Eleversity

Stephanie is a visionary architect of brands and businesses. With a Midas touch for transforming brands, she has orchestrated groundbreaking partnerships with global titans like Pepsi, Universal Studios, and Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy. She is the Co-Founder of Moxie Creative Studios, leveraging her strategic marketing acumen to propel businesses worldwide, generating over $40 million in growth.

A passionate advocate for diversity and innovation, Stephanie is a driving force in the marketing industry and a catalyst for change in her community. As the architect of Upstate New York's Minority & Women Owned Business Summit, she fosters a thriving ecosystem of empowerment and opportunity. Her commitment to uplifting others is evident in her leadership roles across various organizations, including Rochester Global Connections, Champion Academy, Miss Julie's School of Beauty, and the New York New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council.

Stephanie's journey is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and a heart for community. She is a living embodiment of the limitless potential that arises when
business acumen meets a profound intention to make a positive impact.

Raquel Lowry, MSM is a servant leader with 12-years of leadership and management experience, and 11+ years of experience in Human Resources, Benefits and Wellbeing. She is currently the Sr. Benefits and Wellness Program Manager at Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCS) where in this inaugural role she is strategic in her oversight, development, and implementation of policies and procedures that align with the organizational mission and values to retain staff, and support internal and external customers. Raquel worked at Mary Cariola Children’s Center in the inaugural role of Benefits Manager, where she overseen the implementation of the COVID-19 policy, during the pandemic, and streamlined the Leave of Absence process agency wide.

Raquel is also the Owner and Creative Designer of Raquel Denise Handbags (RDH). RDH specializes in handbags and accessories, featuring high-quality, stylish items designed and curated by Raquel Denise. RDH emphasizes quality, contemporary styles, and inclusivity, which caters to diverse preferences and body types, promoting cultural diversity and affordability. Within five years, RDH has developed a loyal customer base, with designs typically sell out in 2 to 3 weeks.

Raquel Denise Handbags is actively engaged in various philanthropic endeavors, including collaborating local non-profits to design handbags/totes and sponsoring over three hundred bags/totes to date. Raquel is 2024 Rochester Business Journal Forty under 40 honoree and a 2025 Rochester Business Journal Women of Excellence Honoree; she received a 2024 Mayoral Recognition and received a 2025 Recognition from Rochester City Council and is a 2025 Urban League of Rochester Black Business Spotlight.

Jamie Warren is an accomplished human resources executive with over 20 years of experience leading inclusive workplace initiatives and driving organizational transformation. She currently serves as the Director of People & Culture at Heritage Christian Services, where she leads efforts in inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA), while enhancing the overall employee experience.

Her career began in education as a bilingual special education teacher, advocating for Spanish-speaking students with disabilities. Inspired to create lasting, systemic change, she transitioned into human resources, serving in leadership roles across school districts, nonprofit organizations, and municipal government.

Jamie has shaped policies, labor agreements, and workplace practices that center fairness, opportunity, and respect. Her work has impacted organizations such as Rochester City Schools, Buffalo Public Schools, the City of Rochester, and Foodlink—each time advancing equity, improving systems, and strengthening workplace culture.

At Heritage Christian Services, she focuses on bridging the gap between frontline and office staff, promoting leadership diversity, and developing strategies that support retention, career advancement, and equitable compensation.

A passionate advocate, educator, and speaker, Jamie Warren empowers leaders to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into every level of their organizations—proving that DEI is not only the right thing to do, but a strategic driver of success.

Latesha Fussell is a dynamic leader and advocate for equity, inclusion, and social justice with over a decade of experience in higher education, diversity programming, and organizational development. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

In her role as Director of DEIB and Leadership Development at Hillside Family of Agencies, Latesha designs and implements transformative strategies that promote equity and inclusion across organizational systems. She has held leadership positions at prestigious institutions like Cornell University and Stonehill College, where she developed initiatives to enhance retention, foster cultural humility, and address systemic inequities.

