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BUILD YOUR NETWORK OF PROFESSIONAL CONNNECTIONS

​APRIL 28, 2025  |  4:00-7:00 PM  |  DRUMLINS COUNTRY CLUB

 

Mentoring Monday connects professionals from the Central New York women’s business community. This dynamic in-person event brings together experienced leaders, young professionals, career changers, those returning to the workforce, or women recently relocated to the area for a unique networking opportunity. Join us for an evening of connections, inspiration, and professional development.

Mentors and mentees match up at tables of two for multiple seven-minute speed networking rounds. The quick pace keeps conversation going and allows mentors and mentees to maximize their networking time. Talk and get advice from local female mentors across a vast variety of careers.

Alongside one-on-one chats, Mentoring Monday will also feature topic tables themed to inspire guided conversation—such as job interview skills, steps to take to get into health-related careers, financial wellness and more. The event will officially kick off with a welcoming short insightful keynote address from a mentoring mogul who will share advice and lessons learned with the group.

MENTORS

Mentors are listed alphabetically by last name.
You can click the button to download a full PDF of all mentor bios!

About
Mentors

TABLE DISCUSSIONS

Not sure who to chat with first onsite at Mentoring Monday? Our moderated table discussions will be hosted by a subject matter expert who will be leading the conversation, answering questions, and more! These tables don't follow the traditional 7-minute speed-networking structure and attendees can pop in and out of a conversation at any time.

 

The 2025 table hosts feature several of our event sponsors and will focus on important business topics such as a career in healthcare, finances, and more.

TOPIC #1: VISION BOARD BUILDING

SFCU will host a conversation about some pillars of financial wellness while we build our vision boards:

  • Big Dreams: Discuss long-term financial goals and ideal lifestyles.

  • Core Values: Reflect on financial habits and priorities that align with personal or family values.

  • Milestones: Set short-term goals and savings targets to achieve financial wellness step by step.
     

Sponsored by: Sidney Federal Credit Union

Table host: Ashley Krizman

TOPIC #2: CAREERS IN HEALTHCARE

Upstate Nursing’s table will provide information regarding healthcare careers. An experienced Talent Acquisition Specialist available to answer questions as well as supply insight into what it takes to land a position in a competitive market. There will be best tips to prepare for an interview and ways to improve interview performance available as well.

Available Materials: Upstate Nursing specific information regarding current salary, benefits, and job opportunities (packet).

Sponsored by: Upstate Nursing

Table host: Sherria Sparks MS, RN, RACR

TOPIC #3: STARTUPS AND SIDE HUSTLES

Join the WISE Women's Business Center for a discussion on practical tips, valuable resources, and real-world experiences in starting your own business or side hustle. Gain insights gathered from seasoned entrepreneurs, fellow attendees, and the WISE team's experienced business counselor to navigate the journey of entrepreneurship effectively and achieve your goals

Sponsored by: WISE Women's Business Center

Table host: Meghan Florkowski and Barb Stone

TOPIC #4: PERFECT YOUR PITCH

Drop by this table at Mentoring Monday to fine-tune your sales pitch and gather insights for the speed networking portion of the event. Hosted by members of CNY Women's Network, who believe in the power of women coming together to connect, grow, and elevate their lives. Serving as a central hub for women across Central New York, we provide opportunities for personal and professional development while cultivating a community where women inspire and empower one another. Follow @cnywomensnetwork on social media to learn more.

Sponsored by: CNY Women's Network​

Table host: Elena Bombardier

TOPIC #5: ACCELERATING YOUR JOB SEARCH

CNY SHRM will be available to assist attendees and answer questions about resume development, interview techniques, and creating a professional social media presence (Linked In). Attendees will be provided with tangible takeaways that can be immediately implemented in their career search. 

Sponsored by: CNY SHRM

Table hosts: Caprice Reader, Tiffany Falcone and Meghan Durso

TOPIC #6: MYTH BUSTING MANUFACTURING CAREERS

Did you know that manufacturing is not all just assembly lines?

Join Belden Inc. to demystify a career in manufacturing. Learn from the HR Manager of Operations on how to get your foot in the door for any role in manufacturing. You will hear about the growth of manufacturing in our region and the training available to you to expand your skill sets. Whether you are brand new or already working in a similar industry, there are opportunities for you to grow your career tomorrow.

Sponsored by: MACNY

Table hosts: Kathy Millett, Belden, Inc.

TOPIC #7: BUILD YOUR WEALTH IN REAL ESTATE

The roundtable discussion will bring together women interested in becoming new homeowners, real estate investors, and those looking to elevate their equity to build financial freedom through real estate. This collaborative event offers a platform for likeminded women to connect, share insights, and learn from experts in the industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with a seasoned real estate agent and a knowledgeable lender, gaining valuable advice on purchasing homes, securing financing, and strategically building wealth through property investments. It’s an empowering space for women to ask questions, explore opportunities, and take actionable steps toward achieving financial independence in the real estate market.

Sponsored by: Acropolis Realty Group & Genesee Regional Bank

Table hosts: Catherine Bartolotta-Redfield, Lynda Kianka, Karen Murphy

Table Discussions
Schedule

HOW IT WORKS

Format

To kick things off, we'll have a full hour of open networking time when people are arriving, during which you can grab a drink and refreshments, familiarize yourself with the mentor table layout, and get a new headshot taken. Following that, we'll have a short yet impactful keynote speaker who will share tips for building your professional network, lessons learned in their careers and in life. 

After that, we'll get right into the facilitated speed networking sessions. Mentors and mentees match up at tables of two for seven-minute speed networking rounds. The quick pace keeps conversation going and allows mentors and mentees to maximize their networking time. Each mentor will have a table tent designating their space so you attendees can identify and find them easily. 

If you're not ready for the one-on-one networking or just want a casual conversation, the event will also feature tables themed to inspire guided conversation—such as financial wellness and credit, accelerating a job search, steps to take to get into health-related fields, startups/side hustles, and more. Each conversation will be led by a local female mentor specializing in this category of business and attendees can join those at any point throughout the event.

 

Questions and icebreakers to kickstart your conversations

New to networking or not sure how to get started? No worries at all! If there's a break in the conversation or you're stuck on what to ask someone, here are some ideas to help the conversation get started:

  • What inspired you to pursue your career path and what keeps you on it?

  • Have you ever faced a professional challenge that caught you off guard? How did you navigate through it?

  • What advice do you have for someone looking to advance their career in [specific industry]?

  • Are there any professional development programs or resources that you've found particularly beneficial in your career?

  • What's your approach to balancing work and life, and how has it shaped your success?

  • Can you tell me about a project or accomplishment you're particularly proud of in your career?

  • What’s next for you in your career? How do you plan for your own future?

  • What do you enjoy the most about your work?

  • Beyond the obvious, what underappreciated skills or traits do you believe are the real game-changers in your field?

  • What is one standout piece of advice that challenged your thinking or transformed your approach to your career?

SCHEDULE

04:00

Open networking time & headshot station available

04:45

Quick keynote on the four mindsets: possibility, growth, accountability, and curiosity

05:00

Tips for making the most of your networking experience: it's who you know

05:15

Overview of speed networking and table discussions

05:30

Speed networking begins & table discussions open

07:00

Event ends

SPONSORS

Thank you to our event sponsors for support women leaders and business professionals from industries and companies across Central New York! We have sponsorships at all levels available for the 2025 event. Contact Lindsay Wickham to learn more. 

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Sponsors
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