In this episode of Cultivate CNY, Alex sits down with the amazing trio behind Root to Rise, Meghan Thomas, Jaime "JJ" Weisberg, and Tracy Dando. Root to Rise offers transformational retreats based on the framework of Root, Rise, Connect, and Be Seen. During this episode Jaime, Meghan, Tracy and Alex discuss how Root to Rise came to be, Vanderkamp, and their newest retreat, Ascend and Elevate. You do not want to miss this episode! Register for the Ascend & Elevate Retreat at Vanderkamp in Cle...
Dec 16, 2024•44 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, Alex sits down with Randy Wolken, president of MACNY, the Manufacturer's Association of Central New York. MACNY serves approximately 330 companies with over 55,000 employees in a twenty county region in Upstate New York. Randy also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and a Masters in Public Administration degree from Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. During the episode Randy and ...
Dec 09, 2024•47 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, Alex sits down with Andy Orr, Designer and Partner, at The Lab Creative. The Lab Creative is an award winning studio specializing in creating compelling websites and designing successful brands. Andy has brought his design skills to some pretty amazing brands across CNY and the country! During the episode Alex and Andy discuss the start of The Lab Creative, design trends, how Andy finds enrichment and so much more. Follow The Lab Creative on Instagram ! Checkout...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 35 min
In this episode, Alex sits down with Cassie Brown, a dynamic health visionary and the founder of Renewed Vitality, a center where cutting-edge neurofeedback meets heartfelt care. Cassie has transformed the lives of countless clients through brain-based therapies like LENS neurofeedback and qEEG brain mapping. Cassie is also the head of the Neurofeedback department at the Melillo Centers in Manhattan and Long Island. During the episode Alex and Cassie dive deep into LENS therapy and how it change...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 20 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY Alex sits down with Katrina Tulloch, editor and journalist at Syracuse.com and The Post-Standard! She's a 3x New York Emmy nominee and Associated Press award winning journalist. In 2013, Katrina was the lead resorter on a true crime podcast and documentary called "Firecracker," which charted #11 for all true crime podcasts in the United States. During the episode Alex and Katrina discuss some incredible projects Katrina is involved with, the importance of communi...
Nov 18, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY Alex sits down with Casey White, founder and president of Chimera Integrations! A SUNY Buffalo Business Administration and Management graduate, Casey quickly advanced from sales to vice president roles, demonstrating leadership and strategic vision. His achievements include making the "40 under 40" list and earning the CNY Business of the Year award. During the episode Alex and Casey discuss developing grit, growing, starting Chimera, work life balance and so muc...
Nov 11, 2024•58 min
In this episode Alex sits down with CNYCF's Melanie Littlejohn, Kimberly Sadowski, and Katrina Crocker! Their conversation explores topics like boundaries, developing resilience and leadership, as well as so much more. Be sure to check out our mini-bios on each of the guests below! Visit the CNYCF website ! Checkout the CNYCF Instagram ! Melanie Littlejohn is the President and CEO of the Central New York Community Foundation. Prior to joining the foundation, Littlejohn held a nearly 30-year care...
Nov 04, 2024•51 min
This episode Alex sits down with Mary Jumbelic, M.D. Mary is an author and former chief medical examiner of Onondaga County. A board certified forensic pathologist, Mary has performed thousands of autopsies during her 25-year career. She's also been recognized as a trailblazer by the National Organization of Women. In retirement, Mary has published many nonfiction stories using her voice to demystify death for herself, provide a strong voice for the deceased and explores the human imprint made b...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 16 min
This episode, Alex sits down with Rachael Dunsmoor, owner and event planner as well as designer of RD Events & Design and Refine Rentals. During the conversation, Rachael and Alex discuss some of the newest trends sweeping weddings right now, planning events, RD Events & Design, Refine Rentals and so much more! Rachael is currently booking 2025 weddings for both planning and full service rentals and design! Keep up with the RD Events on Instagram Follow the Refine Rentals on Instagr...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 7 min
In this episode, Alex sits down with Michaela Kawrga, owner and founder of The Emerson Official, Soul Society, and GlamSquadSyr. In our conversation we discuss Michaela starting GlamSquadSyr, curating content on social media, The Emerson and Soul Society, and so much more! Checkout The Emerson's website Visit the Soul Society website here Learn more about GlamSquadSyr Follow TheEmerson on Instagram View Soul Society's Instagram Page Keep up with GlamSquadSyr Checkout Michaela's Instagram Follow ...
