Women's Empowerment Conference
The Corning Community College Women's Empowerment Conference aims to uplift all women
in the Southern Tier
of New York and the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania by offering workshops, discussions, and networking
opportunities
to fuel all areas of life! We honor the unique journeys of women from all walks of
life and provide an inclusive environment
where each attendee can unlock their full potential, share their stories, and build
lasting connections!
Join us in Uplifting Lives!
We appreciate your interest in supporting the 2026 Women's Empowerment Conference.
Women's Empowerment Conference Committee
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2026 Sponsorship Partners
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Centralus Health
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Corning Incorporated
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Watkins Glen Area
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Higher Information Group
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Corning Credit Union
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Corning Area Chamber of Commerce
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Nucor Vulcraft of New York, Inc.
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Chemung County Chamber
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Serv U Credit Union
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Wallin Insurance
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Real Talk Therapy
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Pathways, Inc.
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2026 SPEAKERS
KATY URSTA - Keynote Speaker
Katy is a strategic marketing expert, storyteller, and speaker who helps entrepreneurs build businesses rooted in vision, voice and vulnerability. Known for translating real life into powerful messaging, she teaches leaders how to turn their experiences into connection, confidence, and growth. She is the host of the Direct Sales Done Right podcast with more than 2 million downloads and the Amazon best-selling author of Direct Sales Done Right and The Back Pocket Prayer Journal. At the core of her work is a simple belief: your story is your most powerful asset. Katy’s message is deeply shaped by her personal journey. After facing a stage 4 cancer diagnosis and rallying her community to raise more than $70,000 for cancer research, she experienced firsthand how resilience is built in the everyday seemingly insignificant decisions we make to keep moving forward. Her experience inspired (re)RISE, the framework behind her work today helping women rebuild personally, professionally, and spiritually without abandoning themselves in the process. Through storytelling, strategy, and honest conversation about life’s detours, Katy equips women with the confidence to lead, grow, and rise again—clearer, stronger, and more aligned with who they are.
LISA GERBER - Plenary Speaker
Lisa is a storytelling strategist, speaker, and author who specializes in helping purpose-driven leaders create lasting change through authentic narrative. Her unique perspective is shaped by over two decades of navigating both the challenges and opportunities of building a career on her own terms. Lisa's uncertain post-college journey led her to pursue her passion for skiing, which led to roles at The Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado, and then at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seattle. She later became a marketing director at a ski resort where she learned that storytelling builds credibility, creates community and is fun to do. As founder of a strategic communications firm, Lisa built her business in a small mountain town in Idaho. Her workshops and programs have helped thousands of leaders change the way they communicate, inspire action, and most importantly, show up more true to themselves. Lisa is the author of The Power of Story: Connect with Purpose, Unlock Your Influence and From So What? To So Funded: How Nonprofits Use Story to Create Impact and Change the World. When not at her desk, she finds her best creative inspiration while skiing, trail running, or mountain biking with her husband and dogs.
SOPHIA BARKSDALE
Sophia is a certified life coach, speaker, author, and graduate student in Marriage and Family Therapy based in Columbus, Ohio. With over four years of experience empowering women, youth, and families, she is passionate about helping individuals move from burnout to breakthrough through intentional self-care and emotional resilience. Sophia is the founder of SB Empowerment Services and co leader of Safe Place Family Services, where she supports personal growth, leadership development, and family wellness. As the author of multiple personal development journals, Sophia equips women with practical tools to build confidence, establish healthy boundaries, and live aligned with purpose. Her speaking engagements blend authenticity, strategy, and encouragement, leaving audiences both inspired and equipped with actionable steps. Rooted in faith and guided by a commitment to holistic well-being, Sophia believes self-care is not selfish but essential. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to help women thrive from within so they can lead, love, and live fully without losing themselves in the process.
