UTICA, NY — Success Circle, a rapidly growing community for women entrepreneurs
and leaders in the Mohawk Valley, will officially relocate its operations to The Portal in
downtown Utica beginning July 1, 2026.
The move marks a significant next step for both organizations and reflects a shared
commitment to intentional growth, collaboration, leadership development, and
community-building within the region.
Founded by Christine Spiak and Tricia Sticca, Success Circle has cultivated a strong
and engaged network of women seeking meaningful connection, accountability,
education, and momentum in both business and life. Through monthly Coffee
Connections, workshops, and its memberships: The Accelerator and Ignite, Success
Circle has become a recognizable force in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Held on
the fourth Friday of each month, Coffee Connections brings together women committed
to growing personally, professionally, and in community through authentic conversation,
meaningful relationships, and genuine support. “We’ve outgrown the space we started in, and we see this move as an intentional step
into the next chapter of what we’re building,” said Christine Spiak, co-founder of
Success Circle. “The Portal reflects the energy, vision, and momentum of this
community. It gives us room not only to grow, but to deepen the experience we’re
creating for women in this region.”
The Portal, located in Utica’s Bagg’s Square district, was founded by Chelan Vanno as a
curated environment designed to support meaningful work, intentional collaboration,
leadership development, creativity, and personal growth. The multi-room space hosts
workshops, strategic planning sessions, wellness experiences, community gatherings,
and entrepreneurial programming.
Rather than operating as a traditional coworking or event venue, The Portal was
designed as an intentional ecosystem where people and organizations can connect,
create, and grow within a thoughtfully held environment. “Success Circle is exactly the kind of organization The Portal was built to support,” said Chelan Vanno, founder of The Portal. “This partnership represents what becomes
possible when aligned communities choose collaboration over competition. We’re
creating a shared environment where women, entrepreneurs, and leaders can continue
building meaningful work together.”
As part of the partnership, Success Circle will establish The Portal as its primary home
base for recurring Coffee Connections, Intentional Living Mindset workshops, planning
sessions, and future programming initiatives. The organizations also plan to explore
collaborative events and expanded opportunities for community engagement over time.
Both organizations emphasized gratitude for the role The Arc Oneida-Lewis played in
supporting Success Circle during its early growth and development.
“We’re deeply grateful for where this community began,” said Tricia Sticca, co-founder
of Success Circle. “This transition is not about leaving something behind, it’s about
stepping into what’s next.”
Success Circle’s Accelerator Kick-Off at The Portal will take place on July 1, 2026. Their
first Coffee Connections gathering in the new space will be held on July 24, 2026.
