YWCA Women of Achievement 2021

YWCA NorthEastern NY
and

New York Oncology Hematology
present the celebration of the

38th
Annual

Women of
Achievement

Awards

A Virtual Event

Thursday, March 25, 2021

NorthEastern NY

New York Oncology Hematology is a proud
supporter of YWCA NorthEastern NY.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2021

WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

HONOREES!

New York Oncology Hematology is the region’s
largest, most comprehensive provider of cancer

and blood disorder treatment.
World class care—
right here at home.

For more than 35 years,
we’ve been caring for

patients and saving lives.

newyorkoncology.com

Sabrina Mosseau, NYOH Executive
Director and 2021 Women of
Achievement Award Recipient

YWCA NorthEastern NY Present

The 38th Annual
Women of Achievement Awards

Virtual Event • Thursday, March 25, 2021 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Welcome by the JoDee Kenney
Master of Ceremonies Anchor, Spectrum News


Words from our Chairperson Alissa M. Quinn
Honorary Chairperson

President’s Circle Carole Merrill-Mazurek
Award Presentation Board President,
YWCA NorthEastern NY


Women of Achievement JoDee Kenney
Awards Presentations
Closing Kim Siciliano
CEO, YWCA NorthEastern NY

Special Thanks to our Sponsors:

Signature Sponsor Platinum Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Pursuit Lending • Sano-Rubin Construction Services
• Seeley Office Systems • The Quinn Wealth Management Group/UBS

Financial Services • Xenolith Partners LLC

Thank you to our Steering Committee

Crystal Bedard Kayla Molinaro
Staci Makovich Alissa Quinn
Susan Marlette Kim Siciliano
Jeanette Martin
Kindra McHale Kerrie Wolf-Piechota

Honorary Committee

1st National Bank of Scotia Kayla Molinaro
Alissa Quinn Kelsey Dorado
Amy Aldrich Agency, LLC Kerrie Wolf-Piechota
Andrea Crisafulli Kindra & Tom McHale
Bradley & Catherine Lewis Kim Siciliano
Carmel Patrick Kris McConville
Carole Merrill-Mazurek Laurie Tibbitts
Carrie Hillenbrandt Lauren Gregoire
Christine Frith Lisa Caraci in honor of
Congressman Paul Tonko
Cristine Cioffi Sabrina Mousseau
Crystal Bedard Louis Piechota
CSL Plasma Madelyn Thorne
Deborah Mullaney Mary Rita Cratty
Deborah Slezak Michelle Ostrelich
Denise Murphy McGraw Michelle Wildgrube
Diligent Data Services, LLC Nancy Johnson
Dot Valachovic Natasa Dugandzic
Eileen Bird Nikita Hardy
Elizabeth Miller Pamela Carter
Elizabeth Paul Peter & Nancy Siciliano
Ellen Sax Regina LaGatta
Georgia Kelly, Renee Adamany
Merrill Lynch Repeat Business Systems, Inc
Graham M. Smith Robert & Kathy Beck
Jeanette Martin Rosemarie Perez Jaquith
Jenna Adams Rosemary A. Taylor
Jennifer F. Hendricks-Fogg, Sara Erickson
Sarah Stotz
AFLAC Sharon Fisher
Joanne Dwyer Stacey Dailey Roussin
Jo-Anne Rafalik Susan Marlette
Joanmarie Dowling Tim Walton
Katherine Kruk Walda Chesnut
Katherine Stephens Wendi Gapczynski
Kathy Fernandez William Fabion
Kay Ackerman Yuvette Wayman

**List is as of program creation

About the Awards

Now in its 38th year, the Women of Achievement Awards celebration
seeks to bring awareness and recognition to the extraordinary

achievements of women throughout the Capital Region. Since 1983,
YWCA NorthEastern NY has honored over 250 women who are incredibly
deserving of wide community recognition, yet often go under-recognized
for their contributions. These women not only exemplify what it is to be an
empowered woman, but they also serve as role models for young women

throughout the area, helping them realize their true potential.