SUSAN BULL
Susan is currently the President/CEO of Arbor Housing and Development in Corning NY. She has been coaching senior teams and mid-level leaders across the nonprofit sector for 25 years. A dynamic and deeply authentic voice in the leadership arena, Susan has dedicated her career to helping women step into their power with clarity, courage, and compassion. Her work centers on guiding leaders through the real challenges of fear, conflict and imposter syndrome. Drawing from her military service, executive leadership, and decades of frontline experience in the nonprofit world, Susan brings a combination of discipline, empathy, and insight to her message. She understands what it means to lead when the stakes are high and the path forward is uncertain, and she teaches others to do the same. Known for her candid, compassionate style, Susan’s life has been defined by courage: from early childhood trauma, to serving as a woman in uniform, to navigating the complexities of leadership in mission-driven organizations. She believes that authentic leadership begins with self-awareness and that women, in particular, hold a transformative power when they lead from a place of truth and purpose rather than perfection.
FERN CHAN
Meet Fern! - The presentation powerhouse who transformed from campus cubicle warrior
to global speaking sensation with a bold mission: helping change-makers amplify their
impact and set the world on fire (metaphorically, of course). As the international
bestselling author of "How to NOT Suck at Presentations" and founder of Fern Chan
Ventures, she's the secret weapon behind countless business leaders, entrepreneurs,
and educators who now command rooms, move mountains, and make magic happen.
From rocking the stage at the UN (yes, that UN) to running a thriving coaching empire,
she's proving that moms can dominate both PowerPoint and playdates with equal swagger.
Combining 15+ years of adult education expertise with enough Star Wars references
to fill the Death Star, Fern's coaching turns presentation panic into presentation
mastery.
Fun fact: This karaoke-loving, mystery-novel-devouring dynamo makes presentation coaching
feel like a party where PowerPoint meets personality. Her signature blend of sass,
strategy, and impromptu dance breaks has helped thousands of clients crush their fear
of public speaking and discover their inner rockstar presenter. May your presence
command the force... and the room.
AMIRA DAVIS
Amira is a Gen X entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and Founder of D5 Consulting Group, a leadership development and training firm serving organizations, schools, and communities across New York State. With decades of experience in business operations, marketing strategy, and leadership development, Amira works closely with leaders and teams to build clarity, confidence, and sustainable leadership practices. Through her personal brand, AmiraEvolved, Amira focuses on women navigating leadership, identity shifts, boundaries, and growth, particularly in midlife. Her work bridges the gap between professional leadership and personal alignment, helping women lead from a place of calm authority rather than burnout or overextension. Amira is also the host of The Shifted Podcast, where she explores real conversations around leadership, boundaries, and growth, and the author of The Shifted Self Journal, a practical tool designed to support reflection, clarity, and intentional change. Known for her grounded, honest approach, Amira speaks with clarity and depth, offering insights that are practical, reflective, and immediately applicable. Her work invites women to lead differently by first understanding themselves more clearly.
KIM FROCK
Kim is the Executive Head of School at The Alternative School for Math & Science. She took a leave of absence from Corning Inc in 2003 to lead the creation and start-up of the school, and she volunteered as the Administrative Head from January 2004 until June 2020. Most recently, Kim served as the Administrator in Charge at Corning Community College until a new president was appointed in January 2026. Kim joined Corning Inc in 1987 after earning her MBA at Harvard Business School, and served in a variety of finance, control and treasury roles during her 17 years with the company. Prior to attending Harvard Business School, she worked as a CPA on the audit staff at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. in Pittsburgh. Kim has served on the boards of ASMS, 171 Cedar Arts Center, The Girl Scouts, Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, and Notre Dame High School. She has received the following recognition: Mt. Lebanon High School Distinguished Alumni Award, Girl Scouts Woman of the Year, Boys Scouts Distinguished Citizen, and the National Jefferson Award for Public Service.
