Rochester Professionals Under 40

We are happy to announce our 1st non profit speaker of our upcoming networking event will be Leslie Alvarado-Fischer, LMSW, Director of Admissions and FCM at East House! The mission of East House is to empower individuals in recovery from mental health and substance use disorders to recover and to live healthy and fulfilling lives in their community. We look forward to hearing from them Monday October 28th from 5-8pm at The Hideaway! Buy event tickets here: https://lnkd.in/e9urVg9U Linkedin Event Link Here: https://lnkd.in/enTe9Tv7 Come join us to meet other young professionals in the Rochester area!

We are looking for 2 Event Sponsors for our upcoming October Networking Event! Sponsor will get a 5 minute speaking opportunity to the group! Event Monday October 28th from 5-8pm at The Hideaway! Event hosts are Nicole P. and Quentin Marsh! Please message us if interested or comment below and we will contact you! Event Link: https://lnkd.in/enTe9Tv7

Today's member spotlight is a customer experience consultant and leadership coach, Kristen Szustakowski, ACC! Kristen grew up in West Seneca, New York. She graduated from State University of New York at Fredonia with an English Literature degree. She began her career in marketing before being given the opportunity to create a support function for an online retail business. She fell in love with CX (customer experience) and continued to grow her career there. She has spent nearly ten years working with online retail, building and scaling customer support functions; boosting customer sentiment and loyalty; reducing need for customer contact, and working cross-functionally to drive improvements in the user experience. Her user research and insights have led to new product features, product modifications, shifts in marketing strategy, and renewed policies, processes and procedures. Currently Kristen owns The CX Coach, a coaching and consulting business geared towards helping small to midsize online retail brands scale their customer experience operations. Having routinely been given the task to delegate, downsize, or cut costs as a service leader, she understands how emotionally and operationally dynamic these initiatives can be. Kristen works with founders, executives, and service professionals to help them balance efficiency and quality in their support operations, so brands can improve the health of their organization while keeping customers and employees happy. Her work with clients includes identifying, evaluating, and implementing AI solutions; assisting with contact center onboarding and performance improvement; workflow standardization and optimization, and general CX strategy. Her dream is to help online retail owners succeed by bridging costs and customer happiness, and to someday provide jobs for other CX leaders. Kristen is also an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). As part of her consulting services, she enjoys helping CX professionals set and achieve goals, dismantle mental blocks, overcome challenges, gain work-life balance, and live fulfilled lives! Kristen is a member of the Organizational Development Committee for ICF’s Upstate New York Chapter, a member of Rochester Women’s Network (RWN) and a Brownie Girl Scout Troop Leader. When she’s not working or volunteering, Kristen enjoys running on trails, cooking new recipes, knitting socks, and hanging out with her family! Join us in congratulating Kristen on today's member spotlight!

Today's member spotlight is the bright Amanda Harvat! Amanda is a Brokerage Manager for KAFL Insurance Resources, Inc., working with financial advisors & their clients. Amanda grew up in central Pennsylvania, and moved to Rochester in 2014 to attend the University of Rochester. Originally anticipating a career in the medical field, she quickly realized that business & entrepreneurship was her true passion, and started an e-commerce resale business. The e-commerce business saw a great deal of success and eventually evolved to include a brick & mortar storefront in the town of Palmyra, NY. Though this business has since been sold, the new owner still operates today under the name Smitten Collective! Amanda also founded, operated, and eventually sold a yoga studio in the same town which is still operational today. After experiencing the thrill (and challenge) of being a business owner, Amanda pursued a career in the financial services industry to help other young professionals & entrepreneurs lay the foundation needed to achieve financial freedom and stability – and ultimately follow their dreams. Starting originally at Northwestern Mutual, she now holds the position of Brokerage Manager at KAFL Insurance Resources helping financial advisors with advanced planning & insurance case design for their clients. Amanda is very involved in her community, previously holding the titles of Vice President and eventually President of the Western Wayne Chamber of Commerce, and was an honoree for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Rochester’s Finest program in 2023. She is now on the events committee for the CFF, and is active in her community at the Genesee Valley Club. In her free time, Amanda enjoys playing tennis & pickleball, taking care of her three dogs, and enjoying time with her family & friends. Join us in congratulating Amanda on today's member spotlight!

