MARGARET meYer

2012 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD recipient

SHARON GULLO

2012 ATHENA recipient

The ATHENA Foundation supports, develops and honors women leaders; inspiring women to achieve their full potential and creating balance in leadership worldwide.

AT H E N A
2013
GIVING BACK
Serving the greater good. Committing to help your personal community of family, friends and peers as well as the global village at large.

CANANDAIGUA

Awards
THE ATHENA LEADERSHIP MODEL

29 Annual

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The Authentic Self

Giving Back
Courageous Acts
Advertising supplement to the Daily Messenger for November 10, 2013

Relationships

Collaboration

Celebration &Joy

Fierce Advocacy

Learning

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ATHENA Award Supplement November 10, 2013

ATHENA Award Dinner

Giving Back

29th Annual

November 15, 2013

Finger Lakes Community College Student Center Cocktails 5:30 pm Dinner and Program 6:45 pm

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Founding Sponsor: Randall Farnsworth Auto Group

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Diamond Sponsors: Ameriprise Financial, Five Star Bank, EFP Rotenberg, LLP and LaBella Associates, PC

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Platinum Sponsor: Bristol Mountain, Canandaigua Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Thompson Health

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Nominee Reception Sponsor: Fuller Funeral Home, Inc.

2013 ATHENA Nominees

Mary Allhusen Marjorie Donhauser Peggy Kane Lauren Kolb Mary R. Green Ginny Gumaer-Muller Stephanie Kunes-Mincer Laurie O'Shaughnessy Kathleen Quinn Mary Savastano Cutting

2013 ATHENA YPLA Nominees

Erica Bapst Lindsey Dixon-Marianetti Mandy Friend Jessica Nava Dr. Trista Merrill Heidi Solimine

Giving backthe greatest impact

By Donna De Palma | Messenger Post Media For 29 years, ATHENA has recognized women who lead, celebrating the dedication required to reach a womans full potential. Serving the greater good, a commitment to help her community of family, friends and peers, as well as, her global village, at large, denes giving back, the theme of this years ATHENA awards. One of ATHENAs eight tenets which reects the core qualities of women who lead, giving back asks a woman to consider the needs of her community and how best to express her talents through giving. All of the women nominated this year are motivated to give backsome because of personal hardship which has allowed them to develop an awareness of the needs of others and each one, out of a true generosity of spirit. On November 15th at Finger Lakes Community Colleges Student Center, the 29th Annual ATHENA Awards Gala will be held to recognize outstanding local women who are giving back. Inspired, energetic, creative, capable, all of the women nominated this year exemplify qualities of leadership as identied by the ATHENA tenets giving back, authentic self, learning, collaboration, courageous acts, erce advocacy, relationships and celebration and joy. One individual will receive the prestigious ATHENA award as a symbol of excellence for all women in our community. The Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Professional Women of the Finger Lakes presents the ATHENA Award annually. Canandaigua was the rst community in New York to host an ATHENA award program. It has grown to become a national role model for over 500 communities in the United States, Canada, China, Russia, The United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The evening will include a presentation of the ATHENA and the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership awards, as well as a media presentation to be shown at dinner featuring this years ATHENA Award nominees. A silent auction with gifts and prizes will also be held. The focus of the ATHENA award program is one of celebration rather than competition. Celebrating the unique ways women lead and the importance of nurturing this leadership in our community and in our professions is what we promote. This event raises funds for scholarships for women, supports mentoring and coaching partnerships with area colleges and is connected to ATHENA International, a foundation honoring the achievements, wisdom and experience of women around the world.

ATHENA 2013:

PAST ATHENA RECIPIENTS

2012 Sharon Gullo
2011 Barbara G. Risser 2010 Lynne Erdle 2009 Ginny Clark 2009 Margaret & Randy Farnsworth 2008 Deborah M. Denome 2007 Barbara Fuge 2006 Janet E. Tenreiro 2005 Rhoda Childs 2004 Marci Diehl 2003 Karen Davison Blazey 2002 Deborah Weymouth 2001 Valerie Knoblauch 2000 Lauren Dixon 1999 Gail OBrien 1998 Sharon Pepper 1997 Teresa Hall 1996 Ellen Polimeni 1995 Gail Love 1994 Judith Stewart 1993 Linda Janzcak 1992 Joyce Ezrow 1991 Linda Welch 1990 Kay James 1989 Lois Kozlowski 1988 Gail Dorr Herman 1987 Barb Nelson

ATHENA Award Supplement - November 15, 2009

ATHENA Award Supplement November 10, 2013

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ATHENA Award Supplement November 10, 2013

Mary Allhusen

2013 ATHENA AWARD Nominees

CURRENT POSITIONS: RN-BC, Clinical Staff Nurse; former supervisor, Fralick Cardiac Rehabilitation and Fitness Center, Thompson Health EDUCATION: RN Diploma - Willard State Hospital School of Nursing; Matriculated into Daeman College BSN Program; Board Certified National Nurses Association in Medical Surgical Nursing FAMILY: Husband John Allhusen; Daughter Donna Allhusen & Partner Galit Mazor; Son Jonathan Allhusen & Wife Andrea; Grandaughter Maya Allhusen Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. As a cardiac rehab nurse educator, my lifelong passion for nursing continues to unfold. The world of cardiovascular nursing has offered me the gateway to thrive professionally. I was invited by Filomena (Chickie) Ernst, to help plan, open and staff the Cardiac Rehabilitation department at Thompson Health in 1991. My greatest accomplishment is the guidance and inspiration I am able to provide individuals in their recovery from their personal health war after experiencing a cardiac incident. The vulnerability one is exposed to likens to a death experience. As people rediscover themselves with increased confidence, optimized physical function and mortality the miracles of healing evolve. Individuals leave their rehabilitation experience renewed and revitalized. I am honored to be part of facilitating that contagious optimism and reality. Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the results that were accomplished. As lead facilitator for the annual Rose Walk, which celebrated its 17th year in June, I am rewarded for fierce advocacy. The monetary support this event raises for insurance co-pays has grown from $3,000 to $24,000 annually since inception and raised an estimated $190,000. Of the 2,700 who have participated in Cardiac Rehab, 40% would have been otherwise unable to attend. I passionately promote cardiovascular health and risk factor management in our community through education programs, conferences and health promotion events with tireless determination. This IS the future of healthcare reform practices. My community commitment to health extends by orchestrating health education, counseling, crisis intervention, hospital and home visitations and transportation at my church, Good Shepherd, as well as food pantry and small group initiatives. Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the advancement and leadership of women in your profession. Being personally committed to a healthy lifestyle of regular walking exercise and diet moderation demonstrates leading by example. Womens health is key to women reaching their full potential. Everywhere I go and in everything I do, I speak to this reality. Focusing on the uniqueness of womens cardiovascular health has been a forte. I facilitated Go Red for Women programs at Thompson Health. Engaging women speakers who openly told their stories: a heart transplant recipient, Olympian and a working mom of three suddenly finding herself on the sidewalk with a heart attack offered powerful examples of womens vulnerability. My mission to promote womens health was acknowledged when I was recognized as a finalist for the American Heart Association Woman of Distinction award in 2010. Giving Back is our ATHENa Leadership theme this year. Describe how you have integrated giving back in your professional and/or personal life. Through the professional calling and art of nursing, I have committed to the cardiovascular and emotional health of our community. As past supervisor of the Fralick Cardiac Rehabilitation and Fitness Center, my goal was to insure the highest quality and national standards of care. National Program Certification was secured in 2008. Receiving the Mended Hearts National Shuman Nurse Recognition award in 2012 celebrated my heightened service and contributions to cardiovascular health to a national level. Giving back is the intent for which I believe we are born. In my head and heart, I know everyday is a gift to be treasured and used to its fullest. I work in collegial collaboration for the good of the whole and am led by one greater than myself.

