Building Business. Building Community.
I’ve taken a few different paths in my own career, from years in corporate America in New York City, to becoming self-employed, to now running Mohawk Valley Living and having the privilege of sharing the stories of people throughout this region.
Maybe that’s why I’m always so interested in how people get where they are.
There is no one path to success, and the women featured in this edition of MV’s Best are a perfect example. Their journeys have taken them through different industries, challenges and stages of life. Some have spent decades building their careers. Others have changed direction or found their calling through experiences they never expected.
Over the following pages, you’ll meet women from throughout the Mohawk Valley and learn a little more about what they do, what they’re proud of and why giving back matters to them. And, because there’s always more to someone than their title, we asked each of them to share a few fun facts, too.
Each journey is different, and that’s what makes these stories worth sharing.
Alicia M. Brockway
Sr. Business Banking Officer, Beacon Bank
For more than 36 years, Alicia M. Brockway has built a career in banking helping local businesses turn their goals into reality.
At Beacon Bank, Alicia works closely with business owners across the Mohawk Valley, particularly women-owned businesses, manufacturers and specialty trades. What she loves most is helping local businesses and being a trusted resource they can count on as they grow.
“Every business has a unique story, and I enjoy being a trusted resource they can count on for guidance, financial solutions, and support as they grow.”
Looking back on her career, Alicia is most proud of the relationships she has built and the positive impact she has had on the businesses and communities she serves. For Alicia, there is nothing more rewarding than watching a client achieve a milestone, expand their business, create jobs or pursue a dream they once thought was out of reach.
She is also proud to have spent her career helping develop strong teams and supporting the next generation of business leaders.
Giving back has always been important to Alicia. She currently serves as Board Chair of ARC Herkimer and sits on the Herkimer College Foundation Board, along with supporting several other local organizations.
“The Mohawk Valley has given so much to me throughout my life and career, and I believe strong businesses and strong communities go hand in hand. Helping our region thrive isn’t just part of my job, it’s something I’m truly passionate about.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
Waitress at Pioneer Restaurant in Newport, NY while attending Herkimer County Community College.
My workday must-have:
A positive attitude and a smile on my face.
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
Never, never, never give up!
One local place I love:
Brass Tack in Frankfort, NY, a family-owned restaurant that reminds me of the TV show Cheers where everyone knows your name.
Something people may not know about me:
I used to own and ride a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and am a certified scuba diver who had the opportunity to dive at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Dr. Keena Brittingham
Owner, Aspen Dental
For Dr. Keena Brittingham, caring for others has been part of more than one chapter of her professional life. Before beginning her dental career, she was a nurse. Today, after operating her practice for 18 years, her work includes everything from routine restorative treatments to advanced procedures, along with the day-to-day responsibility of leading a team and running a practice.
While she has accomplished much professionally, when asked what she is most proud of, Keena points to her two sons. Both are pursuing their education in Pennsylvania, studying legal and pre-law fields while taking on leadership roles on their respective campuses.
Her commitment to others also extends well beyond her practice. Keena serves as Basileus (President) of the Nu Psi Omega graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she leads regional service initiatives, mentors members and supports civic and educational programs. She also remains active with the local NAACP Oneida County Branch.
“Giving back is essential because health, equity, and empowerment are deeply interconnected. Whether improving a patient’s smile in the office or leading community initiatives outside of it, the goal remains the same: uplifting and supporting the community where we live and work.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
McDonald’s, age 14.
My workday must-have:
A perfectly organized schedule, my clinical team firing on all cylinders, and a good cup of tea to start the morning right.
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
“Lead with purpose and excellence. When you lift up others, the rest naturally falls into place.”
One local place I love:
I’m a homebody. I usually go straight home after work.
Something people may not know about me:
Prior to my dental career I was a nurse.
Jasmin Arias
State Farm Insurance Agent and Agency Owner
After more than a decade in banking and leadership, Jasmin made the decision to pursue work that felt more closely connected to her purpose.
The loss of a close family member gave her firsthand experience with how overwhelming it can be when a family is faced with the unexpected. That experience helped shape the work she does today, helping individuals, families and business owners protect what they have built and prepare for the future.
Being bilingual has also become an important part of her work, allowing her to have these conversations with Spanish-speaking individuals and families in the language in which they feel most comfortable.