KRISTIN HOFFMAN - HP HOOD, Visionary Title Sponsor
Kristin is an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) leader with deep experience championing
safety and health, sustainable operations, and people first cultures across several
industries. Known for her ability to translate complex regulations into practical,
human centered solutions, she has built a career around protecting both the planet
and the people who power it. Throughout her career, Kristin has led high impact safety
initiatives, strengthened organizational resilience, and mentored emerging professionals
- especially women pursuing careers in STEM, EHS, and operational leadership. Her
work blends technical expertise with a deep commitment to equity, ensuring that safety
and sustainability are shared values embedded in everyday decision making. She currently
serves as Senior Director EHS at HP Hood, where she oversees EHS across the organization,
including 12 manufacturing plants. A passionate advocate for women in traditionally
male dominated fields, she uses her platform to elevate voices, open doors, and challenge
outdated assumptions about who belongs in safety, science, and industry leadership.
Whether she’s developing strategic EHS programs, facilitating training, or speaking
to future leaders, Kristin brings authenticity, clarity, and a belief that empowered
women transform workplaces from the inside out. Today, she continues to drive meaningful
change by fostering environments where everyone—regardless of background—can thrive
in an environment that is safe, healthy, and sustainable.
CLAIRE HOWARD - HP HOOD, Visionary Title Sponsor
With more than twenty years of experience in corporate law, the last decade advising leaders in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, Claire has made helping women claim space in environments where they have not always been invited to the table a priority in her career. Claire currently services as Assistant General Counsel and Vice President at HP Hood where her work spans a wide range of critical business functions, including providing legal support in human resources, capital projects, transportation, and many other operational areas, giving her a uniquely holistic perspective on leadership and organizational success. Claire endeavors to lead every day with a servant leadership philosophy rooted in encouragement, integrity, and purpose. She believes leadership is not defined by a title but by how we show up for ourselves and others. Whether in the workplace, within our families, or in our communities, Claire teaches that leadership begins with self awareness and grows through the everyday choices we make to lift others. Beyond her legal work, Claire is deeply committed to building community and advancing equity. She serves on the Women at Hood Committee, where she works to support women across the organization, and she is the Vice Chair of the Community For Everyone Committee, helping foster belonging, access, and empowerment for all employees. Claire brings a warm, grounded, and inspiring perspective on navigating leadership, advocating for oneself, and creating pathways for others. She speaks with the conviction of someone who has carved out her own space and is committed to widen that space for the women who follow.
AMANDA JACKSON
Parents of school-age kids often feel frustrated when weekends vanish in errands, practice, and chores, leaving only one big vacation a year to make memories that matter. It doesn't have to be that way. Amanda Cave Jackson is the guide busy families need. As the founder of TripIdeaMom.com, she finds and tests short, driveable trips across NY and the Northeast so you don't have to. She also leads small-group trips into NYC for families who want the experience without the overwhelm. A full-time engineer, wife, and mom of two middle-school daughters, Amanda built this because she felt time slipping away as her kids were growing up. She knew there had to be a better way to turn ordinary weekends into something worth remembering. Her formula: pick the trip, show up, and build inside jokes that last.
ELMARINE JIMENEZ
Elmarine is an Associate Professor of Computer and Information Science at SUNY Corning Community College and a certified professional in Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, Python, and other leading technologies. With more than 19 years of experience in the networking and IT industry — including seven years in full-time teaching — she brings deep technical expertise and a passion for student success to every space she serves. A trailblazer in Information Technology, Elmarine was the first award recipient of her kind in Jamaica and was recognized among the top 10% globally as a Cisco Networking Academy Expert Instructor in 2013 and 2014. She believes technology is a powerful pathway for anyone willing to pursue it — offering the opportunity to create meaningful, positive change in the world. Elmarine is committed to uplifting others through education, confidence-building, and community engagement—helping individuals unlock their full potential and build lasting connections.
MARY MOSTELLER
With over 20 years of nonprofit leadership, Mary Mosteller has spent the last six helping celebrities turn influence into real-world impact. She's witnessed the full roar of fandom, watching women scream, cry, and fangirl for others, while realizing most of us never cheer for ourselves. Creator of The Fangirl Framework: Activate Your Power, Mary combines raw storytelling, lived experience, sharp humor, fearless insight and a little bit of childlike wonder to ignite presence, courage and bold action in every room she enters. Whether on stage with rockstars or behind the scenes, Mary inspires audiences to reclaim their voice, confront self-imposed limits, and leave every room louder than they arrived. Get ready to reclaim your best life!