CURRENT POSITION: Owner/Nurse of Donhauser Nursing Services

Marjorie Donhauser

EDUCATION: St. Aloyoius Grades 1-6, Griffith Institute and Central School Grades 7-12, St. Francis Hospital Nursing School FAMILY: Dad Clayton (deceased); Mom Norie; Brothers George, John, Rick & Ron

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. I am most proud of starting my own business, Donhauser Nursing Services, 25 years ago. When taking care of a local doctors invalid wife, I saw there was a need for a new approach to nursing home care, one that allowed patients to remain at home for as long as they can. I started providing services such as meal preparation, laundry, light housekeeping, grocery shopping/errands, transportation to appointments, medication monitoring, assisting with exercises and 24 hour respite care. My mission is to offer affordable and caring home care services to those who have a difficult time making ends meet. I pride myself on treating people, no matter their age, with respect and dignity, because we all deserve that at the end. Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the results that were accomplished. I volunteer with many community organizations including St. Marys Church, Friends of Wood Library, The Blue Star Mothers, Thompson Hospital, and Horizons. I have been fortunate to serve as Secret Santa for Happiness Houses Traumatic Brain Injuries program for the last 10 years, purchasing 50 gifts each year for their holiday party. Every year, I look forward to sending two to three families to Roseland Park. These families have major medical expenses due to a sick child and this outing allows them to put their troubles behind them for a day. In 2006, I used my stimulus check to help bury the remains of an unknown woman. Following a proper burial, she is now buried in Woodlawn Cemetery with a headstone marking her final resting place. Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the advancement and leadership of women in your profession. Most of the women I hire are single mothers or women aged 55 and older. I understand the hiring difficulties that both groups face. Single mothers need a flexible work schedule and older women need to be reintroduced into the workforce. I personally train my staff so they can provide the quality care that I expect. Professionalism means a lot to me, especially when it comes to caring for the elderly. I am so proud of my staff because they are hard working, dedicated, caring, and compassionate individuals. While working as a nurse at Thompson Hospital, I strongly encouraged young women to pursue their degrees in nursing. I was glad to be there for them as they continued their education. Giving Back is our ATHENa Leadership theme this year. Describe how you have integrated giving back in your professional and/or personal life. I have raised monies for many organizations like the YMCA, Special Olympics and the future Canandaigua Comfort Care Home. I could not do this without the support of my former patients families and friends that I have crossed paths with over the years. They believe in what I believe in. If you keep giving, people give back. They remember that you were there for them. In my personal life it was important to me to give back to my parents who provided me with a wonderful childhood and growing experience. My nursing and hospice training enabled me to go home to care for my father when he was diagnosed with cancer. He was able to spend the last months of his life in the home he built for my mother and himself when they were married.

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ATHENA Award Supplement November 10, 2013

Sharon Gullo
with 2012 ATHENA recipient

"Believe in yourself and your values."

By Donna De Palma | Messenger Post Media In her words, Sharon Gullo, Psychotherapist, Pediatric Psychiatric Therapist and Nurse Practitioner, likes to have an impact, and her outreach both here and around the globe proves that. As a crisis team member aiding 9/11 reghters and their families with crisis counseling after the collapse of the World Trade Towers and again as a member of a crisis team in Phuket, Thailand, after the 2004 tsunami, Gullo is grace under pressure. With more than ten years as an expert in crisis management, she counseled teams identifying bodies after both tragedies. Closer to home, in her untiring work with local youth, she collaborated to form Cultural Concepts Theatre Group to bring mental health and community health issues to the fore in Canandaigua and neighboring communities. Helping teens present dramatic plays on topics of divorce, addiction, sexual abuse and suicide in over 40 local schools, Gullo carried her message of empowering youth to the classroom. A colleague and I led this improvised theatre group for young peoplemostly girls. It felt so good to empower them. These students blossomed in condence and problemsolving through their roles in the theatre, said Gullo. As a counselor at Hillside Childrens Center for over ten years, Gullo has counseled some of our communitys most troubled and displaced youth. Sharon is married to Ben Gullo, a local dentist, and they have ve grown children. She supports her community as a volunteer for the Salvation Army by providing physicals to youth attending day campmany of whom could not afford annual physicals. She has also worked on the Salvation Armys Capital Campaign. Having earned a B.S. in Nursing from Keuka College, an M.S. in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Buffalo and a PNP from the University of Rochester to practice as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Gullo educates other health care workers in the methods shes learned and developed. Since moving the family to Canandaigua from Connecticut forty years ago in order for Ben to start a dental practice here, Gullo has served as a volunteer for her church and sits on the Board of Trustees of the First United Methodist Church in Canandaigua. According to Gullo, she is proudest of her ongoing work with crisis teams. Shes developed a program to train teams in both Monroe and Ontario Counties. Gullo said her second most signicant achievement has been her work with the Salvation Army. What has she learned from her community and global initiatives? Savor each day. Get as much out of every day as possible. Live every day as if it were your last, said Gullo. Gullo relies on family, faith and friends to inspire her as she gives back to her community. My values have helped me achieve my goals: sticking to core valueshonesty and integritycompleting things I say I will do. Gullo enjoys watching people heal. She also nds satisfaction when assisting others to achieve their professional goals. As staff development coordinator for R-Wing at Strong Memorial Hospital, Gullo trained staff at the hospital. When I see that something could be better, I like to put strategies in place to make it better, said Gullo. As a nurse, I guess I always have that desire to x people and things. How has being a woman impacted her work? Its wonderful being a woman. The nurturing, caring, listening and the ability to help people changethese are natural extensions of being a woman. Its such a nice time to be a woman. There are so many opportunities. Believe in yourself and your values.