A first-generation Latina, Jasmin understands personally the importance of connecting people with resources, mentors and opportunities. She serves on the boards of Thea Bowman House, the Center for Family Life and Recovery and the Utica Rotary Club, and serves as Community Outreach Chair for the Mohawk Valley Women’s Business Network.
“Community involvement is important to me because it allows me to give back and help others reach their full potential.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
Working in the file room at New York Eye and Ear Hospital through the Summer Youth Employment Program.
My workday must-have:
A positive attitude with a giant cup of coffee.
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
Always be kind, because you never know what someone else may be going through.
One local place I love:
I love Stride Coffee Roasters. Great people, great coffee and great vibes.
Something people may not know about me:
I have a love for antique and classic cars, especially old Cadillacs. There’s something about their timeless design and character that I find inspiring.
Katy Heintz
Chief Growth Officer and Partner, Strategic Financial Services
As Chief Growth Officer and Partner at Strategic Financial Services, Katy Heintz brings together marketing, business development, client experience and community partnerships, all in support of the firm’s purpose of helping people live a great life.
At the heart of her work is connecting good people with good people. Katy is most proud of the relationships she has built and the opportunities those connections create, whether she is helping someone find the right financial guidance, supporting the growth of her team or developing partnerships throughout the community.
For Katy, that work is especially meaningful because the Mohawk Valley is home. It is where she has built her career and where she and her husband are raising their two young sons.
“I love that growth creates a ripple effect. As we grow, we’re able to invest more deeply in our people, our clients, and the organizations and causes that make the Mohawk Valley such a special place to work, live, and raise a family.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
Scanning books at the Kirkland Town Library with my mom.
My workday must-have:
Coffee and a handwritten checklist. One fuels the day, and the other keeps it on track.
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
My mom always told me, “Be kind and be fun, and you’ll always have friends.”
One local place I love:
North Star Orchards, especially during pumpkin cookie season!
Something people may not know about me:
When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me chasing after my two boys, Charlie, 5, and Sam, 3. We recently bought an old Adirondack camp, and our family’s newest adventure is filling it with lots of memories.
Strategic Financial Services is a sponsor of Mohawk Valley Living. Katy Heintz’s inclusion in this feature reflects Mohawk Valley Living’s independent editorial selection.
SISTERS IN BUSINESS
Tiffanie Davis and Nicole Wells share more than a family connection. The sisters are also part of The Renaissance Team at Empire Homes & Commercial, where both have found purpose in helping people, particularly first-time buyers, see homeownership as something within reach. Their paths to real estate have been very different, and each brings her own experience and perspective to the work.
Tiffanie Davis
Chief Operating Officer, HYPE | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Empire Homes & Commercial — The Renaissance Team
Tiffanie Davis’ career has never followed just one lane, but the common thread has always been people. As Chief Operating Officer of Helping Young People Excel (HYPE), she helps lead an organization supporting young people and families through behavioral health services.
She is also a licensed real estate professional with Empire Homes & Commercial and part of The Renaissance Team with her sister, Nicole, where she enjoys helping first-time buyers work through the fears and misconceptions that can make homeownership feel out of reach.
Tiffanie became a mother at 15, an experience that brought challenges but also gave her a sense of purpose early in life. Her journey has been grounded in faith, family, determination and perseverance. She has built a career that has allowed her to lead organizations, work in real estate, serve her community and create opportunities for others.
Utica is home, where she grew up, raised her family and built her career. Over the years, she has also served on boards, committees and community initiatives.
“I want my children, grandchildren, and the young people I encounter to know that where you start is part of your story, but it does not have to determine where you finish.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
At 11 years old, I worked in the cafeteria at Kemble School. No lie! My first check was about $17, and my friend and I would head straight to the clearance section at Ormond’s in Riverside Mall.
My workday must-have:
Grounding moments. Whether it’s prayer, sitting in nature, journaling, or reading, I need quiet time alone to reset and reconnect with myself.
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
Never waste someone’s time or money.
One local place I love:
My backyard. Franklin and I worked hard to create an outdoor space where our family and friends can gather, laugh, eat and simply enjoy being together.
Something people may not know about me:
I am a huge Melissa McCarthy fan!
