Greater Rochester shines a spotlight on the 2026 ATHENA Young Professional Award finalists shaping the region’s future

Rochester, New York – The future of the Greater Rochester region is taking shape through a new generation of leaders who are already making a lasting impact. This February, that momentum will be on full display as twelve accomplished women are recognized as finalists for the 2026 ATHENA Young Professional Award, an honor that celebrates leadership, innovation, and service across industries. Together, these finalists reflect the depth of talent, commitment, and vision shaping the region’s next chapter.

The ATHENA Young Professional Award shines a light on women who lead with purpose and bring others with them. This year’s finalists come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, yet they share a common thread: each is actively strengthening the community through her work. From higher education and healthcare to technology, architecture, law, and marketing, these leaders are advancing progress while opening doors for others to follow.

Among those being recognized are women whose work bridges the past and the future. Sydney Bell, Co-Director of the Our Local History Project at CCSI, is helping preserve and share the stories that define the region’s identity. Alongside her, Kimberly Harvey, Vice President for Student Experience at Alfred University, and Kate Torok, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at St. John Fisher University, are shaping how students engage with education and prepare for life beyond the classroom. Their efforts help ensure that institutions remain relevant, inclusive, and forward-looking.

Read also: Rochester police investigate early morning fight that sent two people to the hospital with injuries

Healthcare, one of Rochester’s most significant industries, is also strongly represented. Sarah Ptach, President & CEO of Canyon Labs, and Kelly Zimber Beach, Senior Manager of Global Quality Assurance at CooperVision, are contributing to innovation and quality within the sector. Their leadership supports not only economic growth but also the well-being of communities that rely on accessible, high-quality healthcare solutions.

Other finalists are playing key roles in diversifying and strengthening the regional economy. Terra Keller, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating and Financial Officer at Foodlink, brings strategic leadership to one of the area’s most vital nonprofit organizations. Josie Sheppard Wilson, Managing Partner of the Rochester Office of McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter LLP, is helping guide complex legal work while expanding the firm’s local presence. Both women are shaping organizations that serve people far beyond their office walls.

Long-standing institutions with national reach are also benefiting from fresh leadership. Allison Shannon, Principal at SWBR, and Marietta Smithrand, Senior Vice President of Sales at First American Equipment Finance, are helping guide generational organizations into the future. Their work blends tradition with innovation, ensuring that established companies continue to evolve in a rapidly changing marketplace.

Entrepreneurship and innovation are equally central to this year’s group of finalists. Karla George, CEO and Board Chair of FLX AI, Inc., Lindsay Connelly, President and Founder of Linden Digital Marketing, and Jazz Williams, Director of Content Development at JazzCast Pros LLC, represent a growing wave of business leaders who are building something new from the ground up. By launching and leading their own companies, they are creating opportunities, introducing fresh ideas, and redefining what leadership looks like in the modern economy.

Read also: Penfield Public Library celebrates nearly 84 years of community service with a special Free Books Club tote bag giveaway

What ties all twelve finalists together is not just professional success, but the diversity of their experiences and perspectives. Each brings a unique story shaped by personal challenges, lived experiences, and a commitment to lifting others. When those stories intersect, they create a stronger, more resilient community.

Greater Rochester Chamber will formally celebrate the 2026 ATHENA Young Professional Award finalists at an award ceremony on Thursday, February 5. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals and organizations that want to support and recognize these leaders. Additional information about finalists in other categories, including the 2026 ATHENA Award and the upcoming ATHENA Organizational Award, will be shared in the weeks ahead.

As the region looks forward, these twelve women stand as clear examples of leadership in action, offering a powerful reminder that Rochester’s future is already being built today.