Latesha's expertise extends to trauma-informed care, cultural competency training, and supporting marginalized communities in navigating spaces historically not designed to serve them. She is an accomplished presenter and facilitator, delivering workshops on anti-racism, microaggressions, and cultural humility nationwide.

Latesha is deeply passionate about education and its transformative power to create opportunities and foster equity. Her commitment to education stems from a desire to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure that individuals from marginalized communities have access to supportive and empowering learning environments.

Pascale Jean Noel is the Director of Training for the ACT Institute at the Center for Evidence-Based Practices. Working with the New York State Office of Mental Health, she helps design coordinate and facilitate extensive training curricula in treatment planning, cultural Humility and awareness, engagement, working with mandated clients, and ACT core daily principles based on person centered recovery-oriented principles. The training curricula are used by 108 ACT teams, consisting of over one thousand people collectively, throughout the state. Pascale is also an adjunct lecturer at the Columbia University School of Social Work and Fordham University School of Social Work. At Columbia University, she teaches Adult Psychopathology and Wellness in a residential and on-line setting. At Fordham University, she teaches Assessment and Diagnosis, Clinical Seminar and Advanced Integrated Practice with Organizations and Communities from a Social Justice Lense.

Dr. Maryann Rivera-Dannert is the CEO of MRD Empowerment Solutions, LLC, which is for the Woman who’s ready to HEAL and turn her FEAR into fuel for SUCCESS. She is a speaker, author, podcast host, and certified life coach dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey from uncertainty to a life filled with purpose and passion. Her story is one of resilience and triumph, shaped by personal challenges that could have kept her stuck but instead propelled her forward.

As the author of 20+ published anthologies, and two journals, her written works serve as a source of inspiration and practical guidance. Each piece reflects her commitment to helping others navigate their own challenges. Additionally, she launched a podcast, “Fearless Fridays with Maryann,” which provides a platform for meaningful conversations about life, motivation, hope, and personal/professional growth.

What sets Maryann apart is not just her professional expertise but her personal journey as well. She faced and conquered significant challenges in life, including surviving sexual abuse, being a high school drop-out, overcoming the hardships of teenage motherhood, and enduring domestic violence. These occurrences have shaped her understanding and empathy, allowing her to connect with her clients on a deeper level. She's not just talking the talk; she's walked the walk, and she's here to help others do the same.

Maryann has a bachelor's degree from Roberts Wesleyan University, a master's from Palm Beach Atlantic University, and an Honorary Doctorate from Trinity International University of Ambassadors (T.I.U.A.). Additionally, she is certified by the John C. Maxwell Certification Program as a Coach, Speaker, and Trainer. 

Maryann loves the beach, traveling, and spending time with her family in Rochester, NY.

Maisha Beard is a dynamic speaker, business leader, and advocate dedicated to empowering others through entrepreneurship, health equity, and personal transformation. As the founder of Mai’Mission Inc., currently in its startup phase, she is building a movement rooted in breast cancer awareness, impact, and nursing scholarships, honoring the legacy of her late mother, Nurse Cheryl Denise Moore. Inspired by her father’s survivorship, she is also expanding her mission to raise awareness about prostate cancer in Black men.

Through The Maisha Experience, Maisha uses her voice to spark change, speaking on domestic violence, breast cancer disparities, and the power of entrepreneurship. As an ambassador for Voices of Black Women with the American Cancer Society, she’s committed to ensuring more Black women participate in life-saving research.

By day, she serves as the Coordinator of Business Asset Development and Kiva Capital Access Manager for the City of Rochester, helping entrepreneurs access capital to grow and thrive. She was recently honored as an Inaugural Rochester Business Journal Women of Impact and Inclusion Honoree and featured on the covers of Rochester Business Journal and Rochester Women’s Magazine.

One of Shannon Carter’s greatest career goal achievements is to currently lead the Human Resource and Learning & Development initiatives for the Northland Workforce Training Center. She is also a proud and dedicated community partner for the Health Education Project, where she has taken on new levels of advocacy for our marginalized communities regarding healthcare. As a published author, and a recording artist, Shannon ministers healing and wholeness in a practical and effective way.

