Greater Rochester Chamber honors trailblazing leaders who are transforming workplaces through inclusive leadership in 2025

Rochester, New York – In the Greater Rochester area, inclusion is more than a buzzword — it’s a deeply held belief and a guiding principle for how business is done. That belief takes center stage each year through the Inclusive Leadership Award, one of the region’s most respected recognitions presented by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. This award honors individuals who don’t just talk about inclusion — they actively live it through the ways they lead, hire, advocate, and innovate.

The 2025 finalists are a remarkable group of leaders whose work spans industries as varied as criminal justice reform, farming, construction, and the arts. Though their professional paths differ, they are united by a single, powerful truth: inclusive leadership transforms everything it touches. It shapes businesses, strengthens communities, and opens doors for individuals who have too often been left on the margins.

Leaders Making Inclusion Real, Not Just Rhetoric

One of this year’s standout finalists is Amy Bach, the founder of Measures for Justice. Through her pioneering work, she’s bringing transparency and accountability to legal systems that often operate behind closed doors. Using data as a tool for change, Amy’s organization helps communities across the country demand fairer treatment under the law. “Her data-driven approach empowers communities to push for fairer, more equitable treatment under the law.”

Another finalist, Jennyrae Brongo, is reshaping what inclusion can look like on a daily basis. At Homesteads for Hope, her inclusive care farm is breaking down traditional workforce barriers for adults with disabilities. By blending community, contribution, and purpose, Jennyrae is proving that workforce development isn’t just about jobs — it’s about creating places where everyone belongs. “Homesteads for Hope is rewriting what workforce development can look like for adults with disabilities, creating a space where contribution and community are inseparable.”

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These leaders are part of a broader movement that’s bringing inclusion into fields often perceived as resistant to change. Melissa Suchodolski at USC Builds is embedding workforce equity into the world of construction — not just on the job site but all the way to the boardroom. Similarly, Michelle Schleher has positioned AAC Contracting as a national leader in environmental services, with a particular focus on opening doors for women in the trades. “Melissa is embedding workforce equity into construction, from the jobsite to the boardroom, while Michelle has made AAC Contracting a national leader in environmental services and mentorship for women in the trades.”

Inclusion Rooted in Personal Experience

For some finalists, inclusive leadership is fueled by personal experience. Stephanie Armstrong, co-founder of Moxie Creative Studios, channels her own journey of resilience into building brands that amplify underrepresented voices. “Stephanie Armstrong, co-founder of Moxie Creative Studios, builds brand ecosystems designed to uplift underrepresented voices, fueled by her own journey of resilience and reinvention.”

Meanwhile, Tricia Marsherall, founder of Donor Database Experts, has turned her business success into a platform for purposeful change. Through her microgrant program, Tricia directs resources straight to nonprofits serving marginalized populations — a clear example of how entrepreneurship and equity can walk hand in hand. “Tricia Marsherall, founder of Donor Database Experts, channels her entrepreneurial success into purpose-driven action, launching a microgrant program that puts resources directly into the hands of nonprofits serving marginalized communities.”

Changing Culture From the Inside Out

Some leaders are bringing change from within cultural institutions and human services organizations. Elizabeth Williamson, Artistic Director at Geva Theatre, is reshaping the stories we see on stage by actively prioritizing BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and women artists in her programming. “Elizabeth Williamson, Artistic Director at Geva Theatre, is expanding the narratives we see on stage by prioritizing BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and women artists.”

Similarly, Marisa Geitner, CEO of Heritage Christian Services, is challenging industry norms to ensure more equitable pay and growth opportunities across the human services sector. “Marisa Geitner, CEO of Heritage Christian Services, is pushing past industry standards to create equitable wages and inclusive growth opportunities throughout the human services sector.”

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And in the world of business operations, Heather Smith at Velocitii stands out for building a workplace where people come first. Under her leadership, Velocitii has earned national recognition for a people-centered approach that views strong performance as a natural outcome of a supportive work culture. “Heather Smith at Velocitii has built a nationally recognized workplace where people are the priority, and performance follows.”

Leaders Championing Equity in Every Corner

Whether through human resources, civic planning, or consulting, many of this year’s finalists are ensuring that inclusion is baked into systems from the start. Dr. Lateef Melvin, now with Amazon, has brought his commitment to purpose-driven HR leadership to one of the world’s largest organizations. “Dr. Lateef Melvin brings that same ethos into the HR field at Amazon, guiding organizations to center purpose and equity in every policy and practice.”

Others, like Tanya Mooza Zwahlen of Highland Planning and Maritza Cubi of Starbridge, are helping bring underrepresented voices into public planning conversations. Their work ensures that inclusion doesn’t stop at office doors — it extends into the streets, parks, and spaces where we live. “Tanya Mooza Zwahlen of Highland Planning and Maritza Cubi of Starbridge are bringing underheard voices into decision-making processes that shape our shared spaces.”

Leaders such as Becca Post, CEO of Helen + Gertrude, and Evelyn Parker, founder of All Things DEI Consulting, are putting inclusion at the heart of company growth strategies. Becca’s agency has fostered a culture where authenticity and belonging drive better outcomes. Evelyn’s impact is far-reaching, having trained over 12,000 professionals in inclusive leadership across the nation. “Becca has created a human-centered agency culture where teams bring their full selves to work, and are better for it. Evelyn, meanwhile, has trained over 12,000 professionals in inclusive leadership, helping organizations across the country root their strategies in equity and belonging.”

A Celebration of What’s Possible

Across industries and across backgrounds, what ties these leaders together is a shared conviction: inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s smart, it’s necessary, and it drives results. They believe that bringing more people in leads to stronger businesses, healthier communities, and brighter futures.

“Across industries and backgrounds, these leaders share a belief that real progress happens when we bring more people in—not leave them out. That business growth and community impact are not mutually exclusive. That inclusion is both the right thing to do and the most strategic.”

As the Greater Rochester Chamber continues its mission to fuel connected prosperity across the region, these finalists offer clear examples of how leadership rooted in inclusion creates tangible, lasting impact. Their stories inspire others to consider: how can we lead in ways that open doors for more people, not fewer?

The Chamber invites the community to come together and honor these change-makers at the Inclusive Leadership Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, August 27. It promises to be an evening filled with recognition, inspiration, and connection — a time to reflect on what’s been achieved and recommit to the work ahead.

“Join us in celebrating these leaders and the transformative work they’re doing. Reserve your seat now at the Inclusive Leadership Awards ceremony on Wednesday, August 27 to be part of a powerful night of recognition, inspiration, and connection. Let’s show up, for them, for one another, and for a future where everyone belongs.”