Athena 2014

Awards
CANANDAIGUA
AT H E N A
30
2014
th
C E L E B R AT I O N
and JOY
Appreciating and acknowledging
your accomplishments.
Looking forward to your life
with a sense of hope and purpose.
Advertising supplement to the Daily Messenger for November 16, 2014
ATHENA Award Supplement November 16, 2014
ON the COVER...
30th Annual
Our past
ATHENA recipients
ATHENA Awards Dinner
Top row, left to right:

Sharon Gullo (2012), Deborah Denome (2008),
Diane Reed (1985), Janet Tenreiro (2006),
Gail Love (1995), Marci Diehl (2004)
and Virginia Ginny Clark (2009).
November 21, 2014
Row 2:
Kay James (1990), Barbara Risser (2011)
and Karen Davison Blazey (2003).
Row 3:
Lynne Erdle (2010), Tarry Shipley (1986)
and Linda Farchione Hawks (1993).
Row 4:
Rhoda Childs (2005),
Stephanie Kunes-Mincer (2013)
and Valerie Knoblach (2001).
Row 5:
Joyce Ezrow (1992), Linda Welch (1991),
Lois Kozlowski (1989), Randy & Margaret
Farnsworth (2009), Gail Dorr Herman (1988),
Barbara Nelson (1987) and Lauren Dixon (2000).
Bottom Row:
Deborah Weymouth (2002),
Judith Stewart (1994), Barbara Fuge (2007),
Ellen Polimeni (1996), Teresa Hall (1997),
Sharon Pepper (1998) and Gail O'Brien (1999).
ab
The ATHENA Foundation supports,

develops and honors women leaders;
inspiring women to achieve their
full potential and creating balance
in leadership worldwide.
Celebration and Joy

Finger Lakes Community College Student Center
Cocktails 5:30 pm Dinner and Program 6:45 pm
Founding Sponsor: Randall Farnsworth Auto Group
ab
Diamond Sponsors: CIG Insurance Agency,

Five Star Bank and LaBella Associates, PC
ab
Pearl Sponsor: Fuller Funeral Home, Inc.
ab
Platinum Sponsor: Bristol Mountain Resort

and Thompson Health
ab
2014 ATHENA Nominees

Jennifer L. Barlow
Martha [Marty] Potter
Mary R. Green
Pat Rini Rohrer
Deborah B. Wilbur
2014 ATHENA YPLA Nominees

Jennie Erdle
Jenny Goodemote
Nadia Harvieux
Nicole Heroux
Jennifer Kelley
Erin Reese
ab
THE ATHENA
LEADERSHIP MODEL
The Authentic Self Relationships
Giving Back Collaboration
Courageous Acts Learning
Fierce Advocacy Celebration & Joy
By Donna De Palma | Freelance Writer
For 30 years, ATHENA has recognized women who lead, celebrating the
dedication required to reach a womans full potential. Appreciating and
acknowledging our accomplishments and looking forward to our futures with
a sense of purpose is the theme of this years ATHENA award.
Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Professional Women of the Finger

Lakes presents the ATHENA Award annually.
One of ATHENAs eight tenets which reflects the core qualities of women who
lead, Celebration and Joy, asks a woman to consider what shes accomplished
professionally, in her personal life, and for her community.
It has grown to become a national role model for over 500 communities in
the United States, Canada, China, Russia, The United Arab Emirates and
the United Kingdom.
All of the women nominated this year are motivated to achieve great thingssome
overcame personal hardship, then carried the awareness they developed into the
community to help others facing adversity. All act from a place of inner knowledge
which allows them to consider the needs of their communities.
On November 21st, at Finger Lakes Community Colleges Student Center, the

30th Annual ATHENA Awards Dinner will be held to recognize and celebrate
outstanding local women who are looking forward with hope. Inspired,
energetic, creative, capable, all of the women nominated this year
exemplify qualities of leadership as identified by the ATHENA
tenetsauthentic self, celebration and joy, collaboration, courageous
acts, fierce advocacy, giving back, learning and relationships.
One individual will receive the prestigious ATHENA award as a

symbol of excellence for all women in our community. The Canandaigua
Canandaigua was the first community in New York State and 2nd in the
nation to host an ATHENA award program.
The evening will include a presentation of the ATHENA and the ATHENA
Young Professional Leadership awards, a guest speaker, and a media
presentation to be shown at dinner featuring this years ATHENA Award
nominees. A silent auction with gifts and prizes will also be held.
The focus of the ATHENA award program is one of celebration rather than
competition.
ATHENA promotes and celebrates womens professional excellence,
community leadership and contributions, and their support and
advancement of other women. This event raises funds for scholarships
for women, supports mentoring and coaching partnerships with area
colleges and is connected to ATHENA International, a foundation
honoring the achievements, wisdom and experience of women
around the world.
ATHENA Award Supplement - November 15, 2009
Celebration and Joy: Acknowledging our accomplishments
ATHENA 2014:
Jennifer L. Barlow
Mary R. Green
2014 ATHENA AWARD Nominees
CURRENT POSITION: Multi Media Sales Executive,