Today's member spotlight is the multi-faceted Catherine Mattis! Catherine brings a diverse and dynamic range of experience to every role she takes on. A former financial advisor at Equitable Advisors, Catherine has also held multiple positions at Audacy, Inc., including Account Executive, Producer, and Promotion Coordinator. She is currently a seasonal administrative professional at The Bonadio Group, providing support in the tax section while pursuing her MBA at SUNY Brockport. A true SUNY enthusiast, Catherine earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Broadcasting, and Public Relations before returning to Brockport to further her education. When she’s not busy with work or school, she’s performing stand-up comedy or hiking with her loyal Pitbull terrier, Ginger. With a passion for travel, Catherine aspires to visit all 50 states, collecting postcards and memories along the way. We invite you to connect with Catherine here: https://lnkd.in/eGkRafTT We look forward to having Catherine give an office themed comedy show at a future networking event! Join us in congratulating Catherine on today's member spotlight!

Today's member spotlight is recruiting expert Olivia Quinlan! Born and raised in Rochester, Olivia graduated from the University at Buffalo and spent a decade in Buffalo before returning home in 2019. Currently, she serves as a Recruiting Manager at Robert Half Technology, specializing in direct-hire and executive-level IT recruiting across upstate New York. She is passionate about connecting top-tier talent with organizations that drive innovation in the technology sector. Olivia's career is deeply rooted in business development and relationship building, and she has always been dedicated to forging strong connections. From her early days in event sales and planning to her role in business development at Soleo, a local marketing and tech company, and now at Robert Half, she consistently demonstrates a commitment to client success and personalized service. With a strong passion for technology, Olivia enjoys being immersed in the latest trends and advancements. By working closely with IT professionals, she continually grows her knowledge and understanding of the tech landscape. What Olivia loves most about business is the relationships and partnerships she cultivates. Through her personalized approach, she aims to be a trusted partner for both hiring managers and IT professionals seeking meaningful career transitions. Outside of work, Olivia enjoys golfing, going to the gym, and spending quality time with friends and family. She also has a passion for fashion and home interiors, always looking for inspiration in design and style. Whether in her role as a recruiter or pursuing personal interests, she is driven by a desire to create lasting connections and meaningful experiences for herself and those around her. Join us in congratulating Olivia on today's member spotlight!

Today's member spotlight is financial services professional Riley Myles! Riley grew up just outside Syracuse, NY. He graduated with bachelor's degree from State University of New York at Oswego in 2021. Since graduating at Oswego, Riley has been working in the construction field. About 2 years ago, he was approached by a friend of his, to partner up with him in the Financial Services business. Not knowing much about money and finances at the time he quickly learned the mainstream issues in the Financial and Insurance industry. Riley now strives to help ALL families make and save money, get out of debt to one day achieve financial independence. Riley moved to Rochester about 3 years ago and is working on building his business so he can open his own Financial services office in Rochester. Here is his testimonial about his impression of the last event: “There was a great turnout, probably a few dozen young business owners there looking to help grow each other’s business. There was also some great sponsorship at the event who had some great testimonies. Anyone looking to grow their businesses, I highly recommend giving the next event a look!" When he is not working, Riley enjoys fishing, camping, hiking, hunting, and spending time with is his family. Join us in congratulating Riley on today's member spotlight!

Calling all young professionals in Rochester, NY! Rochester Professionals Under 40 is hosting our next networking event Monday October 28th from 5-8pm at The Hideaway. Join us for an evening of networking and hear from our keynote speaker Jenna D'Annunzio, MS, CPC! Light hors d’Oeuvres will be served and the bar is a cash bar. Networking and check in will begin starting at 5pm, and speakers will be at 6pm. Event hosts are Nicole P. and Quentin Marsh! We are looking for event sponsors! If interested please message us! Admission is $10 and covers light food. Buy tickets here: https://lnkd.in/e9urVg9U Come join us to meet other young professionals in the Rochester area!

