in social work and/or counseling. Women in social work and counseling need to be prepared forleadership roles, and I work hard to give as much of my time as I can to sharewith my interns what I feel they need to know to succeed in the field. I am proudto say that my track record of helping interns get jobs when I am contacted as areference is almost 100% placement. One of my interns is the Coordinator of a

Juvenile Drug Court in the state of Tennessee!

Describe how you have integrated Collaboration in your professional and/orpersonal life.Collaboration is the essence of what treatment courts are all about.Criminal justice: prosecution, defense, probation and the Judge, all come togetherwith counseling and treatment, chemical dependency counselors, mental healthprofessionals, VA behavioral health specialists, to work out the best plan for allour participants. It is putting each perspective together to find the greatest chance

of success. Accountability, therapy, guidance and treatment wrapped togetherin a blueprint for change that gives hope back to the hopeless. It has been myprivilege to coordinate the efforts of the three treatment courts amazing teamsand an even greater privilege to see the results of these efforts in the hundreds ofsuccessful participants and graduates who go on to lead law-abiding, meaningful,productive lives.

CURRENT POSITION:Resource Coordinatorforthe Finger Lakes Treatment Court, Ontario CountyCourt

EDUCATION HISTORY:Masters in Social Work

from Roberts Wesleyan CollegeIMMEDIATE FAMILY:Spouse: David Reibsome,Mother: Ann Lee, Brother: Robert E. Lee III, Sister:Barbara Edington, Children: Miranda Cabrelli (spouseLarry), Stephen Weigel (spouse Emily), Margaret

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Enrolling in college is a major investment forany young person these days. However, eachyear several local high school graduates receive ascholarship from the Professional Women of theFinger Lakes (PWFL) making it easier to meet thecost of higher education. The PWFL raises money

for its scholarship program through collaborationwith the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce onthe ATHENA Awards Dinner.

Cassie Kramp is one of those who received a PWFLscholarship in 2015. The 18-year old grew up inClifton Springs and is a 2015 graduate of MidlakesHigh School where she graduated in the top fivepercent of her class. She was on the high honorroll for four years and received an AdvancedRegents diploma with highest honors and Regents

mastery in math and science. Her awards includedthe Presidents Education Award for OutstandingAcademic Excellence, and membership in the

National Honor Society.

Naples native, Mary Riesenberger, is another2015 PWFL high school scholarship recipient.Riesenberger has the distinction of being anAcademic All Star, having maintained a 90average since she was in the 9th grade. While at

Naples High School, she was a member of the

National Technical Honor Society, the NationalHonor Society, and received a Finger Lakes Scholaraward, all testifying to her outstanding academicachievement. Her leadership ability was evidentthrough a variety of key positions she held onthe student council, the yearbook, and as a classofficer.

Riesenberger also had a unique experience duringher senior year at Naples which linked to herfuture plans. The 18-year old was enrolled in the

New Visions Medical Program which providesinterdisciplinary and experiential learning for highschool seniors pursuing health careers. She spent ahalf-day at high school and a half-day at GenevaGeneral Hospital where she had opportunities to

shadow nurses and doctors, plus visit the laboratory,emergency room, and ICU, among other locations.I liked that I could do things that could be appliedto my future, says Riesenberger.

Through Finger Lakes Community Colleges Gemini

program, Riesenberger also had the opportunity tocomplete FLCC courses tuition-free at high schoolprior to graduation.

Both Kramp and Riesenberger are enjoying theirnew college experience. Riesenberger is nowtaking courses like anatomy and physiology andintroductory psychology at Elmira College aspart of her career plan to enter the medical fieldand become a nurse practitioner. In Naples, hercommunity service included volunteering at theOpen Closet where clothing is provided for those

in need. She also helped maintain the FingerLakes Trail to make it safer for hikers. Riesenbergersays Elmira College actually requires students tocomplete 60 hours of community service within thefirst two years in order to graduate. She will likelypursue the opportunity to work in a local animalshelter or at ARC through the Circle K Club,sponsored by the Elmira Kiwanis Club.

I love it here at Syracuse University, says Krampwho is now in her first semester pursuing a BS in

Business Management. Im on track to graduate inthree years because of all the Gemini courses that Itook in high school. There are so many opportunitiesfor students to get involved on campus, so I havealready had to learn how to manage my timeproperly.