GateHouse Media Inc.
EDUCATION HISTORY: Geneva College and
Cambria County Community College
IMMEDIATE FAMILY: Husband Robert Barlow;
son Micah Bennett; father-in-law Robert Barlow Sr.;
mother-in-law Barbara Barlow and stepfather-in-law
Bert Fitzsimmons.
Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. Although I have a

college degree in criminology, I have found my professional home in the world of customer
service and sales. As a multimedia sales executive for Gatehouse Media, which owns more
than 290 newspapers nationally, I have made the top ten in digital sales and top 15 for
overall sales for the past three years. So far this year, I have made my sales goal 10 months
in row and was the number one national sales representative companywide for the month
of July. I dont just look at each client as simply a business to sell I form a personal
relationship with them in order to not only understand their needs as a business, but to
showcase them to the community as well.
Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the results
that were accomplished. As a parent of a child with special needs, community service
and leadership plays an important role in both my professional and personal life. When I
was younger and living in a small town in Pennsylvania, I helped establish an afterschool
program for troubled teens who had issues at home, drug or alcohol problems. I have always
continued to seek these types of opportunities to help my community and this year I was the
co-chair for my offices United Way campaign. It was even more meaningful because I took
the reins from a friend and coworker who eventually lost his life to cancer. I learned a lot
from him during the several years he and I worked together for the United Way.
Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the advancement
and leadership of women in your profession. My office team is made up of predominantly
women who perform multiple jobs at once. Even on a bad day, I try to demonstrate
perseverance by getting the task at hand done to the best of my ability and by encouraging
my coworkers to prevail at whatever we do. That encouragement comes in many forms
a smile, a laugh, a hug or even a high-five. I believe that I was nominated for this award
because my co-workers think of me as someone who never backs down from a challenge and
I want them to know and believe that hard work does pay off. My mother taught me to lead
by example and I try my hardest every day to not let her down.
Describe how you have integrated the ATHENA model of Celebration & Joy in your
professional and/or personal life. My mother was the hardest working person I have ever
known. She had a heart bigger than the moon and she taught me to always put others first
in everything that I do no matter what the circumstances. When she died, I was only 18
but I made it my goal to celebrate her life every day in both my personal and professional
life. As a mother, a wife and a career woman, I am able to acknowledge her legacy through
the hope and purpose of my own life the life that I know she would have wanted for me.
My son Micah never had the chance to meet his amazing grandmother, but I try to instill
her love and appreciation for life into him.
CURRENT POSITION: Office of Congressman

Tom Reed NY-23 Finger Lakes Region - Constituent
Services Casework/Field Representative
EDUCATION HISTORY: Bloomfield Central School
1972; West Liberty State College with degree in
Elementary and Special Education 1976
IMMEDIATE FAMILY: Husband Kirby E. Green; daughter
Laurel, husband Patrick McIlhenney, children Jack & Ellis;
son Justin Green, wife Bridgett, children Ainsley & Austin;
son Darrell Green, wife Stephanie, children Eden & Ryan;
son Matthew Green, wife Bethany, children Brennan & Brody.
Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. In 1981 I was assigned
to the Canandaigua Communications Section as a Trooper and became the Assistant
Communications Supervisor. In 1988 I was promoted to Sergeant and then Station
Commander at SP Henrietta and SP Canandaigua. In 1994 I was promoted to Senior
Investigator with the Office of Human Resources at Division Headquarters in Albany
and assigned to Western New York retiring in 1999. In 2000 I became the Hopewell
Town Supervisor and served for 12 years. I was on the County Board of Supervisors and
served as Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, the Alternatives to Incarceration
Sub-Committee and Vice Chairman on Health and Medical Services Committee. As a
representative for the Town of Hopewell I served on the Canandaigua Lake Watershed
Council which I Co-Chaired for two years.
that were accomplished. I have been an active member of the Rotary Club of Canandaigua
since 2007. I have been involved with the Annual Pier Festival and fundraisers such as the
Jackpot Drawing and the Annual Ziti Dinner. In 2010 I was elected by the membership to
serve on the Rotary clubs Board of Directors. I served as first vice president/program chair
and scheduled programs for our weekly meetings. The year before becoming the President
of the club I prepared the annual budget for board approval, reached out to all 125 members
to ensure the information in the directory was correct and assigned each member to three
committees. I currently serve as the President of the club and preside over the monthly
board meetings and weekly membership meetings.
and leadership of women in your profession. Prior to me becoming a member with the
New York State Police there were only 5 women that were New York State Troopers. I
was encouraged and in 1978, with 3 other women, attended the State Police Academy in
Albany, New York, to pursue a career in law enforcement. As other young women saw me
in a male dominated profession they also had the confidence that they too could pursue a
career in law enforcement. As a Sergeant and Station Commander I had the opportunity
to mentor Troopers assigned to my station. As one of three Senior Investigators assigned to
the Office of Human Resources I assisted with the development of policies that ensured the
Division of New York State Police was an Equal Opportunity Employer.
professional and/or personal life. In my professional and personal life I have a wealth of
wonderful stories, experiences and joys. I have been fortunate to have support from mentors
and advocates that have encouraged me to take advantage of so many opportunities. I have
accomplished so much and have learned to celebrate and appreciate things that really
matter in my life. There is that guiding light that keeps me motivated no matter how rough
the road is. Someone once told me, When you put positive energy in to whatever you do,
then that is what you get back. I have a sense of purpose and by taking advantage of my
past experiences with desire and inspiration I can be successful in my future endeavors.
2013 ATHENA Award recipient
Adversity will make you

stronger and better.
When Stephanie KunesMincer accepted her
first job as a bus driver
for the National MS
Society in 1981, she
never anticipated one day
becoming president
and CEO but, four and
a half years ago, she did
just that.
After Id drop off my
passengers to their therapy
sessions, all of whom had
MS, Id talk to their social
workers about what Id
heard and seen. They
were impressed with the
information Id gathered
and with my desire to better
their quality of life. Kunes-Mincer decided to
study social work as a result and received her
masters degree in social work from University
of Buffalo.
When there was an opening for president, one
of our board members came up to me and said,
Dont you think its time? I thought about it
and said to myself, I could have an impact. I
could be the voice of people living with MS.
I could raise awareness and money for cutting
edge research to find a cure.
In her role as president and CEO, Kunes-Mincer,
a single mother of two, still has a chance to do
some social work at the MS Society but her
primary responsibility is leading an organization
that covers 94% of New York State and that
maintains offices across the state.
Kunes-Mincer, who describes the people she
serves as those who know struggle and loss, is
no stranger to loss.
At the age of 13, her
mother was diagnosed with
advanced stage pancreatic
cancer. My role in the
family was to keep things
light, to keep it joyful.
A big fan of humor, she
used laughter to help her
mother, and her family,
during her mothers illness.
My mother would say to
me, You should work with
people people who need
joy. I didnt even know
what she meant at the
time.
Kunes-Mincer believes that
once youre in a leadership position, what youve
learned just kicks in. She also recommends
taking your experience and passing on what
youve learned to others.
Kunes-Mincer lives in Cheshire, with her two
children, on what was part of her parents
dairy farm. Shes on the board of Cheshire
Community Action Team working to return
Academy Grange, a 1940s theatre, to its former
grandeur.
Her advice to other women, Its easy to run
away from adversity, but dont. You need to put
your battle gear on and either run toward it or
stand there and let it run you over. Either way,
take the truth and experience you acquire as
a result of whats happened and apply it. Not
only will it make you stronger, it will make you
better. We all face those moments. Use them.
Become a leader.
Stephanie Kunes-Mincer
Martha (Marty) Potter
Pat Rini Rohrer
CURRENT POSITION: President and