2021 Women of Achievement
Award Honorees

Barbara Artis

Diversity & Inclusion Award

Onicela Cedeño

Diversity & Inclusion Award

Cheryl Hage-Perez

Community Development Award

Sabrina Mosseau

Medicine Award

Michelle Pollard

Health & Wellness Award

Cynthia V. Powell

Susan Rosenthal Woman in Business Award

Jessica Sheridan

Philanthropy Award

Natalie Smarro

Small Business Award

Miranda VonFricken

Empowering Women Award

Alissa Quinn

President’s Circle Award

Women of Achievement and

Viola Abbitt, Miki Conn Dr. Alice P. Green
Kay Ackerman Rachel Conn Sonja Greenhill
Renee Adamany Linda Cookingham
Jerolyn Allen Kay Creasy Charlotte Greenwood
Frederica Anderson Andrea Crisafulli Marion Grimes
Margaret Anderton Margaret Cunningham Bell Hagar
Angela Angerami Judith Dagostino Kay Hagbom
Beatrice Angerami Susan E. Daly Bess Haile
Roie Angerami Marie DeBrocky
Lillian Applegarth Helen Desfosses Pattie Hammond
Susan Armenia Joanne DeVoe Ruth Harlow
Michele Armstrong Starr DiCiurcio Joyce Hart
Martha Asselin Georgetta Dix
JoAnne Assini Anne Donnelly Suzanne Hartz
Judy Atchinson Janine Donzelli Madlyn Harwell
Sophie Barber Barbara Draffen Penny Haynes
Lorraine Duchessi Betsy Henry PhD
Angela Baris Wendy Durand Bernadine Herskind
Mary Lou Bartotta Manasi Dutta Evelyn Holmblad
Delores Edmonds-McIntosh Nell Stokes Holmes
Betty Bean Christine Horne
Mary Rice Bee Joan Egan
Amy Ertel Bellcourt Johanna Ehmann Laura Hudy
Linda Bellick Anita Hug
Ellen Elliott Janet Hutchison
Nancy Benz Sister Rosemary Endres Pam Hyland
Elizabeth Bishop Marianne llle
Sara Erickson Malene Ingram
Ann Boeke Judith Farrall Judith Jacobs
Alice Bonk JoAnn Faucett Rosemarie Perez Jaquith
Ruth Bonn Nadia Ehrilich Finkelstein Karen B. Johnson
Teri Bordenave Nancy Fisher Reverend Pat Jones
Maxine Borom Sr. Laureen Fitzgerald, RSM Carolyn Jones-Assini
Deborah Botch Carole Fox Sharon Jordan
Beverly F. Bradley Hazel Frasca Grace Jorgensen
Rosalie Bradt Rev. Eloise Frazier Liz Orzel Kasper
Jill Braverman-Panza E. Kristen Frederick Virginia Kelly
Maxine Brisport Frances Friedberg Barbara King, Esq.
Margaret Buhrmaster Lisa A. Frisch Betty P. King
Julia Burgess Dottie Gallo Dr. Peggy King
Beverly R. Burnett Abigail Veeder Gallucci Nancy Konczeski
Dr. Deidre Hill Butler Maura Gannon Susan Kramer
Miriam Cajuste Colleen Gardner Florence Kudernatch
Judith Carnavos Ann George Barbara Kusek
Barbara “Blue” Carreker Elizabeth George Thelma Lally
Diane Cavoli Helen George Gloria Lamere
Sujata N. Chaudhry Patricia Gioia Nancy Lange
Cathleen Chesbrough Mary Goldman Margaret Lassiter
Erma Ruth Chestnut Jane Golub Sue Lehrman
Julia Chiarello Vivian Verdell Gordon Margaret Leonard
Cristine Cioffi Marie Gorman Catherine Lewis
Jenness Clairmont Rachael Graham Eleanor Linberg
Mary Coffin Paula Gravelle Kathleen Lincoln
Holly Comanzo Terri Little

