CNY Professionals Under 40

Don't forget to buy your ticket! Anyone is welcome! Join us on October 24th from 6-9pm for an exciting networking event at PressRoom Pub featuring CNY Professionals Under 40 and Syracuse University Alumni! 🕕 6:00 - 7:30pm: Network with fellow professionals and SU alumni. 🏈 7:30 - 9:00pm: Enjoy Syracuse University football game vs Pittsburgh and connect with fellow fans. Event host and speakers are Michael Jennings II, Matthew DePrimo, MSIS, CAS-IS, and Chris Beal! Food will be provided as courtesy of Syracuse University! Tickets are $12 and cover 1 free drink! Buy tickets here: https://lnkd.in/e5WEqepi Don't miss this opportunity to expand your network and enjoy some SU Football! See you there! 🎉 Linkedin Event Link Here: https://lnkd.in/eHtr573S

Today's member spotlight is professional marketer Katherine Stephens! Katie Stephens is the Marketing Manager at Morse Manufacturing Co., Inc., where she leads marketing initiatives that reinforce the company’s position as a leader in the material handling industry. With a wealth of experience, she leverages her expertise to enhance Morse’s digital presence, foster connections with industry partners and customers, and support the company’s strategic growth. Katie is also at the helm of exciting new projects set to launch in the coming year, furthering Morse’s commitment to innovation and industry leadership. Katie holds a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from the SUNY New Paltz. Her career journey reflects a strong commitment to professional growth and a passion for marketing excellence. Before joining Morse, she spent 13 years at Tracey Road in the Construction Equipment and Trucking industry, where she rose to Marketing Manager and later to Organizational Development Leader. Additionally, she ran her own freelance business, KSAVAGER Design & Photography, for nearly 16 years, providing digital marketing solutions to a variety of local businesses. Katie’s diverse skill set includes graphic design, social media marketing, website design, and photography, enabling her to consistently deliver impactful results by aligning strategic goals with creative execution. Born and raised in Syracuse, Katie returned after college to be close to family. She enjoys crafting, cooking, and spending quality time with her husband and daughters. With a focus on continuous learning and community engagement, Katie is eager to embrace new challenges in the coming year as she contributes to projects that foster innovation and reinforce Morse’s role as a leader in the industry. Join us in congratulating Katie on today's member spotlight!

Today's member spotlight is entrepreneur Celestin Abwe! Celestin Abwe is the founder and CEO of Clutch Delivery LLC, a food delivery platform designed for college campuses. A Le Moyne College graduate, Class of 2023, Celestin launched Clutch Delivery with support from the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship. After graduation, he was one of five participants in the inaugural Surge Accelerator Program with CenterState CEO and The Tech Garden. Committed to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, Celestin actively networks with other entrepreneurs in the community, creating opportunities for collaboration. His passion for community drives Clutch Delivery’s mission to provide safe, efficient services through a network of student drivers and local restaurants. By integrating student meal plan payments for both on- and off-campus orders, Celestin is building a platform that enhances campus life and safety while bringing together students, local businesses, and universities in a dynamic, supportive ecosystem. Check out his company website here: https://lnkd.in/ev-U3VVT Join us in congratulating Celestin on today's member spotlight!

Today's member spotlight is the transformative Donnie Coryea! Donnie is a Syracuse native who recently returned home after five years in Austin, Texas. He has a strong track record in driving North American sales for consumer brands like Rocketbook and Shokz, specializing in the retail, B2B, education, and distribution sectors. With a focus on sales, account management, client relations, and retail marketing, Donnie’s strength lies in helping brands achieve their sales goals and build meaningful connections across various industries. He currently serves as the Director of North American Sales at OPN Sound Iberia, working directly with the founders to lead sales and distribution efforts. Additionally, he is the Senior Director of Sales and Business Development at Retail 101, a consulting and rep agency that assists both startup and established brands in building a strong retail presence. In his previous role as Retail Account Manager and Education Channel Manager at Rocketbook, a smart reusable notebook acquired by BIC in 2020 for $40M, Donnie managed sales initiatives and key accounts, including Best Buy, Sam's Club, and Office Depot, significantly contributing to annual revenue targets. Before that, as North America Sales Manager at Shokz, a $500M+ consumer electronics brand, he played a key role in the company’s growth. Donnie managed large retail accounts, drove the B2B business across North America, spearheaded the development of the Canadian market, and achieved impressive sales growth, including a 183% increase in annual sales for the largest account in 2020. Outside of work, Donnie has a passion for Tully’s tenders and loves to travel, with his most memorable trip being to Shenzhen, China. He enjoys exploring new places and cultures, always seeking adventures that broaden his perspective. Donnie strives to live each day with gratitude, help as many people as possible, and fully embrace life. He credits his positive outlook and work ethic to his diverse experiences. Growing up in a single-parent household on the South Side of Syracuse before later moving to Mattydale, he was one of the first in his family to attend college. His varied jobs before entering sales—ranging from McDonald’s to Wegmans and Budweiser—taught him invaluable lessons and shaped his approach to work and life. He feels incredibly privileged and grateful for the people he has met along the way, whose support has allowed him to build a fulfilling career in sales. If you’re interested in working with Donnie to develop your sales strategy and establish a strong retail presence, don’t hesitate to connect with him on LinkedIn—he’d be excited to hear from you! https://lnkd.in/ehJtY3vU Join us in congratulating Donnie on today's member spotlight!