Co-owner of Potter HVAC & Metal Fab, Inc.
CURRENT POSITION: Owner, Pat Rini Rohrer

Gallery & Studio II
EDUCATION HISTORY: A.A.S. Degree in Criminal

Justice from FLCC
EDUCATION HISTORY: BA from Notre Dame

College in Art Education. MA from Nazareth in
Art Education
IMMEDIATE FAMILY: Husband of 38 years, Chuck;

son Tim and his girlfriend, Julia Baird; daughter and son-inlaw Jamie and Barrett Schenk and our yellow Lab, Mick
Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. I worked 25 years at

Eastman Kodak Company in Materials Management/Purchasing Department and Site
Services Division. In MMD/Purchasing I worked in several areas, eventually becoming
a group leader for all of the MMD satellite stockrooms in East Kodak Park and then as
an acting supervisor for the Material Procurement Assistants. After 20 years in MMD I
transferred to the Site Services Division and became the supervisor for the electric fork truck
mechanics. Our crew maintained a fleet of 1,400+ electric fork trucks for Kodak Rochester.
At Kodak I became certified as a Quality Improvement Facilitator. When our department
was outsourced, I joined my husband in our HVAC business. On the personal side, joining
Rotary opened my life to boundless opportunities to volunteer in my community.
that were accomplished. While at Kodak, a colleague and I ran an eight-week class,
through Junior Achievement, for high school students interested in learning about a career
in becoming an electric fork mechanic. The students received hands-on training as well as
class instruction. Upon completion of the course, students received a half credit for high
school. Approximately a dozen students participated.
When a friend suffered a stroke, a group of us came together to have a fundraiser to help
her with medical expenses. I volunteered to run the silent auction for the event. Items were
posted on-line prior to the event, several thousands of dollars were raised and I was given a
Horsey Award for my efforts in helping to make the auction a success.
and leadership of women in your profession. Ive always believed in the motto, lead by
example. In that light, I would like to think Ive been a role model for other women who
would choose to pursue jobs or attempt to complete tasks many would not traditionally see
women doing. While supervising the electric fork truck mechanics at Kodak I worked with
the lone female fork truck mechanic in our group to ensure she received proper training,
support and respect from the other mechanics. For my daughter, Jamie, I hope my can do
attitude has shown her a woman is capable of many things and even if were not totally
successful with the task at hand, at least we tried and weve still learned something in the
process.
professional and/or personal life. Being nominated for the Athena Award is cause for joy
and celebration in my life. For me this nomination is an affirmation about the diversity and
strength of women today and all that we are capable of. Im proud of all Ive accomplished
over the years, both professionally and personally.
From a shy young girl leaving home at 17 and working my way through college, to the
business woman I am today; its been an incredible journey. With love and support from
those around me I know my life will continue to be enriched in so many ways. From working
hard each day to the relaxing times kicking back with family and friends, I look forward
with excitement to the possibilities of tomorrow.
IMMEDIATE FAMILY: Husband David Ehmann;

three children Tim Rohrer, Casey Rohrer and Kelly
Knight; eight Grandchildren
Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. In 2003, when I was
61, my husband and I opened the Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery. Because I felt that people living
in the area would greatly benefit from art classes, we searched for space downtown and
ultimately purchased the building at 71 South Main Street. The citys zoning requirements
required us to have a retail storefront, which led to the gallery.
In 2004, I opened Studio II, a teaching facility featuring professional instructors in
drawing, painting, and other media. We currently offer classes five days a week, along with
workshops. Our classes serve all levels of ability.
Finally, in 2012, I spearheaded an effort to create the Plein Air (outdoor painting)
Festival, which is a showcase for fine art, now in its fourth year.
that were accomplished. I have been active in Canandaiguas art community for many
years, and have always tried to couple that interest with revitalizing downtown. When my
husband, Dick, and I first came to the area more than twenty five years ago, there were a
lot of empty storefronts. I was one of eight people who established the Gallery on Main
Street, an art cooperative where local artwork could be displayed and sold and artists could
be mentored. The cooperative ultimately grew to twenty-five people. We also started art
walks, hoping to establish Canandaigua as an art community. I have also initiated the
Plein Air Festival now in its fourth year with artists across the United States & Canada. I
am very proud of downtown and the role I have played in its growth.
Provide a specific example of how you demonstrated support for the advancement and
leadership of women in your profession. I have been blessed to have hundreds of women
in my oil painting classes. I have mentored and encouraged them, and learned from them.
Many have become exhibitors in my gallery or teachers in classes of their own. Our current
exhibit, entitled The Sisterhood of the Traveling Paints, showcases seven women artists
who have been painting and traveling together for seven years. Moreover, each year we
dedicate a show for emerging artists from the Studio II classes. The Plein Air Festival
also offers opportunities for women artists to receive special recognition. As for classes,
they are about sharing and growing, and offer a sense of Pat Rini Rohrer camaraderie and
community to all who participate. My students often tell me this gallery has been a source
for healing.
professional and/or personal life. Looking forward to your life with a sense of hope and
purpose. I have come a very long way in the last ten years. My husband, Dick, died shortly
after the gallery opened, but thanks to his support and foresight, and to the support of my
current husband, Dave, I have been able to realize a lifelong dream. Each day I find great
joy in my artwork, and in teaching and mentoring through Studio II classes and the Finger
Lakes Plein Air Festival. It has been my privilege to bring people together to appreciate
the arts and to further art education. It is a pleasure to continue to showcase at the gallery
to the many visitors and tourists, the magic of the Finger Lakes Region through artwork
created by so many talented regional artists.
"Their lives and careers changed.

