On Tuesday March 26th, the Canasawacta Country Club was filled with attendees for the Chenango Women’s Leadership Conference, which organizers described as “an empowering day dedicated to celebrating and inspiring women leaders.” The full day leadership program presented by Commerce Chenango gathered 198 participants, including students from seven of the DCMO BOCES component school districts. Students were nominated by their schools for their interest and leadership qualities, and were able to attend thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation for South Central New York, facilitated by the DCMO BOCES Enrichment Education Coordinator, Martha Ryan.
The students were able to hear from several accomplished speakers, including keynote addresses from Cheryl Robinson, President and CEO of New York Central Mutual Insurance Company, and Jen Gregory, Executive Director of Southern Tier 8 Regional Board, an economic development and regional planning organization. Other presenters included Sandra Eberhard, President and CEO of the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) Metro NY and Greater DMV, as well as DCMO BOCES Public and School Liaison and Enrichment Coordinator Martha Ryan. The panel discussion included dynamic women from a range of regional businesses and industries, sharing stories and strategies for success.
According to Ryan, the presence of the students added another dimension to the event. “One of the common traits of successful women leaders is a desire to encourage and support young women to develop their skills and confidence. Attending the conference allows our students to network with influential women and be inspired by their accomplishments, and it allows the leaders to connect and inspire that next generation.”
Students attending the event included Nicole Ramsaran and Kalie Fernandez-Naughton from Unadilla Valley CSD, Ava Benjamin, Katie Yates and Ahnalee Kappauf from Oxford Academy CSD, Kathleen Charette and Abigail Hoyt from Afton CSD, Brinley Wager, Natalie Anderson and Leah Dennis from Delaware Academy CSD at Delhi, Abigail Hoyt, Hailey George-Jameson from Franklin CSD, Carlie Golden and Josie Guernsey from Otselic Valley CSD, and McKennah Jones and Amanda Markiewicz from Sherburne-Earlville CSD.