She serves not only as a Bible teacher, and gospel preacher, but she is prolific and impactful in the secular circuit as a trainer and motivational speaker. Shannon’s experience as a trainer in the corporate arena opened her eyes to her passion for speaking and teaching, and she has never turned back. Shannon also advocates for, and mentors new foster/adoptive parents, as they struggle to navigate raising whole and healthy children. No matter how many accolades Shannon receives, or titles she wears, her greatest honor is that of being called “Mommy” by her two princesses Genesis and Syria.

LaKisha N. Williams is the Director of #DegreesNYC, a data-informed collective impact movement co-lead by young people to achieve education equity in New York City. As such, she represents #DegreesNYC and Goddard Riverside on many groups, including the Government Relations and Human Relations Committees of the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling, the National College Attainment Network's Policy Council, and the NY Education Equity Coalition. She serves on the New York State Poor People’s Campaign’s Coordinating and Faith Committees, where she organizes moral fusion direct action against systemic racism, poverty, militarism and ecological devastation.

She was honored with the United Neighborhood Houses' Award for Achievement in Civic Advocacy in recognition of her social justice work. She is the Youth & Young Adult Minister at Antioch Baptist Church in Harlem as well as for Women of Virtue, Honor and Purpose Ministries. She is the President of the Reverend Dr. John L. Scott Associate Ministers Auxiliary of the United Missionary Baptist Association of Greater New York and Vicinity and is a Captain of the NYS Chaplain Workers Taskforce, Inc. Williams holds a BA from William Smith College and a Masters of Divinity from the Union Theological Seminary of New York.

Latise Hairston is a radiant force—a devoted mother, doula, coach, poet, and community healer—who lives and leads by the spirit of Sawubona, a beautiful Zulu greeting that means, “We see you.” Latise brings this deep seeing into every space she enters, holding people with compassion, truth, and joy.

A true global citizen, Latise has traveled to over 30 countries, immersing herself in diverse cultures and soaking in wisdom from around the world. She once served as the Global Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for an international organization spanning those same 30+ countries, where she led transformational culture change initiatives—including for a multi-billion-dollar hospitality brand.

Latise is the visionary Founder and Chief Impact Officer of Harvesting Opportunities with People Everywhere, LLC and The Abundant Life Doula. Her heart beats for healing justice—supporting individuals and communities in recovering from the trauma of racism while disrupting systems of oppression. She's also an adjunct faculty member at Fielding University, where she helps shape the next generation of change leaders.

Her academic roots run deep: she holds two master’s degrees (one in Counseling & Human Services, the other in Creativity & Change Leadership) and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy with a focus on Organizational Behavior and Development. Latise’s work beautifully weaves together neuroscience, somatics, African-centered healing, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, change theory, conflict transformation, and transformational leadership.

At her core, Latise is a truth-teller, bridge-builder, and liberator who believes that healing is possible, joy is our birthright, and abundance is our legacy.

Curtis is a versatile and dynamic who has spent almost three decades professionally and personally dedicated to serving a diversity of communities in a variety of ways. He served 13 years on Erie City Council where he served as Council President for two years. He has also served and continues to serve on several community and nonprofit boards over the last 26 years. Mr. Jones has served as the Chairman and member of the Enterprise Development Fund, Erie County General Authority, and multiple other Economic Development Boards and Authorities.

Curtis is currently with the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership team as the Director of Government Affairs. This is another opportunity to share his wide range of professional and personal experiences with the Erie Region and beyond. He is currently serving as a Commissioner for the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs, PA Advisory Committee for Inclusive Procurement (PACIP).

He is a member of the BIPOC Coalition on Mental Health in Erie, PA., and was recently appointed as a member of the PA. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board. Curtis also sees his role as a connector, not just for businesses and elected officials but for historically underrepresented people to the opportunities that are available to empower our entire community to progress and be great.

Lee'a is the COO and Co Founder of the Corporate Class, a Director in Customer Care and the previous Program Owner of the IT Intern Program. Erie Regional Growth Chamber and Partnership’s 2023 emerging Leader nominee. Lee’a has successfully executed a 40 student internship program– the primary pipeline for new IT talent for one of Erie's top Fortune 500 companies. Lee'a lends her support to aid in establishing similar programs in Erie.