Awards of Excellence Academy

Lee Lounsbury Leesa Perazzo Nitty Singh
Florence Luborsky Heather Peterson Patricia Skinner
Mary Burch Macherone Deborah A. Slezak
Alberta Madonna Anne Phillips Suzann Smart
Mary-Jo Pierpont
Ruth Mahoney Ann Smith
Cathy Markowski Barbara Piper Gail Smith
Marion Porterfield-Pierce Jan Smith
Mildred Maras Linda Smith
Jaye McBride Libby Post Marti Spang
Mary Lee Marquis Irene Prazak Sondra Stephens
Patricia McGeown Mary D’Ercole Pritchard Nancy Stephenson
Denise Murphy McGraw Alissa Quinn Janice Stewart
Maureen McGuinness Helen Quirini Lois Barton Stilley
Claudia McLaughlin Colleen Quirion Toni Stratton
Rosemarie Melius Jo-Anne Rafalik Patty Stroebel
Carole Merrill-Mazurek Amy Van Voast Raimo Andrea Strother
Dorothy Meyer Catherine Raycroft Maria Sunukjian
Rev. Stacey Midge Shirley Readdean Esther Swanker
Paula A. Reichel Kathryn Tabor
Edna Miller Carol Reichert Rowie Taylor
Marsha Miller Laurie Reilly Trudi Thun
Mardy Moore Helen Reynolds Virginia Timberlake
Marsha Mortimore Maria Riccio-Bryce Sister Anne Tranelli
Debby Mullaney Kathryn Rich Wendy Van Bellingham
Christine Multer Deb Riitano Sally Van Schaick
Emy Murphy Susan Rosenthal Barbara Vivier
Malinda Myers Wendy Rosher Sandy Vohr
Susan Nadler Rachel Rowe Ellie von Wellsheim
Dr. Yvonne Nelson Ellie Rowland Rosemary Moore Wallinger
Maria Neria Patricia Rowledge Vaughn Ward
Martha Neugebauer Cathy Roy Louise Waterman
Joyce Newkirk Kay S. Rozendaal Eleanor Watrous
Patricia Obrecht Sonia Rubenstein Susan Watson
Colleen O’Connor Kirsten Ruglis Yuvette Wayman
Sari O’Connor Jennifer Russo Mary Beth Wenger
Elaine Ognibene Joan Rutecki Angela West-Davis
Adelaide Oppenheim Carol Ryan Jane Weyers
Kerry M. Orlyk Nancy Sagendorf Michelle H. Wildgrube
Gioia Ottaviano Sharon Sager Patricia Williams
Amelia Lupe Owen Anne F. Saile Loraine Wilson
Carla Page Betty Salerno Lynee Wilson
Elizabeth Paine Janet Sapio-Mayta Beverly Wittner
Deneen Palmateer Susan Savage Karen Wojcik
Michele Paludi June Schecter Catherine Woodford
Julie Panke Debra L. Schimpf Linda Wroblewski
Helga Schroeter Elizabeth Yanoff
Ann Parillo Laura Schweitzer, PhD Kristen Youmans
Carmel Patrick Vincenza Semetelli Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas
Christine Patrick Isabel Shapnek
Kimarie Sheppard
Kathy Paul
Joann Paulsen



Master of Ceremonies

JoDee Kenney

Anchor

Spectrum News

JoDee Kenney joined the Spectrum News
team in 2003 as one of the originals who
launched Spectrum News Syracuse. Two
years later, JoDee moved a few hours
east to join the Capital Region team and call Albany home
sweet home. Ever since, JoDee has been proud to be a part
of a 24-hour newsroom, continuously informing communities
throughout the area about the news they need to know to stay
updated.

JoDee is a three-time National Press Women’s Award winner,
Associated Press winner, and a 40 Under Forty honoree. From
reporting on avalanches in Alaska, wildfires in Nevada and
the Pentagon in the aftermath of 9/11, JoDee has covered
countless stories she considers meaningful.

When JoDee isn’t at the anchor desk, she’s usually producing
her national podcast, “Success with JoDee Kenney.” Aside
from that, JoDee spends time embracing life as a sports mom,
spending time off attending her children’s cross country and
track and field events with her husband.

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518-347-9168

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Alissa M. Quinn

President’s Circle Award

Alissa Quinn is Senior Vice President with The Quinn
Wealth Management Group at UBS Financial
Services Inc. and has been in the financial services
industry in Albany, NY since 1987. Alissa leads a
team of entrusted Financial Advisors with over 3
decades of comprehensive financial & wealth
planning experience. She is a graduate of Union College with a Bachelor of
Science Degree in Engineering / Economics. Alissa served as Branch Sales
Manager in 1997, at predecessor firm, Smith Barney. Alissa’s motto has always
been, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much
you care”.

Alissa has received numerous awards over her career including, “Capital
Region Chamber of Commerce Women of Excellence Award”, “YWCA NENY
Women of Achievement Award”, “The Advancement of Women in the WERC
Place Award”, “The Women’s Fund of the Capital Region Trailblazing Woman
of the Year Award”, “UBS Director’s Council & Community Leadership Award”
and has the distinction of being invited to the “Barron’s Winners Circle Summit
Top Women Financial Advisors in the US” since 2008 & the “Forbes/SHOOK
2020 Top Advisors Summit in 2020”.

The Quinn Wealth Management Group offers intelligent investment counsel,
based decades of experience, research and hard work. They spend time
to understand client financial goals & concerns, working in partnership
with individuals, couples, business owners & not for profit organizations to
develop customized financial plans. Supported by the strength of their firm,
The Quinn Wealth Management Group, specializes in utilizing a “Financial
Goal Analysis” process focused on the needs, wants and wishes of clients,
incorporating comprehensive customized wealth management strategies.