Oct 14, 2024•58 min
This episode, Alex sits down with Lauren Kochian, president of the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (MOST). Under her leadership the MOST has seen significant growth and investment, dramatic increases in attendance, and new strategic partnerships with myriad nonprofit organizations and private businesses. During our conversation we discuss fundraising, public relations the importance of authenticity on social media and how Lauren balances her busy career while being a single...
Oct 07, 2024•55 min
In this episode, Alex sits down with Kera Wasserbach, owner of Traveling Event Planner, LLC. Traveling Event Planner is a company that offers event coordination, strategic planning, event coaching and self-guided tools for planning and running your transformational events. Kera is an event strategist and coordinator dedicated to helping service based leaders create transformational experiences for their tribe. Kera has been lucky enough to be in the forefront of the ever-changing event industry ...
Sep 30, 2024•49 min
This episode features Alyssa Flood, a fine art wedding photographer who thrives on capturing genuine connections and heartfelt moments. In our conversation we talk about Alyssa's passion for photography, her approach in preparing for shoots and so much more! Checkout Alyssa's website here . Follow Alyssa on Instagram . Keep up with Alyssa on TikTok . Join The Collective by CNY Women’s Network, a membership community for growth-minded women: https://www.cnywomensnetwork.com/membership Use...
Sep 23, 2024•49 min
This episode features Lauren Cobello. Lauren is the Founder and CEO of Leverage with Media PR. Her agency helps non-fiction authors with PR needs. In our conversation we talk about Lauren's journey from getting her family out of debt through couponing, becoming a television personality, a successful author, and now a leader in the PR field. I can't wait for you all to listen to this episode! Join The Collective by CNY Women’s Network, a membership community for growth-minded women: https://ww...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 8 min
This episode features Kelly Landau. Kelly is the Owner of SYNPLE, a lifestyle boutique located in Camillus, NY. At SYNPLE Kelly curates a unique and eclectic mix of clothing, gifts, accessories, and home decor, and loves connecting with every SYNPLE shopper. In our conversation we talk about how Kelly started SYNPLE, navigating competition, and dive into advice for young entrepreneurs as well as so much more. I am so excited for you all to listen in on this episode! Get your tickets for the CNY ...
Aug 26, 2024•45 min
This episode features Gianna Michalak. Gianna is the founder of Autoimmune Babe and creator of the Road to Remission program. She helps women with autoimmune diseases regain control of their health, and experience long-lasting relief from once-all-consuming symptoms. In our conversation we talk about Gianna's experience with autoimmune diseases, the importance of mindset, and so much more. I can't for you all to dive into this episode! Connect with Gianna Michalak on Instagram here . Check out G...
Aug 19, 2024•39 min
This episode features Kim Sadowski. Kim is the Vice President and CFO of the CNY Community Foundation. Kim has also served as the CFO for ARISE Child and Family Service Inc. Kim was recently accepted into the Leadership & Performance Coaching program at Brown University. In our conversation we talk about how Kim was introduced to the world of accounting, as well as her early work as a CPA. We also dive deeper into what it means to be a leader, and how Kim manages the largest charitable found...
Aug 12, 2024•26 min
This episode features Melquea Smith. Melquea is a Black, Queer, multi-award winning children’s book illustrator and virtual assistant for children’s book authors and entrepreneurs. In our conversation we talk about how she became the artist she is today, the process of creating children’s books, and the meaning behind what Melquea does. Stay in touch with Melquea here .Check out some of Melquea’s work here . Visit Melqua’s website here . Join The Collective by CNY Women’s Network, a membership c...
Aug 05, 2024•43 min
This episode features Lekia Hill. Lekia is a hybrid entrepreneur and currently serves as the Lead Consultant of Lekia Tech LLC. She is also the founder of Powerful Voices App, the YWCA Syracuse & Onondaga County Board of Directors, ACR Health Board of Directors, and presides on the Community Foundation's Black Excellence & Equity Council. She was also recognized as the 2019 MACNY Mentor of the Year. In our conversation we talk about how Lekia came to Syracuse, and her 25 year career span...
Jul 29, 2024•51 min
This episode features Tere Marie Martini, a cycle alchemist and organic farmer. She's insanely passionate about helping women and folx liberate themselves into their most delicious, deeply satisfying, purpose filled lives. In our conversation we talk about embracing fear, personal agency, the female menstrual cycle and how women leverage it to strategically plan their lives. Find out more on the Intentional Feminine Retreat here Connect with Tere Marie on Instagram here Follow Tere on Facebook h...