EILEEN PEET
Eileen is a dynamic sales and marketing leader, entrepreneur, and community builder with over a decade of experience driving growth, building brands, and connecting strategy to people. She serves as the Sales and Marketing Manager for Southern Tier Network, a nonprofit fiber broadband organization, and provides consulting services to organizations through Wendell Street Marketing, which she founded in 2019. Throughout her career, Eileen has worked across industries helping organizations strengthen visibility, increase revenue, and build meaningful relationships through thoughtful sales and marketing strategies. She brings creativity, energy, and real-world perspective of what it takes to grow in complex, competitive environments. Eileen is a strong advocate for women in business and believes in the power of women supporting one another, especially when it can be uncomfortable or challenging. Her work focuses on building connection, collaboration, and community support that allows people to work together. She co-leads the Upstate NY Business Meet-Ups, a growing networking group that is creating spaces for business, connection, shared learning, and collective growth. As a speaker, Eileen offers an engaging and honest voice on leadership, community, creativity, and the importance of showing up for one another.
DANYELLE PFEIFFER
Danyelle is a consultant, homeschool mama, and woman who loves to serve, on a mission to help women live healthy, joy-filled lives. As a Regional Vice President with Arbonne, Danyelle has built a thriving health and wellness business rooted in clean living, simple habits, and strong community. She helps women improve their health, create income from home, and grow in confidence as leaders. As a busy mom, Danyelle understands the challenges of family, health, and personal growth. She is passionate about helping women find a sustainable rhythm that supports their well-being while allowing them to show up fully for the people, purpose, and faith that matter most. With over a decade of personal growth experience, Danyelle brings a relatable and encouraging approach that inspires action.
NICHOLE POST
Nichole is the Director of the Southern Tier Community Center, a division of the Children’s Home. With over a decade of experience in employee management and program development, Nichole is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging environments that promote connection, growth, and wellness. She holds dual master’s degrees in Human Services and in Management and Leadership and brings a deep commitment to community impact through innovative program creation, event planning, and leadership training. As co-chair of the Agency’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Awareness Committee, Nichole champions equity and belonging at every level. Nichole is dedicated to building spaces where individuals of all ages 0 to 100 can feel safe, supported, and inspired to thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her three children, as well as reading, biking, gardening, hiking, and running.
KELLY HARKNESS
Kelly is a licensed Social worker, am in the Navy Reserves. Kelly recently became a grandmother by marriage. Kelly was the Director of Crisis for Chemung County last year (2025) and came back to private practice full time. Kelly love helping people and asking the right questions to get people to find their own answer.
EMMI SAUFLEY
Emmi, a minority woman-owned business owner of two growing and successful businesses, both in the non-profit and for-profit worlds. Called to connect, to empower, to create, and to enhance a dream of one and bring it to life. Runway for a Cause of the Southern Tier is a platform for creatives and people of all ages, backgrounds, and expertise to come together for one cause. Supporting one another in many forms, raising money to donate back out and providing opportunites for all. Le Kim Associates is a platform to expand on that work, for consultations, for event planning, for mentorship, for styling and so much more. Creating space for those who eager to bring their ideas to life. Both of these businesses are what I strive to create: foundations that are open, accessible, and inclusive to all.
RACHAL TAYLOR
Rachal has been an RN for 18 years. She has worked in emergency room medicine as well as correctional medicine for the majority of her career. Over the last 2 years, Rachal has expanded her knowledge into the functional medicine world, and her passion runs deep with women's hormone health. Rachal started experiencing perimenopausal symptoms about 2 years ago but didn't realize that was what it was until a year ago. She is still constantly learning and also tweaking herself to try to get to the most optimal level of wellness she can be at. Perimenopause isn't something women talk about enough, and unfortunately not all medical doctors treat. Rachal tries to educate women on symptoms and provide the confidence to help push people to be their best advocate, let women know they are not alone, and be a listening ear when needed.