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ATHENA Award Supplement November 10, 2013

CURRENT POSITION: Retired Senior Investigator New York State Police EDUCATION: Graduated Bloomfield Central School, 1972; Graduated with Elementary and Special Education Degree, West Liberty State College, West Liberty, WV, 1976 FAMILY: Husband of 35 years Kirby Green; Son Darrell Green, Wife Stephanie & Daughter Eden; Son Matthew Green, Wife Bethany & Sons Brennan & Brody; Stepdaughter Laurel, husband Patrick McIlhenney, Children Jack & Ellis; Stepson Justin Green, Wife Bridgett, Children Ainsley & Austin Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. As a sworn member of the New York State Police I was assigned to Troop E Communications Section, Canandaigua and became Assistant Communications Supervisor. I then was promoted to Sergeant and eventually Station Commander of two stations (SP Henrietta and SP Canandaigua). In 1994 I was promoted to Senior Investigator with the Office of Human Resources at Division Headquarters in Albany and assigned to Western New York. After retiring from the State Police I was elected to the office of Town Supervisor, Town of Hopewell and served the community for 12 years. I became chairperson for Ontario County Public Works Committee and Alternatives to Incarceration Sub-Committee. As a representative for the Town of Hopewell I served on the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council and co-chaired that council for two years. Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the results that were accomplished. In 2007 I became a member of the Canandaigua Rotary Club. In 2009 I became co-chairperson for the Annual Jackpot Drawing tickets. I accepted the responsibility to organize the distribution of the 700 tickets to Rotarians to sell. I kept track of each ticket sold by logging in the seller and buyers name on Excel spreadsheet. I remained co-chair for four years and every year all 700 tickets were sold raising $17,500 for projects in our community. In 2010 I became a member of the Canandaigua Rotary Board of Directors. On July 1, 2012 I became the Program Chairperson for weekly Rotary lunch meetings and am currently President Elect. I will be the President of the Canandaigua Rotary Club beginning July 1, 2014. Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the advancement and leadership of women in your profession. Prior to considering taking the entry level exam to become a New York State Trooper I did not realize the Division of State Police were hiring females. I learned since 1974 the State Police had hired and retained five female troopers. Knowing that I was encouraged, I pursued a career in law enforcement. As other young women saw me in a male dominated profession they also had the confidence that they too could pursue a career in law enforcement. As a Sergeant and Station Commander I had the opportunity to mentor troopers assigned to my station. As a Senior Investigator with the Office of Human Resources I was assigned to ensure the Division of State Police was an Equal Opportunity Employer. Giving Back is our ATHENa Leadership theme this year. Describe how you have integrated giving back in your professional and/or personal life. I have always had a strong desire to serve and give back either in my professional or personal community. As a sworn member of the New York State Police, the Town of Hopewell Supervisor and a campaign assistant with Ontario County United Way, I realized the importance of volunteering in our community. I am fortunate to have the time and desire to give back by serving on the Ontario County Community Service Board, Canandaigua Rotary Club Board of Directors, as well as assisting the Ontario County Office for the Aging with the Meals on Wheels Program. Since I became a Rotarian I always remember and try to follow their motto Service Above Self .

Mary R. Green

2013 ATHENA AWARD Nominees

Ginny Gumaer-Muller
CURRENT POSITION: Probation Supervisor EDUCATION: Graduate of Bloomfield Central School, 1975. Graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Social Work, 1979 FAMILY: Husband Rich Muller; Daughter Amanda Harris & Son-in-law Chris Harris; Daughter Holly Wagner; Son Luke Gumaer & Daughter-in-law, Krystal Gumaer; Grandchildren Levi, Cole, Uriah, Jaxen & Lydia; Mom, Gladys Vetter; Sisters Karen Vetter, Linda Vetter & Pam Cleveland; Brother Eric Vetter Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. My biggest professional accomplishment was being selected to coordinate Ontario Countys Alternatives To Incarceration (ATI) program in 1999. Due to jail overcrowding the county recognized the need to devote resources to ATI programs. I was solely responsible to research, develop and recommend programs that would provide viable and effective alternative sentencing options. Following my recommendations, programs were started that remain successful to this day. I was also privileged to be a part of the original team involved in the startup of Drug Treatment Court in our county and am currently a member of the team involved in the startup of a Mental Health Court. Earning the trust of so many, and be invited to serve on these teams, will always be a highlight of my career. Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the results that were accomplished. My employment gives me the opportunity to do community service work every day. My lifelong career has been working with offenders in order that they become more productive citizens as well as better neighbors, parents, employees and community members. Leading the movement on instituting alternatives to incarceration has been the single most rewarding, yet challenging, part of my 34 year career. Difficulty with change and varying philosophies of what constitutes justice has led to many difficult moments. I am proud to model for women in this profession that tenacity and perseverance, along with an unwavering commitment to push forward toward what you believe is right, are admirable qualities. Seeing lives changed for the better and seeing people and families made whole, just never gets old. Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the advancement and leadership of women in your profession. Examples could include mentoring, rolemodeling or developing new policies. Having been a line staff officer for nearly two decades before being promoted to a supervisory position, I have never forgotten the responsibilities, challenges and stress of being a line staff officer. I utilize my sense of humor, as well as my experience to mentor, train, guide and encourage female officers in carrying out their duties. I try to model behavior which they can use when called upon in varying circumstances. I encourage them to strengthen their skills and knowledge base for future promotional and leadership opportunities. I humbly submit that the words of my nominator are an example of the support and mentoring I provide not only to Officer Juive, but to all officers within the department. Giving Back is our ATHENa Leadership theme this year. Describe how you have integrated giving back in your professional and/or personal life. God has given me the gifts of compassion, empathy and a desire to help others. While my job is important, my first priority is my family. I have three children, two of whom are married, and five precious grandchildren, ages five and under, who are my heart. I am an involved grandmother, always opting to spend time with my children and grandchildren over anything else. I also do all I can to assist my mom, who we nearly lost a year ago, but who, through her strength and determination is back living independently. Between work and family, I have little time for other involvements but I give what I can, financially, to charitable organizations and missions trips through my church to places such as Ecuador and Africa.

Canandaigua Centennial
"Saluting the efforts of prominent women of our community."
By Donna De Palma | Messenger Post Media

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ATHENA Award Supplement November 10, 2013

MARY CLARK THOmPSON

Leading up to the change in the legal status of women, on May 14, 1915, the Annual Convention of the Ontario County Woman Suffrage League met at the Ontario County Historical Museum. Three hundred delegates and suffragists attended morning and afternoon sessions to hear Carrie Chapman Catt, the pre-eminent leader of the suffrage movement, speak. Two years prior, in 1913, a bill was signed into law declaring Canandaigua a city, Woodrow Wilson became president, we were one year away from the onset of World War Iand seven long years away from women being granted the right to vote. Successor to Susan B. Anthony, Chapman Catt spurred the assembly in the hope they would accelerate their efforts for the causethe right to voteand contribute generously. After a rousing mass rally scheduled to be held on the steps of the Ontario Courthouse but held instead, because of rain, at the YMCA, over $200 was raised. Just two years later, New York State gave women the right to vote and in 1920, women were given full voting rights. In Chapman Catts words, Women are people and citizens and taxpayers, and as such, entitled to avoice in the government. One citizen and taxpayer, Mary Clark Thompson, left an indelible mark on Canandaigua. Among the projects she funded were Thompson Memorial Hospital including the Maternity Annex at Thompson Memorial Hospital in 1922, a swimming school for community children at Kershaw Park (closed in 1966), the Sonnenberg Playground for children, the purchase of a $5,000 Liberty Bond for Ontario Orphan Asylum; funds to build the post ofce (now the YMCA) and for the Ontario County Historical Society, Wood Library, St. Marys Church, First Methodist Church and Woodlawn Cemetery Chapel. The consummate philanthropist, the bulk of Thompsons philanthropy came after her husband F.F. Thompsons death in 1899. Nearby, the Granger sisters, Antoinette and

