Women’s Leadership Summit – Rochester Business Journal
The annual Women’s Leadership Summit will bring together women leaders in all phases of their careers throughout the greater Rochester area. Influential leaders will come together for an afternoon of learning, conversation, career development, networking and more.
Save the Date
September 25, 2025
Rochester Riverside Convention Center
11:00 A.M to 5:30 P.M.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and benefits please contact your account manager or email [email protected].
If you have questions about this event, please email [email protected]
2024 AGENDA
11:00 A.M. – Private VIP reception with Elevating Women 2024 winners, sponsors, keynote, panel speakers and previous Circle of Excellence honorees.
11:30 A.M. – Registration and general networking reception with exhibitors.
12:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. – Welcome, lunch and fireside chat conversation Erin Tolefree and Krystle Ellis to discuss Leading with Authenticity: Redefining Success as Women in Business and our Elevating Women awards program.
2:00 P.M. – 3:00 PM – Round One of Workshop Sessions (attendee chooses one session from the three sessions listed below)
Beating the Odds: Women who have risen to the top in traditionally male roles. – Highland A
– Jillian Dunbar, Phillips Lytle LLP
– Jennifer D. Hinton, RIT MAGIC Spell Studios
– Megan McMaster, L3Harris Technologies
– Moderated by Cynthia Herriott L.P.E.C., M.S., Rochester Housing Authority
Financial Matters for Women: See What is Possible. – Highland B
– Heather Goodbody, Goodbody & Associates / Merril Private Wealth
Career Interrupters: Learn firsthand from women professionals who decided they were not where they should be in their career and carved out a new path for themselves. Hear lessons learned and the emotional intelligence required. – Highland C
– Jennifer Johnson, UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital
– Kristi Mitchell, Marketing Uncomplicated
3:30 P.M. – 4:30 PM – Round Two of Workshop Sessions (attendee chooses one session from the three sessions listed below)
The Struggle is Real: Learn from women who have ascended the professional ladder. They will share successes, struggles, and their personal philosophy on juggling work, home, family, health, and their definition of success. – Highland A
– Yanira Colon, Constellation Brands
– Kimberly Jones, Butler/Till
– Barbara Ross, Conifer Realty LLC
Gender Bias: Women do not have to lead like a man to achieve success. Women bring unique leadership to an organization, but it is often underappreciated. How to overcome this reality and build mentors and sponsors to help achieve your goals. – Highland B
– Olga Mendez, American Packaging
Act Two / Career Reinvention: Learn from women who have had a successful career but are seeking more. How do you build your act two and find the courage to change, grow and succeed. – Highland C
– Krystle Ellis “The Culture Broker”, Ellis K Consulting and Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley
– Ahlia Kitwana, Kool Nerd Connect
4:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. – Networking, cocktail reception and exhibits open.
Click the “Speakers” tab above to learn more information on each panelist.
For further event information or questions please email [email protected]
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
FIRESIDE CHAT DISCUSSION – To include Krystle Ellis
Erin Tolefree
President & CEO
Baldwin Richardson Foods
Erin Marie Tolefree is President and CEO of Baldwin Richardson Foods (BRF), a leading custom ingredients manufacturer of sauces, syrups, toppings and fillings for the food and beverage industry and one of the largest Black-owned food manufacturing companies in the nation. BRF, a multi-generational, family-owned company, has forged strategic relationships with some of the world’s largest food companies across Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) and Food Service clients. These global, iconic food brands trust Baldwin Richardson Foods as their partner to deliver the highest quality products that exceed industry standards. The company also manufactures and markets its own consumer brands including Mrs. Richardson’s Ice Cream Toppings and Nance’s Mustards and Condiments. With five locations across Illinois, New York and California and New Jersey Baldwin Richardson Foods employs over 700 people.
BEATING THE ODDS WORKSHOP
Moderator – Cynthia Herriott L.P.E.C., M.S.