Today's member spotlight is the dedicated Emily Pearce! Emily Pearce's passion for education stems from growing up with parents who were both educators. Their dedication to fostering a love of learning in their students inspired Emily to follow a similar path, leading her to become a math educator with a commitment to innovation and student success. Raised on Long Island, Emily’s journey into teaching was shaped by her love of math and a desire to make complex concepts accessible to all students. After earning a BA in Mathematics from SUNY Geneseo and a MS in Math Education from the University of Rochester, Emily embarked on a career dedicated to improving student outcomes through creative and engaging teaching strategies. Currently a math teacher at Hilton Central School District, she has developed a differentiated Pre-Algebra 2 curriculum, utilizing digital tools like Delta Math and IXL, and leveraging collaborative, student-centered activities to create interactive, engaging lessons. Her innovative use of EdPuzzle videos in Algebra 1 flipped classrooms has helped her students build a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Emily's approach to teaching emphasizes collaboration and the use of educational technology, making her a leader in integrating digital tools into the classroom. Whether developing curriculum or supporting her colleagues, she consistently seeks to align her teaching practices with state standards while also catering to the unique needs of students with special requirements. Outside of her professional life, Emily has a passion for nature, often spending time exploring the outdoors whether it be at Highland Park or in National Parks. She is an enthusiastic cook and enjoys experimenting with new recipes, particularly those she finds on TikTok. A prescribed Buffalo Bills fan, Emily also shares her home with her beloved cat, Ruth, who provides her with constant companionship. Emily’s ultimate aspiration is to continue innovating within the field of education, using her experiences to create engaging, effective content that resonates with students of all learning styles. Inspired by her parents’ careers and her own journey, she remains dedicated to fostering a love of learning in each student she teaches. Join us in congratulating Emily on today's member spotlight!

Today's member spotlight is the ardent Jenna D'Annunzio, MS, CPC! Jenna is a holistic business and mindset coach and best-selling author, helping entrepreneurs and busy parents (like herself!) build a life and business they love. She is the proud co-owner of Mission Driven Advisor and Soul Purpose Institute - two coaching companies founded by her father, that help align clients with achieving their goals, maximizing their potential, and navigating what it looks like to lean into the happiest, healthiest and wealthiest versions of themselves. Jenna started out in the academia world, working as a teacher for at risk youth in a non-secure detention through Rochester City School District’s Youth and Justice Program. After several years supporting each student in their school lessons, Jenna’s empathy, masterful communication skills and person-centered approach to each individual student was recognized and she was recruited to work in the case management side of the organization. It was there she learned and understood the importance and impact each individual story has on what it looks like to truly build a life YOU want. During this integral part of Jenna’s journey, she received a Masters in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in counseling. After 6 years in the nonprofit space, Jenna felt called to the entrepreneurial journey by making an even bigger impact on generations to come. In 2015 she took a leap of faith and joined her father in the family coaching business where she became an ICF Certified Professional Coach, using her backgrounds in Education, Clinical Psychology and Counseling to facilitate others in integrating all the roles they play into becoming the best versions of themselves, both in business and in life. With her 15 years of experience as a counselor and coach, in combination with her expertise in holistic business management, Jenna empowers her clients to harness their unique abilities, lean into the greatest expression of who they truly want to be and identify and overcome any barriers to success. With her keen empathetic sense, masterful communication skills, and overall love for people and their success, Jenna focuses on the whole person; who we are anywhere is who we are everywhere. Jenna is also thrilled to be announce that she is a featured co-author on the International Best-Selling Book Series by success coach Jim Britt, Cracking The Rich Code, coming out in October 2024! Endorsed by Tony Robbins himself, with a foreword by Brian Tracy, Jenna is joined by 20 other thought leaders from around the world who share their profound experiences in what it truly means to ‘crack the rich code.’ Jenna loves spending time with her husband and their three wild and amazing kids. Song/dance party extraordinaire, an avid reader, and a diehard Buffalo Bills fan; when she’s not running the business, you can catch her on the lacrosse fields and dance studio with stars in her eyes, watching her children do what they love!