Isaphine, although staying out of politics and never publically supporting the suffragists, were prominent philanthropists and community advocateson the board and major nancial contributors to Ontario County Historical Society, the Wood Library and causes affecting children. Community women rallied again in 1936 when thirty local women walked off the job in July of that year at Miller Corset Company protesting low wages and working conditions. Workers were out on strike for twelve weeks, some jailed and ngerprinted, according to the Ontario County Journal, then released. A worker at the plant and organizer for the Ladies Garment Workers Union, Feigel Levine, lead the women until an agreement was reached and new piecework rates achieved. Again women rallied for the troops during World Ward II when the Red Cross Canteen opened in the basement of the Canandaigua Hotel to welcome soldiers and ofcers on their way through town while heading home on leave or returning to duty. Virginia Avery, one of the managers of the Canteen described the scene inside, The Canteen is full of servicemen lined up at the counter or sitting around at the tables eating and drinking in Army khakis and Navy blue contrasting with the red, white and blue of Canteen workers. The Canteen remained open for three years and 21,000 servicemen were served. Women of the Red Cross organized blood drives, prepared bandages, and care packages for soldiers in battle. In the early 70s the Preservation Movement emerged in Canandaigua, spearheaded by women like Caroline Delavan, Patricia Boland, Barbara Swartout and Barb Hamlin as historic buildings and residences started to disappear. In conjunction with Ontario Historical Society Director, Ed Varno, these women saved downtown Canandaigua and many of its surrounding streets by petitioning for historic district classication for downtown. Pat Boland, Continued on Page 16...

ISAPHINE GRANGER
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ONTARIO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

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ATHENA Award Supplement November 10, 2013

Peggy Kane

2013 ATHENA AWARD Nominees

CURRENT POSITION: Retired Educator, Genesee Community College EDUCATION: BA in Liberal Studies - SUNY Brockport, MS degree in Counseling Psychology - SUNY Brockport FAMILY: Husband Peter Kane; Children Emily, Ay, Jacob & Ellen Kane

Lauren Kolb

CURRENT POSITION: Vice President, Business Development Officer, Genesee Valley Trust Company EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management; Master of Science - Strategic Leadership FAMILY: Husband Brian M. Kolb, NYS Assembly Minority Leader; Stepchildren Britton, Clayton & Kylie Kolb

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. With the Disabilities Act, I helped the Learning Center at Genesee Community College grow fourfold. I instituted group counseling and created award-winning programs and clubsStudents with Disabilities Group and Gay and Lesbian Group. In recognition, I received a SUNY Chancellors Award and was promoted to Professor. Since moving to Canandaigua, I decided to use my professional skills as a community advocate. I have worked closely with Herb Havena program for women and their families to heal. I helped bring Voices of Experience to Ontario Countya mentoring program linking successful area business women with atrisk teens. Also, the membership of the 140 year old Canandaigua Botanical Society was shrinking; but since my 13 year presidency the membership is growingwith new and younger families. Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the results that were accomplished. In 2000 five women and I created Ontario/Yates Fund for Women. ONYA has raised an endowment of over $350,000 and has awarded $150,000 in grants to organizations that serve women and girlssuch programs as Legal Aid for Women, Camp Bristol Hills, and Afterschool Acting class. As president of the Wood Library Board, I was involved in the hiring of our current director, moving the library during renovations, and the campaign to secure public funding. I also used the gifts of two 19th century watercolorists to create special exhibitions and sales to support the library. For Rushville Health, an organization serving at-risk women and kids, I wrote grants for Kids Crafts and Teen Parenting. I also organized Monday Dinners for these families served by St. Johns Church. At Gleaners Kitchen I want to expand the missionrather than giving them a fish, teach them to fish. Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the advancement and leadership of women in your profession. One of my most rewarding tasks was mentoring students and interns. Through the Mature Student Program I worked to ease women students return to the academic world. I helped student interns develop the skills that they need in their work. I challenged graduate students to find and hone their skills. Through the Botanical Society I have sought out and encouraged women to lead walks, present papers, and take leadership roles in this 140 year old organization. Giving Back is our ATHENa Leadership theme this year. Describe how you have integrated giving back in your professional and/or personal life. My secret to Giving Back is this: sharing, searching together and giving bring great joy and happiness; true passion is fun! I have seen huge suffering and injustices but also, great courage. Here in Canandaigua Ive made it my mission to educate the community about the underserved, particularly women and children. I have advocated on behalf of Gleaners Kitchen, Rushville Health, Herb Haven and Shimmering Light Farm, ONYA, Voices of Experience, Wood Library, Migrant Ministries as well as championing the environment through the Lagoon Park Restoration, Finger Lakes Land Trust and the Botanical Society. I embrace each with heart, mind and spirit. Ive learned that when I try to make something happen by myself, the result is nothing of note. Working with others using patience, passion, compassion and risking, the whole world opens up and we can accomplish more than we ever imagined!

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. In 2008, I began my educational journey at Roberts Wesleyan College and attained a 4.0 GPA in both my Bachelor and Master Degree programs. I was honored for academic excellence, and named Rochester Area Adult Student of the Year; recognized for balancing family, work, and community affiliations while completing my degrees. Simultaneously, I worked at Canandaigua National Bank in an entry-level position. I advanced through multiple levels of responsibility based on performance excellence; ultimately being promoted to Assistant Vice President at an accelerated pace. Since 2009, I drove significant increases in revenues, in a saturated market, generating a minimum of 6% annual growth. In 2012, my branch revenue base grew 12.9% over four consecutive quarters, ranking in the top three for growth throughout the organization. Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the results that were accomplished. As a director for Serenity House, I fundraise for the organization which provides dignity and unending support to those with less than three months left to live. I believe my contributions make a difference to those who need it the most. As a director for the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce, I think tireless advocacy for businesses in our community is a necessity! My accomplishments reflect the accomplishments of others, and my countless hours on many committees are what our Canandaigua community deserves to help it thrive. As a director for the Bristol Valley Theater, I researched and secured a Capital Improvement Grant of $225,000 to be used for the rehabilitation of the aging theater. Without this effort, its presence in our region was in jeopardy. Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the advancement and leadership of women in your profession. As a mentor, I am honored to champion and support other women. I love to share the power of taking ownership for oneself. This creates a sense of leadership and excellence that resonates within, and allows one to become a difference maker in the lives of others. As an advocate, I continue to support Embrace Your Sisters, an organization which provides emergency financial support to breast cancer patients, and Ontario/Yates Fund for Women (ONYA), where I was asked to share my personal story to help empower youth in a manner that inspires self-confidence and independence. As a professional, I was instrumental in creating a forum where women could meet, learn, grow, and become inspired called the Canandaigua Womens Conference. This event now provides scholarships to women owned start-up projects. Giving Back is our ATHENa Leadership theme this year. Describe how you have integrated giving back in your professional and/or personal life. Giving back stems from my core belief in knowing that to give is to receive, and that is what truly makes the world go round. In every facet of my life, I am compelled to serve in a benevolent way; whether it is supporting my husband in his public service, volunteering in the community, or mentoring in the workplace. However, I think giving back is more than what people see. It is about believing in others and inspiring them to believe in themselves. It is about encouraging growth, and motivating people in a high quality way. Giving is a choice that creates synergy and impacts the world. To me, giving back is a commitment and a responsibility knowing that I can help others help themselves.

