Women's Empowerment Conference
The Women's Empowerment Conference aims to uplift women in the Southern Tier of New
York and
the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania by offering workshops, discussions, and networking
opportunities
focused on personal, professional, and financial growth. The conference recognizes
and celebrates
women's leadership and strives to create a supportive environment where they can thrive.
Sponsorship Partners
Session Topics
Missing The Moments: How to Find Joy Beyond the Hustle
Building a Life You Love
Resiliency Panel
From Ally to Advocate: Growing and Flexing Your Might
Women in Leadership
Breaking Up with Perfectionism: Shifting Toward Authentic Confidence
Retirement for Women
Backstage Pass to Confidence: Own Your Power Like A Rockstar!!!!
Women's Health
KEYNOTE (To Be Announced)
Speaker Profiles
CHRISTY WRIGHT - Keynote Speaker
Christy Wright is a #1 bestselling author, speaker, and business coach. She has been featured on The Today Show, Fox News, and in Success, Entrepreneur, and Women’s Day magazines. Whether she’s running around on stage or running after her kids, Christy lives out her faith and loves helping others do the same. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, Matt, and their three children: Carter, Conley, and Mary Grace.
LAURA CARAPELLA
Dr. Laura Carapella is an author, educator, and advocate for self-awareness, communication, and leadership skills. She began her career as a teacher while earning her doctorate in human behavior from Columbia University. Later, she became a tenured professor at Ithaca College and SUNY Cortland, where she taught courses in human behavior, and other health-related topics. Recognized for her excellence in teaching, she patented a digital health currency, received grants to study anxiety reduction through gratitude, and developed an app.
Dr. Carapella has authored 23 peer-reviewed publications and 3 children’s books. She has also delivered over 300 development trainings. As an entrepreneur, she founded Carapella Consulting, specializing in leadership, education, and understanding your system of self. With 28 years of experience, she engages audiences through impactful trainings that drive transformation with an investment in authenticity.
Committed to community service, she advises LGBTQ+ groups, parents, and business leaders. At home, she is a devoted wife, mother of two energetic boys, and pet mom to 2 dogs and a rescued cat. She values meditation, unity, and spreading love. Dr. Carapella is excited to be here and meet you today.
FERN CHAN
Meet Fern Chan - 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.
DANYELLE PEIFFER
Danyelle Peiffer is a Growth Guide and founder of Done Dimming LLC, where she helps women step into their full potential and shine with confidence. After realizing she had dimmed her own light for too long, Danyelle made a choice to be "Done Dimming"—and now she’s on a mission to help other women do the same. With over a decade of personal growth experience (books, podcasts, coaching with top experts), Danyelle offers practical tools and strategies to help women embrace their strengths and live boldly. Her passion right now? Coaching women through her program Fully Alive in 2025, empowering them to step confidently into their purpose. When she’s not coaching or speaking, Danyelle is living her faith, serving others through church, and cherishing time with her family, including her husband of over 20 years and their four kids.
To learn more about Fully Alive in 2025 and join the next round, visit https://pb-site.com/p/n8pHKdTwWRz.
CHRISTY WATERS FORSYTH
Christy Waters Forsyth is your down-to-earth guide to spirituality, energy, intuition, and personal transformation. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Intuitive, Certified Life Coach, Energy Healing Practitioner, and Clinical Hypnotherapist, she blends science and spirituality to help people clear blocks, trust their intuition, and become magnetic to the life they desire.
Through Clarity by Christy, she offers Soul Therapy, an intuitively-led coaching experience to help clients heal, grow, and align with their highest potential. She also runs the Clarity by Christy Membership, a unique collection of classes, meditations, and hypnosis sessions for self-paced spiritual and personal growth.
At the heart of it all, Christy’s mission is simple: to make spirituality practical, help people become magnetic, and remind you that magic isn’t outside of you—it’s within you. Whether through coaching, courses, or community, she’s here to help you step into your power and create a life that truly feels aligned.