Nicole Wells
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Empire Homes & Commercial — The Renaissance Team
For five years, Nicole Wells has worked with Empire Homes & Commercial and The Renaissance Team alongside her sister, Tiffanie Davis, primarily helping first-time homebuyers. She enjoys helping people understand the process, especially those who may not know where to begin or whether homeownership is possible for them.
Before real estate, Nicole built a nearly 20-year career in hospitality as a bartender. That experience taught her how to listen, communicate with all kinds of people, anticipate needs, solve problems and make people feel comfortable.
Buying a home can feel overwhelming, particularly the first time, and Nicole wants her clients to feel they have someone beside them to answer questions, explain the process and advocate for them along the way.
What makes her most proud is helping make someone’s dream of homeownership a reality, from the early questions and uncertainty to the moment they receive the keys to a home of their own.
Nicole also serves on local boards and committees and volunteers at community events.
“For me, community involvement is about showing up.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
McDonald’s drive-thru. I guess hospitality and working with people started early!
My workday must-have:
A good cup of coffee and my planner. I need both to get the day started.
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
“Everything isn’t for everyone.” It reminds me that not every opportunity, opinion, or path has to be mine, and that’s okay.
One local place I love:
Munson. I love having a place in our community where art, creativity and culture are accessible right here at home.
Something people may not know about me:
I’m a lifelong watcher of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! Give me a good game show and I’m happy.
Stephanie Lowe
Financial Advisor & Partner, Cooley & Lowe Wealth Management
Stephanie Lowe compares financial planning to a purse you have been carrying through life. A retirement account from a first job, a home, education savings and insurance decisions all find their way inside. Eventually, it helps to take everything out and look at how the pieces fit together.
As a Financial Advisor and Partner at Cooley & Lowe Wealth Management, Stephanie helps clients do just that. Her work involves understanding what they have, what still serves a purpose and what may be missing, then helping them organize it around where life is taking them next.
After 18 years working with people, the relationships she has built remain her greatest source of pride. That connection extends to local business owners and their employees, where she sees an opportunity for her work to have a broader impact. She also founded and runs CNY Birdies Fore Babies, Inc., a local charity that brings her closer to the community she serves.
“When you spend 18 years working with people, you don’t just tie yourself to their future, but also to their past. It’s a privilege.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
Babysitting, probably far too young by today’s standards!
My workday must-have:
Coffee and seeing people.
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
How you do one thing is how you do everything.
One local place I love:
So many lovely places, but for food there’s a clear frontrunner: The Willows.
Something people may not know about me:
I love to cook. If I wasn’t in finance, I’d be in a kitchen.
MaKenna N. Cooley
Financial Advisor & Managing Director, Northwestern Mutual, New Hartford
For MaKenna Cooley, helping people succeed takes two forms: guiding clients through life’s financial decisions and leading the Northwestern Mutual office in New Hartford. Whether she is helping a family work toward a goal or mentoring an advisor building a business, the most rewarding part is watching people push themselves and seeing that effort pay off.
MaKenna started her practice as a college senior with about $1,000 and a laptop, earned her CFP® certification at 25 and became a Managing Director at 28. But what she is most proud of is her perseverance. Building a practice also meant learning how to lead a team and run a business, often while questioning whether she would make it.
Her community involvement is equally personal. As Chair of the Mohawk Valley Go Red for Women Luncheon, MaKenna supports the American Heart Association’s work to advance heart-health education. Her inspiration is her mother, Wendy, a cardiac nurse whom she grew up watching answer calls at all hours, through holidays and snowstorms, to help other families.
“I am involved because I want to help get heart-health education in front of as many people as possible.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
Cleaning houses when I was 14!
My workday must-have:
My AI notetaker, but also my yellow pad.
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
Clear is kind.
One local place I love:
Roma’s in Washington Mills.
Something people may not know about me:
My family owns a beef and pumpkin farm in Delaware County.
Sherry DePerno
President & CEO, Advanced Tool, Inc.
Sherry DePerno’s first job at Advanced Tool ended with her parents firing her. Today, she leads the company as President & CEO, building a global business in an industry traditionally led by men.
Advanced Tool manufactures custom industrial end mills, specialized cutting tools used in aerospace, automotive, medical and other industries. Working alongside her husband and business partner, Rob, Sherry helps customers solve machining challenges with tools designed around their specific materials, equipment and production goals.