Heather is the CEO/Co Founder of The Corporate Class. She is an insurance professional, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner, an entrepreneur, mother, wife, Television Co-Host and 2022 Erie Reader 40 under 40 honoree. Over the last 20 years she has lead diverse and dynamic teams ,and worked with some of the best, most impactful S&P/fortune 500 companies across Corporate Canada, Corporate America and into China.

Cathy is a graduate of Cornell University’s ILR School (class 1987), and later attended Boston University School of Law. Cathy began her career as field attorney with the National Labor Relations Board, Region 29 in Brooklyn, NY. In 1994 and Cathy entered private practice at the where she represented labor unions and individual employees in employment matters. In 2002 Cathy cofounded Creighton, Pearce, Johnsen & Giroux and the practice exclusively represented individual employees and labor unions in the private and public sector. Cathy was named as a Super Lawyer annually for more than a decade. In 2021, Cathy pivoted to return to her alma mater as the Director of Cornell University’s ILR office in Buffalo, and concentrates on labor education for the rank and file labor movement, labor and civic education for the public, and social justice-based community engaged learning for Cornell University undergraduate students. Cathy has drafted statutes and policy briefs designed to enhance the lives and well being of working people, including living wage laws, minimum wage increases, apprenticeship and responsible bidder laws, community benefit ordinance, and banning noncompete agreements. An active member of the labor movement and civic community, Ms. Creighton is the Ethics Officer for the United Auto Workers, a member of the AFL-CIO Union Lawyers Alliance, Board Member and recording secretary for the Western New York Law Center, NY Governor appointment to Director of the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority, member of the American Association of University Professors, and previously served as Cornell University Council Member, Board of Directors of the National AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee, Board member of Coalition for Economic Justice, Chair of the Buffalo Living Wage Commission, Erie County Democratic Committee Member, WNY Judicial Screening Committee for the Western New York Area Labor Federation, delegate to Erie County Judicial Convention, Cornell Buffalo Co-Lab High Road Fellowship Board of Advisors, and board member of Neglia Ballet.

Carlette Bradley is the CEO of The Masterpiece Project, LLC; a professional and personal development consulting firm that equips purpose believers to pursue what makes them uncomfortable; the place where growth happens. Carlette is an author, a certified executive coach and trainer, a sought-after speaker and mentor and also the co-founder of the G.I.R.L.S. Sport Foundation, Inc. Carlette has over ten years of experience in the organizational leadership space. She serves on many advisory boards and enjoys challenging individuals of all ages to disrupt old mindsets and to accept the truth about who they are destined to be, Masterpieces!

Stephanie Peete is the Director of Workforce Development at Say Yes Buffalo, where she cultivates employer relationships for internships and youth apprenticeship opportunities, helps develop racial equity solutions, and contributes to strengthening the youth employment ecosystem in the city of Buffalo. She has over 10 years of experience working with youth and families. Stephanie earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Hilbert College, and graduated from Canisius College with a dual Bachelor’s in Urban Studies and Sociology. Stephanie is passionate about racial equity, inclusion, and supporting young people in her community. She currently volunteers as a Say Yes Buffalo Mentor; serves on the Board of Directors for Theatre of Youth where she is chairperson of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion committee; is a member of Women United through the United Way for Buffalo & Erie County; is a co-chair for the Women of Color Summit; is a 2021 recipient of the Bar Association of Erie County’s Liberty Bell Award and a 2022 Buffalo Business First IDEA Award recipient.