In Kramps home town, she volunteered at St. FelixChurch and the Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic.She was a Rotary Interact Club member and foundtime to be a Salvation Army bell ringer. So far at

Syracuse she has joined both the Whitman Womenin Business and Enactus, a non-profit organizationthat has multiple projects with the common goal tohelp the local and global community. The project

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CASSIE KRAMP

MARY RIESENBERGER

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Jenife An Ocutt

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments.The professionalaccomplishment I am most proud of is the establishment of a successful independentMidwifery practice in Ontario County. Recognizing the unique needs of womenwho desired an alternative to traditional medical management of pregnancy, I

returned to graduate school to obtain my Masters degree in Midwifery. This wasaccomplished while working full time as a RN and raising two young children.Midwifery although an ancient profession was virtually unknown in our communitywith many misconceptions regarding the education, experience and scope ofpractice. After the first year of practice, a second midwife was hired and we areactively seeking a third to add to a growing practice. In 2014 over 25% of all birthsat FFTH were attended by midwives.

Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and theresults that were accomplished.Last year along with other community membersI participated in the organization and coaching of a running club for childrenattending the Canandaigua Elementary School. This first of its kind program

sought to develop young childrens interest in running while teaching nutrition,healthy lifestyles and increasing self-confidence. Many participants were only ableto run short distances at the beginning of the program but by the end completed a5K! Now in our second season we have over 100 participants!

Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for theadvancement and leadership of women in your profession. I have opened mypractice to high school and college students who are interested in pursuing acareer in womens health care. Young women who are considering midwifery willoften shadow me in the clinic or hospital to gain insight into the profession. Ikeep in touch with these women throughout their undergraduate and graduateschool paths offering advice and encouragement when needed. I have served asan adjunct professor at St. John Fisher and SUNY Upstate as a preceptor for nursepractitioner and physician assistant students during their womens health rotation.I have also taught the clinical aspects of labor and delivery to undergraduatenursing students.

Describe how you have integrated Collaboration in your professional and/orpersonal life.Collaboration is a hallmark of midwifery. It is a concept that wasingrained in the very early stages of my education. Collaboration does not meanthe passing off of care, rather it is the cooperation of providers with complimentaryskill sets. It is also not exclusive to pregnancy. Often, if not daily I am in touch withother health care providers, community organizations or programs to aid womento meet their emotional, psychosocial and health care needs. Over the last yearI have joined forces with a local homebirth midwife who exclusively serves the

Mennonite community to ease transfer of care to the hospital when complicationsarise. In years past Mennonite women have been fearful of needing to betransferred to a hospital due to perceived judgment for choosing homebirth. Thisculture of fear may put women at risk. A sense of trust has been established due toour collaboration. The collaborative model of midwifery is rooted in empoweringwomen to make informed educated decisions to create a healthy and positive lifefor themselves and their families. Collegial relationships enables deliverance ofoptimal health care and equates to advocacy of womens health.

CURRENT POSITION: Certified Nurse Midwife,Canandaigua Medical Group PC

EDUCATION HISTORY:Master of Science

in Midwifery, Frontier Nursing University Bachelor ofScience in Nursing, Keuka College Associate AppliedScience in Nursing, Finger Lakes Community College

IMMEDIATE FAMILY:Son Samuel age 11,daughter Anna age 9. Parents Richard andFilomena Ernst

Da E. Rought

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments.I have been inbanking for almost forty years, the last sixteen with Canandaigua National Bank.One of my proudest achievements is earning my associates degree while workingfull-time. It meant long hours studying and not enough sleep but it was worth it.

I have managed four CNB branches progressing to larger branches and have beennominated twice for the Arthur S. Hamlin award which recognizes the employeeof the year. I pride myself on providing excellent customer service.

In 2013, while working with one of the Ontario ARC group homes, I met a veryspecial woman who was a resident of the Risser Road home. She was in her early60s and her dream was to go to Disney World. With the help of a friend and localbusinesses, we raised the money to make her dream come true. To see her facewhen we presented her with her Mickey Mouse Ears, was the best gift back tome.

Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and theresults that were accomplished.My involvement with the Ontario ARC over

the last several years has made me realize that a smile from one of the residentsfills my heart with such love. Specifically working with two group homes, HickoxRoad and Risser Road, has been so rewarding for me. I get so much more fromthe residents than I could ever give them. The ladies look forward to our visitsand are so appreciative of the small craft items that we make with them. Beingable to volunteer my time and craft projects is so small to me, but so huge tothem. Watching their eyes sparkle with excitement and seeing their smiles, bringssuch joy to me and warms my heart. No matter what their learning or physicalchallenges are, they each have a special place in my heart.

Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for theadvancement and leadership of women in your profession. This is my 39th

year as a banker and I have experienced many changes in the banking industryover the years. This included watching women be able to grow and move upthe ladder to hold leadership roles as competently as men. Spending the time tocoach and mentor, is a huge part of what helps the women I come in contact withat Canandaigua National Bank be able to move up that corporate ladder. Myproudest moments were being able to witness two of my Assistant Managers growand develop new skills, so they could then be promoted to Community OfficeManagers. Each one of these ladies developed their own leadership style and arenow continuing to mentor to their own staff members.

Describe how you have integrated Collaboration in your professional and/orpersonal life. Collaboration is so important in all aspects of my life, but having

collaboration at home is what makes everything fall into place. With the supportand suggestions from my husband and family, everything always came together. Inorder to be successful in life, there must be collaboration. And I believe that thatcollaboration starts at home.

CURRENT POSITION:VP, Community Office Manager, Canandaigua

National Bank & Trust

EDUCATION HISTORY:Associates Degree from University of Phoenix

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The community gains when others work together.


2013 ATHENA Award Recipient and Keynote Speaker

STEPHANIE KUNES

The first ATHENA Award program in New YorkState was hosted in 1985 by the CanandaiguaChamber of Commerce with founding sponsorRandall Farnsworth Auto Group.

Since then the program has become a role modelamong its peers across the U.S., admired for itsinnovation, leadership, and achievement. Each yeara Canandaigua area woman is recognized for herbusiness and professional excellence, her communityleadership, as well as for her personal and professionalcommitment and assistance to other women.

An extension of the prestigious ATHENA Award isthe ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Awardwhich recognizes emerging women, 40 years of ageor younger, who demonstrate excellence, creativity,and service in their professional and personal lives.Both awards will be presented at the 31st AnnualCanandaigua ATHENA Awards Gala on Friday,

November 20, 2015 at the Finger Lakes CommunityCollege Student Center. The ATHENA program issupported by corporate sponsorships and administeredby the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce along with the ATHENASteering Committee and the Professional Women of the Finger Lakes. TheATHENA program has raised more than $80,000 for scholarships for local

women entering college after high school and for women attending collegelater in life.

This years keynote speaker will be the 2013 ATHENA Award Recipient,Stephanie Kunes, President and CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis(MS) Society, Upstate NY Chapter. Kunes has worked at the MSorganization for over 30 years, the last five and a half in the top leadershipposition. The Upstate NY Chapter covers 94% of the state with chapterheadquarters in Rochester and offices in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Albany.By speaking to groups from Plattsburgh to Corning and everywhere in-between, Kunes raises awareness of the more than 13,000 families in

upstate NY living with the unpredictable, often disabling disease of thecentral nervous system. It makes it real to people to hear how MS affectsfamilies, says Kunes.

While steering the nonprofit organization, Kunesrelies on collaboration, one of the eight tenetsof the ATHENA Leadership Model that will behighlighted at the awards dinner this November.

You need to be collaborative at the leadershiplevel, affirms Kunes who will share how the MSSociety, a volunteer-driven organization, relies onvolunteers to raise revenue for critical MS researchand provide needed services for those living with adisease which has no cure.

Kunes says the organization works to stop theprogression of MS, to lessen its severity by restoringfunction, and to find a cure for MS. It fulfills itsmission without benefit of Federal or State monies.