JERAKAH HEADY
Jerakah Heady is a podcast host, author, speaker, community builder and online BFF who keeps it real with you no matter what. When not recording episodes of And She Rises…with Grit & Gratitude, you can find Jerakah drinking coffee, spending time with her son Jax and hanging out with her husband (all probably in Target, IYKYK).
As a Grief Empowerment Coach, Jerakah is passionate about helping women transition out of hard seasons and Level Up into the Woman they are destined to be. Known as “The Fingerlakes Oprah” & “The Gratitude Queen”, Jerakah shares her journey on how she navigates grief and gratitude with poise and grace.
SAMANTHA HERRINGTON
Samantha Herrington—Founder of Ultimate Impact, recovering perfectionist, and passionate advocate for helping women unlock their true potential. Samantha has dedicated her career to helping women navigate the challenges of burnout, overwhelm, and self-doubt. She believes that inside each of us is the potential for greatness, and with the right tools and mindset, we can create meaningful impact in our lives and communities. As a mama of two, wife, and lover of books and walks outside, Samantha understands the balance between striving for success and taking care of ourselves. She is here to show you how intentional living can lead to greater fulfillment, joy, and success—without burning out in the process.
AMY IRVINE
Amy believes that you can use your dollars and cents to create and live a meaningful life unique to your own dreams and desires. She started Rooted Planning group because she wanted to offer financial PLANNING services. Her profession has a tendency to focus on “assets under management,” and she wanted to focus on the journey of your life (what she refers to in the podcast as your financial “vineyard"). Amy truly believes that, like wine, life and finances have different palettes that should be celebrated and not judged.
Amy's journey as a business owner was not a direct path, it’s more of a long and winding road. Over the course of the past 30 years, Amy has worked in various financial services positions. But she's most proud of the ensemble of women that she has brought together at Rooted Planning Group.
Amy is the author of "Uncork Your Finances" and podcast host of Money Roots. She also co-founded the Southern Tier Women's Financial Conference in 2014, which is an annual event with a day of collaboration, networking, and financial education for women. Amy holds a Master’s Degree in Financial Planning, and the following designations: Certified Financial Planner®, Enrolled Agent, Certified College Financial Consultant, Master Planner Advance Studies®, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® and Certified Financial Therapist.
In addition to serving on several boards, Amy is honored to serve as a mentor to other women in the profession, and she sits on the NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Planners) Foundation Board in hopes of having professional influence on the number of women in the profession (or lack thereof) and supporting a community of like-minded fiduciary financial planners.
MARY MOSTELLER
With over twenty years in nonprofit leadership, Mary Mosteller has worked alongside some of the most influential names in entertainment, helping them amplify their charitable platforms with purpose-driven impact. She walked away from a high profile, six-figure job to follow her passion, defining her purpose in life.
Now, as CEO of Amplifying Altruism, she leverages celebrity influence to make the world a better place. As Managing Director of The Taylor Foundation, founded by Slipknot/Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor, she focuses her efforts on innovative mental health resources for our nation's heroes living with post traumatic stress.
But her power isn't just in her resume- it's in her mindset. A firm believer in leading with kindness, embracing fear and living life to the fullest- she's real, raw and unapologetically herself...some say she is inspiring- probably because she refuses to let doubt, fear or imposter syndrome call the shots.
Today, she's here to do what she does best: empower women to step into their power, rewrite the rules, and own their spotlight in service to others.
HOLLY HELLER ROSS
Serving as Librarian and SUNY WIT founder and Program Administrator, Holly researches, teaches, and assists students and faculty with information literacy, promotes the success and achievements of people identifying as women and their allies, and serves academic departments as a library liaison. She believes in people, and in the power of diverse collaborations to reach better and more sustainable solutions. A former Dean and CIO, Holly coordinated the Library & Information Technology Services (LITS) budget, strategic and operational planning, personnel, professional development, assessment, all library and technology support services and programs, and guided LITS alignment with campus and SUNY-wide missions though service on the Deans’ Cabinet and the President’s Executive Committee from 2012-2021. Her publications were selected for the Library Instruction Round Table's (LIRT) list of top 20 instruction.
