UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is launching the Poly Leadership, Engagement,
and Development (LEAD) for Women Series, a new five-part leadership and professional
development program that will bring together current and emerging women leaders from across
the Mohawk Valley and Central New York to learn, connect, and grow.
The series is designed to provide practical leadership tools, meaningful networking opportunities,
and wellness-centered experiences that support both professional and personal growth.
Participants will engage with accomplished business leaders, educators, coaches, and executives
while building relationships with peers from a wide range of industries.
Poly LEAD is more than a series of workshops. It is a regional community of women committed to
lifelong learning, leadership excellence, and supporting one another throughout their careers.
“Leadership is strengthened when people have opportunities to learn from one another, exchange
ideas, and build meaningful professional relationships,” said SUNY Poly Vice President of Human
Resources Michele Kilburn. “The Poly LEAD for Women series reflects SUNY Poly’s commitment to
serving our region by creating opportunities for professionals to continue learning throughout their
careers. We are excited to bring together women from diverse backgrounds and industries to share
experiences, develop practical leadership skills, and build connections that will extend well beyond
the five sessions.”
Beginning August 6, participants will meet monthly at SUNY Poly for interactive sessions covering
topics including leadership presence and personal growth, resilience and wellness, productivity and
workplace tools, navigating difficult conversations, building influence, and leading with confidence
regardless of title or position.
The series will feature keynote speaker and workshop presenter Kristy Mandour, Founder of Sow to
Speak and Executive Presence & Leadership Communication Advisor. Additional presenters include
Dr. Patricia Roach, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, certified
professional coach, and SUNY Poly clinical assistant professor; Jasminka Husic, CPA, CFO and
Director of Finance and Business Intelligence at NYSTEC; members of SUNY Poly leadership;
representatives from Zonta International; and community leader Kim Johnson.
Designed for women in middle management and emerging leadership roles, the program welcomes
professionals from education, healthcare, STEM, manufacturing, business, nonprofit organizations,
public service, and other sectors. Department chairs, managers, supervisors, project leaders,
educators, and professionals seeking to expand their leadership impact are encouraged to
participate.
Participants who complete all five sessions will receive a certificate recognizing their completion of
the program.
Early bird registration is $425 through July 15, with standard registration being $500 thereafter.
Individual sessions may also be purchased for $150 each. Sessions will also be recorded for
registered participants unable to attend in person.
Businesses and organizations interested in supporting leadership development across the region
may also sponsor the series. If you are interested in a sponsorship, contact Andrea LaGatta at
andrea.lagatta@sunypoly.edu
All other questions can be directed to the SUNY Poly Office of Workforce Development at
OWD@sunypoly.edu.
To learn more and/or register, visit the Poly Lead for Women Series webpage.
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About SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly)
SUNY Polytechnic Institute, located in Utica, N.Y., is a vibrant and inclusive community where
students, faculty, and staff are empowered through a forward-looking STEAM education and
dynamic campus experience. Founded in 1966, SUNY Poly is currently celebrating its 60th
anniversary, marking six decades of impact, innovation, and service to the Mohawk Valley and
beyond. As New York State’s premier public polytechnic, SUNY Poly fosters innovation and
interdisciplinary learning across its four colleges—Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and
Health Sciences—preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Guided by a bold vision for societal impact, SUNY Poly advances use-inspired research and
transformative collaborations that drive economic development, technological progress, and
humanitarian solutions—locally in the Mohawk Valley and globally across diverse communities. For
more info, visit http://www.sunypoly.edu.