Deputy Executive Director
Rochester Housing Authority
Cynthia Herriott is the Deputy Executive Director of the Rochester Housing Authority (RHA), where she oversees Compliance, Human Resources, Public Safety, Resident Services, Legal, Records Access and Leasing Operations. She served as the Interim Police Chief for the City of Rochester, where as chief, she provided a public 90 Day Plan on efforts to move the Department forward and developed a Protest Plan protocol. She currently works with the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center, funded by the Department of Justice COPS Office, providing law enforcement technical assistance. She served on the Rochester City School District’s School Climate Committee as part of a subcommittee that re-wrote the school’s Code of Conduct. She chaired the Unite Rochester Justice Engagement initiative. She managed the first area Community Court Academy and the Community Justice Forum. She has worked with court systems and law enforcement around the United States, and internationally. She serves on the board of the national organization – Police Leaders for Community Safety, and currently serves as Co-Chair of the R.A.S.E. CART Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee, a community initiative tasked with Justice Reform.as well as Rise Up Rochester Inc., St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, and the Perkins Mansion. She is a member of several professional organizations. She is a nonprofit executive with years of experience in organizational problemsolving. She is married and lives in the area with her family. She holds a Master of Science Degree and is a Certified Compliance Professional and Housing Executive Certification.
Panelist – Jillian Dunbar
Partner
Phillips Lytle LLP
Jillian Dunbar is a partner at Phillips Lytle LLP and serves as the firm’s Rochester Office Leader. She is also a member of the firm’s Banking and Financial Services Industry Team. Her work includes representing financial institutions in a wide variety of commercial lending transactions with a focus on affordable housing and community development deals and middle-market lending.
Jillian has significant experience counseling lenders on transactions involving federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, historic tax credits and brownfield tax credits, including construction loans, private bond purchases, letter of credit issuances, and construction lending under Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae programs. Jillian also frequently works on traditional middle-market deals that are secured by real estate and Uniform Commercial Code collateral.
Her community commitments include serving on the Board of Directors for the YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County and she is also an active member of the Cheers for Children Planning Committee for the Bivona Child Advocacy Center. Jillian has received the Rochester Business Journal’s Excellence in Law, Top Women in Law Award this year and has been named to its Power 50 Law List. She has also been named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America® list.
Panelist – Jennifer Hinton
Chief of Staff | Director of Games Industry Relations
RIT MAGIC Spell Studios
Jennifer (Jenn) Hinton is an educator whose career at RIT took an unexpected turn in 2007 when she said yes to an opportunity that others said no to, thus launching her career into the games industry. The opportunity? Academic advisor to the newly created Game Design and Development program. Today Jenn serves as the Chief of Staff I Director of Games Industry Relations at RIT’s MAGIC Spell Studios.
As MAGIC’s Director of Games Industry Relations Jenn is responsible for the leadership and development of the university’s relationship with the games industry, which includes strategic direction for RIT’s Digital Game Hub, a NYS-designated Center of Excellence. Jenn is passionate about helping students break into the games industry and has volunteered as a mentor with Women in Games International (WIGI) as well as The Strong Museum of Play’s Women in Games initiative where she was recognized at the 2022 celebration event.
Jenn is a founding member of the Digital Games Industry Association (DGIA) of Rochester. Jenn is currently working with universities, game studio leadership and other community organizations to expand DGIA’s reach across upstate New York.
Jenn’s first credited game title was 2016’s Hack, Slash and Backstab, which was published in Xbox One, making RIT the first university in the country to publish to this platform. Jenn recently supported MAGIC’s latest title That Damn Goat, most notably by managing the Nintendo Switch certification process and voicing the Soccer Mom character.
Jenn earned her undergraduate degree in History and Education from St. John Fisher University and her graduate degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Jenn is a 2015 graduate of Leadership Rochester and currently serves on their board of directors. Outside of her work with MAGIC Spell Studios, Jenn is an adjunct faculty member teaching courses in leadership development and the faculty advisor to Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity.
Panelist – Megan McMaster
Director of Operations Mgmt
L3Harris Technologies
Megan McMaster is Director, Operations Management for Tactical Communications Sector of L3Harris Technologies. Communication Systems covers a broad portfolio, including tactical and airborne radios, battle management systems, night vision technology and professional and public safety networks and products.
Megan was appointed Director, Operations Management in 2024, responsible for all standard manufacturing operations at the Jefferson Road Operations Center (JROC), reporting to the site leader.
Previously, she led the Intrepid Focus Factory, producing all handheld radios. She also participates on the L3Haris engagement committee, leading the Career Development and Mentorship committee for TCOM.
Prior to joining the Operations team, she served as Manufacturing Engineering Senior Manager where she supported continuous improvement projects for mechanical assembly across the JROC facility as well as providing technology roadmaps to ensure production lines incorporate advanced capabilities to provide customers with reliable products for mission critical situations.
