Women of Excellence identifies high-achieving women for their tremendous career accomplishments. The women are selected based on their professional experience, community involvement, leadership and sustained commitment to mentoring.

FAQ

What is the nomination process and the steps to take?

Once the online nomination form is completed an automated email will be sent to the individual nominated (the email address entered in the “Nominee Email” field) and a submission receipt will be sent to the email placed in the “Nominator’s Email” field.

In order for the nominee to continue with the process they must fill out the application form by the application deadline listed in the automated email and on the corresponding event landing page.

We do also suggest that up to three letters of recommendation be sent to [email protected] by the application deadline to be included in the nominee’s judging packet as supporting materials. This is not a requirement, but an added benefit.

How can I be considered for the Women of Excellence award?

In order to be considered, candidates:

● Must demonstrate significant professional accomplishment within their career, strong leadership and mentoring skills as well as strong civic commitment in our community;
● Must be employed in Greater Rochester; and
● May be self-nominated or nominated by another person.

While anyone can nominate, we recommend nominations come from a senior leader in the candidate’s organization. It is then required that the nominee go through the entire application process, please see above response for more details on that.

Who are the judges and what are they looking for when selecting the Women of Excellence honorees?

A panel of judges consisting of prior year Circle of Excellence honorees and RBJ’s editorial team select the Women of Excellence honorees. It is essential that the candidate prove their professional experience, community involvement, leadership and sustained commitment to mentoring and the Rochester community. It is helpful to have at least one letter of recommendation from someone that can speak to these achievements.

What is the Circle of Excellence award?

The Circle of Excellence award are for women who have been honored as Women of Excellence in prior years and are eligible to be nominated for the Circle of Excellence. Circle of Excellence honorees are women whom other women want to emulate, women who broke the glass ceiling and women whose success has impacted the next generation and the Rochester community. Circle of Excellence nominees must follow the same nomination and application process as the above.

Can I save the nomination or application forms while I’m working on them?

Unfortunately, at this time you cannot, but we’re working to fix that. In the meantime, we suggest either filling out the forms on a separate sheet of paper and/Word Doc first or be prepared to spend some time in the form.

If I’m an honoree, do I need to purchase a ticket?

You do not need to purchase a ticket for yourself if you are an honoree. All other attendees must purchase a ticket. Please, note that all RBJ events are limited attendance based on location. Honorees and sponsors are guaranteed tickets. Individual tickets will only go on sale if space is available after sponsorship deadlines.

What is included in sponsorship packages?

Sponsorship opportunities to include a table for your guests, multimedia marketing, logo usage and much more depending on the level your company selects. For more sponsorship information and benefits please contact your account manager or email [email protected].

Can I buy an ad in the publication?

Please contact Suzanne Fischer-Huettner to place an add or purchase a sponsorship package.

Congratulations to the 2023 Honorees!

These outstanding women are being recognized for their professional accomplishments, community leadership, and mentoring.

Circle of Excellence

Chetna Chandrakala
Thundermist Health Center

Dresden Engle
Dresden Public Relations

Christina Gullo
Villa of Hope

Diana R. Kurty
University of Rochester Medical Center

Carolyn G. Nussbaum
Nixon Peabody LLP

Tina Paradiso
Imprintable Solutions Ink

Kathleen Pringle
Kathleen Pringle Group, Inc.

Women of Excellence

Jennifer Arbore
The Bonadio Group

Christine Barnes
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Shannon Baudo
Allendale Columbia

Mollene Benison
DKB Business Advisors & CPAs

Christine R. Birnie, R.Ph., Ph.D.
St. John Fisher University

Lori Sussle Bonanni
elssus LLC

Jennifer L. Boutte
Goodwill of the Finger Lakes

Destini K. Bowman, Esq.
New York State Unified Court System

Dr. Tammy Butler
House of Mercy

Diana R. Clarkson
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP

Gina Cuyler, M.D., FACP
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Kristina Dengler
Bank of America

Alecia Fisher Dougherty, CFP
Echelon Wealth Advisors

Krystle Ellis
Ellis K Consulting

Molly Flaherty
M/Body

Mary Therese Friel
Mary Therese Friel, LLC

Melanie M. Funchess
Ubuntu Village Works LLC

Kristy Gonzalez
IntegrateXpress LLC

Shane Grant
Dixon Schwabl + Company

Ryann Guglielmo
Dixon Schwabl + Company & Red Bird Market

Flossie Hall
Fhall Consulting

Janice Harbin, D.D.S.
Anthony L. Jordan Health Corporation (Jordan Health)

Kaitlin Hildebrandt
Leo J. Roth Corporation

Terria P. Jenkins
Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC

Bridgette Jones-Waters
Rochester Institute of Technology

Maureen J. Lally
Paychex

Jean Maess
Thomson Reuters

Kit Miller
MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence

Kim L. Nugent
Sage Rutty & Company, Inc.

Hillary Olson
RMSC

Evelyn Parker
K12, Stride

Barbara Pierce
City of Rochester

Jyothsna Ponnuri, M.D.
Jewish Senior Life

Maria Jose Cubillos Reed
Cubillos Reed Law, PLLC

Yissette Rivas-Cotto
Finger Lakes Community Health

Tarryn Larson Rozen
Armbruster Capital Management, Inc.

Hon. Dandrea Lynn Ruhlmann
7th Judicial District, State of New York

Darlene Ryan
Hillside

Naomi Silver
Rochester Red Wings

Susanna Speed
Trillium Health

Catherine L. Sperrick
Home Leasing, LLC and Home Leasing Construction

Renee Swan
L3Harris Technologies

Britni Tantalo
Flower City Hydroponics Inc.

Marcy Tiberio
Professional Notary Services, Inc.

Katie Titus
UBS Financial Services, Inc.

Diane D. Torcello
Tompkins Community Bank

Kimberly VanCamp
NYS Unified Court System – 7th Judicial District Treatment Courts

Leah George VanScott
Greater Rochester Enterprise

Latia Vaughan
The UNetwork

Stephanie Von Bacho
University of Rochester/University of Rochester Medical Center

Past Honorees

2022 Honorees

2021 Honorees

2020 Honorees

2019 Honorees

2018 Honorees

Click here to see all past honorees.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION FOR WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION FOR CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE 2023 EVENT

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE 2022 EVENT