RWN - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- VP Programs
- VP Programs / Northwest Bank
Born and raised in Rochester, Alissa attended Nazareth Academy for high school, where she participated in 3 Varsity sports and was active in the community, volunteering for the Sisters of Saint Joseph in their various missions throughout the area. She went on to earn her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from SUNY Oswego. Alissa then returned to Rochester, and started working for Paychex. She then moved to Northwest Bank, working as a teller, knowing she could use it as a stepping stone for advancement in her professional career. Within a year, Alissa was promoted to a platform position, where she used her organizational and time management skills to create efficiencies within the branch and hone her supervisory skills through employee training and development.
Since starting with Northwest in 2011, Alissa has been working to advance her career, with her most recent promotion in October of 2018 to Branch Manager. Over the past 8+ years she has learned a tremendous amount about not just the banking industry, but also managing employees, business development, and building genuine relationships with customers and business partners alike. Northwest believes in educating their employees through professional development, and Alissa has taken full advantage of this by attending numerous leadership seminars, and advancing through their uSucceed program. She has had the opportunity to attend a variety of classes on different leadership and management topics, and has gained tools and knowledge that she will carry with her through every aspect of her professional life.
Aside from Alissa's involvement in RWN where she serves on several committees and participates in the Young Professionals SIG, she is involved in a BNI group that meets weekly to build and foster business relationships. Alissa stays active in the community, continuing to serve the Sisters of Saint Joseph on their annual gala planning committee, and administer financial education classes to non-profit groups in the Rochester area through Northwest's Engage program. When not working, networking, or volunteering, you can find Alissa spending time with her close-knit family (fur baby Walter included!), running, traveling, and enjoying the great restaurant scene Rochester has to offer!
Brigid Ryan has been an RWN member for 20 years. She has served as chair of the membership committee, chair of the "W" Award committee and the community service SIG. She also served six years on the board previously. Brigid has spent most of her professional career in the non-profit sector, working in public relations, volunteer management and fund development at several area organizations. She is currently on the advisory board of Mercy Spirituality Center. She has lived in the Rochester area for 20 years.
Dawn has been an accountant since 1985 working with individuals and small business as their tax advisor. This includes helping clients to understand what records they need, how best to assemble them and when deadlines are approaching. She helps the clients understand what they need for their tax reporting obligations, answers their questions and gives them "if it was me, I would" solutions. In 2010, after quite a bit of encouragement from RWN's Leadership SIG and years spent building a solid clientele, Dawn started Dawn Hampsey CPA - primarily serving Individuals, and small to mid-size businesses.
Dawn has a Bachelors of Science in Accounting from Elmira College, and a Masters of Science in Taxation from SUNY Albany.
She has been a member of RWN since 1997, and currently serving as their VP of Finance. Since then, she has held various committee positions with Programs Committee, Board Connections Committee, Business Conference Committee, Up & Coming Awards Committee, Nominating Committee as well as the SIG Chair, VP of Finance and RWN President. Dawn currently participates on the following committees and SIGs: Finance Committee, SIG Committee, the Board of Advisors SIG, Wine SIG part Deux, Restaurant SIG, Book Club SIG and the Sales & Marketing SIG.
Job Titles:
- Branch Manager
- VP Major Events, Secretary
Erin is a Branch Manager and Small Business Lender at Northwest Bank. After moving to Rochester in 2008, she began her career with the company as a Teller in the fall of 2009. At that time, Northwest was opening 3 branches in the Rochester market; Erin was an important part of the grand opening team […]
Job Titles:
- Member at Large
- Owner and Founder of Irene McKenna Coaching
Irene is the owner and founder of Irene McKenna Coaching. She's a parenting coach passionate about supporting moms to experience relief from the stress, overwhelm, and frustration of parenting (and their child's behavior) to create a more empowered reality filled with peace, joy, and connection. She's the co-founder of The Empowered Mom Project and host […]
Job Titles:
- Founder and Executive Director of Jazz Network
Jazz Haywood is the Founder and Executive Director of Jazz Network. Jazz Network is a support network for girls ages 11-18 that provides positive mentorship, skill development, and networking opportunities to empower the next generation of women leaders.
Jazz was born and raised in Rochester, NY and takes pride in being a positive role model to girls and young women in her community.
She earned her Master's degree in Sport Administration from Canisius College and a Bachelor's degree in Digital Arts and Sciences from Clarkson University.