Congratulations 2021 Honorees!

Thank you for all you do

Building to Impact Lives

Proud to partner with the YWCA

Cyndie Powell

From all of us at
BNI-Electric City Connectors

Electric City Connectors meets every
Thursday from 7-8:30 a.m.

For more information email us at:
[email protected]

check us out on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/BNIElectricCityConnectors.UpstateNY

Barbara Artis

Diversity & Inclusion Award

Barbara Artis was born and raised in Albany, NY
before relocating to Schenectady, NY in 1974. She is
a graduate of Albany High School and she studied
Human Services at SUNY Schenectady County
Community College. She worked at OGS before
becoming a Student Teacher Para Professional,
working in Special Education with the Schenectady
City School District at Grout Park, MLK, Jessie T. Zoller and Yates Schools. She
spent 22 years in that role. She eventually joined the staff at YWCA, working
in the Early Learning Center at Yates Village, where she lived and her children
grew up. She taught art and dance at Yates Magnet School Extended Day
Program as well. When YWCA NENY’s early learning program at Yates Village
closed, she became licensed to run home child care for NYS. In 2006, seeking
a change, she applied for a job in the call center at CDTA – and they made
her a Travel Trainer because of her knowledge of the community.
The longest serving Travel Trainer, Barbara is very proud of her role at CDTA and
is honored to be working for a company who supports her and advocates
for the community. Covering Schenectady and Rensselaer Counties, she
has trained community members from pre-school age to 99 years of age,
including high school students, college students, seniors (for whom she has a
soft spot), and even business executives.
Throughout her life, Barbara has been lucky enough to work with some
phenomenal women who she credits with teaching her how to teach,
how to be part of the community, how to get to know people, how to be
a good neighbor, how important it is to volunteer, and how critical it was to
be involved in the lives of her children. They became mentors and friends.
Seeing how they loved and cared for their community, she knew she wanted
to do the same. As a result, giving back is very important to her; though she
likes to be in the background and be the giver. It’s important to her to give
back to the organizations who have helped her and her friends and family,
such as the City Mission, the Salvation Army, One Stop, the Ronald McDonald
House, and more.
Barbara is very family-oriented. She has two adult children, of whom she
is very proud. They have been her motivation her entire life. Her son lives
locally and owns his own trucking business and her daughter lives in NYC
and works at Northwell Health, Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. She also has
four grandchildren. The youngest of nine children, she has a large extended
family, most of whom live throughout the Capital Region and she enjoys
spending time with them. She likes to go away for weekend trips and spend
time with her friends, especially the “Fab Five” – women she has been friends
with since they were teenagers.



Onicela Cedeño

Diversity & Inclusion Award

Originally from Washington Heights, NY, Onicela
Cedeño was born to Sobeira and Celso Cedeño,
immigrants from the Dominican Republic. Hard work
and discipline were the foundation of her home. She
began her career at the age of 12 with The Albany
Boys and Girls Club. Her knack for working with children
allowed her to flourish, becoming the youngest Senior
Counselor. Sadly, tragedy struck Onicela at the age of 17. On November 12, 2001,
her Mother was traveling to the Dominican Republic to make a down payment
on her retirement home, but that dream would never be accomplished. Just two
months after 9/11 and named the second deadliest plane crash in American history,
Flight 587 crashed two and a half minutes after takeoff, killing 265 passengers, crew
members and people on the ground. This shook Onicela to the core, changing
her forever. That same year she was nominated as The Youth of the Year by her
employer. She came in as a finalist and won a Presidential Scholarship, which was
presented to her by NYS Senator Neil Breslin. Although life became increasingly
difficult for Onicela, she never gave up and continued to push through the pain.
Her salvation was her son Elias Hines. She found increased pleasure in helping
others.

Onicela began her career with CDTA in 2009 and currently serves as a travel trainer.
She coordinates a public transit program for Albany and Saratoga Counties. Her
work includes presentations to educate specific communities about utilizing public
transit. Through one-on-one and group travel trainings, she teaches people the
required skills to travel safely. These skills include: how to read and understand the
route maps and bus schedules, how to pay the fare, how to locate and transfer
to other services, how to safely navigate street crossings, and how to get to and
from the bus stop. Onicela also evaluates her clients by using assessment results
to design and implement a travel plan that best fits their needs. As a trainer she
has successfully trained over 6,000 customers, developed nearly 3,000 travel plans
and processed hundreds of 1/2 Fare Navigator ID cards, insuring that our senior,
disabled and veteran populations have mobility choices. She also maintains a
relationship with over 60 human service organizations.

