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.
Poly LEAD is brought to you by our sponsors
Session Sponsor:
Networking Sponsor:
Community Partner Sponsors:
Refreshment Sponsor:
• Aramark
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.
Beyond the Busy Culture
Reclaim Your Voice, Realign with What Matters, and Lead with Greater Intention
Many leaders measure success by how much they can carry instead of how intentionally they lead. In this engaging keynote, leadership communication advisor Kristy Mandour challenges the myth that being busy equals being effective.
Through relatable stories and practical strategies, you'll learn how to reconnect with your values, communicate with greater intention, and lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. This keynote sets the stage for the POLY LEAD Women's Leadership Series by building the self-awareness that strengthens every leadership conversation.
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.
Reflection Activity
Following Dr. Roach’s presentation, Kim Johnson will lead a reflection activity. Participants will pair up to complete a brief reflection appreciation card. Volunteers will have the opportunity to share their reflections with the group before we transition into an energizing country line dancing session. This activity is designed to foster confidence, connection, and a positive mindset as we conclude the event.
Activity Speaker:
Kim Johnson is a 55-year-old wife and proud mother of two. She is a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor with more than 15 years of experience in the fitness industry. Kim has been certified through the National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) since 2007 and is a Level One Certified Nutrition Coach. She is passionate about helping women recognize their worth, build confidence, and discover their inner strength through movement and personal growth.
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
Additional Presentation:
Building Community, Growing Your Network, and Creating Lasting Impact
Strong leaders know that success is built through meaningful relationships. In this session, Alex Canavan shares how intentional networking, authentic community building, and strategic partnerships can open doors, strengthen leadership, and create opportunities for personal and professional growth. Participants will leave with practical strategies to expand their networks, build genuine connections, and lead with purpose.
Featured Speaker: 
Alex Canavan is the Founder of the CNY Women's Network, a community-driven media and leadership platform dedicated to connecting and empowering women professionals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. She is also the host of the Cultivate with Alex Canavan podcast and a consultant specializing in experiential marketing, community building, and strategic partnerships. Alex is passionate about helping individuals and organizations build meaningful connections that create lasting impact.
Session 5: Leading Where You Are
Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Session Sponsor: Indium Corporation
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.
Additional Presentation:
Zonta Club of Utica: Empowering Women Through Service & Advocacy
Learn how the Zonta Club of Utica is making a difference locally and globally by advancing opportunities for women and girls through advocacy, scholarships, community service, and leadership. Discover how Zonta empowers women, supports future leaders, and creates lasting impact in our community.
Featured Speakers:
Claudia Jasinski is President of the Zonta Club of Utica, Vice President of Third Gate Partners, and Chair of the Board of Hospice and Palliative Care. She is passionate about bringing people together to strengthen our community and advance opportunities for women and girls.
Dianne DiMeo is Secretary of the Zonta Club of Utica and Lieutenant Governor of Zonta District 2. Following a career in healthcare administration and community services, she continues to champion leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement while supporting the next generation of women leaders.
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