In her previous positions, she has served as a Program Coordinator for the Science and Technology Entry Program at Monroe Community College, a long-term substitute teacher in the Rochester City School District, an Academic Advisor at the University of Rochester, and the Community Relations Coordinator with the Buffalo Bills.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing basketball, and spending time with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Owner of Rochester Research Associates
- VP Membership
Jennifer Cave is the owner of Rochester Research Associates, LLC, a company that provides independent contract compliance and research services in the construction industry on publicly funded projects. The company's mission is to deter, prevent, and detect any misuse of taxpayer funds by ensuring proper administration of the projects' requirements while providing opportunities to underrepresented […]
Job Titles:
- Director of People Operations at Measures for Justice
- Member at Large
Jill Wesley is the Director of People Operations at Measures for Justice. In this role at MFJ, Jill will be responsible for assisting with the development of the organization's culture and people as well as seeing overseeing Human Resources functions. Prior to coming to MFJ, Jill served as the Director of Career Services at The […]
Job Titles:
- Financial Divorce Consultant
- VP Revenue Development
Jillian is a Financial Divorce Consultant, otherwise known as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and the Founder of Supportive Divorce Solutions. Supportive Divorce Solutions is an independent consulting firm that provides services and consultation regarding the impact of divorce on finances. Jillian believes that through advocating, educating and empowering her clients they can understand how […]
Job Titles:
- Member at Large
- Owner of Sip Back & Relax Tours
Jordan is the owner of Sip Back & Relax Tours and JF Bookkeeping Solutions. She grew up in Eden, NY and came to Rochester to attend Nazareth College. Jordan began her career as a CPA and after 13.5 years in corporate businesses, she has transitioned into full entrepreneurship. She lives in Gananda with her husband and two young sons.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer and HR Manager for MicroPen Technologies
- Member at Large
Joy Piccolo is the Chief Financial Officer and HR Manager for MicroPen Technologies, a small, specialty electronics and printing company located in Honeoye Falls. She is a seasoned financial manager with a blend of finance, accounting and operations skills. Joy recognizes the importance of and values building and supporting a strong team, providing quality, timely […]
Job Titles:
- Member at Large
- Merger & Acquisition Advisor at Next Point
Jui Trivedi is a Merger & Acquisition Advisor at Next Point,LLC. She leads the firm's Rochester, NY office. Her area of focus includes mergers and acquisitions, value enhancement strategies to increase enterprise value and strategic exit plans for small and middle market business owners. She uses her more than 20 years of broad-based entrepreneurial and advisory experience to provide practical advice to help clients grow the value of their businesses and sell it for the maximum return. Her prior experience also includes working with fortune 100 companies in various financial management roles, emphasizing financial analysis, business modeling and risk management.
Jui Joined RWN in 2020 and is a member of the Finance SIG. She holds a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from M.G Science Institute in India, where she grew up. Jui received M.B.A from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is committed to continuing education obtaining Certification in Mergers & Acquisitions from Columbia Business School as well as Certification in Exit Planning. Jui resides in Pittsford with her husband and two children.
Job Titles:
- VP Marketing
- VP Marketing, Co - VP Finance / the Notable Corporation
Kevin is a dedicated, hardworking sales professional. With years of experience marketing a wide variety of products and services, Kevin has molded his personal approach to the sales process. Currently, he is a sales representative with The Notable Corporation where he focuses on matching clients with products that meet their needs for specific events and projects with new, fun and trendy ideas. With a youthful energy to his sales approach, Kevin successfully builds his client base and fosters long term relationships. Kevin is excited for the opportunity to use this skill set to expand RWN's reach in the Rochester area. A proponent for all women, Kevin is excited to grow RWN to become the voice in Rochester for all women!
Kevin lives with his better half Jennifer, children and the coolest dog, Poncho, in Irondequoit. When he is not researching what the next great giveaway item is under $1.00, Kevin is the MVP and co-captain of a local kickball team, shedding tears during Buffalo Bills games and attempting to golf.
Kevin is an active participant in the Referral SIG.
Job Titles:
- Founder and Owner of Everyday Hands, Inc
- Member at Large
- Member in G.R.a.P.E
- VP Membership
Lauren Goetz is the founder and owner of Everyday Hands, Inc., a Professional Helping company that assists people with the "little, everyday" tasks of life. While, Everyday Hands helps everyone who could use a bit of assistance, we specialize in helping senior citizens with small tasks that will help make their clients live a healthier, safer and happier life.