Before joining L3Harris, McMaster was a Research Assistant at the University at Buffalo. She researched material in the domain of temporal assessment and data association for data fusion, using mathematical methods to solve problems for complex systems.
She is active in multiple community service organizations in Rochester, NY, including Big Brother Big Sister Beyond School Walls Program and various L.I.F.T volunteer activities.
Megan has a master’s degree in Operations Research and a bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering with a minor in Mathematics from the University at Buffalo.
FINANCIAL MATTERS FOR WOMEN WORKSHOP
Speaker – Heather A. Goodbody, CEPA
Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor
Merril Private Wealth Management, Goodbody & Associates
Heather is the Senior Vice President and founding advisor of Goodbody & Associates, Private Wealth Management Team at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management based in Rochester, New York. She focuses on advising ultra high net worth families, private foundations and endowments, closely held business with respect to merger & acquisitions, and executive benefits. She is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor professional.
Heather has been recognized by Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Barron’s magazine as a participant of the Barron’s Women’s Top Financial Advisors Symposium. In 2019, Investment News, recognized her on their Women to Watch list for the financial services industry. Heather was named to the Working Mother/SHOOK Research’s “Top Wealth Adviser Moms” list, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 (*Published annually Sept -Oct. Rankings based on data as of Mar 31 of current year). Additionally, she was named to the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list in 2018,2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 (*Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year) and named to Forbes/SHOOK “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors” list in 2020 and 2021 (*Published annually Feb-April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 -September 30 of prior year) and Forbes/SHOOK “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” list in 2022, 2023(*Published on February 4, 2022. Rankings based on data as of Sept 30, 2021).
Heather is actively involved in the Women’s Exchange at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where she has held leadership positions as rising chair, chair and chair emeritus. Over the past 10 years, she has dedicated time to mentorship in helping women and girls move forward in their careers. She often says to her mentees, “follow your passion, do what makes you happy, and listen to your inner voice. Raise your hand and take risks.”
Heather is actively involved in the community, formerly serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women. She is the Former Trustee of The Rochester Museum & Science Center, previous Advisory Board Member for the Arts Center at Nazareth College, Strategic Planning Committee Member for The Rochester Area Community Foundation, and Past Board Member, The United Way of Greater Rochester Past Board Member of The Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong. She and her husband, John, live in Pittsford, NY with their two sons.
CAREER INTERRUPTERS WORKSHOP
Speaker – Jennifer Johnson
Director of Family & Community Outreach
UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital
When you report the news for 17 years in one city the name “TV news lady” is hard to shake but it’s one Jennifer Johnson embraces after a career as a television news anchor. Journalism is what brought Jennifer to Rochester, but five years ago she started a new career inspired by her late daughter Grace. Grace was born very sick in 2011 and was not expected to survive beyond birth but because of the exceptional care she received, Grace lived almost 17 months. You learn a lot being the parent of a child with medical complexity. Jennifer began advocating on behalf of patients and families and soon realized there was so much work to be done in this space that it could be a full-time job. Now, as the Director of Family and Community Outreach at the hospital that cared for Grace (UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital), Jennifer works to amplify the voices of families with diverse backgrounds, diagnoses, outcomes and experiences and bring them into the decision-making processes at the hospital. She is often out in the community speaking about the hospital and also works with medical teams in Rochester and across the county to help them feel more comfortable with the media and social media.
Speaker – Kristi Mitchell
Founder & Marketing Consultant
Marketing Uncomplicated
Kristi Mitchell is a Strategic Marketing Consultant, specializing in working with service-based business owners who have relied on referrals and word-of-mouth to get to where they are today. Kristi believes that the number one reason business owners don’t see results is because they are lacking a marketing strategy. By working with 100+ business owners, she’s found that too many businesses limit their growth and impact because they feel marketing is too complicated. Kristi believes that marketing should never be the thing that holds you back from being successful in business. Kristi brings an MBA, 1 O+ years of corporate marketing experience, 5 years of running her business full-time and a drive for continual learning to her client work.
GENDER BIAS WORKSHOP
Speaker – Olga Mendez
HR Director
American Packaging
Olga Mendez‘s beginnings were simple. Born in Puerto Rico, she came to Rochester, New York, with her family when she was seven. Her first accomplishment at a young age was becoming fluent in English and obtaining her Master’s in Career and Human Resource Development from Rochester Institute of Technology. Additionally, Olga holds a baccalaureate degree from Roberts Wesleyan University, a Graduate Degree Certification in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University, and recently completed the Women’s Leadership Program from Yale School of Management Executive Education.