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ATHENA Award Supplement November 10, 2013

Margaret W. Meyer
2012 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Recipient "Passion will drive the mission."
By Donna De Palma | Messenger Post Media Margaret (Maggie) W. Meyer, Vice President, Personal Banking Manager at Canandaigua National Bank (CNB), believes you need to have that passion to make things happen. Her professional accomplishments at a young age led her to be honored with the 2012 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award. A single mother of three young children, Meyer began her career in nancial services in 1994 and has been with CNB since 2007. Meyer earned a B.S. in Finance and an MBA from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. Her meteoric career has been balanced by her enduring commitment to community service and the advancement of women. A retail banking program she was hired to manage six years ago at CNB, has evolved into much more. Meyer developed services on the retail side then partnered with the banks trust department to offer more comprehensive services to her customers. The personal banking program at CNB used to have an investment focus. We broadened our horizons to include an approach that offers insurance and trusts. We start with a smaller relationship and grow the relationship to offer a broader spectrum of services. When a full-time employee left the insurance agency within CNB, Meyer assumed her responsibilities rather than hire a replacement in order for her to better understand the growth patterns at the bank. Production increased. Meyer isnt just passionate about her work and community. Shes an avid runner who brought her love of running to her workplace by encouraging employees at CNB to join the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge, a 3.5 mile race designed to promote tness in the workplace. Sixtyve employees, on average, now participate annually. I encourage people to walk if they cant run. Weve tilted the scales, more women are participating now than men. When I visit a branch, we talk about healthy lunch hours. Twenty minutes is all it takes to get a healthy workout brisk walking, stretching. Its all about workplace wellness and staying t. Meyers most meaningful community leadership role began in 2007 when she joined what was then the Business and Professional Womens Club of Canandaigua. The mission of the group was to advocate for other women personally, professionally and politically. When I joined, the club was in danger of collapse. It didnt have the minimum number of dues-paying members needed to continue its charter. Meyer suggested some changes to scheduling and Continued on Page 10...

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ATHENA Award Supplement November 10, 2013

Continued from Page 7... venue so that meetings would be more convenient for working women which resulted in increased membership and a new charter name, Professional Women of the Finger Lakes (PWFL). PWFL is an organization whose primary fundraiser is the ATHENA Awards program which awards scholarships to young girls and women in Ontario and Monroe Counties. Developing and nurturing relationships is at the core of Meyers leadership style. She pointed to her mother, Kathleen Wheleham, a bank executive in Rochester and former ATHENA award recipient, as a role model for the woman she is today. One of seven children, Meyer said, When you talk about balancework, life, playI watched my mother juggle it all. Meyer identied Karen Serinis, the rst woman to sit on the Executive team at CNB and Lisa Blakely, Senior VP at CNB, as her inspirations in the workplace. Women like my mother and Karen and Lisa, make me to want to excel. When Meyer was asked if its a good time for women in business, she said, Absolutely! Her advice: To wear it on your sleeve and not be afraid to share itthat excitementthats the rst thing. I have connected with other women through community involvement and in my profession because were passionate about whatever cause were representing. Passion will drive the mission. Meyer is President of The Financial Planning Association of Greater Rochester, serves as President of Ontario Yates Fund for Women and Girls (ONYA), is immediate Past President of The Professional Women of the Finger Lakes where she served in that capacity from 2009-2012, a board member of The Coordinated Child Development Program, Inc.; served on the ATHENA Steering Committee, Canandaigua Chapter from 2008-2011 and is an Advisory Board member of American Red Cross, Finger Lakes, NY Region.

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ATHENA Award Supplement November 10, 2013

Stephanie Kunes-Mincer
Current Position: President and CEO National MS Society, Upstate New York Chapter EDUCATION: Master of Social Work - University of Buffalo Family: Children Ben Mincer 16 & Abby Mincer 15

2013 ATHENA AWARD Nominees

Current Position: CEO of the Canandaigua Family YMCA

Laurie O'Shaughnessy

EDUCATION: BS in Mathematics and Education - Nazareth College; AS in Mathematics - Finger Lakes Community College Family: Husband Patrick; Children Jill, 15 & Brendan, 18

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. Thirty-two years ago when I accepted the position as bus driver for the Multiple Sclerosis Society I never expected to have such a long career and 29 years later become the president. I knew early on that I wanted to be a part of creating change for those living with MS and pursued my degree in social work. With that degree, the programs and services I created in Ontario County were replicated across the country to improve quality of life for those living with MS, which was very exciting. Through the years the chapter grew from covering four counties to fifty counties in New York State. Now, as president, I travel the state as the voice of those living with MSand continue to advocate and create change. Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the results that were accomplished. As a lifelong resident of Cheshire, I was excited to be asked to serve on the board of the Cheshire Community Action Team (CCAT). Its great being a part of this community and working with a wonderful group of leadership volunteers to achieve the goals that make it a wonderful community to live in. Right now we are working hard to raise revenue to restore the Cheshire Grange, originally built as a theatre in 1898. Being the first and only property in Canandaigua to be placed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places speaks to the dedication of the volunteers committed to this project. Just like an individual, when a community knows its heart and finds its passion it will strive and thrive. Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the advancement and leadership of women in your profession. In 2010, I became the first female president in 30 years to lead the chapter and, like most non-profit health agencies, our employees have been predominantly female, usually 90% or greater. I am a firm believer in professional development and have created a culture at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society where learning is encouraged and getting involved in committees and other organizations is promoted as a way for people to learn, grow and discover their passions. I have challenged the women around me to be the best that they can be by putting them in leadership positions, giving them opportunities to try new things and providing access to resources to help them grow, both professionally and personally. Giving Back is our ATHENa Leadership theme this year. Describe how you have integrated giving back in your professional and/or personal life. I see Giving Back as the foundation of our society. I try to do as much as I can with my philanthropic dollars and volunteer time, not only because it is important to me as a citizen of this community, but also as a parent. I try to model the behaviors I hope to instill in my children and I have always encouraged and supported my childrens natural instincts to help others. We have worked side by side at school and community events and they see the difference they can make. I work in a field where I see the difference even a small gesture can make. Truly spending more time looking out the window rather than in the mirror will show opportunities where you can serve the greater good.