Professional Women of the Finger Lakes, whose primary fundraiser is the
ATHENA Awards program, awards scholarships to young girls and women
in Ontario and Monroe counties. Recipients are often able to attend
college or pursue career goals they might not have otherwise been able to
afford.
scholarship was a critical factor in her decision to go back to school.
Elizabeth Leonard, mother of two, wanted to go to nursing school but

wasnt sure she could handle the workload and financial commitment.
Susan Welch, massage therapist and single mother of two, received a

PWFL scholarship in 2012, to expand her study of naturopathy at a school
of natural medicine on the island of Anguilla. Her hope is to help women
and families reclaim health and to empower them through the use of
natural medicine.
A $1000 PWFL scholarship in 2009-2010 allowed her to complete her

prerequisites at Finger Lakes Community College before entering Marion
S. Whalen School of Practical Nursing.
Not only was the funding critical to my success, the support from members
of Canandaigua ATHENA helped me to continue my studies and complete
the program. President of FLTA for nearly seven years, part of Kimbles
job at the Alliance, is to build databases for the organization.
After a year of study, she took and passed her NYS board exam and is
now a licensed practical nurse. The scholarship gave me the ability to go
to college which has made it possible for me to be more self-sufficient,
Leonard says. Leonard, who has a special needs child, says the experience
has given her the confidence to better advocate for her son, and herself.
Welch received a diagnosis of terminal cancer in 2009. She chose

alternative practices for her own recovery. When we value ourselves, our
lives are better and the world itself, improves with us, she says.
Cindy Kimble, President of Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance, earned a

Bachelor in Management of Information Systems from St. John Fisher
College before embarking on her current career. Kimble says her PWFL
PWFL scholarships provided funds for each of them to succeed, and this
makes the Canandaigua ATHENA program stand our amongst other
programs in the nation.
These women sought to develop their talents and skills at critical times in
their lives and careers.
PAST ATHENA RECIPIENTS

2013
Stephanie Kunes-Mincer
2012
Sharon Gullo
2011
Barbara G. Risser
2010
Lynne Erdle
2009
Ginny Clark
2009
Margaret
& Randy Farnsworth
2008
Deborah M. Denome
2007
Barbara Fuge
2006
Janet E. Tenreiro
2005
Rhoda Childs
2004
Marci Diehl
2003
Karen
Davison Blazey
2002
Deborah Weymouth
2001
Valerie Knoblauch
2000
Lauren Dixon
1999
Gail OBrien
1998
Sharon Pepper
1997
Teresa Hall
1996
Ellen Polimeni
1995
Gail Love
1994
Judith Stewart
1993
Linda Janzcak
1992
Joyce Ezrow
1991
Linda Welch
1990
Kay James
1989
Lois
Kozlowski
1988
Gail
Dorr Herman
1987
Barb Nelson
1986
Tarry Shipley
1985
Diane Reed
ATHENA
PWFL Scholarships
ATHENA Awards
Thirty years of leadership
The ATHENA Awards, inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology, known
for her strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment, were founded by
Martha Mayhood Mertz, 32 years ago, in Lansing, Michigan.
The only woman to join the board of the Regional Chamber of Commerce
in Lansing, she says, the founding of the international group was a response,
in part, to a comment made by a fellow board member. Mertz nominated two
women for seats on the chambers board and was told by a fellow member
that, women arent leaders.
Mertz decided to launch the ATHENA Awards and honored an outstanding
woman that year in order for women to achieve credibility as leaders.
Plato said, What is honored in a country will be cultivated there. That
quote became the basis for this award which sought out women who
represented the highest level of professional excellence and who gave back
to the community.
More that thirty years later, Canandaigua is the second most long-standing
ATHENA chapter in the United States, second only to Lansing, where the
organization was founded. Metz says, shes very proud of this community and
people like Randy and Margaret Farnsworth who had the vision and took
the steps early on to make the program work. They have supported the
ATHENA Awards for 30 years and have expanded on some of the original
progress, she says.
students enrolled are women.

Women are enrolled in leadership training. There are cracks in the glass
ceiling, but there are cultural aspects that continue to inhibit women. The
situation is definitely improving, but women still juggle a lot, she says.
Reed, who co-authored the book, Resilient Leadership in Turbulent Times, in
2009, says her ATHENA Award has had an impact not only on her, but her
daughter, currently enrolled in a masters program. I know I am a strong role
model for her.
Reed visited schools in Ghana last year as a member of Women Leading
Education Across Continents, which represents and addresses the educational
needs of 30 countries including 17 underdeveloped nations.
Not only was Reed the first local ATHENA recipient, but Margaret Farnsworth
points out that Canandaigua was the first city in New York State to offer
an ATHENA Award. Martha Mertz approached her friend and colleague,
Lynn Myers, who was the Oldsmobile Marketing Director at the time. As
soon as Lynn heard about the program, she reached out to the more than
3,000 Oldsmobile dealers nationwide to encourage them to participate in this
program through their local Chambers of Commerce.
Randy, my husband, met with then, president of the chamber, Marvin Rapp,
and volunteered to sponsor the ATHENA Awards.
Recipients nationally have included such notables as Ruth Bader Ginsberg,