Each year funds are raised to cover everything fromproviding assistance to people newly diagnosedwith MS to training health care professionals andcommunity members on MS. Across upstate NewYork hundreds of events are hosted by volunteers.Collaboration is key to the success of importantfundraisers like Bike MS, Walk MS, and golf

tournaments, among many others. Planning for the 2016 Walk MS isalready underway with 19 sites participating across upstate New York.Kunes points to a strong tie with United Way which provides funding formuch needed services and programs as well as volunteer participation intheir annual Day of Caring. This money is not automatically granted,but contingent on the nonprofit demonstrating that it is meeting its goalsexplains Kunes. Another example of community collaboration in Rochesteris Unity Health. The 15-year association between MS and Unity Healthled to Unity Healths adult daycare program. With its own building, its thefirst program for people with MS in New York State.

Within the MS Upstate NY Chapter, employee collaboration improvedwhen the organization moved into a newly renovated space at the Al SiglCommunity of Agencies campus about a year ago. Kunes helped layout thefloor plan and created a large room where social workers and


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Stephanie Kunes continued from Page 9...

event planners have more direct contact than previously. The space has become part Think Tank and partsocial hub where the staff connects on a different level. Shared ideas find new solutions to meet needs. Oneoutcome has been a growth in volunteerism with greater involvement by members of the families affected byMS in the organizations fundraisers. What we can do surprises me sometimes, says Kunes.

On a personal level, Kunes, who is a life-long resident of Cheshire, finds working with others on the boardof the Cheshire Community Action Team (CCAT) allows her to become active in improving life in thehamlet. One of the major projects is the renovation of the 19th century Cheshire Meeting Hall, listed onthe state and national Registers of Historic Places. A recent grant from NYS Parks and Recreation andHistoric Preservation will pay for structural work. The hall has many possibilities, says Kunes providingopportunities for the whole town from hosting events that offer entertainment to a meeting place for kidsactivities.

Scholarships continued from Page 7...

she has chosen is a thrift shop called 3fifteen, located on Syracuse Universitys campus, which supports theefforts of the Rescue Mission to end hunger and homelessness.

Although the classes in college are much more demanding than in high school, the professors are engagingand insightful, which makes learning fun, says Kramp. Also, Syracuse Universitys Whitman School ofManagement has launched the IMPRESSProgram. It gives points to students who participate in leadership

workshops and attend guest speaker lectures. This program has spurred students to involve themselves inextracurricular activities, therefore enhancing their knowledge of the business world.

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Nadia Harvieux2014 ATHENA Young Professional

Leadership Award Recipient


Photos on a cell

phone often includefamily members andpets but when thephone belongs toan environmentaleducator there mightbe an image of a pairof damselflies. Theselong-legged insectsappear on NadiaHarvieuxs phone

along with photos thatdocument the foamand algae on one ofthe Finger Lakes.

I grew up onCanandaigua Lakeand lived throughthe invasion ofzebra mussels in the1990s that changed the lake forever, recalls

Harvieux when asked how she got interestedin the natural environment and water quality.When zebra mussels, an invasive species,threatened the lakes ecosystem she learnedhow vulnerable the lake is to change andpollution.

Today, Harvieux is the Conservation OutreachEducator at Finger Lakes CommunityColleges Muller Field Station near HoneoyeLake and an Adjunct Faculty member in the

Conservation Department at the college. Shealso serves as the Education Program Managerat the Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart WilliamSmith Colleges. For her excellence, creativity,and service in both her professional field aswell as her personal life, Harvieux was

the 2014 recipient

of the ATHENAYoung ProfessionalLeadership Awardwhich recognizeswomen 40 years of ageor younger.

Much of my workis based on buildingrelationships withteachers, schooldistricts, communitygroups and researchscientists who arestudying our aquaticecosystems, explainsHarvieux whosededication to thenatural world illustratesthe ATHENA tenet ofcollaboration. With

an undergraduate degree in geology, the

Canandaigua native headed to WashingtonState where she earned a graduate teachingdegree in earth science and secondary science.After working for a few years in her chosen field,she returned home and became active with theCanandaigua Lake Watershed Association.In 2006 she developed a watershed-focusedoutreach program for elementary and middleschool students in the Canandaigua, Naples,and Marcus Whitman school districts. Shecontinues serving with the Canandaigua LakeWatershed Association as a member of theboard of directors and assisted with the recentupdate of the Canandaigua Lake WatershedManagement Plan.


