The POLY LEAD for Women Series is a five-part professional development program designed to help women strengthen their leadership presence, build confidence, and expand their professional networks.
Hosted by SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly), the series features practical leadership tools, peer connections, interactive discussions, and wellness-centered experiences to support professional and personal growth.
POLY LEAD is more than a series of workshops; it is a community of women leaders from across the Mohawk Valley and Central New York coming together to learn, connect, and grow. Participants will gain practical leadership skills while building relationships with professionals across industries who can support and inspire them throughout their careers.
The program concludes with a certificate and celebration recognizing participant engagement and completion of the series.
Who Should Participate?
POLY LEAD is designed for women in middle management and emerging leadership roles across a variety of sectors, including:
- Education
- Healthcare
- STEM
- Manufacturing
- Business
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Public Service
Department chairs, managers, supervisors, project leaders, teachers, principals, and professionals seeking to increase their leadership impact are encouraged to attend.
Why Attend?
Participants will:
- Build leadership confidence
- Expand professional networks as well as their toolkit
- Gain practical workplace strategies
- Explore sustainable leadership and wellness
- Earn a certificate of completion
Program Schedule
All five sessions will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at SUNY Poly. Coffee and refreshments will be served throughout.
Program Kickoff
The POLY LEAD for Women Series Kickoff
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026
Location: SUNY Poly Student Center
Schedule
8:00 – 8:30 a.m. | Check-In & Networking
8:30 – 10:00 a.m. | Program
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. | Networking
Begin your POLY LEAD experience with an engaging and inspiring kickoff session designed to help you reflect on your leadership potential and set the tone for the journey ahead. Through interactive discussion and practical insights, participants will explore what it means to lead with confidence, purpose, and authenticity while building connections with other women committed to personal and professional growth.
This energizing session will challenge participants to think differently about leadership, identify opportunities for growth, and embrace the strengths they bring to their organizations and communities.
Featured Speaker: 
Kristy Mandour is an Executive Presence and Leadership Voice Advisor and founder of Sow to Speak. For more than 15 years, she has helped leaders strengthen their presence, expand their impact, and confidently navigate opportunities for growth and advancement.
Session 2: Leading Yourself First
Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Leadership begins with taking care of yourself. In a world where we are constantly rushing to meet deadlines, care for others, and manage competing priorities, it can be difficult to make time for our own well-being. During this interactive session, Dr. Patricia Roach will explore practical strategies for “stealing time” for yourself, creating healthy boundaries, and building sustainable habits that support long-term personal and professional success.
Topics Include:
- Creating time for yourself amid competing priorities
- Burnout prevention and stress management
- Sustainable leadership habits
- Mindfulness and guided meditation
- Building resilience through self-care and reflection
Featured Speaker:
Dr. Patricia Roach is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Certified Professional Coach, and Clinical Assistant Professor at SUNY Poly. With more than 38 years of healthcare and leadership experience, she brings a unique perspective on leadership, wellness, and personal growth. Dr. Roach specializes in helping individuals develop the mindset and habits needed to thrive both personally and professionally.
Session 3: Building Your Leadership Toolbox
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Join a panel of SUNY Poly women leaders for a candid conversation about the tools, strategies, and lessons that have helped them succeed. From managing competing priorities and navigating challenges to building confidence, earning respect, and leading with influence, panelists will share practical insights participants can apply immediately in their own careers.
The session will conclude with facilitated roundtable discussions, providing an opportunity to connect with additional women leaders, ask questions, exchange ideas, and expand your professional network.
Topics Include:
- Tools and strategies that make work and life more manageable
- Building confidence and leadership presence
- Time management and prioritization
- Lessons learned from women leaders
Session 4: Navigating Difficult Conversations
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of leadership, but they do not have to be intimidating. Join leadership advisor Kristy Mandour for an interactive session focused on approaching challenging workplace discussions with confidence, clarity, and emotional intelligence. Participants will learn practical strategies for managing conflict, delivering feedback, and addressing sensitive issues while strengthening relationships and maintaining professionalism.
Topics Include:
- Conflict resolution strategies
- Communication under pressure
- Constructive feedback and accountability
- Building confidence in leadership conversations
Featured Speaker: Kristy Mandour, Founder, Sow to Speak
Session 5: Leading Where You Are
Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Leadership is not defined by a title. Join Jasminka Husic as she shares lessons from her leadership journey and practical strategies for building confidence, increasing visibility, and creating impact at every stage of your career. Through real-world examples and discussion, participants will explore how to lead with influence, navigate challenges, and embrace opportunities for growth.
Topics Include:
- Leadership without formal authority
- Navigating male-dominated industries
- Building influence and visibility
- Resilience and leading through change
Featured Speaker:
Jasminka Husic, CPA, is the CFO and Director of Finance and Business Intelligence at New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation (NYSTEC). A respected finance executive, mentor, and advocate for women's leadership, she is passionate about helping professionals build confidence, expand their influence, and lead with purpose—regardless of title or position.
Registration
Full Series Registration
Early Bird Registration: $425, register by July 15, 2026
Standard Registration: $500
Individual Sessions
$150 per session
SUNY Poly Faculty, Staff, and Students
Participation is covered through UUP support. Sessions will also be recorded and made available to SUNY Poly faculty, staff, and students who are unable to attend in person.
Sponsorship
Invest in the future of our region by sponsoring the POLY LEAD for Women Series and supporting leadership development, meaningful connections, and career growth for women across the Mohawk Valley. Sponsors receive meaningful recognition before and during the event.
If you are interested in a sponsorship, contact Andrea LaGatta at pasquaa@sunypoly.edu or (315) 792-7110
Questions?
Contact the Office of Workforce Development at OWD@sunypoly.edu or (315) 792-7165
