Powered by Authenticity

Mentors and Mentees in the City of Good Neighbors - Women in Tech Conference Special

This is a very special episode of Powered by Authenticity as we take our listeners inside the Women in Tech of Western New York conference in downtown Buffalo. Throughout the day, we had the opportunity to connect with some of the most inspiring trailblazers, leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers helping shape the future of Western New York. From mentorship and leadership to innovation, technology, and authentic connection, the energy throughout the event was incredible. The episode begins with conversations around mentorship and career growth featuring Isabell Trevino, IT Project Manager at AAA Western and Central New York, and Susan Was, Chief People Officer at AAA Western and Central New York. Isabell shares her journey of moving from Texas to Buffalo after graduate school and how mentorship helped shape her path into technology and project management. Susan reflects on the importance of recognizing people for their potential, not simply their resumes, emphasizing that communication, adaptability, organization, and relationship-building are often the true drivers of long-term success. Emily also sits down with Morgan Hardy, CEO of Leadership Buffalo, to discuss leadership development, civic engagement, and how organizations are adapting to support the next generation of leaders in a rapidly evolving workforce. One of the most powerful parts of this episode happens outside the studio walls as Emily heads onto the event floor to speak directly with attendees experiencing Women in Tech WNY in real time. These conversations capture the excitement, encouragement, networking, mentorship, and support happening organically throughout the day. From entrepreneurs and founders to students, nonprofit leaders, and technology professionals, conversations throughout the event centered around innovation, career growth, authentic leadership, and the importance of women supporting one another in technology spaces. Throughout the day, one message remained clear: authentic connection still matters. Thank you to Women in Tech Western New York, TechBuffalo, M&T Bank, Seneca One, and all the guests, attendees, volunteers, and organizers who helped make this incredible day possible. Be on the lookout for additional conversations from this event! Links to our guests and sponsors: Isabell Trevino, MBA | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabell-trevino/] Susan Was | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanwasphr/] Morgan (Williams-Bryant) Hardy | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganwilliamsbryant/] Kelly Nagel | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-nagel-22a955b/] Lynne Thornton | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynne-thornton/] Melissa Garrido | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-garrido-9b887a54/] TechBuffalo: Posts | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/techbuffalo/posts/?feedView=all] Women in Tech WNY: Posts | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-tech-wny/posts/?feedView=all] M&T Bank: Overview | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/m&t-bank/] Seneca One: Overview | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/seneca-one-tower/] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Why We Climb - Erika VanDette

We recently had the opportunity to speak with the American Lung Association to talk about the upcoming Fight for Air Climb. While there, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Erika VanDette. Erika is part of Team Roswell and shares her story of ‘why she climbs’ each year. Hearing how she is raising funds for lung health awareness in memory of her mother is something that resonated deeply with me. Erika – thank you for taking time to share your ‘why’ and for the amazing work you are doing in support of the American Lung Association. You are an inspiration to so many of us! Please consider donating to Erika’s fundraising efforts: Fight For Air Climb - Buffalo: Team Roswell - American Lung Association [https://action.lung.org/site/TR/Climb/ALANE_Northeast?pg=team&team_id=196052&fr_id=28568] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Why We Climb - Russell Hill

We recently had the opportunity to speak with the American Lung Association to talk about the upcoming Fight for Air Climb. While there, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Russell Hill. Russell shared his ‘why’ behind climbing at this event each year. Turning the loss of his daughter into purpose by raising funds for lung health awareness through the American Lung Association is so inspirational. Russell – thank you for being open and sharing your ‘why’ …your story is going to be so impactful to so many. I hope you’ll join us again at the show. I’d love to speak more about your journey! Please consider donating to Russell’s fundraising efforts: Fight For Air Climb - Buffalo: Mr. Russell Hill - American Lung Association [https://action.lung.org/site/TR/Climb?px=9324771&pg=personal&fr_id=28568&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn_p6ZzVMh5E9VgLC0VG6Vq2XGRWRm5JejuTOv-4hlx1RkJQmwLZ_mUPoqnEw_aem_rmPU0zfi6ZPhWRsC0Z4-uw&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3_a1dennhb0h1okp] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

