Passing the Badge to the Next Generation - Sgt. Justin Collins, RPD

Passing the Badge to the Next Generation - Sgt. Justin Collins, RPD

In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, Emily sits down with Sergeant Justin Collins of the Rochester Police Department for a conversation that goes far beyond policing. With more than two decades of experience in law enforcement, Sergeant Collins shares not only his journey in public safety, but also his passion for mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders entering the workforce. A major focus of the conversation centers around the importance of investing in young people early through explorer programs, teen academies, and intentional mentorship opportunities that expose students to meaningful career paths while helping them build confidence, leadership skills, discipline, and purpose. Sergeant Collins speaks candidly about the changing landscape of recruitment, the importance of authentic connection with younger generations, and why workforce development has become one of the most important responsibilities facing public safety organizations today. The discussion also dives into the emotional realities of law enforcement, staffing shortages impacting departments across the country, leadership under pressure, and the humanity behind the badge. Sergeant Collins offers an honest perspective on the challenges officers face daily while also sharing why he continues to believe so deeply in the profession and the opportunity it provides to positively impact others. Throughout the episode, one thing becomes incredibly clear: the work Sergeant Collins is doing is about far more than filling positions. It is about creating pathways, building trust, and helping young people discover purpose through service and leadership. And because this is Powered by Authenticity, the conversation also includes a spirited discussion around Rochester’s wing scene and why food continues to be one of life’s greatest connectors. This episode is thoughtful, heartfelt, and filled with important perspectives around mentorship, leadership, and the people who continue to dedicate their lives to helping others. Thank you Sergeant Collins for such a great conversation. You truly are a ‘beacon of hope’ for so many in the community. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincollins22/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincollins22/] https://www.cityofrochester.gov/ [https://www.cityofrochester.gov/] https://www.cityofrochester.gov/departments/department-recreation-and-human-services-drhs/workforce-development [https://www.cityofrochester.gov/departments/department-recreation-and-human-services-drhs/workforce-development]

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.