KATIE STEWART
Katie is a talented graphic designer and photographer with a passion for creativity. As a divorced single mom, she has navigated life's challenges with resilience and determination. Her experiences have shaped her unique perspective on balancing personal and professional life. She believes in the power of design to communicate ideas and emotions effectively. Her love for the outdoors and hiking fuels her creativity, inspiring her work and connecting her with nature. Katie is excited to share her journey and insights on overcoming obstacles, embracing creativity, and finding balance in her life.
DIVA TUCKER
Patricia ( Diva) Tucker is a woman who energizes, and lights up any room she enters. She is what others call a Positive Body Image Specialist. May of 2019 Diva graduated from Keuka College with a BA in Social Work. And is determined to start her journey to her master’s in leadership later this year. Diva is a GG (gorgeous grandmother) of 12 and mother of 3. After Diva was diagnosed with stage 3C Colon Cancer in 2006 in which her Cancer was found by way of a checkup despite having any symptoms at all, she realized that the Lord had saved her from this Cancer for a reason. After going through this Diva decided to work on a workshop that would inspire, empower, and build up others that are in need of some deep down to the ground positivity. Regardless of who she’s with; Diva shares her positive outlook. Her main point is to teach women and reach women, young and older to empower and encourage them about how to have a positive body image. That is when Diva founded, “Dishing With Diva LLC.” Diva became official in 2021. In this workshop she teaches women how to love themselves from the inside out. How to know that once you love who you are, no one can step to you and tell you who you are not. No one can bully you into doing anything that you do not want to do. Diva goal is to not only empower others, enlighten other but to also motivate other. Because, with Diva you will know that “Life is too Short, and you all are far to Sexy to Frown.”
RONETTE WILEY
As a seasoned healthcare executive and registered nurse (RN), Ronette brings strategic vision, operational excellence, and team leadership to drive organizational success. Her proven track record in healthcare administration is marked by optimizing processes, enhancing patient care, and fostering team-based collaborative environments.
Currently, Ronette serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Arnot Health in Elmira, NY, where she oversees operations for a three-hospital and two skilled nursing facility system. The flagship, Arnot Ogden Medical Center, is a 256-bed tertiary medical facility providing the region’s only level 3 NICU and a comprehensive range of services, including acute care, behavioral health, cancer treatment, interventional cardiology, dialysis, hyperbaric wound care, certified stroke care, and inpatient addiction treatment. Additionally, the Medical Center offers training for Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) students and hosts several ACGME-accredited residency and fellowship programs. The Arnot Medical Service (AMS) provides primary and specialty care to residents in the surrounding counties.
Additionally, Ronette has recently been named the Chief Operating Officer of Centralus Health. Centralus Health is a newly formed healthcare organization resulting from the affiliation between Arnot Health and Cayuga Health. This partnership was officially announced on January 7, 2025. Centralus Health aims to transform healthcare delivery across the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, and Central New York regions by expanding access to high-quality care, investing in capital improvements, and advancing patient care through technology.
Sponsorship Partner and Vendor Opportunities
Elevate Your Brand at the 2025 Women's Empowerment Conference!
Become a Sponsorship Partner or Vendor at the 2025 Women's Empowerment Conference
at Corning Community College and
gain valuable exposure for your organization.
This is a prime opportunity to:
Reach a targeted audience: Connect with women in the community and beyond.
Build brand awareness: Increase visibility and recognition for your company.
Generate leads: Source new prospects and potential customers.
Show community support: Enhance your reputation by supporting women's empowerment.
Network: Connect with other women, decision-makers, businesses, entrepreneurs, and community
leaders.
Sponsorship Partner Opportunities: We offer various sponsorship partner packages designed to meet your marketing goals and budget. Your support is crucial to the success of this event.
