Still Giving, Still Playing: John Williams’ Quiet Revolution in Rochester

Still Giving, Still Playing: John Williams’ Quiet Revolution in Rochester

In this episode of I’ve Got a Little Brooklyn in Me, Jaclyn Richard sits down with John Williams, an attorney turned philanthropist, pianist, and longtime champion of Rochester’s arts and LGBTQ+ communities. John shares how he moved from law to fundraising, why music and giving became one conversation, and what it means to keep showing up for community after retirement.

From the Runway to the Room: Marquita Rugless on ROC Events

In this episode of I’ve Got a Little Brooklyn in Me, Jaclyn Richard sits down with Marquita Rugless, founder and Chief Experience Officer of ROC Events LLC, a Rochester-based event design company known for turning ordinary spaces into unforgettable experiences. Marquita shares how she built ROC Events from a love of large-scale fashion shows into a business that has produced more than 300 events, from ROC the Runway to weddings, summits, and community celebrations across the country. They talk about creativity, precision, guest experience, and the grit it takes to build something beautiful that also feels personal, intentional, and deeply rooted in community.

Healing Through Advocacy — Cheryl L. Kates, Esq. on Standing Up for the Forgotten

In this episode of I’ve Got a Little Brooklyn in Me, Jaclyn Richard sits down with Cheryl L. Kates, Esq., a criminal defense attorney, nurse, journalist, and former radio host whose career spans law, healthcare, and advocacy. Cheryl shares her path from trauma nursing to the courtroom, her focus on reentry and justice, and the grit that drives her to keep speaking up for people too often overlooked.

S1 , E6 - Art Belongs to Everyone: Sarah Jesse’s MAG Vision

Could Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery become free for everyone? In S1 E6 of I’ve Got a Little Brooklyn in Me, host Jaclyn Richard sits down with Sarah Jesse, the MAG Director, to explore that possibility and her bold vision for art in Rochester. With over 20 years leading at LACMA, Orange County Museum of Art, Academy Art Museum, and more, Sarah brings national expertise and local passion. They dive into game-changing Sands family grants and funding from a former Wegmans spokesperson that could eliminate admission barriers entirely opening MAG’s world-class collection to families, students, and neighbors. Jaclyn, a new MAG Council member, shares veteran members’ excitement: “With Sarah at the helm, we’re set for wonderful years of education and top-tier management.” From her surprising twin sister reveal to breaking down DEAI in action, neighborhood outreach plans, and the “Brooklyn grit” sustaining her mission, Sarah reveals why museums must be community powerhouses, not ivory towers. Whether you’re an art lover, Rochester advocate, or just curious about culture’s power to connect, this episode delivers inspiration, insider access, and a call to see art differently. You’ll laugh, you’ll kvell, you’ll leave with a smile—that’s the goal every time.

Brooklyn Soul: Cinnamon Jones’ Musical Journey

Jaclyn Richard sits down with Brooklyn-born powerhouse Cinnamon Jones to unpack her gospel roots, Bay Area awards, international tours, and Lady of Song tribute. They dive into her documentary Generation Z—capturing youth voices from 2020—and what keeps her grounded through it all. Soul, grit, and inspiration ahead.