2026 Session Topics
(re)RISE: Rising Through Life's Pivots & Plot TwistsThe Power of Your Story: Communicate to Connect
Leveraging Fear to Lead with Confidence
Connection: Being Intentional
Thrive from Within: Reclaiming Your Power Through Intentional Self-Care
The Fangirl Framework: Activate Your Power
Nobody Puts a Voice in Your Corner
Boundaries are Your Friend
Leading Change with Transparency, Honesty & Purpose
Evolved Impact: Leadership, Voice & Women Who Shape Us
Navigating Hormones: Perimenopause & Menopause
Full Calendar, Empty Feeling: How to Actually Feel Present
From Self-Doubt to Self-Trust: How Women Can Rebuild Confidence
Side Hustle to Life Hustle, Stories from Business Builders
2026 Sponsorship Partner & Exhibitor Opportunities
Elevate Your Brand at the 2026 Women's Empowerment Conference!
Become a Sponsorship Partner or Exhibitor at the 2026 Women's Empowerment Conference
at Corning Community College and
gain valuable exposure for your organization.
Sponsorship Partner Registration Here
Choose the level that best aligns with your goals:
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Groundbreaker Sponsorship Partner - $2,000 (1 Available)
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Networking Sponsorship Partner - $1,000 (1 Available)
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Exhibitor Opportunity - $300 (5 Spaces Available)
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2026 Exhibitors
~ Arbor Housing & Development ~ Beauty By Denise: Mary Kay Cosmetics ~ Beauty Way
Consulting ~
~ Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler Counties ~
~ Centralus Health, an affiliation of Arnot Health & Cayuga Health (Sponsor) ~ Corning
Credit Union (Sponsor) ~
~ Corning Area Chamber of Commerce (Sponsor) ~ Chemung Chamber of Commerce (Sponsor)
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~ Corning Community College Admissions Office ~ Corning Community College Innovative
Learning Sites ~
~ Corning Community College Workforce Education & Community Engagement Department
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~ Corning Incorporated, Office of STEM (Sponsor) ~ Dishing with Diva, LLC ~ Fern Chan Ventures, LLC ~ Guthrie (Sponsor) ~
~ Higher Information Group (Sponsor) ~ HP Hood (Sponsor) ~ Hutton Farm Soaps ~ Incubator Works ~
~ Junior League of Greater Elmira-Corning ~ LawNY: Legal Assistance of Western NY, Inc. ~ NYS Police Department ~
~ Nucor Vulcraft of New York, Inc. (Sponsor) ~ O'Keefe Holistic Health ~ Pathways, Inc. (Sponsor) ~
~ Real Talk Therapy (Sponsor) ~ Serv U Credit Union (Sponsor) ~ Shaunda Thompson Coaching & Consulting ~
~ Specchio's Chocolates ~ Southeast Steuben County Library ~ Southern Tier Library System ~ Southern Tier Network ~
~ Southern Tier NETWORK ~ Trip Idea Mom ~ Wallin Insurance (Sponsor) ~ Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce (Sponsor) ~
~ Unbound Counseling & Consulting ~
For other details regarding this event please contact Ericka Lehman, Program Coordinator at elehman1@corning-cc.edu or 607-936-5504.
We look forward to having you at the conference!
Accommodations at the Radisson Hotel
Make the most of your conference experience by staying at the Radisson Hotel. A dedicated
room block is now available for our
Women's Empowerment Conference attendees.
How to Book:
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By Phone: Call the hotel directly at 607-962-5000. Be sure to mention the Women’s Empowerment Block when reserving your dates.
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Online: Use this link to book directly within our group block - Women's Empowerment Conference Group Room Block
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Note: If you are booking for a single night, please ensure you adjust the check-in/check-out dates before finalizing.
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SUNY Corning Community College is committed to ensuring equal access to students with disabilities. If you believe that you will need accommodations while taking this course, please contact Accessibility Services by phone 607-962-9262 or email Accessibility@corning-cc.edu to begin the process of requesting accommodations. We strive to coordinate accommodations in a timely manner, but some accommodations may not be available when you need them if you do not give timely notice.