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. The YMCA has a rich history of being the center of the community, bringing people together and nurturing potential. For those reasons, I consider myself the luckiest person in our area, for the opportunity to lead this organization in our beautiful community. The YMCA has been growing on Main Street for more than 100 years, with partnerships that have developed over time. I am proud that I was able to lead the team that brought new life to Atwater Square in 2009, when we added a new Aquatic Center for our community to enjoy. From our quality infant programs, to the thriving water therapy programs that greatly benefit older adults, and everyone in between, I am excited to play a part in changing lives. Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the results that were accomplished. Fostering success with new events that really matter, are the roles I find most meaningful. As a member of the Kiwanis Club, I was able help lead the first Easter Egg Hunt, which has had many years of success. Twenty-five years ago, the Ontario Charities Classic was formed to raise money county-wide, for many organizations to get an extra boost for programs and helping those in need. Advancing from participant, to secretary to chair of this event has been very rewarding. As a member of the Board of Directors at the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce, I was co-chair of the membership campaign. We brought many new businesses into the chamber, and I enjoy reading the anniversary years of those who have continued that partnership years later. Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the advancement and leadership of women in your profession. The Canandaigua YMCA is nearly 110 years strong, and in 2000, I became the first female CEO. By mentoring staff and modeling leadership behaviors, I am helping others to advance. Kari Buch started at the YMCA, and now leads our local United Way. YMCA Senior Program Director, Melissa Gaspary, is highly regarded by fellow staff, and in the community. Lindsey Dixon-Marianetti is active with a National YMCA campaign program. Ingrid Lagoe has been Aquatics Director for under a year, and is already a trainer. Recently, I asked a question of a staff member that I was asked 25 years ago. Have you ever considered the YMCA as a career? Mary Shaver is now a Program Director. These women will mold the future of our YMCA. Giving Back is our ATHENa Leadership theme this year. Describe how you have integrated giving back in your professional and/or personal life. I feel fortunate to have been involved in the Canandaigua Community for more than 30 years. The source of my motivation is giving back, and being able to nurture and grow relationships. My role enables me to be involved with Kiwanis, and afforded me opportunities to help others through organizations in the community, like Salvation Army, FLCC, Sonnenberg and Granger Homestead. My family has been right alongside of me, from my dad helping build scarecrows in Atwater Park, and Pat, Jill and Brendan joining me to ring a bell for Salvation Army and running a 5K to support the Red Cross. Giving back to the community that has supported me, makes me want to race into work each day and share these experiences.

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Susan Welch
2012 PWFL scholarship recipient "When we value ourselves, our lives are better and the world itself, improves with us.
By Donna De Palma | Messenger Post Media A massage therapist since 2003 and owner of Island Wellness, a massage and wellness center in Geneva New York, Susan Welch is the 2013 recipient of the Randy and Margaret Farnsworth ATHENA scholarship. Her essay on Fierce Advocacy is only part of her story. Welch opened Island Wellness in October of 2012 while completing a bachelors degree in Community and Human Services at SUNY Empire State College. She earned her degree while her two children, Bradley and Alyson, were each in college themselves. A single mother, Welch said, Having my own healing center is the culmination of a dream and lots of hard work. Her dream of opening a second center on the island of Anguilla in the Caribbean is now within reach. Welch worked in Anguilla as a massage therapist from 2006 - 2007. She recently began a program in Naturopathy at the School of Natural Medicine on the Caribbean island of Nervis, which houses a 6,000 patient clinic where she sought treatment after a terminal cancer diagnosis in 2009. A breast cancer survivor who chose alternative practices for her own recovery, her goal is to bring the message of herbal and Ayurvedic healing to women everywhere. Welch acknowledged that her course in life was, most likely, pre-determined. Every time I wandered or headed in a different direction, I always returned to the practice of alternative healing. Welch cited her most meaningful leadership role in the community as her work with Herb Haven, a not-for-prot organization in Canandaigua for women on the path to selfsustainability. She offers breast health and herbal workshops to women in crisis there. I want to help women reconnect with themselves because so much of my lifes journey has been about nding, reconnecting and healing myself. Her goal to help women and families reclaim their health and to empower and educate them about natural medicine, includes plans for future community outreach. Using a technique known as Healing Touch, Welch, a certied Healing Touch Buddy provides complimentary energy treatments to women going through or recovering from cancer. I live what I preach. After a terminal diagnosis like mine, you can either wither only to live in fear or you can take the higher road, said Welch whose grandparents set an example for how she lives today. Welch grew up working with her maternal grandmother in gardens she tended on Seneca Lake. Both of her maternal grandparents were educated farmers who taught at Cornell University. Im a free spirit who feels a great responsibility to make a contribution to the human race. Ive been blessed with two beautiful children. Theyve grounded me and taught me that when you value your most important relationships in life, for example, your relationship with yourself, your family, your community, the earth, whatever creator you believe in, thats key to everything. Welch identied, through her work, a need to re-empower women. I think the feminine principle is so undervalued in the world today. When we value ourselves, our lives are better and the world itself, improves with us.

ATHENA Award Supplement November 10, 2013

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ATHENA Award Supplement November 10, 2013

Kathleen Quinn
Current Position: President, New Perspectives Coaching EDUCATION: Master of Fine Arts - Syracuse University; Professional Credential Coach; Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner Certification; Bachelor of Science in Design - Buffalo State Family: Daughter Meaghan Quinn; Life Partner Joe Matus

2013 ATHENA AWARD Nominees

CURRENT POSITION: Director of Case Management/ Social Work at Thompson Health EDUCATION:Bachelors Degree - SUNY Geneseo; Masters in Social Work - Syracuse University FAMILY: Husband Richard Cutting; Daughters Jessica, 26 & Emily, 24; Son Alan, 20