Sally Ride, Billie Jean King and Condoleezza Rice.
Randy Farnsworth says, the chamber helped with the early administration
of the program and what was then, the Business and Professional Womens
Club, organized the first awards luncheon. Now called the Professional
Women of the Finger Lakes, the group has continued to assist the chamber
with the annual awards ceremony. PWFL Scholarships have emerged from
the partnership.
The first recipient of an ATHENA Award in Canandaigua in 1985, Diane

Reed, assistant professor and director of Graduate Education Leadership
Master of Science Program at St. John Fisher College, never knew she had
been nominated for the ATHENA Award that today sits proudly on her
desk.
The Farnsworths expanded on the original program by piloting ATHENA

Connections, which started at SUNY Geneseo. Margaret and Randy
Farnsworth received a joint ATHENA Award in 2009 for their community
involvement and professional achievements. It was a complete surprise to us.
I was on the Steering Committee at the time and no one let on, she says.
I was in the audience and totally surprised when they announced my name,
says Reed. Reed, who grew up in a small town in the Catskills, in Windham,
New York, began her career as a middle school English teacher.
Randy Farnsworth sits on the board of Thompson Health Systems and is the
immediate past chair of the Rochester Auto Dealers Association. He served
on the United Way board for 12 years and was campaign chairman three
times.
Since its inception in 1982, nearly 6,000 leaders in 500 communities have
received ATHENA Awards in the US, Bermuda, Canada, China, Greece,
India, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and the UK.
She went on after an undergraduate degree from Roberts Wesleyan College to

earn a masters and PhD from the University of Rochester.
Her career has spanned more than 30 years. Prior to her current position at
St. John Fisher, she was the superintendent of Honeoye Falls-Lima Central
Schools for 14 years.
Reed still uses excerpts from the ATHENA book on service in her lectures.
The leadership program she heads at St. John Fisher prepares teachers to
become principals and superintendents and more than one-half of the 30
Margaret Farnsworth, Vice-President of Randall Buick-GMC-Cadillac, is a

longstanding member of the ATHENA Awards Steering Committee and the
co-chair of Ontario County United Way Womens Leadership Council. She
feels that it is critical that young girls have a role model and mentor who share
their personal experiences and who reinforce their idea of self determination
and professional achievement and have someone pave the way. To have
someone pave the way and encourage you to be whatever you desire is a very
empowering concept.
Barbara Fuge and Gail Love (2007)
Marci Diehl (2004)
Tarry Shipley
(1986)
25th Anniversary group photo
Linda Farchione Hawks with the Farnsworths (1993)
Barbara
Risser
and Karen
Davison
Blazey
(2011)
Sharon Pepper (1998)
Deborah Weymouth (2002)
Deborah Denome (2008)
Randy & Margaret Farnsworth with Gail Love (1995)
Randy & Margaret Farnsworth (2009)

Kay James (1990)
Rob and Ginny Clark (2009)
Lauren Dixon
gives recipient speech
(2000)
Janet Tenreiro (2006)

Lynn Erdle (2010)
First Canandaigua
ATHENA recipient
Diane Reed (1985)
10
Deborah B. Wilbur
CURRENT POSITION: Special Education Teacher

with the Canandaigua City School District
EDUCATION HISTORY: BS from Keuka College, 1978;

MsEd in Reading and Special Education from the
University of Rochester, 1979
IMMEDIATE FAMILY: Son Kirk Wilbur and his finacee
Gabriella Oken; daughter Katie Wilbur; and mother
Mary Anne Bell
Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. My professional
achievements as a teacher in the Canandaigua City School District are not measured
by special projects or enhancements, but rather by the satisfaction I have knowing that I
have impacted innumerable lives throughout my thirty-six year career. In working with
kindergartners to high school seniors during this span, I have had the pleasure of watching
the fruits of my labors develop over time. From delighting in the second grader who
overcame a struggle learning to read and is now a rocket scientist for the U. S. Air Force,
to my thrill at being selected as the 2013 recipient of the John Wilcox Award, the districts
highest honor for employees, I am proud of the varied achievements I have accomplished
in my career.
that were accomplished. Amongst my most meaningful leadership roles in community
service is with Ontario ARC, who services people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities, where, as a 15 year member of the Board of Directors, I have chaired committees,
served as Board Secretary and as a Board of Governors. It has also been rewarding to have
served as president of my church council for the past seven years where I chaired the
200th celebration of our historic sanctuary. Additionally, serving as both president of the
Board of Managers and being the first woman selected as a Trustee for Ontario Childrens
Foundation, a $3,000,000 endowment that provides for physical and mental health care,
special needs, and interest-free college loans for over 200 children annually in nine school
districts, has been extremely gratifying.
and leadership of women in your profession. Amongst others, one way that I have
supported the advancement and leadership of women in the field of education is my 20 year
membership in the Alpha Tau chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international sorority
of women teachers. This organization promotes the value of educational opportunities for
woman. My primary interest has been the fund raising that provides annual scholarships
for females in surrounding school districts who are entering the education field. For three
years I chaired the scholarship committee, guiding the selection process, and presentation
of the awards. Knowing that we were supporting the next generation of women educators
was very rewarding! Additionally, this organization stays abreast of trends in education
and provides inspiration for both current and retired teachers.
professional and/or personal life. I am one who wholeheartedly and sincerely embraces
the Celebration and Joy tenet in both my personal and professional lives! Appreciating
and acknowledging accomplishments was an important part of what I wanted my own
two children to learn and I continue to attempt to impress its importance on my students
today. Be it in the classroom or in extra-curricular activities with current CA seniors, for
whom I am co-class advisor, we celebrate everything from birthdays to Home Coming
events, homework completion to college acceptances. And, when being confronted with
some occasional significant obstacles in my own life, I have continued to strive to find
events worth celebrating. (I find I dont usually need to look far to find them either.)
11
"Mentoring young women in the