Dr. Karen King Ph.D. serves in a dual leadership role as the Commissioner of Public Advocacy for Erie County and as the Executive Director of the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women. The Department of Public advocacy oversees the Division Consumer Protection, the Bureau of Weights and Measures, and the Commission on the Status of Women. The Division of Consumer Protection was created to ensure that Erie County's residents have access to education, information, and resources regarding consumer protection. The office investigates and mediates consumer complaints through voluntary mediation and educates Erie County consumers on policies, best practices and their rights and responsibilities as consumers. The Bureau of Weights and Measures is tasked with assuring that all devices used commercially within the county are accurate and are constructed in a manner to prevent fraud. It is also responsible for compliance with the local item pricing/scanner accuracy law. As the Executive Director of the Commission on the Status of Women, Dr. King is responsible for creating programs, informational reports and developing collaborative relationships with government and community partners that work to provide resources to the women and girls of Erie County, to ensure that they participate fully in matters that have an impact on their lives and toward the elimination of all gender-based discrimination and the promotion of women’s economic, societal and political empowerment. Prior to joining Erie County, Dr. King served at the University of Buffalo in several capacities including, the Educational Services Coordinator for Intercultural and Diversity Center and as the Grant Project Manager for a National Science Foundation grant: the Interdisciplinary Engineering and Science Partnership (ISEP) in partnership with the Buffalo Public School District. Dr. King has served as an adjunct graduate faculty member at Buffalo State College and in the Graduate School of Education at the University at Buffalo. Additionally, she has developed and taught courses and conducted numerous workshops on popular media culture, social justice advocacy and anti-racist feminist theory. She has served on the New York State Council for Women and Girls, the Executive Committee of the University at Buffalo Gender Institute, The Family Justice Center of Erie County, and currently serves on the boards of the YWCA of WNY, the Erie County Minority, Women Business Enterprise Utilization Advisory Board and PowHer NY. Prior to her careers in higher education and public service, Dr. King worked in the television and commercial production business in New York. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Ithaca College, her Master of Science degree from Buffalo State College and her Doctoral degree from the University at Buffalo.

Jasmine Westbrook is a proud native of the East Side of Buffalo, NY. A product of the Buffalo Public School district- Jasmine graduated from City Honors High School in 2010. After graduation, Jasmine attended Howard University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Minor in Human Development. She returned home and continued her education at the University of Buffalo in the Master of Social Work program. During her academic career, Jasmine was afforded the opportunity to study abroad in two different locations: Cape Town, South Africa and Munich, Germany. Jasmine lives by the motto “ The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. This passion is deeply rooted by her family legacy. Her grandparents, Derrick M. Byrd Jr. and Lelia F. Byrd emphasized the importance of being of service to others. Jasmine has volunteered with many organizations like Citizen Action of NY to help increase attendance and reduce suspensions in the Buffalo Public Schools. Jasmine is a mentor with the Project Mona’s House Young Women’s Empowerment Academy. Jasmine is the Secretary of Kirby’s Korner Inc. and is the Scholarship Chair of the Buffalo Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers. Jasmine is the longest tenured member of the Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals, remaining active since joining at 21 years old. In this capacity, Jasmine has served on local and national committees charged with planning initiatives such as Black Restaurant Week 716 and the NULYP Eastern Region Conference “bEastCon”. Currently, she is the Vice President on the Executive Leadership Team. Jasmine participated in the 2021 cohort of Open Bufflo’s Emerging Leaders where she developed herself as an advocate for social change. Professionally, Jasmine works as a Healthcare Advocate with the Healthcare Education Project. Working in coalition with elected officials, clergy, labor and community leaders, she fights against regional and statewide healthcare disparities such as access to quality and affordable healthcare for all New Yorkers. Jasmine loves to travel and enjoys spending time with family and friends