Upon her start at CDTA, Onicela achieved the highest percentage of surveys
returned to the company. In April 2010 she was nominated for a Strive Award for her
participation in the four county rollout of the Price Chopper Advantage program.
In April 2011 she completed the Leadership Challenge, a course offered through
CDTA to foster leadership skills. In February 2012 she was featured in the Times Union
for collaborating with Giffen Elementary and the Albany School of Humanities to
create a “how to ride” guide for the ESL population in the Capital District. In 2012

she was honored by the Albany City School District for outstanding service to the
community, among other distinctions in the field. Onicela has a knack for helping
people that is apparent in her work.

Onicela does not do what she does for the money because, let’s face it: helping
others doesn’t pay in dollars on earth. Instead, she explains, she receives
something greater that money cannot buy. “I teach independence. Many may
not understand, for we take our simple liberties for granted. When I meet many
of my clients, they are homebound, without the skills to travel on their own and
always having to rely on others to get out or have any quality of life. I have had the
luxury to cross paths with those I’ve taught onboard a CDTA bus after they have
completed the training. There is sheer happiness and excitement in their eyes and
they always let me know how going through the training has changed their lives! It
has been such a humbling experience to know that you have made a difference
in someone’s life. In reality, I often feel like I’m also being trained, in life. I’ve learned
so much about life and people from my clients I am forever thankful. I’ve learned
that nothing happens by accident, everything and everyone has a purpose or
lesson to teach/learn; it’s solely up to us as individuals to take the first step and
have faith in the process. I am happy my heart was open to receive the love and
gifts I have received from everyone with whom I’ve crossed path. The good, the
bad, and even the ugly have helped shape the extraordinary woman I am today.”

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Cheryl Hage-Perez

Community Development Award

After leaving a domestic violence situation,
Cheryl Hage-Perez found herself the single
mother of two children. She had completed
two years of college, but had to leave after the
birth of her second child. She was determined,
however, to find a path towards independence
and provide a safe, secure life for her children.

With the support of her family and scholarships, Cheryl worked full time,
went to school part time and received every entitlement for which she
qualified. After four years, she graduated with honors with a degree in
Social Work from the College of St. Rose.

Cheryl vowed to never forget the difficult path to become independent
and made a commitment to help others find their path. Since 1982 she
has been working in the human service field with different populations to
insure they have the opportunity to move forward. She quickly advanced
in her career, taking on new responsibilities and challenges. She soon
realized that in order to set policy and programming to meet the needs of
the disadvantaged, she needed to move into a position where she would
have the authority to do so.

Cheryl is currently the Executive Director of Veterans & Community
Housing Coalition (VCHC). Her passion for working with veterans in need
stems from her family’s history of serving our country since WWII, when her
father and two uncles served. Cheryl’s son, son-in-law, oldest grandson
and now another grandson are all United States Marines. Under her
leadership VCHC has expanded their Veterans’ programs, created public
awareness of the plight of many of our Veterans, and has engaged the
community in supporting them. These services target homeless Veterans
to provide them with the support they need to gain skills and with the
security they need in order to live a productive life in their community.

Additionally, Cheryl is currently working on the development of a
supportive housing program for homeless female veterans and their
children. There are currently no programs for these moms in our area.
Also in the development stage, Cheryl is working on a Thrift Store/Training
Center for Veterans to gain work skills so they can re-enter the work force
after discharge from the military.

Cheryl enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, and
crocheting. She is an avid NY Yankees and NY Giants fan.

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Sabrina Mosseau

Medicine Award

Sabrina Mosseau BS,RN,OCN is the Executive Director
of New York Oncology Hematology (NYOH), the tenth
largest privately-owned physician practice, comprised
of > 400 employees in the Capital District, with 6
locations that serve over 35,000 individuals living with
cancer annually. As the Executive Director of (NYOH),
she empowers others to challenge convention,
embrace optimism, and to continually strive towards self-improvement with every
decision driven by the simple question of “Are we doing the right thing for the
patient?”

Sabrina developed the first patient navigation program in the Capital District that
utilized patient navigators who are trained to help identify and resolve real and
perceived barriers to care, enabling patients to adhere to care recommendations
and thus improve their cancer outcomes.

She also developed the first comprehensive cancer integrative wellness service line
in the Capital District. This program provides cancer patients with support groups,
yoga classes, massage therapy, healing touch, cooking classes, wig/makeup
application, and support for fertility treatments free of charge. These services are
covered under the Karen L. Mosseau fund whose single source of income is the
annual event Visions of Strength.