tenets of ATHENA leadership"
ATHENA Connections was the result of a
grassroots effort in 2008 between Mary Ellen
Zuckerman, Dean of the School of Business
at Geneseo, and Margaret and Randy
Farnsworth. Ms. Zuckerman asked them to
speak on the topic of leadership and business.
Margaret suggesed that she involve ATHENA
recipients and out of that sprang the idea of
presentations on the tenets of the ATHENA
leadership model to business students as
part of their requirement to complete
extracurricular credit for their degree. At the
time the Farnsworths daughter, Alexandra,
was enrolled in the business administration
program at Geneseo.
The goal of ATHENA Connections is to
bridge the gap between education and career.
Students who participate in the program
receive college credit for attending at some
participating colleges.
ATHENA Connections brings personal
experience, inspiration, and ATHENA
leadership tenets directly to college students.
Deb Denome, 2008 ATHENA award
recipient and president and director of
Seeking Common Ground, has participated
in three ATHENA Connections events
including two recently at FLCC. She talks on
overcoming adversity, a topic very familiar
to her. Denome had a fulfilling corporate
career, with flex hours and in a company with
family-friendly policies. While acting as the
former Vice President of Logical Operations,
her six-month-old daughter was diagnosed
with cancer. Denome was going through a
divorce at the time too. She left her job to
start a non-profit with four of her peers all
of whom had a child or parent with a life-
threatening illness. We decided to apply our

leadership skills to our homes and families,
and to our healing, she says.
Our first project at Seeking Common
Ground was an organic farm we needed
healthy food. We built community around
the project and other sustainable projects
such Finger Lakes Farm-to-Cafeteria, Herb
Haven and Rochester Permaculture Center.
Its through projects like these that we
educate people to live sustainable lives, says
Denome.
Denome teaches women how to follow
their authentic selves in the ATHENA
Connections program and in her work
at Seeking Common Ground. Rather than
practical choices, find your own small, still
voice within. Find a practice whether
meditation, yoga or something that resonates
with you and seek that point when
you hear inner guidance on your path to
authenticity.
Linda Farchione Hawks, former CEO of
Thompson Hospital and 1993 ATHENA
award recipient, presents on Taking Risks.
She will conduct a spring educational session
at FLCC on what it takes to be a leader.
I like to present the reality of a situation
what its actually like to take the lead and
the responsibility that goes with it. I offer
skills development to these young women,
says Farchione Hawks.
Farchione Hawks began her career as a staff
nurse and advanced to nursing management
administration. She was named VicePresident of Nursing at Thompson Hospital
in 1986
Continued on Page 15...
ATHENA Connections
12
Erica Bapst
2013 ATHENA Young Professional
Leadership Award Recipient
"Put your heart into the community"
Congratulations
to the 2014 ATHENA and
ATHENA YPLA Nominees
Erica Bapsts jewelry

store, Adorn Jewelry
and Accessories, at 36
South Main Street in
Canandaigua, celebrated
its 10th anniversary in
October.
mater. She was on the

board of the downtown
Canandaigua merchants
association from 20112014 and is a member of
the board of the FLCC
Foundation.
The event was a

fundraiser with 50%
of sales donated to the
Finger Lakes Community
College
Foundation
and 50% to the Wood
Library.
Shes also served on the

planning
committee
of the Plein Air Arts
Festival and has served
as a judge for art shows
including Women of the
Finger Lakes.
There isnt a day that

goes by that Bapst isnt
asked for an in-kind
donation and her
answer is usually, yes.
Bapst considers her

fundraising efforts for
the FLCC Foundation
to be one of her most
significant contributions. She also mentors
young people who seek her out for advice.
Bapst studied metalsmithing at Syracuse

University where she earned a BFA in 2001.
Before that, she worked her way through
FLCC and received an associate degree in
graphic design.
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I started working at 13-years-old at the

former Youth Museum of the Finger Lakes
as a volunteer. At 14, I bagged groceries at
Wegmans. Through college, I worked at
Wegmans in various positions until graduation
and held many other part-time jobs prior to
opening a business.
Ive always considered all the jobs Ive had
great learning experiences. They prepared me
for owning and running my own business.
Bapsts community involvement includes the
arts, business and a commitment to her alma
Everything I do is on a small scale. High

school and college students, ask me for advice.
They want to know what my journey has been
like, Bapst says.
Being a business owner and the design
work that I do fulfills me. Its what I love
to do, she says.
A parent of a seven-year-old with her husband,
Greg, Bapst says, I believe when you put
your heart into the community and do what
you can to help, it makes you a part of your
community.
The things I have done to make this a better
place to live, put meaning into the work I do.
People who come into my store are my family
and my friends.
2014 ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD Nominees
Young Professional Leadership Award

recognizing and honoring exceptional role models
The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award (YPLA) recognizes emerging
women who are leaders; who demonstrate excellence, creativity and service in their
professional and personal lives.
An extension of the prestigious ATHENA award, YPLA honors women who lead,
excel in their professions and give back to the community. Inspiring other women to
strive for their full potential, these young professional women lead by example.
The Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Professional
Women of the Finger Lakes presents the YPLA each year at the ATHENA Awards
to recognize outstanding local women who have made significant contributions
locally. Their accomplishments bring us closer to a more balanced distribution of
leadership by women.
She provides valuable service while improving the quality of life for others in her
community.
The YPLA recipient serves as a role model for young women in her profession and
in her personal life.
YPLA recipients are nominated, then selected, by a selection committee comprised
of community leaders with diverse backgrounds. To qualify, a nominee must be 40
years of age or younger, live in the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce service
area, and come from either the profit or not-for-profit sectors. Nominees stand apart
as aspiring women leaders, celebrated through the ATHENA movement.
The YPLA recipient is an emerging leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity

and initiative in her profession.
The Canandaigua ATHENA program is a model that creates ways for women to
use the tenets of the ATHENA leadership model the authentic self, relationships,
giving back, collaboration, courageous acts, learning, fierce advocacy and
celebration and joy. Since the inception of ATHENA International in 1982, the
prestigious ATHENA award has been presented to women in over 500 communities
worldwide.
Jennie Erdle
Jenny Goodemote
Director of Student Life