Nikisha Ridgeway, MA has served in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and is currently the President& CEO at Starbridge. Nikisha started her career as a residential, direct support professional at United Cerebral Palsy of WNY (now Aspire) and at People Inc in their Personal Care Vendor Unit. She also led the development of new housing options at LDA Life and Learning Services (now Starbridge) and was instrumental in the successful development and growth of several emerging programs while at Heritage Christian Services. Nikisha returned to Starbridge as Chief Operating Officer where she oversaw all program operations and community partnerships for the agency.Nikisha was a 2022 Athena finalist and 2024 Woman of Excellence honoree. She serves as Board Chair for the Office of Mental Health’s community services advisory board, as a member of Wilmot’s Cancer Institute’s Community Cancer Action Council, is Board Secretary for the Council of Agency Executives Council, and a NBE Executive Committee member. Nikisha believes in empowering people to be their authentic selves and encourages the philosophy of leaders building leaders.
Jalynn Webb is the CEO and Founder of Webbestry LLC and co-founder of Tabitha’s Warriors Foundation. She works full-time for local government as a senior field coordinator for a violence prevention project in collaboration with various local organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from George Washington University. Jalynn’s primary focus is helping nonprofit and grassroots organizations in both the private and public sectors enhance their mission to provide essential resources to the community. She leverages over 10 years of experience to help refine focus and strengthen the branding of organizations. Additionally, she regularly teaches digital literacy to youth, partnering with a nonprofit organization to teach the fundamentals of website design and typing.

Dr. Ellen E. Grant, PhD, LCSW-R currently works as Senior Executive Director, Corporate Social Responsibility/CARES for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. In this role she interacts with community organizations in supporting many of the initiatives which align with the Roswell Park mission in the elimination of cancer. Most recently, Dr. Grant served as Deputy Mayor to Mayor Byron Brown for seven years. A graduate of the State University of the State of NY, Ellen has over 25 years in health, behavioral health, education and human services. Her past leadership positions include Fellow & Sr. Vice President, Say Yes to Education National Office; Commissioner, Erie County Department of Mental Health; CEO, Niagara Falls Medical Center. She has taught at the undergraduate and graduate level in college & university positions. (State University of New York at Buffalo, D’Youville College). She is also a licensed clinical social worker and executive coach. Ellen has been Blessed to have had many “Firsts” in her career-including first Vice president in any hospital system in Western New York, First Woman and person of color as the Commissioner of Erie County Dept. of Mental Health. Representing former County Executive Dennis Gorski, she was appointed to the board of the New York State Association of Counties which represents the 62 counties in the state. She moved up be elected President-first person of color and only the second women in the associations over 100-year history. In 1996, she was chosen as one of twelve women internationally for a year long training in leadership by the International Women’s Foundation. She is also an author. More recently, January 2021, she published, “The Female Worker’s Fourteen Commandments for Powering Up your Career”. (Available on Amazon). Ellen has received a number of awards at the local and state level, including Western New York Women’s Hall of Fame in 1997. She received an Honorary Doctorate from Medaille College in 1992. Her voluntary work includes Compeer, emeritus status on the State University of NY at Buffalo Foundation, WNY Women’s Foundation. She continues to serve on the Advisory Board, the Black Women’s Health Study, Boston University, the largest health research study of its kind in the US for Black women’s health. She is past national Co-Chair of this program. Eight years ago, she started a not-for-profit organization, Women Who Lead, a women’s mentoring program to match mentors with mentees. This program is currently under the auspice of the Western New York Women’s Foundation. In August 2023, Ellen was featured in the recently published book, “Success Tips from Successful African Americans-Vol.1 by Everett Ofori(also available on Amazon). She is also featured at the Buffalo History Museum as a “Say Their Name” recipient for career achievements. Her life value that she continues to adhere to is “Servant Leadership”.

Portia Jamies is Chief Human Resources Officer for CeriF, an experienced human resources executive with an extensive background in human capital management. Ms. James has held leadership positions in human resources for St. John’s Senior Living, Unity Health System, Paychexs, Wegmans Food Markets and Lifetime Assistance. She holds a MS degree in management from Nazareth College and a BS in human resource management from the State University of New York at Fredonia. Her professional affiliations include membership on the Western New York Board of Directors of the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources and in the Workforce Diversity Network. She also serves on the a number of local boards.