Olga’s determination, resolve, and commitment have led to numerous accomplishments throughout her Human Resources career. Olga began her Human Resources career at Rochester General Hospital. After 13 years, she transitioned to Verizon Wireless, where she worked for 12 years. She then moved on to Gunlocke and led Human Resources for five years. Today, Olga leads Human Resources for American Packaging Corporation (APC). Olga’s career success is a testament to what can be achieved when you don’t let “barriers” derail your passion, drive, and belief in a better tomorrow.
Olga is defined by many as a thought leader. Charismatic, genuine, and authentic are just some of the adjectives to describe Olga. While Olga is accountable for leading Human Resources for APC, she is viewed more so as a business leader with expertise in the field of Human Resources. Olga was recently awarded the National Human Resources Association (NHRA) Rochester Affiliate’s 2024 HR Executive of the Year Award. This prestigious award distinguishes and honors the HR professional who is innovative and consistently prepares their organization for the future, makes significant contributions and impacts their organization and the HR Community, demonstrates leadership and operational excellence, and inspires others to excel.
Olga’s dedication to the Rochester Community is unyielding. She has been a pillar of support, serving on the Board of the YWCA, National Society of Human Resources (NHRA), Genesee Valley Chapter (GVC) of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), and Willow. After her tenure on the Willow Board, Olga continues to contribute as an Honorary Board Member. She has also held the position of Director of Diversity for GVC SHRM and was a National Spokesperson for Domestic Violence.
Olga and her husband Rick are proud members of the United Way of Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes Tocqueville Society, and they actively support the Hole in Wall Gang Camp Foundation. Olga’s commitment to the community is a testament to her character, as she can be found serving in various capacities on any given day. She is a beacon of hope for the underserved and a source of inspiration for many.
On a more personal note, Olga resides in Pittsford, New York, with her husband Rick. Rick, now retired after a successful 30-plus-year career in Human Resources, is her rock and constant support. Olga is also a proud mother to her daughter, Jasmine, who has followed in her footsteps and is now a Litigation Attorney in Washington DC.
THE STRUGGLE IS REAL WORKSHOP
Panelist – Yanira Colón
Vice President of Tax
Constellation Brands, Inc.
Yanira Colón serves as Vice President of Tax at Constellation Brands. In her role, she oversees U.S. federal and state tax planning, compliance, audits and global income tax accounting. She also spearheads the department’s technology strategies. Yanira is dedicated to talent development and fostering an inclusive culture, as evidenced by her role as a co-founder and advisor of ¡SALUD! – Constellation’s Hispanic/Latinx BRG. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and an M.B.A. from Rochester Institute of Technology and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Yanira is a committed wife and mother to three sons (ages 16, 12, and 9), who bring joy to her life and keep her busy. She enjoys traveling with her husband Ruben and exploring new places together. Yanira is passionate about learning new things and expanding her horizons, both personally and professionally. Yanira believes that life is a continuous journey of growth and discovery and strives to make the most of every opportunity.
Panelist – Kimberly Jones
President and CEO
Butler/Till
Kimberly is President and CEO of Butler/Till and brings decades of experience in both B2B and B2C marketing across many industries, including Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Financial Services, BevAlc, Automotive, Franchise, Insurance, Consumer Products, Automative, Energy, and Retail. She previously worked at McCann Erickson, Bausch + Lomb, and the Wolf Group. Kimberly has contributed to work that has won industry accolades, including multiple Effie, American Advertising Awards, Adweek, Ad Age, INC., and Pinnacle Awards. Kimberly is an esteemed thought leader in the marketing and advertising space having been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, MM+M, and Ad Age to name a few. Her expertise has landed her numerous speaking opportunities at events like SXSW, Cannes, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, and Adweek NY. Kimberly has served on the Board of Directors at Bivona Child Advocacy Center and the Young Presidents’ Organization. She is also a winner of Rochester’s “Forty Under 40 Award,” and “Women of Excellence” both of which honor those who exhibit a unique combination of business and community leadership.