Mary Savastano Cutting

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. I studied design in New York City and hold an MFA from Syracuse University. As a former art educator I offered the arts as a vehicle for empowerment and initiated an intensive high school program combining coaching principles, yoga and the arts designed to fuel resilience. During those weeks there was a positive buzzzzz throughout; students shared feeling centered, more powerful and performing better on tests. Because of their feedback, I devoted a year to pursuing my Professional Coaching Credential and Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner Certification. After 18 years in education, in 2005, I launched New Perspectives Coaching for reaching a wider audience as a transformational leadership coach and motivational speaker. My sweet spot is bringing professional women together for an immersive experience designed to validate their innovative ideas, brilliance and drive. Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the results that were accomplished. I am involved in several ongoing community efforts. As a member of Professional Women of the Finger Lakes since 2011, I serve on the board and am currently in my 2nd term as secretary along with serving on the Women of Distinction Committee. I presented at the PWFL Women Cultivating Success conference and have facilitated motivational workshops for regional non-profit organizations. I am currently a Christkindl Community Committee Member, my role is building a bridge between Christkindl Community Market and the downtown merchants for an expanded 2013 Community Event. I have been involved with Granger Christkindl Market and Sonnenbergs annual Arts in the Garden show as a judge and more. I also served as Chapter President of the International Coaching Federation for Ithaca and the Greater Rochester - Finger Lakes area. Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the advancement and leadership of women in your profession. As a Credentialed Coach and Certified Communication Specialist I travel the country motivating women in powerful roles. I offer leadership coaching, personal management tools with communication strategies for enhancing the efficacy of communication and the art of influence. As a collaborator I work with Melissa Kelly-McCabe, a Board Certified Coach; together we offer seminars locally called Leadership Unleashed! I spearhead partnering with women offering transformational forums designed to move them beyond the myth of work-life balance to thriving world players. I enjoy inspiring groups from as small as 20 to auditorium capacity. In April 2013 I was honored to present to 1,100 executives in Omaha at a womens leadership conference where I engaged participants by pulling from the world of story telling, social psychology and expressive arts. Giving Back is our ATHENa Leadership theme this year. Describe how you have integrated giving back in your professional and/or personal life. In 2008 I initiated an ongoing womens mastermind group forum. I am very passionate about bringing women together as co-creators, to move them beyond traditional networking as we know it. The womens masterminding process provides a supportive, structured environment where women come together to share their stories, ideas and vision for expotential growth. My vision is for women everywhere to tune in and tap in to being the best version of themselves, to courageously model purpose driven leadership that is so compelling it will transform our world as we know it. My goal is to inspire the WOW in all women leaders and to change the trajectory of their professional lives for profound influence.

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. Mentoring a respected social work department is my top professional accomplishment. Department members have been awarded Shining Star recognition for excellence, compassion and dedication. Making a difference is the motivation. We have created programs and processes including: Identification and support of domestic violence victimssometimes simply using the words, you do not deserve to be abused helps women to admit abuse, seek assistance, or decide to go to a safe home. Our goal is to break the cycles of violence. Implementation of a suicide risk assessment tool allows us to empathetically assist patients with depression or suicidal thoughts and make appropriate referrals. We save lives. Making referrals for financial assistance. Its heartwarming when patients are overcome with gratitude for assistance that eases their financial burdens. Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the results that were accomplished. Social workers always go the extra mile. Every day we advocate for those in need, collaborate with community agencies, brainstorm options and identify gaps. Meaningful leadership roles include: Transportation needs and CATS bus; Home care and inception of Finger Lakes Visiting Nurse Service; Community education programs regarding advanced directives, dementia, alternate care planning and depression screenings; Obtaining funds for Sands Cancer Center patients struggling financially with cost of co-pays or gasoline; Alzheimers Walk; Establishing a comfort care home in Canandaigua. The job of a social worker is to bridge barriers and gaps in care and services. We make a difference in peoples lives. We are often told when seen outside of work, I remember youyou helped me and my family. Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the advancement and leadership of women in your profession. Continuing education and experiential learning are essential to expanding social work expertise and profession. We have mentored many students over the years from Nazareth, Keuka, University of Buffalo, Syracuse University, Brockport and Roberts Wesleyan College. We have also hosted many interns including Thompson Health employees wishing to better understand the Social Work role. Social workers who have completed internships at Thompson have found employment at the VA and at many other regional nursing facilities as directors. One recently relayed that her internship and job at Thompson prepared her for subsequent roles including the job she has today. We are proud of our professionmany of our social work interns have in turn, mentored social work interns of their own. Giving Back is our ATHENa Leadership theme this year. Describe how you have integrated giving back in your professional and/or personal life. I have much to be thankful for including many opportunities to give back and extraordinary support from family, friends and colleagues. In my fathers final days, he challenged me by saying, Mary, you can do better. His words have been my inspiration for my work with a community group dedicated to establishing a much needed comfort care home in Canandaigua. His battle with cancer was challenging, yet, I fondly remember those who were there to provide perspective, understanding, compassion and support. His words helped me realize that even the strongest of individuals need compassion and assistance in difficult situations or at the end of life. Giving back by being there for family, friends, patients and family is what it is all about.

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ATHENA Award Supplement November 10, 2013

ATHENA Connections
"Bringing inspiration, personal experience and ATHENA leadership tenets to students."
By Donna De Palma | Messenger Post Media

ATHENA Connections grew out of a grassroots effort to develop leadership skills in young women at SUNY Geneseo. Randy and Margaret Farnsworths daughter, Alex, attended Geneseo, and while studying business there, was required to complete extracurricular credits for her degree. Originating from an idea credited to the Farnsworths, ATHENA Connections brings inspiration, personal experience and ATHENA leaderships tenets to college students. Rhoda Childs, 2005 ATHENA recipient and retired Managing Director of United Way of Ontario County, and Janet Tenreiro, former owner of The Medicine Shoppe, with husband, Kim, bring past ATHENA recipients to local colleges to speak and conduct workshops designed to inspire young people to achieve success in their communities and in their chosen professions. The goal of ATHENA Connections is to bridge the gap between education and career. Women dont think of themselves as leaders, said Childs. When youre young, you dont think as much about community or impacting other peoples lives. The idea of community service for students in college is catching on and today ATHENA Connections is expanding. Finger Lakes Community College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges and Keuka College, will host workshops. Childs reected on her career in community service. I was able to achieve what I did at the United Way by building

relationships and establishing trust. Thats how we began with ATHENA Connections, and its grown from there. Tenreiro, 2006 ATHENA recipient, agreed women are reluctant to assume leadership roles. Women are slow to pat themselves on the back. Theyll take a backseat to male counterparts, if they feel intimidated, said Tenreiro who admitted shed like to see more women in leadership roles. Id love to see a woman president. Women are making great strides in local elections. I look forward to seeing a reection of that on the national level. Students who participate in the program receive college credit for attending at some participating colleges. ATHENA Connections plans to expand to area businesses. To schedule a lecture for your business or organization, contact the Canandaigua Chamber at 585-394-4400. Topics covered are both practical and motivational and include the tenets of the ATHENA Leadership Model: The Authentic Self, Relationships, Giving Back, Collaboration, Courageous Acts, Learning, Fierce Advocacy and Celebration & Joy. Practical topics such as managing competing priorities, overcoming obstacles in your career and other subjects not often addressed in the classroom are also presented. ATHENA Connections is free to participants, who, said Tenreiro, have a good time listening and learning and is a collaboration between Canandaigua ATHENA and ATHENA Geneva.