Vendor Opportunities: Showcase your products and services directly to conference guests.
Join us in Uplifting Lives!
We appreciate your interest in supporting the 2025 Women's Empowerment Conference.
Sponsorship Partner Registration Here
Choose the level that best aligns with your goals:
Trailblazer Sponsorship Partner - $5,000 (Exclusive)
- Complimentary Registrations: Eight (8) complimentary attendee registrations with premium reserved seating.
- Reserved Table Signage: Your company logo displayed on reserved table signage.
- Keynote Speaker Sponsorship: Recognition as the presenting sponsor of a Keynote Speaker session.
- Featured Visuals: Rotating slide with your company logo in the main dining hall.
- Podium Recognition: Verbal acknowledgment during the CCC Welcome Remarks.
- Welcome Signage Recognition: Your company logo displayed on event welcome signage.
- Print Advertising: Full-page advertisement in the event program booklet.
- Program Listing: Recognition as a Trailblazer Sponsorship Partner in the program booklet.
- Promotional Items: Opportunity to include promotional items in attendee welcome bags.
- Website Recognition: Your company logo displayed on the conference website.
- Social Media Recognition: Dedicated social media post thanking all sponsors.
- Complimentary Vendor Space: A dedicated space to showcase your products or services.
Innovator Sponsorship Partner - $3,000 (Two Available)
- Complimentary Registrations: Six (6) complimentary attendee registrations with reserved seating.
- Reserved Table Signage: Your company logo displayed on reserved table signage.
- Conference Lunch Sponsorship: Recognition as the presenting sponsor of the conference lunch.
- Podium Recognition: Verbal acknowledgment during the CCC Welcome Remarks.
- Welcome Signage Recognition: Company logo displayed on event welcome signage.
- Print Advertising: Half-page advertisement in the event program booklet.
- Program Listing: Recognition as an Innovator Sponsorship Partner in the program booklet.
- Promotional Items: Opportunity to include promotional items in attendee welcome bags.
- Website Recognition: Company logo displayed on the conference website.
- Social Media Recognition: Dedicated social media post thanking all sponsors.
- Complimentary Vendor Space: A dedicated space to showcase your products or services.
Groundbreaker Sponsorship Partner - $2,000 (Four Available)
- Complimentary Registrations: Four (4) complimentary attendee registrations.
- Conference Dessert Sponsorship: Recognition as a presenting sponsor of the conference dessert.
- Podium Recognition: Verbal acknowledgment during the CCC Welcome Remarks.
- Welcome Signage Recognition: Company logo displayed on event welcome signage.
- Print Advertising: Quarter-page advertisement in the event program booklet.
- Program Listing: Recognition as a Groundbreaker Sponsorship Partner in the program booklet.
- Promotional Items: Opportunity to include promotional items in attendee welcome bags.
- Website Recognition: Company logo displayed on the conference website.
- Social Media Recognition: Dedicated social media post thanking all sponsors.
- Complimentary Vendor Space: A dedicated space to showcase your products or services.
If interested in a customized sponsorship - Please contact Ericka Lehman, WECE Program
Coordinator at 607-936-5504 or
email elehman1@corning-cc.edu
We appreciate your interest in being a vendor at the 2025 Corning Community College
Women's Empowerment Conference!
Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:
Date: May 21st, 2025
Opportunity: Showcase your organization or products to the community. Network with other entrepreneurs and marketplace leaders.
Sell your products and goods directly to conference participants.
Vendor Space: Includes 1 table and 2 chairs; Electrical outlets may not be available, so please ensure your devices are fully charged.
Application: Please complete the vendor application form above to secure your space.
Payment: A non-refundable payment of $250 is due by May 9th, 2025.
Set Up Date & Time: Tuesday, 5/20/25 will be from 2pm - 6pm, or Wednesday, 5/21/25 from 7:15am - 8am.
Location: 1 Academic Drive, Corning, NY 14830 - The Commons Building.
We look forward to having you at the conference!
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.