Lauren has a BS in Accounting from St. Bonaventure University. After leaving her professional career in Corporate America, as an Accountant then a Corporate Recruiter, Lauren decided to start a company that followed her passion for helping people. Thus, in 2017 Everyday Hands, Inc. was born.
Lauren has been a member of RWN since 2016. She has been an active participant in several committees including Ambassador Committee and the Membership Committee. Currently, Lauren is on on the Free Networking Committee and is also co-chair for the RWN Referral SIG I.
In addition to being part of RWN, Lauren is an active member in G.R.A.P.E (Greater Rochester Area Partnership for the Elderly) and PEN (Partnership for the Elderly Network).
Lauren resides in West Irondequoit with her husband Scott and two cats Tucker and Skye. In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband, children Matthew and Bailey, and granddaughter Payton. She loves to spend time outside gardening, boating or just hanging out on her patio. Her favorite pastimes include cooking and looming blankets, as well as reading a good book and attending her monthly book club meetings.
As a coach, Linda works with clients to navigate obstacles, achieve their goals and make lasting change for a happier, more successful life. She is a 2010 graduate of Accomplishment Coaching's Coach Training and Leadership Program. Linda then served on their leadership team for two years where she trained and mentored new coaches. In 2013, […]
Job Titles:
- Member at Large
- Owner of BookeepKerr
Lynn Kerr is the owner of BookeepKerr. BookeepKerr specializes in helping small businesses with their bookkeeping needs. From reconciling bank and credit card accounts, invoicing, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, setting up your QuickBooks desktop or Online file, training, optimizing current QuickBooks file, etc. - She can do it all! Every small business owner's desire is […]
Mary joined RWN in November 2021, participates in the Leadership Sig and volunteers to substitute in the Referral Sig as often as possible.
Job Titles:
- Owner of the Flanagan Mills Insurance Agency
Megan is the owner of the Flanagan Mills Insurance Agency in Irondequoit, NY. Megan has been in the insurance industry for 14 years and opened her own agency in October 2015. The most rewarding part of owning her own agency is to work with customers everyday on identifying which insurance program best fits their unique needs. Megan's key strengths include relationship building, networking, ability to build trust and respect.
Megan has been a member of RWN since 2013. She is currently the immediate past President and Board Secretary. She participates in the Referral SIG and has sponsored several RWN events. In 2017, Megan was a recipient of the RWN Up & Coming Award. Megan has a large family in the upstate NY area and currently lives in Rochester with her husband Brady, daughter Ada and son Jackson.
Michelle L. Wescott, MEd-ID, CPLP, is the Director, Instructional Design at eCornell. Michelle is a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance who has been working in and around talent development for about 20 years. In her early roles, she often found herself developing rudimentary training materials and job aids for colleagues, until she was asked […]
Job Titles:
- Co - VP Finance
- Member at Large
Preeya is currently a Medicare Segment Manager with Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield. She moved back to the Rochester area in 2015, after having spent 17 years working in the health policy arena in the Washington, DC area, to run Gholkar's Incorporated, the family business her father started in 1988.
Preeya has been a member of RWN since 2018 and is a member of the Wine SIG 2, Book Club SIG (which she started), and Motherhood SIG. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and Master of Healthcare Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Preeya currently lives in Pittsford with her husband and two children.
Job Titles:
- Member at Large
- Member of the Rochester Woman 's Network
Renee Nearpass has been an active member of the Rochester Woman's Network since 2014. Since then she has served on event committees and has been a member of both the RWN Rochester Woman Refer Groups 1 and 2. She recently served as co-chair of RWN Referral Group 2 and continues to participate on Support Imparting
Sarah is a manager in the audit and accounting department at Davie Kaplan, CPA, P.C. and holds the role of manager in charge. With a passion for understanding how things work and problem-solving, Sarah was drawn to the public accounting profession and found the perfect fit working with closely-held businesses and their owners. She started her public accounting career at Davie Kaplan in January 2012. She leads engagement teams on audit, review, and compilation engagements in a variety of practice areas including real estate, manufacturing, construction, employee benefit plans, non-profits, and broker dealers. In addition, she assists with corporate, partnership and individual income tax planning and preparation for her business clients and their owners. In her role as manager in charge, she is also responsible for department strategy and oversight, coaching and training, and is an active member of the firm's Quality and Training committees. Prior to taking the leap to the accounting world, Sarah graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester with a B.A. in International Studies and French. Sarah also holds a B.S. in Accounting from SUNY Brockport.