Congratulationsto the 2015 ATHENA and

ATHENA YPLA Nominees

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My biggest goal through my work is to connectkids with nature by giving them opportunitiesto be adventurers and make discoveries,says Harvieux. Her programs explore thenatural world and aim to inspire youngstersto become good stewards of the environment.As Conservation Educator at the Muller

Field Station since 2011, Harvieux oftencollaborates with teachers who want youngstersto be connected to the outdoors in programsrelevant to the classroom. Activities vary fromleading students on a canoe trip through theHoneoye Inlet to learn about the importanceof wetlands, to using trail cameras to studyanimal biodiversity in a variety of terrestrialhabitats. Conservation students at FingerLakesCommunity College intern at Muller helping

with environmental programs and in the field.Harvieuxs professional world expanded whenshe took on the role of Education ProgramManager at the Finger Lakes Institute beginningin 2013. There she coordinates educationprograms for K-12 students, typically takingthem out to monitor water quality of streamsthroughout the region through the FingerLakes Regional Stream Monitoring Network.She is also responsible for providing in-servicetraining for teachers and pre-service educatorsseeking certification. Harvieux says the bestpart of what she does is working with a greatcommunity of educators and getting to see somany different lakes and stream environments.There are so many water resources in theFinger Lakes thats the fun of job I workoutside all the time and I am always learning.

Close to home Harvieux is a valued memberof the Council for Instructional Excellenceof the Canandaigua City School District. For

the Town of Canandaigua, she served with theEnvironmental Conservation Board to provideadvisory recommendations for environmentalprotection within the Town.

On a personal level, she and her husband Davidare very involved in community sports throughtheir two young sons. It takes a village to raisea child, says Harvieux about child-rearing.Im lucky my parents are here and I have a lotof close friends who provide rides to games and

school; we support each other.So many people were here when I was growingup and they are now watching my childrengrow up; its a nice continuation of being a partof this community.

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The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award (YPLA) recognizes emergingwomen who are leaders; who demonstrate excellence, creativity and service in theirprofessional and personal lives.

An extension of the prestigious ATHENA award, YPLA honors women who lead,excel in their professions and give back to the community. Inspiring other women tostrive for their full potential, these young professional women lead by example.

The Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Professionalomen of the Finger Lakes presents the YPLA each year at the ATHENA Awards

o recognize outstanding local women who have made significant contributionsocally. Their accomplishments bring us closer to a more balanced distribution ofeadership by women.

PLA honorees receive this award to mark their unique qualities as they meet and,in some cases, exceed established criteria.

he YPLA recipient is an emerging leader who demonstrates excellence, creativitynd initiative in her profession.

She provides valuable service while improving the quality of life for others in hercommunity.

The YPLA recipient serves as a role model for young women in her profession andin her personal life.

YPLA recipients are nominated, then selected, by a selection committee comprisedof community leaders with diverse backgrounds. To qualify, a nominee must be 40

years of age or younger, live in the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce servicearea, and come from either the profit or not-for-profit sectors. Nominees stand apartas aspiring women leaders, celebrated through the ATHENA movement.

The Canandaigua ATHENA program is a model that creates ways for women touse the tenets of the ATHENA leadership model the authentic self, relationships,giving back, collaboration, courageous acts, learning, fierce advocacy andcelebration and joy. Since the inception of ATHENA International in 1982, theprestigious ATHENA award has been presented to women in over 500 communitiesworldwide.

2015 ATHENAYoung Professional Leadership Award

recognizing and honoring exceptional role models

Kelly ColfPropane Sales & Marketing, Growmark FS

Kari Buch is a longstanding member of theCanandaigua community. She is married toRich, and they have two children, Ally age11 and Jon age 8. Kari has worked in non-profits since 1998 and began her career atthe Canandaigua Family YMCA and heldmany roles before becoming the UnitedWay of Ontario County Regional Directorin 2013. Throughout her career, Kari hasserved her community by volunteeringher time and talent on numerous boardsand committees. Currently she serveson WYFY, which empowers the voice ofOntario County youth and is a member ofAssemblyman Brian Kolbs Mental HealthTask Force, to find ways to reduce the stigma

of mental health illness. Kari also servesas the chairperson for Ontario CountysEmergency Food and Shelter Program,is currently a Rotarian where she assistswith the Literacy Committee and otherspecial events, and is an active member ofProfessional Women of the Finger Lakes.