She is proud of building a company that competes with some of the industry’s largest names by listening closely and solving difficult problems. Outside of work, she founded ALS of Utica, an all-volunteer nonprofit that has served individuals and families affected by ALS in Oneida and Herkimer counties for more than 20 years.
“Working with these families keeps me grounded and reminds me how much I have to be grateful for.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
Working for my parents at Advanced Tool, but they fired me because I was a terrible employee.
My workday must-have:
A good workout and time with God before I leave the house.
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
Make sure you’re chasing the dream you were created for. Otherwise, you’re just on a hamster wheel going nowhere fast.
One local place I love:
Walking at Root Glen or Proctor Park. And since I’ve already broken the rules, Georgio’s Village Cafe.
Something people may not know about me:
A life-altering encounter with the Lord changed me as a person, wife, mother and boss, and led me to write my book, Tell Them Anyway.
Heather Loveland-Button
Founder & CEO, Home Sweet Home Cleaning & Gardening
As founder and CEO of Home Sweet Home Cleaning & Gardening, Heather Loveland-Button has built a woman- and mother-owned company serving families throughout Central New York.
Home Sweet Home does more than clean homes. Its goal is to give people back their time while building a team centered on genuinely caring for clients and employees.
Heather is especially proud that the business has grown from one that depended entirely on her into an independent company that now supports 38 local families. Building the systems, leadership and culture that allow others to grow meaningful careers has become one of the most rewarding parts of entrepreneurship for her.
Through Cleaning for a Reason, Home Sweet Home provides free home cleanings to local individuals undergoing cancer treatment, helping ease one small burden during a difficult time.
“As a mother and business owner, it’s important to me that Home Sweet Home makes life a little lighter—one family at a time.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
Washing dishes at Charlie’s Diner
My workday must-have:
Being organized and structured
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
“What got you here won’t get you there.”
One local place I love:
Alteris!
Something people may not know about me:
I have a Horticulture Degree from Cornell University.
Francesca E. Romano
Director of Sales & Business Operations, The Fountainhead Group, Inc.
For Francesca E. Romano, The Fountainhead Group has been part of her life since childhood. She grew up spending weekends at the New York Mills company with her dad and helping with office jobs by junior high.
After beginning her career in Chicago and gaining experience across several industries, Francesca eventually returned home. Today, she manages several of Fountainhead’s largest national retail accounts, including Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Tractor Supply and Runnings.
What surprises people most, she says, is how far products made in New York Mills reach. Spot a DEWALT or Ortho sprayer in a Lawn & Garden aisle across the country, and there’s a good chance it came from Fountainhead.
Francesca is proud to build on what generations before her created while bringing her own perspective to the family business. She also values being part of the Mohawk Valley, from supporting area businesses and organizations to running her first Boilermaker.
“I love being part of what makes this area special. Now, getting to experience it all through my daughter’s eyes makes it even more meaningful.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
The Fountainhead Group, unless a lemonade stand counts! I started helping in the accounting department in junior high.
My workday must-have:
AirPods, Spotify and the Nespresso machine on my desk. Then it’s off to the “PowerPoint factory.”
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
My dad taught me that a last name doesn’t earn you respect, your work does. My mom taught me never to put limits on what I can do or who I can be. Together, they taught me to work hard, never make myself smaller and never put a ceiling on what I believe I’m capable of.
One local place I love:
Crust Kitchen & Bar.
Something people may not know:
My Monk obsession once convinced me to switch my major to Criminal Justice to become a private detective. Short lived, but the DVD collection lives on.
Gina Trzepacz Timpano
Third-Generation Owner, Yorkville Memorials LLC
As the third-generation owner of Yorkville Memorials, Gina Trzepacz Timpano carries forward a family business established in 1949 by her grandfather, John Trzepacz. For Gina, the work is about much more than selling monuments. It is about helping families preserve memories and create lasting tributes to the people they love.
Every family who walks through the door has a different story. Some come during one of the most difficult times in their lives, while others choose to pre-plan so their wishes are known. Gina considers it a privilege to guide them through that process.
The moments she is most proud of are often the quiet ones, especially when a family sees a completed memorial for the first time. Sometimes they cry. Sometimes they smile and share another story. And sometimes they simply say, “That’s them.” Those moments remind her why the work matters.
Gina also serves as President of the Mohawk Valley Business Women’s Network, is a member of Rotary, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for Family Life and Recovery.