Sarah resides in the North Winton Village neighborhood of Rochester. In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, yoga, and hiking. When she isn't at home perfecting her favorite vegan meals, she is out enjoying restaurants in Rochester and beyond. Her biggest passion is travel and she is not afraid to try new things. In the summer of 2020, she drove solo across the country to Bozeman, MT to meet up with a guide and four strangers for a five-day backpacking trip in Yellowstone National Park - her first time backpacking!
Sarah has been a member of RWN since 2018. She currently participates in Finance and Wine 2 SIGs and is looking forward to getting more involved in the organization.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Leadership Logic
- VP Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging
Sarah Marché is the Vice President of Leadership Logic. In this capacity, she works with leaders and businesses across New York State. Sarah believes that the key to performance results is twofold; a clear vision that is understood by all and engagement with one's workforce. Sarah lives by the belief that people are the greatest asset that any company can have and that when businesses utilize strategy, engagement, and clarity, the sky is the limit. Sarah has worked with leaders at all levels to ensure strategic goals are met. She has coached owners, managers and emerging talent, developed and deployed strategic plans, established succession plans, and championed initiatives, all while helping leaders achieve their vision and results.
Throughout her career, Sarah has worked in a variety of organizations, including nonprofit, higher education and fortune 500 companies. Sarah has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and an MBA in Consulting and Human Resources.
Sarah co-chairs Referral SIG II for RWN, she is also a member of the ambassador committee and participates in Wine SIG II.
Job Titles:
- Owner of TechCreative
- President / TechCreative, LLC
- VP Membership
Susan is the owner of TechCreative, LLC, a web design and development company. Susan has been self-employed for more than 10 years, and works with small to mid-sized businesses.
Throughout her career, Susan has worked in various technology roles at large corporations, and enjoys problem solving and streamlining business processes. Susan works with her clients to establish or refresh their web presence and automate manual processes preventing them from growing their businesses. Susan loves working with creative businesses and women business owners who are just starting out, or are looking to move their business to the next level.
Susan has been a member of RWN for more than 10 years and is a returning board member, previously serving at the VP of Marketing & Major Events.
Job Titles:
- Member at Large
- Member of Rochester Women 's Network
Terra Osterling launched her own freelance writing business in 2012 to serve all sizes of businesses and nonprofits. Through Sudden Write Turn Freelance Writing, she produces a variety of creative and brand-savvy content for internal and external business communications. Her work has satisfied clients across the spectrum of industries, services, and topics, ranging from a Finger Lakes winery's member newsletter to an engineering firm's identity email series. Connecting people-and truly connecting with people-is an important part of her storytelling process and way of life. She is an avid reader, avowed introvert, sometime rave-dancer, equity advocate, comic book enthusiast, tea-sipper, change conjuror, and aspiring Jedi knight.
Terra has been a member of Rochester Women's Network since 2015. She serves on the Marketing committee, heading the Blog sub-committee, was a member of the organizing committee for RWN's 40th birthday celebration in 2018, is a member of the Sales & Marketing SIG and SIG Referral Group I, and is the founder of the Geek Squad SIG.
Job Titles:
- Member at Large
- Writer With the Rochester Business Journal
Velvet has been a writer with the Rochester Business Journal for the last 17 years. Her areas of focus include the local economy, nonprofits, the manufacturing sector, diversity & inclusion and women's issues, among other things.
Velvet has bachelor's degrees in business and journalism, as well as a master's degree in communications from SUNY College at Brockport, where she served as editor of the college newspaper and as president of Lambda Pi Eta honor society.
Velvet is a long-time supporter of the Alzheimer's Association, having experienced the disease firsthand through her father-in-law's and her mother's diagnoses and care. She also supports local animal rights causes and has worked with Verona Street Animal Society. She currently volunteers as a literacy tutor with Gigi's Playhouse, a not-for-profit that serves children with Down Syndrome.
A lifelong resident of Western New York and the Finger Lakes region, Velvet is married and has two rescue dogs. In her spare time, Velvet enjoys reading, yoga and caring for her pups. She has been a Rochester Women's Network member since 2018 and belongs to several RWN special interest groups.