Sabrina is a philanthropic member of her community - leading a team in creation of
the Visions of Strength Event that has raised over $750,000 over the past 13 years to
directly benefit those living with cancer. She has created a team of “superheroes”
to do great work in our community and has created the website and logo of
“letsbesuperheroes.com”.

Of significant note, Sabrina grew up in a household of assault, abuse, drug use
and food insecurity. Her mother sought the services of organizations like the YWCA
for shelter, for help, for assistance, and for safety. Her mother is her hero. Sabrina is
humbled to be recognized by YWCA NENY, and thankful for the support that the
YWCA provides to women like her mother, and to children like her brothers and
sister who are growing up in or fleeing from abuse.

Congratulation !

Women of Achievement Recipients

For more information contact:
[email protected]

In-person tours are available
weekdays between 4:00 to 6:00 p.m

Preschool - High School 518-370-0366
INSPIRING A LOVE OF LEARNING www.brownschool.org

Michelle Pollard

Health & Wellness Award

Michelle has been an avid fitness enthusiast
since college.  She started her career in group
fitness and personal training more than 25 years
ago.  She taught classes and clients, including
celebrities, at beautiful spas in the west as well
as small local health clubs including the Southern
Saratoga YMCA for many years before opening
Studio 4 Hot Yoga & Pilates in 2014.  

The studio has been a one of the businesses leading the renaissance in
Downtown Schenectady.  Her husband, local Architect and developer, JT
Pollard purchased the building and transformed what was a dark, dreary,
uninhabited corner of the city into a thriving, busy connection point
between State Street & Union Street.  She shares the building with Firestone
151 and Great Flats Brewing.  In the summer, it is one of the most visited
outdoor venues in the city.  Always bustling with clients and visitors.  

Since opening the studio, the revenue & clientele base has grown each
year.  It has become a true place of health and respite for many in the city
and surrounding areas.  There are more than 15 teachers teaching a variety
of modalities including yoga, hot yoga, barre, TRX, Pilates and other fitness
classes.  Michelle has also developed a yoga teacher training program to
train others to become yoga teachers.  

The feeling of community the studio has fostered in the city has been one of
the most rewarding parts of watching the business grow and change.  True
friendships have been formed, life changes and transformations have
occurred.  There is nothing more rewarding than to hear from a client that
we have positively impacted their life.  

“I am so incredibly proud of each of the people who teach at my studio.  They
are stellar human beings who make Studio 4 better than I could have ever
possibly believed it could be.  

I am very proud to be included in the amazing, powerful force of woman
business owners in Downtown Schenectady.  There are so many strong
woman owned businesses in the city.  It is inspiring and empowering.”

Michelle & Her husband are the parents of four grown daughters, Hayden,
Charley, Avery & Sawyer.  Each one is pursuing their dreams in college and
higher education



Cynthia V. Powell

Susan Rosenthal
Woman In Business Award

Cynthia “Cyndie” Powell is a Registered
Representative with INFINEX INVESTMENTS, INC.
and the Program Manager of First Scotia Wealth
Management. She oversees a team of dedicated
professionals who strive to help clients with all
facets of their financial future, including retirement planning, college
planning, comprehensive financial planning and investment advice.

Cyndie has been based at 1st National Bank of Scotia’s Niskayuna branch
since March 1991 and enjoys treating her clients like family. She has been
helping investors in a bank setting since December 1986. With up-to-date
technology and superior client service; Cyndie helps her clients to navigate
the challenges of staying on track with their investment plan. She strives to
help clients understand the ever-changing financial landscape, so that they
are able to better make sound and wise financial decisions.

Cyndie was born and raised in Niskayuna and moved to Clifton Park during
her High School years. She attended Pace University and then Kaplan
University to complete her financial studies. Upon graduating, she began her
career at Schenectady Savings Bank, where she rose through the ranks and
ultimately held the position of regional retirement plan specialist, here she
helped local business owners offer retirement plans to their employees. Her
diverse banking background enables her to work effectively with individuals,
corporations and non-profit organizations.

Although Cyndie has a successful and hectic work schedule, she remains
committed to her community. For the last ten years, she has been an active
member of Schenectady Business & Professional Women’s Club, Inc.

(BPW). She has held many board positions including three terms as President.
However, her focus for the last eleven years has been chairing the BPW Fashion
Show. The goal is to raise money for educational scholarships awarded to girls
and women in Schenectady County.