It’s All About the Food - Batavia Restaurant Week with Kaeli Kleinbach LaFrance

In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, I’m joined by Kaeli Kleinbach LaFrance, the driving force behind Batavia’s very first Restaurant Week — happening April 27 through May 2. We sat down to talk about what it really takes to bring something like this to life, from coordinating local restaurants to building excitement across the community. Kaeli shares how this event came together, the incredible lineup of participating restaurants, and what this means not just for the food scene, but for Batavia as a whole. We also get into the bigger picture — the impact Restaurant Week can have on the local economy, how it introduces people to new businesses, and why events like this create lasting momentum well beyond a single week. One of my favorite parts of this conversation was hearing about the collaboration between local restaurant owners. It’s not about competition — it’s about coming together to create something bigger for the community. Here on the podcast, we always say food is a great connector. And with Batavia Restaurant Week, that connection goes even further — bringing people together, supporting local businesses, and creating a shared experience across the community. And if you’re not local to Batavia, this is your reminder to think about what something like this could look like in your own community. The impact is real — and it starts with people willing to bring others to the table. Thank you, Kaeli, for joining us on the podcast and sharing the exciting details of Batavia’s first restaurant week. Below are details regarding the event and local restaurants: Batavia Restaurant Week | What to do in Batavia, NY [https://www.bataviarestaurantweek.com/] Home - Roman's [https://www.romansonmain.com/] Alex's Place | Fine Dining Steakhouse | Ribs & Seafood [https://www.alexsribs.com/] Center Street Smokehouse - western new york, Batavia, NY [https://www.centerstreetsmokehouse.com/] Fortunes Restaurant - Fine Dining | Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, NY [https://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/fortunes/] 34 Rush Restaurant - Sports Bar | Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, NY [https://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/club-bud-light/] O'Lacy's Irish Pub [https://www.facebook.com/OLACYSIRISHPUB?_rdr] Eli Fish Brewing Company | Brewery | 109 Main St, Batavia, NY 14020 [https://www.elifishbrewing.com/] Home - Bourbon & Burger Co. - Burger Joint in Batavia, NY [https://www.bourbonandburger.com/] Bar Olo [https://www.instagram.com/barolowinebar/] EDEN Café & Bakeshop [https://www.carrotdogcafe.com/] Sunny's - Batavia, NY [https://sunnysbatavia.com/] Everybody Eats [https://www.facebook.com/people/Everybody-Eats/100093564360632/] The Coffee Press [https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeepress13/] Matty's Pizza - Pizza Passion in Batavia New York [https://www.mattyspizza.com/] Batavia's Original - Batavia, NY [https://bataviasoriginal.com/] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Fancy Farm Girl with Sue-Ann Staff at Sue-Ann Staff Estates Winery

In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, we are on location at Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, sitting down with Sue-Ann Staff for a conversation that blends entrepreneurship, legacy, and a deep connection to her craft. Sue-Ann is a seventh-generation farmer and fifth-generation grape grower, with her family’s roots on the estate dating back over 200 years. Choosing to build something of her own within that legacy, she carved out her path as a first-generation winemaker. After studying winemaking around the world and spending years developing her craft, she returned home and, at 37, took the leap to start her own winery. What stands out right away is how hands-on her journey has been. Sue-Ann doesn’t just run the business — she’s in it. From the vineyard to the winemaking to the day-to-day decisions, she understands every piece because she’s done every piece. She also shared a perspective that I loved — how her pilot training connects to what she does today. She described winemaking like being an air traffic controller, constantly managing moving parts, making decisions in real time, and balancing both science and instinct. It’s a way of thinking that feels very familiar to anyone building something from the ground up. We also get into the story behind her “Fancy Farm Girl” brand — how a nickname from her earlier years evolved into something that people genuinely connect with today. One of the things that makes Sue-Ann’s winery so special is the experience itself. When you visit, you’re not just tasting wine — you’re stepping into her home. It has that same feeling you get at a great gathering where everyone naturally ends up in the kitchen… comfortable, connected, and part of the experience. That sense of warmth and authenticity carries through everything she’s built. We also talk about the collaborative nature of the wine industry in Niagara — how wineries support one another, share knowledge, and contribute to a region that continues to grow and thrive together. It’s a great reminder that even in entrepreneurship, you don’t have to build alone. And of course, we can’t forget Brix — the happiest Bernese Mountain dog you’ll ever meet — named after the unit used to measure sugar in grapes during the winemaking process. A perfect example of how even the smallest details at the winery have meaning behind them. As one of the only solely female winery owners in her region, Sue-Ann brings a grounded, no-nonsense approach to leadership. She’s built something incredible by staying close to her craft, trusting her instincts, and doing the work every step of the way. This conversation is a real look at entrepreneurship — thoughtful, hands-on, and built over time. Thank you Sue-Ann (and Brix) for such a wonderful conversation. And thank you to the entire team at Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery for welcoming us on a beautiful Spring day…such a wonderful team!! Links to Sue-Ann: Sue-Ann Staff | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sstaff/] Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery [https://www.sue-annstaff.com/] Instagram - Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery [https://www.instagram.com/sueannstaffestatewinery/] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.