Today's member spotlight is the empowered Amber Wirth! Amber is the visionary owner and CEO of Ambitious Amber's Cleaning Service Inc. Located in the heart of Oswego County, Amber’s residential cleaning service is dedicated to transforming homes into sanctuaries where families and the elderly can truly relax and feel at ease. Amber’s journey into entrepreneurship is one rooted in determination and a desire for a better life for herself and her daughter. As a single mother, she faced the daunting challenge of balancing work and family life. Originally pursuing a degree in criminal justice, Amber quickly realized that the traditional 9-to-5 grind—working up to 60 hours a week—was not conducive to her needs or those of her daughter. In a bold move, she decided to pivot her career path. After years of working as a home health aide, she found her calling in cleaning and discovered a passion that would fuel her entrepreneurial spirit. The turning point came when the COVID-19 pandemic altered the job landscape. Instead of viewing this setback as a roadblock, Amber saw an opportunity to take charge of her future. With courage and ambition, she launched Ambitious Amber's Cleaning Service INC, a decision that would not only change her life but also the lives of many others. Over the past 4.5 years, Amber has built an incredible team that services 65 recurring clients, with growth on the horizon. Her commitment to deep cleaning ensures that every home is a cozy and welcoming space, giving families the gift of time—time to enjoy life rather than worry about chores. Amber’s mission goes beyond just cleaning; she is dedicated to empowering women in her community. By creating job opportunities, she enables her team members to be present for their families while also fostering a supportive work environment. Her belief that every woman deserves the chance to balance work and home life is a driving force behind her business. When she’s not busy building her brand, training her team, or handling estimates, you can find Amber embracing life outside of work. She enjoys yoga, hiking, playing volleyball, and traveling—activities that keep her grounded and inspired. Amber’s dedication to her clients and her team is evident, as she continues to cultivate a business that not only provides peace of mind but also enriches the lives of those around her. Amber Wirth’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and a deep commitment to community. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and a caring heart you can achieve your dreams and provide the life you desire for yourself and your family! Join us in congratulating Amber on today's member spotlight!

Today's member spotlight is is the remarkable Ashley Wicks! Ashley Wicks is a seasoned real estate and insurance professional with 14 years of experience in new construction, residential and commercial property sales, and wealth management. She currently serves as a Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Broker at Delmonico Insurance Agency and a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Acropolis Realty Group, where she is recognized as a trusted advisor across Central New York, Florida, and California. At Delmonico Insurance Agency, Ashley leverages her industry expertise to provide tailored insurance solutions for personal and commercial clients. She focuses on educating clients about optimal coverage options, ensuring they feel secure and confident in their choices. Her proactive engagement and exceptional service have significantly contributed to the agency's growth. At Acropolis Realty Group, Ashley specializes in residential and investment property sales. She uses her deep understanding of the local market to guide buyers and sellers through every transaction step, from property valuations to competitive marketing strategies and negotiations. Her strategic approach and meticulous attention to detail have established her as a top performer, reflecting her commitment to excellence. Prior to her role at Acropolis, Ashley was a Sales & Marketing Representative with Ryan Homes, a leading homebuilder. There, she excelled in new construction sales, helping clients select and customize their new homes. As a production manager, she managed building material orders, secured permits, and analyzed cost variance reports, enhancing her insight into the home-building process. Ashley is passionate about creating generational wealth and has a background in wealth management as a Client Sales Associate at Morgan Stanley. She supported high-net-worth individuals with financial planning and investment strategies, which sharpened her advisory skills, now applied in her real estate and insurance roles. Ashley earned her bachelor's degree in communications from The University of South Florida in 2009 and holds several professional licenses. With her diverse background and broad expertise, she is well-equipped to meet her clients' needs, whether for insurance coverage or finding their next home or investment property. Outside of work, Ashley is a devoted mom to two daughters, enjoying activities like cheering them on at lacrosse, soccer, and cheerleading events. She also loves traveling, hiking, snowboarding, and curling up with a good book. Join us in congratulating Ashley on today's member spotlight!

