Greater Rochester Chamber announces fourteen finalists who are leading the way in inclusive workplace leadership for 2025

Rochester, New York – Fourteen leaders who are shaping the future of workplace inclusivity across Greater Rochester have been named finalists for the 2025 Inclusive Leadership Award, the Greater Rochester Chamber announced Tuesday. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals who are not only creating change within their own organizations, but also driving forward a broader cultural shift toward diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the region.

Now in its fourth year, the Inclusive Leadership Award has become a cornerstone in the Chamber’s mission to elevate trailblazers who are reimagining the modern workplace. These finalists represent a wide range of industries—from creative design and health services to education, tech, and nonprofit work—but are united by a shared commitment to making workspaces more equitable, respectful, and empowering.

“These finalists are the kind of leaders who are not just responding to the moment—they’re building the future,” said Bob Duffy, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber. “Every voice deserves to be heard, valued, and included. I am grateful for the work our fourteen Inclusive Leadership Award finalists are doing to ensure this is true in our community. Their efforts help build a better Greater Rochester for all, and we are proud to celebrate them and the organizations that back them. Congratulations on this recognition—we are looking forward to coming together to celebrate in July, and hope to see you there.”

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This year’s finalists include a diverse roster of founders, CEOs, human resource managers, and cultural directors—all of whom have demonstrated a sustained and creative approach to fostering inclusivity within their teams and broader communities. Among the honored names are Stephanie Armstrong, Co-Founder & CEO of Moxie Creative Studios; Amy Bach, Founder & CEO of Measures for Justice; and Dr. Evelyn Parker, Chief Diversity and Culture Officer at Catholic Charities Family and Community Services.

Other finalists include Jennyrae Brongo of Homesteads for Hope, Inc., who has long been recognized for creating inclusive spaces for individuals with developmental disabilities, and Dr. Lateef Melvin, a Human Resource Manager at Amazon, who has championed equitable hiring practices and employee empowerment on a large scale.

From the arts to construction, and from tech startups to social services, the impact of these individuals is both wide-reaching and deeply personal. Whether it’s through reshaping hiring policies, initiating cultural competency training, or creating mentorship pipelines for underrepresented voices, these leaders are actively rewriting the rulebook on what it means to lead in 2025.

The Inclusive Leadership Award winner will be revealed at a ceremony on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. The event will bring together business leaders, community members, and past honorees for a night of recognition and inspiration. A keynote address will be delivered by last year’s award recipient, Dr. Candice A. Lucas, Senior Vice President of Equity and Advocacy at the Urban League of Rochester.

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The selection committee tasked with choosing this year’s recipient is composed of professionals from a variety of sectors in the Greater Rochester area. Their evaluation is based on applications that detail each nominee’s measurable impact, strategic efforts, and ongoing dedication to building inclusive environments.

Finalists for the 2025 award are:

• Stephanie Armstrong, Moxie Creative Studios
• Amy Bach, Measures for Justice
• Jennyrae Brongo, Homesteads for Hope, Inc.
• Maritza Cubi, Starbridge
• Marisa Geitner, Heritage Christian Services
• Tricia Marsherall, Donor Database Experts
• Dr. Lateef Melvin, Amazon
• Dr. Evelyn Parker, Catholic Charities Family and Community Services
• Becca Post, Helen + Gertrude
• Michelle Schleher, AAC Contracting, LLC
• Heather Smith, Velocitii Contact Center Services
• Melissa Suchodolski, USC Builds
• Elizabeth Williamson, Geva Theatre
• Tanya Mooza Zwahlen, Highland Planning, LLC

These individuals are not just finalists for an award—they are architects of change, pushing institutions to rethink what inclusivity truly means and looks like. They are building new norms where people of all backgrounds feel they belong, can thrive, and are heard at every level of decision-making.

Registration for the July ceremony is now open, and sponsorship opportunities are available for those wishing to support this celebration of leadership and inclusion. Additional event information is available through the Chamber. For inquiries, interested parties can reach out to Susan George, Director of Events, Training, & Affiliates, at [email protected].

As the region prepares to honor these visionary individuals, one message resonates above all: inclusion isn’t just a value—it’s a movement. And it’s one that the Rochester community continues to lead with heart, resolve, and purpose.