“I’ve learned that community doesn’t just happen. People create it by showing up, getting involved, sharing their talents, and supporting one another. I want to be one of those people who shows up.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
My first job was in my family’s monument business. Like many children who grow up in a family business, you start helping long before you realize you’re learning how to run one. My first “real” job was at Voss’s BBQ.
My workday must-have:
Coffee, a good list, and probably several conversations that weren’t on that list!
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
Take care of people, take pride in what you put your name on, and don’t rush something that’s meant to last forever.
One local place I love:
The Bella Vista Restaurant…a hidden gem on Rt. 167! Even though my favorite place is the Adirondacks, all 6.1 million acres!!!
Something people may not know about me:
That I ran a half marathon in Savannah, Georgia and can’t wait to do it again!
Elisha Gilroy
Vice President of Executive Search & Direct Placement, M3 Placement & Partnership
For Elisha Gilroy, recruiting is about much more than filling an open position. As Vice President of Executive Search & Direct Placement at M3 Placement & Partnership, she oversees a team that helps organizations identify and attract talent while taking the time to understand the culture, goals and leadership needs behind each search.
At the center of that work are relationships. Elisha is especially proud of building her career through integrity, authenticity and trust, an approach that has resulted in lasting professional partnerships and friendships.
She brings that same commitment to her involvement with The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, where she serves on the Board, co-chairs the Events Committee and serves on the Women Investing in Women Committee.
As a mother of two daughters, that involvement has another layer of meaning.
“As a mom of two daughters, it’s important to me that they see the value of supporting others, giving back, and helping strengthen our community.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
My first job after college was Enterprise Rent A Car, and my first job in high school was cashier at P&C Foods.
My workday must-have:
Coffee and a mid-day reset, whether that’s a quick walk, music, or a few quiet minutes to recharge.
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
Be yourself. Authenticity builds stronger relationships than trying to be who you think others want you to be.
One local place I love:
Too many! Creekside Inn, Willow’s, Ocean Blue, Mazzaferro’s.
Something people may not know about me:
Outside of work, I love spending my weekends watching my two daughters do what they love, whether that’s soccer, cheer, or dance.
Jennifer Keida
Owner & CEO, Standard Heating, Cooling & Insulating
As owner and CEO of Standard Heating, Cooling & Insulating, Jennifer Keida leads a company that has served the Mohawk Valley since 1928, helping homeowners and businesses make their buildings more comfortable, efficient and affordable to operate.
For Jennifer, how that work is done matters just as much as the work itself. She believes the home-service industry should be built on trust, which is why Standard’s service technicians do not earn commissions or bonuses for selling equipment or repairs. Their role is to diagnose the problem, make repairs when possible and give customers the information they need to make the decision that is right for them.
“I believe doing the right thing is a business strategy.” That philosophy also shapes the way Jennifer leads the company. She is proud of continuing Standard’s long history while building a business where employees can develop their skills and create lasting careers.
Having grown up and raised her children here, Jennifer feels a strong responsibility to the region Standard has called home for generations. For her, that means supporting area organizations, connecting homeowners with resources and creating good jobs where people can build a future.
“I believe a successful local business should make its community better because it’s here.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
Babysitting at 12 for $1 an hour. My first “on-the-books” job was serving ice cream at the Red Door Dairy Store in West Winfield.
My workday must-have:
An inspirational quote to my team and a cup of coffee that usually gets cold before I drink it.
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
“Be where you are.”
One local place I love:
AquaVino. Great food and even better people.
Something people may not know about me:
My undergraduate degree is in Fine Arts. Thirty years later, I earned my MBA from Boston University.
Carli Hutchings
Finance & Operations Controller, Standard Heating, Cooling & Insulating
As Finance & Operations Controller at Standard Heating, Cooling & Insulating, Carli Hutchings works across many areas of the business, from finance and operations to customer experience and the processes that help the company and its team work more effectively.
For Carli, one of the things she enjoys most about her role is the variety. Her work moves between the numbers behind the business and the day-to-day details that keep it running smoothly, giving her a broad perspective on how good communication, thoughtful systems and teamwork shape the experience of employees and customers.
She is especially proud of graduating from Leadership Mohawk Valley this past June. The experience helped her grow as a leader, step outside her comfort zone, build relationships with other professionals and learn even more about the place she calls home.