Kimberly’s key competencies are:
• Business strategy
• Media strategy
• Innovation
• Leadership
Since joining Butler/Till 15 years ago, Kimberly has played an instrumental role in the company’s growth. Under Kimberly’s leadership, Butler/Till has reached impressive milestones, including becoming a Certified B Corporation, transitioning to a 100% employee-owned company, maintained its WEBNC certification (proudly a women-owned enterprise since 2004), and earned recognition as a “Top Workplace” for 10+ consecutive years—most recently on the Ad Age Best Places to Work list, ranked #6.
Currently, Kimberly is on the YPO. Kimberly has a bachelor’s degree in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin, an MBA from the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School, and attends annual Executive Education at the Harvard Business School.
Panelist/Moderator – Barbara Ross
Chief Administrative Officer
Conifer Realty LLC
Barb Ross is a distinguished executive with extensive experience in human resources and organizational leadership. She most recently served as Chief Administrative Officer at Conifer, a leading affordable housing company. In this role, Barb oversaw People + Culture, Marketing and Communications, Information Technology, and Compliance, and was also responsible for strategic planning. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction and operational efficiency, and served as Interim Co-CEO for eight months.
Before her time at Conifer, Barb accumulated a wealth of experience in high-growth and transformative companies. She held the position of Vice President of Human Resources at Monro and Chobani, guiding these organizations through periods of significant change and expansion. Her career also includes various HR roles at Constellation Brands, Inc., and a tenure as Director of Human Resources at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
Barb is renowned for her ability to foster collaboration, drive efficiency, and cultivate a values-driven organizational culture. Her leadership style bridges administrative functions with strategic vision, ensuring that human resources, compliance, communication, and technology infrastructures align seamlessly with business priorities.
She earned her M.S. in Human Resources Development from RIT and a B.S. in Management Science from State University of New York (SUNY) Geneseo. Barb holds several regional and national professional affiliations, including membership in the National Human Resources Association and the Society for Human Resource Management. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with the Outstanding Strategic Leadership Award from the NHRA Rochester’s Human Resources Executive of the Year Committee, and she was named a 2024 Rochester Business Journal Women of Excellence honoree.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Barb serves on the board of directors for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester and has been involved with several other boards, including SUNY Morrisville and the National Human Resources Association. Her dedication to both her profession and community underscores her commitment to making a positive impact through leadership and service.
ACT TWO / CAREER REINVENTION WORKSHOP
Speaker – Krystle Ellis “The Culture Broker”
Owner
Ellis K Consulting & Executive Director of the Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley
Bold is the best way to describe Krystle Ellis. Ellis is a multidimensional powerhouse with over a decade of experience in nonprofit and for-profit leadership. Known as The Culture Broker, Ellis catapults people within varying industries to the next level by employing the mechanisms of strategic planning, policy remastering, fundraising, coaching, and divergent thinking. Owner of Ellis K Consulting, and Executive Director of the Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley, Krystle is a trusted voice and has traveled across our nation to help organizations leverage the strengths and diversities of people by implementing system-wide change methods through a positive and appreciative lens. Committed to her community, she sits on multiple boards and has been featured in nationwide publications and news sources such as the Chronicle of Philanthropy and USA Today. Krystle is a philanthropist and founding member of the Rochester Institute of Technology Sentinel Giving Society. She firmly advocates for the rights of women, equal access to healthcare for children, and the international right to have clean water. She believes in having transparent and courageous conversations that inspire people to soar higher. Krystle was raised in sunny South Florida and is of Jamaican heritage. She’s funny, super relaxed, wife, mother and three, and values the currency of transformational love and honor.
Speaker – Ahlia Kitwana
Chief Operations Officer
Kool Nerd Connect
Ahlia is the Chief Operations Officer Kool Nerd Connect, a career education company that increases diverse students’ awareness of high-growth industries and their associated in-demand careers. She is a passionate entrepreneur working at the intersection of workforce development and the emotional well-being of adolescents, a combination that yields “future-ready” and “career-focused” young professionals. Ahlia has a background in engineering and education with roles as ranging from a Lead Engineer at a Fortune 500 company for 10+ years to a High School Math Teacher for several years. Additionally, she has passionately built several businesses. She has a BS in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MA in Math Education from the City College of New York. Ahlia has found deep meaning and grounding in her family: a supportive & loving husband, three bright & beautiful children (8, 13 & 16 years old), a dog (Cyclone), and a cat (Cucumber).
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