Today's member spotlight is the talented Radhya Adityavarman! Radhya is an analyst at Blackrock Strategy, where he is currently consulting with the National Parks Service to support the design, implementation, and evaluation of strategic plans, policies, and development initiatives. His work spans across diverse projects and programs nationwide, addressing both environmental stewardship and sustainable growth. Radhya leverages his expertise in landscape, architecture, and urban design, holding degrees from Cornell University and the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Previously, he honed his skills at AECOM, a global engineering and design firm, where he contributed to high-profile infrastructure and urban planning projects in the San Francisco Bay Area. Some of his key projects include the Crane Cove Park revitalization, which transformed an industrial site into a vibrant waterfront park; the Bay Bridge public access piers, a key public space development; the Ocean Beach master plan, a long-term initiative to preserve coastal ecosystems while enhancing public access; and the Islais Creek mobility strategy, aimed at improving transportation and connectivity in underserved communities. A lifelong learner, Radhya is keen about understanding how things work and solving complex design challenges. After returning to Central New York (CNY), he sought new opportunities for growth and community involvement. His experience includes a fellowship with Armory Square Ventures, where he explored the intersection of venture capital and community-focused startups. He also participated in CenterState CEO’s Up Start initiative, which fosters entrepreneurial growth in the region, and recently graduated from FOCUS Greater Syracuse’s Citizen Academy program, deepening his commitment to civic engagement. He is excited about the role emerging technologies will play in advancing community development, affordable housing, and climate resilience in Upstate New York. He is especially eager to become more involved with The Tech Garden and startups driving these critical changes. Outside of the studio, Radhya enjoys traveling to new places and discovering local food scenes with friends, walking his dog alongside his fiancée, and working on cars. He is also deeply passionate about mentoring students and other professionals, offering design advice and teaming up on innovative projects. Always open to new ideas and conversations, he welcomes connections and opportunities to collaborate. Join us in congratulating Radhya on today's member spotlight!

Today's member spotlight is the artistic Kayleigh Tarbet! Kayleigh is a versatile creative professional who was recently promoted to Art Director at Advance Media New York / Advance Aviation. With a background in graphic design, a lifelong passion for photography, and over 14 years of experience in the industry, Kayleigh is a well-rounded leader in the creative field. Since joining Advance Media New York in 2014, Kayleigh has continuously honed her skills and embraced new challenges, pushing creative boundaries and exploring fresh approaches to visual storytelling. Her unique ability to craft visually striking and strategically effective creative has earned her numerous statewide and international awards while helping hundreds of clients achieve their business goals. Kayleigh’s contributions have been vital to the success of Advance Aviation, a sub-brand focused on supporting airports across the country and beyond. She has become an expert in the aviation space, developing award-winning creative driven by industry trends and data. As part of this team, she frequently travels to meet with clients, present at board meetings, execute live commercial shoots, and share her expertise at aviation conferences throughout the year. In her new role as Art Director, Kayleigh is responsible for leading the conceptualization and execution of creative projects, with a focus on Advance Aviation clients. She will oversee the development of design assets, ensuring they align with a brand's identity, resonate with the target audience, and uphold high standards of quality, creativity, and consistency across all platforms. Kayleigh earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design from State University of New York at Oswego (2010), where she also pursued a minor in Marketing. In 2013, she launched her own business, Kayleigh Tarbet Photography & Design, specializing in wedding, family, and senior photography, while also designing logos, websites, and other creative materials. In her free time, you can find Kayleigh playing beach volleyball, rocking out at concerts, or curling up with a good book alongside her cat, Moo. She loves spending time with friends, traveling, hiking, cooking, and watching football – GO BILLS! Join us in congratulating Kayleigh on today's member spotlight!

If you are interested in joining a virtual young professionals toastmaster group, we encourage you to connect with Brianna Wichowsky, MS, SCLA-Gold, AINS, AIDA, AIS! https://lnkd.in/eHsbXCSJ

Save the Date! Join us on October 24th from 6-9pm for an exciting networking event at PressRoom Pub featuring CNY Professionals Under 40 and Syracuse University Alumni! 🕕 6:00 - 7:30pm: Network with fellow professionals and SU alumni. 🏈 7:30 - 9:00pm: Enjoy Syracuse University football game vs Pittsburgh and connect with fellow fans. Event host and speakers are Michael Jennings II, Matthew DePrimo, MSIS, CAS-IS, and Chris Beal! Food will be provided as courtesy of Syracuse University! Tickets are $12 and cover 1 free drink! Buy tickets here: https://lnkd.in/e5WEqepi Don't miss this opportunity to expand your network and enjoy some SU Football! See you there! 🎉