Cyndie was also an integral part of leading BPW’s Life Unplugged Program
(Youth Leadership). Here, she dedicated time with local junior and senior high
school students, who spend the day attending an interactive exercise where
they learn about the realities of cost of living and working as an adult. She
is most proud of obtaining the club’s certification as a 501c3 Public Charity,
after eighteen months of hard work.

The club also credits Cyndie with bringing them into the 21st century by helping
to build and administer their website, and revamping and editing the club’s
newsletter. Schenectady BPW is an organization devoted to advancing the
status of women through advocacy, education and networking.

Cyndie’s newest adventure started by being one of the founding members of
the Schenectady Chapter of BNI (Business Networking International) Electric
City Connectors, and currently serves as the Vice President. You can rest
assured that Cyndie jumps in with both feet whenever she steps into a role.

In her free time, Cyndie enjoys baking, loves spending time with her nieces
and nephews and is an avid reader. She credits her ability to serve others
to her husband, Tim. He understands the things that put a smile in her heart.
Cyndie and Tim reside in Schuylerville with their rescue dog Bentley, the
center of their home.

Jessica Sheridan

Philanthropy Award

Jessica Sheridan was born and raised in the
Capital District. From early on, she knew how
fortunate she was to be part of a loving and close
knit family and was offered many examples of
both hard work and kindness throughout her life.

After high school, Jessica attended Hudson Valley Community College.
Her love of hospitality and making people feel welcomed turned a hobby
into a passion. Jessica moved to Rhode Island in order to attend Johnson
& Wales University for Hotel and Lodging Management. She received her
Bachelor’s degree and began working in the hospitality and luxury goods
industry in Boston, in Operations for Tiffany & Co. in their newly opened
store on Newbury Street.

After several years with the company, Jessica was excited to return home
and continue advancing her career while being close to her family.

She joined Redburn Development in 2018 in Operations and her role began
to grow alongside the company. In her current capacity in Marketing and
Community Relations, Jessica helps to grow Redburn’s presence in the
community while building strong connections.

After a challenging personal year, Jessica decided to look inward. She
began to focus on healing and being strong for herself, while hoping to
be a role model for others. This personal journey led her to giving back
to the community, dedicated to helping those who may not have the
means or support system to help themselves. As her grandfather had
modeled throughout his life, she began to emulate his philosophy of
giving, “when you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a
higher fence.”

Through her personal campaigns and philanthropic efforts through
Redburn Development, Jessica has worked with many local organizations
such as Equinox, American Cancer Society, YWCA and others to give back
and to help improve the lives of many throughout the Capital District.  The
people she had met along this journey have truly added value to her
life and she is honored to be named amongst some of them as a YWCA
Woman of Achievement.

She is currently a committee member for the American Cancer Society’s
Gala of Hope and is always looking for new opportunities to create positive
change in the community.

Thank You for
24 Amazing Years!

1624 Union Street Sch’dy

www.sondrasfinejewelry.com
www.greenleafwellnesscompany.com

Natalie Smarro

Small Business Award

Natalie Smarro : Trendy Tots & Prescriptions to Heal

Natalie Smarro was the Program Director for
the HUD funded Family Self-Sufficiency & Home
Ownership Programs for a decade when she
became a small business owner of Trendy Tots, a
modern family consignment store. She spent the
next ten years using her environmentally conscious business as a place to
serve families while creating a sense of community where consignors &
shoppers joined together to provide more than 100 donations to deserving
causes and organizations. Trendy Tots became a place in the community
where people came together for back-pack drives for inner city students,
hygiene drives for homeless families, teddy bear drives to bring smiles
to children in crisis, food drives for children in need, infant supplies for
teen mothers, candy & goody drives to host egg hunts and offer Easter
baskets, Christmas stockings, and holiday gifts annually. A commitment to
connection & community was the heart of the business.

Natalie partnered with her mother and daughter to create Three
Generations. Their family, like so many others was unable to experience
health & happiness due to unhealed inter-generational trauma. Together
they began a journey addressing past pain from domestic violence, sexual
assault, substance abuse, untreated mental health challenges, and living
with a chronic illness. They offered presentations & workshops helping
others explore the effects of inter-generational trauma in their lives while
building wellness & healing plans that support inter-generational healing.

When our community was impacted by the pandemic, Natalie shifted
focus and began offering student wellness sessions with the goal of
providing students ages 12-21 stress management and wellness strategies
to manage the challenges they were facing with the changes in their
educational experience. She continues to offer family & individual wellness
& healing support through her business, Prescriptions to Heal.

Congratulations to the 2021
Women of Achievement Honorees

www.xenolithpartners.com

Congratulations!

From: Schenectady Business &
Professional Women’s Club, Inc.