Finger Lakes Community College
Executive Director
Wood Library
YPLA honorees receive this award to mark their unique qualities as they meet and,
in some cases, exceed established criteria.
Jennie Erdle became the Director of Student

Life at FLCC in the Spring of 2013. Jennies
immediate family includes her parents,
Morris and Jeanne Erdle and sister, Sarah.
Jenny Goodemote is the Executive Director

of the Wood Library here in Canandaigua.
Jenny is also a wife to her husband Steve
and mom to children Avery and Alex.
Immediately after joining FLCC, Jennie

embarked on numerous collaborative
initiatives including domestic violence
awareness, student veteran experience, and
the Womens Leadership Initiative.
Although Jenny has only been the Executive

Director for three years, she has made a
tremendous positive effect on the library as
well as the community.
Jennies passion for community service,

student development, and empathy for
special student groups is evident through
work on these and various other programs.
As a young girl Jennie participated in church
activities and became a teen 4-H counselor
at Camp Bristol Hills. Today Jennie serves as
a board member with Habitat for Humanity
of Ontario County and the Youth Council
for the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment,
providing advice on workforce issues which
affect youth.
A keen interest in developing

women
leaders,
Jennie
created a six-week womens
leadership
program
at
FLCC designed to build self
esteem and confidence in
women encouraging them to
become future leaders.
She has proven herself to be a good crisis

manager amid a flood, fundraiser for an
expansion project, and advocate of the
community by truly listening to their needs
and requests.
Jenny is also an active participant in her
community through membership in Rotary,
FLCC Foundations Book Feast and the
Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce.
As a prominent woman in her field, Jenny
is using her experience to help other women
become successful.
Recently she spent some

time with a graduate who
interviewed at the Library
about how to better present
herself at future interviews.
2014 ATHENA
13
14
2014 ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD Nominees
Nadia Harvieux
Jennifer Kelley
Conservation Outreach Educator, Muller Field Station and

Adjunct Faculty Member, Conservation Department, Finger
Lakes Community College Education Program Manager, Finger
Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Architectural Designer
SEI Design Group
Nadia Harveiuxs passion is K-12 outreach

and education on environmental topics
related to aquatic ecosystems of the Finger
Lakes. She develops science curriculum,
enrichment opportunities and citizen science
programs that integrate authentic field
work techniques, tools and methodologies
so students can become water quality
scientists.
Through teaching she supports other
teachers who are dedicated to outdoor,
field-based experiential learning, primarily
through teacher training workshops
on a variety of topics such as stream
monitoring.
In addition, Nadia has done paid and
volunteer work with the Canandaigua
Lake Watershed Association founding the
Canandaigua Lake Watershed Education
Program and helping to update the new
watershed management plan.
Jen Kelley received her Associates degree at

SUNY Delhi and her BS in Architecture at
University at Buffalo.
She is currently employed at SEI Design as
an Architectural Designer. Jen is an associate
member of Rochester AIA since 2013.
She also is a member of the Rochester
Canstruction since 2012. As a team member
she competes by designing and building large
structures out of cans. When finished, they
donate the cans to Foodlink.
Her end goal is to educate

the next generation of
environmental stewards for
the Finger Lakes. Nadia
lives, and volunteers, in
Canandaigua
with
her
husband and two sons.
Jen is also extremely active in her community

where she is an advisory Board Member
for the Canandaigua Salvation Army, one
of the Board Directors for the YMCA, a
Canandaigua Kiwanis Member and a member
of PWFL.
You will find Jen out and about whether she
is ringing the bell for the Salvation Army,
serving
Thanksgiving
Dinner as a volunteer, at
various YMCA events, the
Annual Kiwanis Easter Egg
hunt or even at the monthly
bingo night for seniors.
Nicole Heroux
Erin Reese
Co-Owner/Director of Business Development

Simply Crepes Caf
Program Director
Mercy Flight Central
Since 2010, Nicole has been General

Manager and Director of Sales of Simply
Crepes Canandaigua. As GM,Nicoles ability
to identify strengths and develop her staff
has resulted in her right hand woman, hired
as line cook in 2010, running the kitchen of
the growing company and managing a staff
of 10 people.
Erin Reese resides in Canandaigua with

her husband Scott, daughters Madison and
Kennedy, and three stepchildren Natalie,
Mady and Connor, and the newest addition
expected in April!
Erin began her career at an early age,
volunteering as an EMT while in high
school.
Nicoles big picture view on promoting tourism

in the Finger Lakes and her partnership
with Finger Lakes Visitors Connection and
development of the Finger Lakes Feature
Wine Program have been major factors in
increased traffic for her business.
Heavily involved inthe American Diabetes
AssociationsTour de Cure, Nicole operates
on their Executive Leadership Council.Her
promotion of health and fitness for employees,
friends, and familyresulted in a team of 25,
raising over$19,000 for diabetesresearch!
community savvy women

who serve on charitable
boards supporting each
other.
Nicole is a leader
passionate for her business,

