By Sophia Root,

Commerce Chenango

NORWICH - Last week, Commerce Chenango hosted the third annual Chenango Women’s Leadership Conference.

The event, held at the DCMO BOCES Norwich Campus, boasted 245 attendees of all ages and from all corners of the county.

The third annual conference was sponsored by Women’s Fund from the Community Foundation for South and Central New York and New York State Women, Inc. Support was also provided by Unison, a GE Aerospace Company, Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, Raymond Corporation, and Norwich Wealth Management & Partners.

Marci Lauren Riddell, planning committee chair said, “We want this conference to be an event that you want to be part of and keep returning to. Every woman in this room is important. Every woman in this room brings a unique perspective to the discussion.” She continued, “Thank you BOCES for letting us use this space. We have students here again with us from local high schools.”

“Think about this: no matter where we are now in life, at one point we were a student, a student roaming the halls of their high school with big dreams and big ideas. Schools like BOCES help students achieve those dreams and ideas. I encourage you to absorb that energy here today as you roam these halls and listen to these amazing women.”

The conference consisted of three educational panels, each consisting of speakers who are leaders in: all aspects of life, the community, and mental health. Ruth Mahoney, Executive Vice President and President of Wealth Management at NBT Bank, gave a keynote address regarding the turns in her career, and her top ten guide to create lasting impact.

New to the conference this year were concurrent informational break out sessions. These occurred in different rooms on campus and were led by community leaders. How to Gain Financial Independence was hosted by Hilary Wilcox of Visions Federal Credit Union, How to Build a Network hosted by Amy Sherwood of NBT Bank, and How to Breathe, Balance and Lead was hosted by Melissa Stagnaro of Wildflower Healing Studio. The fourth session, How to Become an Entrepreneur, had two hosts: Melissa Beers of Teasers and Market 607 and Karri Beckwith of Bull Thistle Bridal.

The following businesses were represented by the Leading in All Aspects of Life panelists: Julia Miller (Blueox Energy), Laura Parker (Attorney) and Jerri Webb (Frontier Communications). The panel discussion, moderated by Patti Layton (New York State Women, Inc), focused on challenges women may face in the different roles they take on, how to maintain a healthy work life balance, and inspiring stories of how each panelist manages their many duties.

Next was the “Leading in the Community panel,” moderated by Robin Cotter (Catholic Charities of Chenango County). The panel included Jessica Moquin (Chenango County Historical Society), Kisten Giglio (Zonta Club of Chenango County and Aunt Mary’s House), Kendall Johnson (Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County) and Elizabeth Monaco (United Way of Mid-Rural New York). Their presentation shed some light on the many nonprofit organizations in our county and encouraged every woman in the room to engage with these organizations.

Students from many local districts were present at the event, and current DCMO BOCES Culinary students came in early to prepare breakfast, lunch, and dessert for the attendees to enjoy.

Following Lunch was a session of guided movement by Allison O’Neill, PT (UHS Therapies Norwich/SECO). This exercise encouraged all attendees to rise out of their seats, stretch and reenergize before sitting for the rest of the conference. O’Neill gave some examples of simple changes attendees could make to be more active, such as stretches to do during their day at work.

The final panel, Leading with Mental Health, showcased Linda Palmatier (Therapist), Jamie Hagenbuch (Madison County Rural Health Council) and Amanda Hoover (DCMO BOCES). The discussion, moderated by Dr. Kelly Collins Colosi (Clinical Social Worker), included topics such as hormone fluctuation and its effects on productivity.

The main event closed with remarks from Marci Lauren Riddell (Norwich Wealth Management). Riddell thanked the sponsors of the day, as well as the organizing committee: Heather McShane (Heather McShane Events & Weddings), Laura Parker (Attorney) Jenifer Telesky (NBT Bank), Jennifer Lawrence (DCMO BOCES), Mary Branham (Pivotel), Melissa Stagnaro (UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital), Gina Goldman (Alvogen), Sophia Root and Barb Knowles (Commerce Chenango).

After the presentations ended, attendees received free mocktails and dessert and had the opportunity to network among themselves.

Want to stay up to date with the attendees and get the newest information about the 2027 conference? Follow the Chenango Women’s Leadership Conference on Facebook.