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Continued from Page 7... one of the early preservationists, went on to become mayor. According to City of Canandaigua Historian Lynn Paulson, the Preservation Movement changed the nature and color of local government. A number of women began to serve not only on City Council but on Zoning and Planning Boards in the 70s. Prior to that, these boards were dominated by men. Canandaigua also has a rich tradition of having many women of their Board of Education. At one point, we had nearly all women on

the Board of Education. Paulson pointed to prominent women who have been CEOs here: former ATHENA recipient, Linda Farchione-Hawks who is a past president and CEO of Thompson Health, and others who have held positions that affect the quality of life in Canandaigua such as our current mayor, Ellen Polimeni. As we close this Centennial, celebrating 100 years of incorporation of our city, we salute the efforts of prominent women here who have protected our neighborhoods, our livelihoods, our children, our rights and who have shown leadership, whatever the price.

Congratulations to all of the 2013 ATHENA and ATHENA YPLA Nominees

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2013 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD Nominees

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ATHENA Award Supplement November 10, 2013

2013 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award

recognizing and honoring exceptional role models
The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award (YPLA) recognizes emerging women who are leaders; who demonstrate excellence, creativity and service in their professional 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 to strive for their full potential, these young professional women lead by example. The Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Professional Women of the Finger Lakes presents the YPLA each year at the ATHENA Awards to recognize outstanding local women who have made signicant contributions on a local or global scale. Their accomplishments bring us closer to a more balanced distribution of leadership by women. YPLA honorees receive this award to mark their unique qualities as they meet and, in some cases, exceed established criteria. The YPLA recipient is an emerging leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in her profession. She provides valuable service while improving the quality of life for others in her community. The YPLA recipient serves as a role model for young women in her profession and in her personal life. YPLA recipients are nominated, then selected, by a selection committee comprised of community leaders with diverse backgrounds. To qualify, a nominee must be 40 years of age or younger, live in the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce service area, and come from either the prot or not-for-prot sectors. Nominees stand apart as aspiring women leaders, celebrated through the ATHENA movement. The Canandaigua ATHENA program is a model that creates ways for women to use the tenets of the ATHENA leadership modelthe authentic self, relationships, giving back, collaboration, courageous acts, learning, erce advocacy and celebration and joy. Since the inception of ATHENA International in 1982, the prestigious ATHENA award has been presented to women in over 500 communities worldwide.

Erica Bapst
Owner of Adorn Jewelry & Accessories
Very early on, Erica Bapst exhibited signs of professional leadership. As she nished her Bachelors Degree in Metalsmithing from SU, she worked at a local jewelry shop and found herself running the store through circumstance. In 2004, when she was 25 years old, Erica opened Adorn. Erica moved her shop in 2013 to Main Street, increasing her visibility and tripling her retail and studio space. Just this month, her space transformed yet again when local artist Christine Henehan purchased the space next door and together, they connected the two storefronts. Erica is heavily involved in the community. She is a member of the Merchants Association, Chamber of Commerce, FLCC Foundation and the Plein Air Festival Committee. As part of giving back, Erica donates 25% of the proceeds of her artwork to FLCCs student supply fund. Erica is a perfect example of a professional leader who cares for the community she lives and works in.

Lindsey Dixon-Marianetti
Director of Development/Communications, Greater Canandaigua Family YMCA
Lindsey takes her role as "professional role model" very seriously, with a major dash of fun and youthful enthusiasm. Whether it be at the YMCA as Director of Development/ Communications and tness instructor, as co-chair of the Rotary Waterfront Festival and Social Media Chair, or in her previous position in the PR Department of Dixon Schwabl, her infectious can do attitude makes a great impact on everyone's life she touches. Yet Lindsey would tell you she has gained far more from the people she has interacted with than she has given them. Lindsey organized PR for a visit by Olympian Ryan Lochte made with the YMCA Swim Team; she led a major rebranding effort at the Y and has helped grow the Riesling Festival to raise over $150,000 for the Canandaigua YMCA. Much of her success comes from the fact that she is not afraid to share her thoughts and opinions, and tell it like it is.

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ATHENA Award Supplement November 10, 2013

2013 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD Nominees

Mandy Friend
Realtor for Keller Williams Realty
Mandy is a young, driven entrepreneur who began her real estate career in 2010. She was recognized as Nothnagle's Rookie of the Year in 2010 and by the Greater Rochester Area Realtors in 2012 for her sales results. This year she has already sold $7.5 million, which is AMAZING! Mandy is an avid lacrosse player and has represented Team Canada in the 2009 World Cup and again in 2013. She shares her talents and started friendly.lax where she runs lacrosse camps for girls from age four to college age. Mandy has been a member of PWFL since 2010 and for the past two years has been chair of the PR committee. She is also an active member of Rochester Young Professionals, which is the largest professional group in Rochester. She co-chairs the professional development committee. Mandy also volunteers for Kiwanis' Spaghetti Dinners and is a bell ringer during the holidays.

Dr. Trista Merrill

Professor of English-Humanities Department Finger Lakes Community College
Trista Merrill is Professor of English at FLCC rising to this rank in less than 10 years. Known as an innovative teacher, Trista creates new classes, uses differing modalities and inspires her students to do their best. A published author, presenter at professional meetings, participant in Faculty Readings, master advisor, summer orientation advisor, Veterans advocate, member of the Teaching Center Board, and committee volunteerall in addition to her teaching schedule. Trista was the 2013 recipient of the Chancellors Award for Excellence in Teaching and was recently named a Channel 8 Golden Apple winnerthe rst from higher education. For the last two years, she has lead the FLCC Cares team (leading corporate fundraisers) in the Walk to End Alzheimers. Trista is the creator behind the Facebook page"Only Good News"a page that shares stories with happy endings. She lives in Canandaigua with husband Jonathon and many pets.

Jessica Nava
Senior Account Manager Finger Lakes Technologies Group
Named "Technology Person of the Year", Jessica earned this prestigious award due to her performance as a sales leader by growing her business sector at Finger Lakes Technology from a few thousand dollars of revenue to $8 million in just two years. Jessica was selected to develop and administer the Finger Lakes Technology University because of her knowledge and success as a leader in her eld of technology. Jessica is very active in the community and was the founder of the Finger Lakes Networking Group, a non-prot organization helping local families and connecting entrepreneurs. Jessica has an amazing amount of drive and passion and believes that young women can have it all. She is an excellent role model, a top earning sales rep and an advocate for women in business. To top all of her accomplishments, she is a loving wife and mother of three children. Her nominator said..."She has amazing balance."

Heidi Solimine
Area Sales Manager Five Star Bank
Heidi has worked diligently to coach and mentor employees on techniques that have served her well. Her employees are ercely loyal to her because she leads by example and works to ensure that each and every employee is given an opportunity to grow and develop to the level they desire. Heidis team genuinely enjoys working with her and admits that she has taught them new thingseven though many of them have more years of work experience. They are proud to be part of her winning team and work to strengthen the skills she has taught and modeled for them. She does an outstanding job of managing those older than her, evolving and improving their productivityand they still love their jobs! She is an active member in the Chamber of Commerce, Young Entrepreneur Academy, United Way, Canandaigua Rotary, and leads educational seminarsin basic nances, time management, budgeting and establishing investment accounts.

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