Her circle consists of strong business and team, and community.
She completed nursing school at MCC

and worked at several local emergency
departments before joining Mercy Flight
Central in 2003. She began as a flight nurse,
later serving on the Quality Assurance
Committee and as a Clinical Manager.
Today, Erin is the Program Director and
currently pursuing her BSN at Keuka
College.
Erin received the 2013 Heartstarter award
from Ontario County Safety Council for
saving the life of a man while off duty.
The best testimony of Erins

success as a role model is
from her eldest daughter,
who drew a picture of her
mom that hangs on her
bedroom door that says My
mom is a hero because she
saves lives.
15
and interim CEO several times. As CEO of
Thompson Hospital from 1991-2012 she helped
build the cancer center; was responsible for
overseeing several additions to the hospital,
managed the development of the Golisano Center
for Emergency and Diagnostic Medicine, developed
the Constellation Center for Health and Healing
and implemented the University of Rochester/
Thompson affiliation.
Farchione Hawks currently is a consultant on
health care administration. She sits on the board of
the United Way; is on the economic development
committee of the Canandaigua Area Chamber of
Commerce, on the Excellus Blue Cross and Blue
Shield Regional Advisory Board and is a member
of the NYS Rural Health Council.
Weve had many female leaders in Canandaigua.
ATHENA Connections recognizes that and
encourages us to become role models for younger
women, she says.
Stephanie Kunes-Mincer, 2013 ATHENA award
recipient and President and CEO of the National
Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upstate New York
Chapter, has made two presentations for ATHENA
Connections. ATHENA Connections is an
excellent way for students to have real life access
to women in leadership positions, Kunes-Mincer
says.
She has presented at FLCC where she spoke on
the importance of interpersonal communication, a
topic, that is, important for career advancement
and begins when you possess the feeling that
everyone is unique and valued.
Its exciting spending time with students who are
either in college right out of high school or those
who have returned later in life. This program gives
them a boost forward, she says.
Karen Davison Blazey, owner of Quantum
Performance Group, Inc. with her husband, and
former Chairman of FLCCs Board of Trustees,
received an ATHENA award for Risk-Taking and
has been a presenter for ATHENA Connections at
both FLCC and SUNY Geneseo.
The Connections program delivers messages on
leadership that college women need to hear from
women who maintain a strong presence in their
communities, she says.
In their presentations, all of these outstanding
women focus on the tenets of the ATHENA
Leadership Model: The Authentic Self,
Celebration & Joy, Collaboration, Courageous
Acts, Fierce Advocacy, Giving Back, Learning and
Relationships.
Such practical topics as managing competing priorities

and overcoming career obstacles, are subjects not usually
addressed in the classroom. ATHENA Connections is free
to all participants and is managed by the Canandaigua
Chamber of Commerce using Canandaigua ATHENA
recipients.
In 2014, the Chamber partnered with FLCCs Womens
Initiative on Leadership. The Canandaigua ATHENA
recipients serve as guest speakers and mentors for the
program.
Jennie Erdle, Director of Student Life at FLCC, who
oversees the Womens Initiative on Leadership at the
college says, the response has been so outstanding to this
program. Womens Leadership is a funded project that
supports FLCCs strategic plan.
ATHENA Connections opens a relationship that doesnt
often happen at this stage in a womans life a personal
connection and a truly interactive experience, Erdle
says. Sixteen women participated in last years program,
according to Erdle, and this year, space has been reserved
for 50.
The Canandaigua ATHENA Connections program is one
more way ATHENA leaders give back to the community
by inspiring future leaders to reach for their potential.
Continued from Page 11...

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Awards

ATHENA Award Supplement November 16, 2014

ATHENA Awards Dinner

Top row, left to right:

November 21, 2014

The ATHENA Foundation supports,

Celebration and Joy

Diamond Sponsors: CIG Insurance Agency,

Pearl Sponsor: Fuller Funeral Home, Inc.

Platinum Sponsor: Bristol Mountain Resort

2014 ATHENA Nominees

2014 ATHENA YPLA Nominees

By Donna De Palma | Freelance Writer

Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Professional Women of the Finger

On November 21st, at Finger Lakes Community Colleges Student Center, the

One individual will receive the prestigious ATHENA award as a

ATHENA Award Supplement - November 15, 2009

Celebration and Joy: Acknowledging our accomplishments

ATHENA Award Supplement November 16, 2014

ATHENA Award Supplement November 16, 2014

2014 ATHENA AWARD Nominees

CURRENT POSITION: Multi Media Sales Executive,

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. Although I have a

CURRENT POSITION: Office of Congressman

2013 ATHENA Award recipient

Adversity will make you

ATHENA Award Supplement November 16, 2014

ATHENA Award Supplement November 16, 2014

Martha (Marty) Potter

Pat Rini Rohrer

2014 ATHENA AWARD Nominees

CURRENT POSITION: President and

CURRENT POSITION: Owner, Pat Rini Rohrer

EDUCATION HISTORY: A.A.S. Degree in Criminal

EDUCATION HISTORY: BA from Notre Dame

IMMEDIATE FAMILY: Husband of 38 years, Chuck;

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. I worked 25 years at

IMMEDIATE FAMILY: Husband David Ehmann;

"Their lives and careers changed.

scholarship was a critical factor in her decision to go back to school.

Elizabeth Leonard, mother of two, wanted to go to nursing school but

Susan Welch, massage therapist and single mother of two, received a

A $1000 PWFL scholarship in 2009-2010 allowed her to complete her

Welch received a diagnosis of terminal cancer in 2009. She chose

Cindy Kimble, President of Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance, earned a

PAST ATHENA RECIPIENTS

ATHENA Award Supplement November 16, 2014

ATHENA Award Supplement November 16, 2014

students enrolled are women.

Recipients nationally have included such notables as Ruth Bader Ginsberg,

The first recipient of an ATHENA Award in Canandaigua in 1985, Diane

The Farnsworths expanded on the original program by piloting ATHENA

She went on after an undergraduate degree from Roberts Wesleyan College to

Margaret Farnsworth, Vice-President of Randall Buick-GMC-Cadillac, is a

ATHENA Award Supplement November 16, 2014

Barbara Fuge and Gail Love (2007)

Marci Diehl (2004)

25th Anniversary group photo

Linda Farchione Hawks with the Farnsworths (1993)

Sharon Pepper (1998)

Deborah Weymouth (2002)

Deborah Denome (2008)