To: Our own Cynthia V. Powell

For: Being honored at the Annual
YWCA NorthEastern NY Women

of Achievement Ceremony
As: Wealth Management Specialist,
for First Scotia Wealth Management/
Susan Rosenthal Woman in Business Award

IFC

Miranda VonFricken

Empowering Women Award

As a Talent, Culture, & Community Leader,
Miranda has led multiple teams and individuals
to success in the fields of technology, higher
education, sales, human resources, and wellness.
After almost 15 years in the corporate environment
she now uses her gifts to connect, coach, & speak
to individuals and groups who want to up-level
their life, business, and careers!
Passionate about all things personal and professional development;
Miranda creates and conducts workshops on self-leadership, employee
engagement, goal achievement, mindset elevation, personal branding,
social selling, and more. Her most valued professional role is being the host
of Albany’s LinkedIn Local connection event!
Born and raised in the capital region, Miranda is a very active community
advocate for professional development, social influence, and the mental/
spiritual health of women. Through mastermind groups, motivational talks,
and contributing to books, blogs, and podcasts, she uses her gifts to further
her mission and the missions of those around her.
As engaged as Miranda is with her work and passions, she puts her faith and
philanthropic work first; donating time, talents, and treasure to organizations
like Maddie’s Mark, Albany Can Code, American Heart Association, Habitat
for Humanity, AEOT USA, Success Sisters, Capital Region Women in Tech,
The Logan Strong Foundation, & Life Church Albany. Miranda often grants
scholarships to her masterminds, conducts free career coaching calls, and
runs virtual trainings and events to ensure all women have access to the
energy and mentorship they need to create positive transformations.
Miranda is on a mission. One where every woman is not only empowered but
engaged in living a life of their own design - where resources and support
are plenty, and passions burn bright! She is also committed to helping
companies retain their employees though on-site success coaching and
authentic culture creation/execution.
This mission could not be possible without the support she has from her tribe
of amazing girlfriends, two awesome kiddos (Colin & Sophia), and husband
& #1 fan, Ben. Miranda would like to shout out her wild orange essential oil,
happy lamp, & flip flops… all essential to her success!
Connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram
@Miranda VonFricken
Check out more info at MirandaVonFricken.com

Advice. Beyond Investing.

The Value of Perspective

You have a vision for how you want to live. We ask the right
questions to uncover what’s most important and address every
aspect of your financial life, at every stage of your life. Our
second opinion service helps ensure you’re getting the financial
advice you need.

The Quinn Wealth
Management Group
UBS Financial Services Inc.
80 State Street

8th Floor

Albany, NY 12207-5015

518-434-5770

800-255-3400

Alissa M. Quinn
Senior Vice President
Wealth Management
518-447-3913
[email protected]

ubs.com/team/thequinngroup

As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers
both investment advisory services and brokerage services. Investment advisory services and
brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by
different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that clients understand the ways in
which we conduct business and that they carefully read the agreements and disclosures that
we provide to them about the products or services we offer. For more information, please
review the PDF document at ubs.com/workingwithus. ©UBS 2020. All rights reserved. UBS
Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. D-UBS-5C81DD3E

CONGRATULATIONS
to our Travel Trainers for
winning the 38th Annual
Women of Achievement Award!

38th Annual
Women of

Achievement
Award

Onicela Cedeno Barbara Artis

THANK YOU FOR MAKING A
DIFFERENCE IN OUR
COMMUNITY!

What Can Vincy’s Do For You?

• Graphic Design Letterhead Invitations
• Color Printing Envelopes Calendars
• Large Format Business Cards Banners
Appointment Cards Color Copies
Printing Newsletters
• Bindery Service Brochures Black & White
NCR Forms Copies
Program Books Fax Service
Tickets Scanning Service
Political Printing Laminating
Pocket Folders
and great
customer service

1832 Curry Road • Schenectady, NY 12306

(518) 355-4363 • vincysprinting.com

I would like to be known
as an intelligent woman,

a courageous woman,
a loving woman,

a woman who teaches
by being.

-Maya Angelou

We are a women-owned law firm, serving families in the areas of:

assisted reproduction technology | adoption
divorce | child custody | child support | spousal support

domestic violence or intimate partner violence
intimate partner companion animal custody disputes
intimate partner real & personal property disputes

estate planning | estate administration | probate
guardianship | name changes | residential real estate

Congratulations to all of the inspiring award recipients,
we are so proud of you and all that you do for our community!

1 Marcus Boulevard, Suite 200, Albany, New York 12205
518-436-4170 | www.theCDSLawFirm.com