Jul 22, 2024•46 min
This episode features Dr. Jordan Maxwell. A Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine he also holds a doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine and is the owner of Elements of Health. Jordan is extremely fascinated in merging modern medical knowledge and modalities with traditional medicine. Dr. Maxwell has taught nutrition, biochemistry, and physiology at the doctoral level; as well as been involved in academic research in genomics, diabetes, and psychology. During our conversation we talk about Herb...
Jul 17, 2024•58 min
This episode features Victoria Bracco, a business executive, and the Founder and CEO of Encore Media Agency. Victoria is dedicated to helping businesses thrive. Her company Encore Media Agency helps businesses reach the next level through consulting, as well as innovative COO and CMO services. During our conversation we talked about Victoria’s career in design, some of her business red and green flags, as well as her upcoming children’s book which aims to empower young children. Business Website...
Jul 09, 2024•32 min
This episode features Nicole Gaucher, a Human Design Guide and the owner of the Vibrant Alignment Academy. As a Human Design Guide, Nicole helps women understand themselves to know how best to use their energy, leverage their gifts, confidently make decisions, and create aligned opportunities. In our conversation we talk about what Human Design is, how to understand your charts, and how Human Design helped Nicole embrace motherhood and become a more involved mom! Here is the link to download you...
Jul 01, 2024•45 min
This episode features Maria Rotella! Maria is a local baker with 15 years of experience and entrepreneurship. She strives to create welcoming and inclusive events for LGBTQ communities in the CNY area. Building up women entrepreneurs and people who identify as female is one focus Maria is very passionate about. ‘ There’s enough room at the table for everyone.’ You can catch her in the summer months operating her “Swift” inspired food truck serving up themed treats and desserts and drinks through...
Jun 19, 2024•44 min
This episode features Amy Tao-Woodley, a nutritionist, entrepreneur, and the owner of Based Wellness. Amy has a Master of Science degree in Applied Nutrition from New York Chiropractic College where she graduated with honors. She also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University at Buffalo. Her company Based Wellness is all about health, happiness and inspired living, specializing in nutrition consulting, esthetics services and massage therapy. During our conversation, Amy and I t...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 37
This episode features Jessica Falcone, a licensed esthetician, certified laser technician, and the owner of Jessica Elizabeth Skincare. Jessica holds certifications with BTL Aesthetics, Inmode MD, Candela, and has furthered her education with Skin Pen, Zo Skin Health, DMK Skincare, Skinbetter Science, and VI Aesthetics. Her expertise extends to acne treatment, having earned numerous certifications and created the highly successful J.E.S. Acne Advanced Program. She also holds the distinction of b...
May 27, 2024•49 min
This week’s episode features Heather Loveland-Button, the owner of Home Sweet Home Cleaning & Gardening LLC. She has over 20 years of experience in the residential cleaning industry and horticultural field and is passionate about finding healthy ways to reduce stress for busy parents by providing services to help them focus on what they truly love. Heather has been recognized for her work as a catalyst business with the Great Utica Chamber of Commerce and her contributions to the non-profit ...
May 20, 2024•47 min•Ep. 35
On today’s episode, I sit down with Kristina Blackford, the founder and owner of Placed Styling. As an interior designer, organizing and styling have always been very therapeutic for her. Kristina’s services span from home and commercial styling to home and commercial organizing, and even some personal style services. During our conversation, we talk all about how Kristina got into interior design, as well as motherhood, and how it changed her perspective and values. She also shares her insights...
May 13, 2024•39 min•Ep. 34
This week’s episode features Hannah Roukous, owner of Novel Marketing Company, which helps creative entrepreneurs build strong brands through website and social media design services. Hannah is a mother, friend, human, and branding expert. In this episode, we talk about how Hannah got her start working for a corporate outdoors company, and how her experience with motherhood and coming back into her role at the company led her to pursue her freelance career. During our conversation, she shares a ...
May 06, 2024•57 min•Ep. 33
On this episode of The Cultivate Podcast, I am speaking with Ellie Aaron. Ellie started out as a yoga and meditation teacher, and she is now a sales and love coach. Her Soulful Sales Method has been taught to hundreds of people and has even closed over 2 million in sales. Ellie believes that all women can have a successful business while also having a healthy, loving, thriving relationship, and she’s here to help you create both. During our conversation, Ellie shares her journey from struggling ...
May 01, 2024•44 min