Kelly Colf handles propane sales andmarketing for Growmark-FS. She livesin Canandaigua with her boyfriend Philand their dog Maverick. In her first yearat Growmark, Kelly has demonstrated herplethora of talents. She mentored colleaguescompleting the Sandler Sales Program,a program she had already finished. Sheoverhauled the companys truck routingsystem, allowing them to offer betterservice to their customers and improvedbusiness efficiencies. Additionally Kellyimplemented a direct ship program for farmaccounts and a contracting system for thecommercial purchase of propane.

Kelly is deeply involved in her community

through participation on the board andnumerous committees for ProfessionalWomen of the Finger Lakes, the AthenaAwards, Ralph Sheridan Golf Classic andBoy Scouts of Americas tourism program.

As an avid outdoorswoman, Kelly is a

Kari BuchRegional Director, United Way of Ontario County

member of an all-womenshunting pro-staff designedto help engage women in thesport. Kelly also participatesin archery competitions andhas even landed herself inthe record books.

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Sarah GeneccoOwner|Operator of Stellas Florist,

Canandaigua Lady and Scoops Ice Cream

Working for Child & Family ResourcesTeresa has proven to be positive,

enthusiastic and inspirational in herapproach with the families she serves. Sherises to each challenge; using a strength-based approach, consistently affirming thepotential of those around her and thoseshe serves. She has served as a FamilyEducator in the Parenting Skills Program;currently serving as a Family Assessmentand Support Worker for the HealthyFamilies Program. Teresa has becomea Certified Lactation Counselor andFacilitator for the Baby Caf; supportingall parents, with emphasis on breastfeedingmothers and their babies.

As a Family Support Worker, Teresaprovides services to the individuals enrolledinto the Healthy Families home visitingprogram; covering a spectrum of servicesmost areas of life and need. She is anadvocate for every family assigned to her,

Sarah Genecco is Owner/OperationsManager for 3 local businesses Stella

Florist, Scoops Ice Cream and theCanandaigua Lady. Sarah has a wonderfulfamily and they together do so much forthe community. Sarah does all of theadvertising and marketing for all three ofher businesses. Sarah sits on the AttractionSales Team comprised of local businessesassisting in developing strategies that helpsmaller businesses, like her Land and Lakepackage that promotes The CanandaiguaLady and Sonnenberg Gardens. In the

community Sarah is involved and invested.She can be seen donating her time withthe Ontario ARC, Gleaners Kitchen, andraising money to help those with braincancer, or donating the boat for communityevents. Sarah is role model to many youngwomen she hires. Sarah always puts othersfirst, and is truly a leader in her actionsteaching so many the true meaning of ahard work ethic and family values.

Teresa DeaconFamily Assessment and Support Worker

Child & Family Resources

empowering them to achievetheir potential withoutpressure or judgement. Shepursues each family withthe same commitment andpassion.

Tammra SchillerBranch Manager II, Assistant Vice President

Five Star Bank

Tammra Schiller is the Branch Managerand Assistant Vice President at Five StarBank in Canandaigua. She holds a M.S.in Management from Keuka College andresides in Canandaigua with her husband

Mike and son Quinn. Tammra has workedin banking for 16 years, developing a strongfocus on community involvement, givingback, and assisting individuals with meetingtheir financial needs. Tammra not only helpsher customers, but volunteers in the schoolsetting to teach children early financialstrategies and independence skills.

In the community Tammra has takenon leadership roles. In 2009 she joinedthe Newark Chamber of Commerce and

quickly was appointed first to the boardand then as President. In her term Tammradeveloped fundraisers, increased communityinvolvement, and revamped the website.Through her efforts Tammra gained respectfrom community business leaders and left

the organization financiallysound upon her departure in2014. Additionally Tammraserves on VONEDA, theThompson Guild, and is amember of Kiwanis.

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ATHENA AWARDS2014 HIGHLIGHTS

Past ATHENA recipients

ATHENA Award Recipient Deborah Wilbur

(above) and ATHENA Young Professional

Leadership Award Recipient Nadia Harvieux

with Amy Calbrese (right) accepting their awards.

2014 ATHENA Young Professional

Leadership Award nominees.

2014 ATHENA Award nominees.

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Documents

ATHENA Awards 2015