Leadership Rochester

The Power of Economic Development

This month, our Leadership Rochester Class of 2026 was hosted on the beautiful RIT Campus, and had the opportunity to participate in a power-packed day focused on Economic Development in the Greater Rochester region, and what it will take to build a stronger, more equitable future.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to our incredible speakers and panelists who brought expertise, insight, and real-world perspective to the room:

From regional strategy and growth with Leah George VanScott(Greater Rochester Enterprise) to industry insights from Chris Suozzi (Genesee County Economic Development Center), our cohort gained a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our local economy.

Our discussion on the New York State ON-RAMP & Tech Hub,expertly moderated by Joseph Stefko (OneROC), featuring Kathleen Martin (NextCorps), Dr. Robin Cole (MCC), Ryne Raffaelle (RIT), and Chris Harris (RIT) highlighted the innovation and collaboration driving our region forward.

The Workforce Development Panel, led by Molly McGowan, Ph.D. and featuring Rich Turner , Rosalie Clemens, and Kim Ga***rd , grounded us in the importance of talent pipelines and aligning workforce systems with opportunity.

Our afternoon site visits to NextCorps, MCC FWD Center, and RIT’s cutting-edge facilities brought learning to life, demonstrating how innovation, education, and industry intersect right here in Rochester.

We closed the day with a powerful Minority & Women-Owned Business Fireside Chat featuring Jessica L. Lewis , Maisha Beard, and Ebony Miller, MBA, reminding us that equitable economic development must center access, opportunity, and inclusion.

To all who shared their time, knowledge, and leadership- thank you!
You helped equip the next generation of leaders with the insight needed to drive meaningful change in our community.

If you’re a Leadership Rochester alum, you know the mid-year retreat is one of the most memorable parts of the program, an experience that stays with you long after it ends.
A heartfelt thank-you to Skip Helfrich for skillfully facilitating the first day of our retreat, setting the stage for meaningful reflection and connection. On day two, our cohort built on that momentum with insightful conversations that deepened our understanding and brought shared learning to life.
The day began with a powerful foundational discussion led by Shane Wiegand and Sydney Bell of Our Local History, followed by Sady Alvarado-Fischer, who guided us through a thoughtful and reflective lens.
In the afternoon, a community panel moderated by Nikisha Ridgeway highlighted the lived experiences of our neighbors and the impactful work happening across Rochester. Panelists Caridad Sosa-Blackwell, Dr. Candice Lucas, Annette Ramos, and Madison Byrne offered inspiring perspectives that reminded us of the importance of collaboration and community care.
Continuing that theme, Dr. Kesha Carter CDE®, PHR, helped us translate those lessons into actionable steps within our organizations through an engaging and interactive activity.
To close the day, Laura Sugarwala, MBA, RDN, centered us with intentional breathing and mindfulness, a grounding and restorative conclusion to an inspiring two-day experience.

The core of leadership is service! This past Friday, our current cohort of dynamic leaders delved deeper into systems change discussion, interactive scenarios, and service to our community! It was a day filled with great energy. Thank you NextCorps for hosting our class day!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 3rd Annual Leadership Rochester Kickstart Symposium! Because of you, it was a powerful start filled with connection, learning, and Hope filled momentum. Let’s keep leading forward! Keep an eye out for our Symposium recap.

3-Days, The countdown continues! This Friday, January 9th Leadership Rochester will host our 3rd Annual Kickstart Leadership Symposium at the beautiful Glazer Music Performance Center, located at Nazareth University!

This is your opportunity to make value connections, and network with other local professionals and community leaders, you will hear from our line up of dynamic speakers, who will most certainly set a powerful the tone for the new year!
Ashley Cross, Ed.D, MNM ,Wanda Cooper EdD, Christina GulloMichelle RowlandLC CrossKrystle Ellis "The Culture Broker"

📌Learn More & Register Today:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kickstart-2026-leadership-symposium-tickets-1968262748866?aff=oddtdtcreator