Tae’lor Jackson is President of Panther Graphics, Inc. With an MBA from the University of Rochester - Simon Business School and a BS in Economics from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, she has a strong foundation in business strategy and analysis. Her experience as Vice President of Strategic Development at Panther Graphics and Brand Manager at Panther Solutions equipped her with the skills to conduct market research, assess operational and strategic performance, and develop effective brand strategies. She is passionate about leveraging data-driven insights to create innovative solutions that enhance customer satisfaction and business growth.
Madeline Little has a B.A SUNY Fredonia - Journalism 2020 and M.S Buffalo State University 2022 and is currently Say Yes Buffalo’s Communications & Alumni Relations Specialist and Owner- The Abstract Way Marketing Consultancy. I was inspired to start my marketing business, because as a young girl born on the east side of Buffalo NY, there wasn't anyone in the media world that looked like me. There also weren't positive stories being told about us. We heard stories about homicides, gang violence, and so many other things that overlooked true talent in our community. So I decided to create my business to help people and or businesses brand and tell their stories authentically and efficiently.

Taren Greenidge is a Partner at Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete LLP, a national law firm exclusively devoted to representing management in every aspect of labor and employment law. Taren has extensive knowledge of labor and employment laws that she has developed while representing a wide range of clients from locally-owned small businesses to Fortune 100 companies. Taren defends employers in a broad facet of employment matters including harassment, discrimination, wage and hour claims, workers’ compensation, handbook policy creation, and client counseling for compliance with federal, state, and local laws. She has quickly established herself as an expert in the area of labor and employment law. Taren is not only a passionate defender in the courtroom, she also has a passion for her community. In 2012, Taren founded the Rochester Black Young Professionals (BYP), an auxiliary of the Urban League of Rochester, to create a forum for young professionals of color to socialize, network and serve their community. She also serves on the boards of several organizations including: the Urban League Of Rochester, Dress for Success Rochester, the Sisters of St. Joseph Foundation Board, and the Rochester Chamber of Commerce Women’s Council Board. In her free time, Taren works with high school students going through the college application process to assist them in preparing all necessary materials and documentation to increase their chances in pursuing a college education. She mentors these students while they transition to college and continue to work towards attaining their professional and academic goals. Taren’s hard work and leadership has been noted in all of the Rochester, New York newspapers and she has also been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards including: The Daily Record’s Up & Coming Attorney Award, Top Women in Law Award and Top Leader in Law Awards, the Rochester Black Bar Association’s Excellence in Leadership Award, the inaugural IGNITE Future Leader’s Award from the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, the Rochester Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 Award, the New York Law Journal’s Rising Star Award, and most recently RBJ’s Women of Excellence Award. She has also been recognized by Best Lawyers Magazine as One to Watch. Taren is a Rochester native and graduated cum laude from Spelman College with a B.A. in Economics and Political Science in 2007 and also obtained her J.D. from Duke University School of Law in 2010.

Tiffany Torres is a passionate and accomplished leader advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) at Evergreen Health. As Community Engagement Manager, she leads initiatives to foster an inclusive and empowering workplace where every team member feels seen, heard, and valued. Her work includes overseeing employee resource groups, organizing educational events, and collaborating with local organizations to address health disparities and uplift underserved communities.
A proud Puerto Rican woman, Tiffany brings both professional excellence and personal purpose to everything she does. As a single mother, she is deeply committed to mentoring youth, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. She serves as a mentor and advisory board member for the KLGPhi Youth Organization, a Youth Leader with Thy Kingdom Era Collective, and a mentor with the NYS Latina Mentoring Initiative. She is also an apprentice Small Group Leader for The Healing Journey class at Prince of Peace Church.
Tiffany’s influence extends to leadership roles on several boards and planning committees, including the Hispanic Women’s League of WNY, the Women’s Business Center at Canisius University, the Community Connections Council at Roswell, and the Eleversity Women of Color Summit Planning Committee.
Her commitment to equity and community empowerment has earned her numerous honors, including the Karen Lee Spaulding Oishei Leaders of Color Fellowship and several awards in 2024 alone: the Creative Arts/Community Leader Beautiful Soul Award, the Beau Fleuve Community Impact Award, the Judge Hugh B. Scott Community Service Award, and the Oakk Room Certificate of Recognition.
Tiffany’s unwavering dedication to service and advocacy has made her a respected voice and role model in her field, leading with purpose, integrity, and heart.