Carli also serves on her local zoning board and on the board of her daughters’ daycare. As a mother of two girls, that involvement carries added meaning. She wants them to see that being part of a community means taking an interest, lending your time and helping make things better.
“I think it’s important to give your time, not just your opinions, and be part of helping your community grow and improve.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
The Ice Cream Factory in Chadwicks.
My workday must-have:
Seltzer water and an Excel spreadsheet.
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
It’s never wrong to do the right thing.
One local place I love:
7 Hamlets Brewing Company.
Something people may not know about me:
I’m a mom of two girls, which is probably my most important job.
Dr. Amanda Montagna
Owner/Chiropractor, Mountain Chiropractic
At Mountain Chiropractic, Dr. Amanda Montagna has had the opportunity to help thousands of people feel better, move better and improve their quality of life. As chiropractic care continues to grow as a conservative approach to health and wellness, she also sees an opportunity to help more people understand what it can offer.
That sense of purpose has remained at the center of the practice as it has grown. Amanda is especially proud of how far Mountain Chiropractic has come and the resilience it took to get there. Building a business has brought challenges, but through each stage, she says the focus has remained the same: genuinely caring about people. For her, that steady commitment has helped shape not only the way the practice has grown, but also the trust it has built with patients over the years.
That connection to others extends beyond the office. Each year, Mountain Chiropractic marks its anniversary by setting a new fundraising goal for a charity selected by its patients, making giving back part of the practice itself.
For Amanda, that commitment is deeply personal. “Community service is deeply personal to me. During one of the most difficult periods of my life, giving back gave me purpose—and I’ve carried that with me ever since.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
Busser at Valley View
My workday must-have:
Dunkin Donuts
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
Only you can decide the trajectory of your life.
One local place I love:
Delmonico’s
Something people may not know about me:
I am a Bosnian immigrant.
Michele Hummel
Executive Director, NEXT
As co-founder and Executive Director of NEXT, Michele Hummel works at the intersection of nonprofit capacity building and community development. The nonprofit helps organizations strengthen their operations while partnering with municipalities and community leaders on projects involving funding, housing and revitalization.
Michele is especially proud of building a career that has evolved alongside the needs she has seen throughout the region. NEXT grew from those needs, and watching it become an organization that communities trust to take on complicated challenges has been especially rewarding.
For Michele, that work is ultimately about seeing potential in places and helping people turn that potential into progress. Sometimes that means helping an organization become stronger behind the scenes. Other times, it means working alongside municipalities and community leaders as they tackle larger questions around housing, funding and revitalization.
She sees that kind of change firsthand in Ilion’s Central Plaza, a place she remembers bustling with shoppers when she was a child and where NEXT is now located. There is still work to be done, but watching the Plaza begin to grow again as a gathering place and business district has made the work particularly meaningful.
“To me, it represents what can happen when people see potential in a place and decide together that it is worth investing in. I’m incredibly proud that NEXT gets to be part of its next chapter.”
5 Fun Facts
My first job:
Great American – I bagged groceries to earn money for school clothes.
My workday must-have:
Lots of water, two computer screens, and a full-size keyboard. This Gen Xer travels with a full-sized keyboard. Judge me all you want but watch how fast I type.
Best piece of advice I’ve received:
Learn everything you can about your line of work and never ask someone to do something you wouldn’t be willing to do yourself.
One local place I love:
Ilion’s Central Plaza. As a child, I remember it bustling with shoppers, with tables outside where people gathered to eat and visit. Today, we see children playing, people walking through and businesses investing in their spaces. There is still a long way to go, but the Plaza is no longer forgotten. I’m incredibly proud that NEXT gets to be part of its next chapter.
Something people may not know about me:
Our third grandson will arrive soon and his name is Nicholas!
One of the things I love most about what we do at Mohawk Valley Living is discovering new people and learning the story behind what they do.
Again and again, I’m reminded that the real impact of someone’s work often goes far beyond a title or a business. It shows up in the clients they help, the families they support, the people they encourage, the teams they build and the ways they give back.
That was something that stood out to me as I read through these stories. Each of these women has taken a different path, but so much of what they do comes back to people and the difference they are making in the lives of others.
Those are the stories I love discovering, and the ones we are always grateful to share.
