SPEAKERS

Meet the speakers

On the main stage and in our breakout space, we'll host keynotes, panel discussions, and fireside chats throughout the day hearing unique perspectives from those involved in the industry. Speakers include leaders across many industries, from educational institutions, training partners, grant recipients, program managers, nonprofits, government partners, recruitment/HR directors, and more.

Attendees will hear about trends in the industry and unique conversations on topics that continue to affect workforce initiatives to date. There will be an opportunity to interact with speakers and ask questions.

Keep checking back for additional speaker details being added soon as they are confirmed.

Have an idea for a speaker or topic? Let us know more!

Rosemary Avila

Executive Director, CNY Works

Rosemary oversees the Onondaga County Workforce Development Board and Career Center at CNY Works' workforce development programs of youth, adults, dislocated workers, and individuals with disabilities.

David Furney

Dean of Health and Technology, Onondaga Community College

Since August 2024, David continues to innovate educational spaces and strategies and has been active in advancing OCC's health & technology programs, ensuring they align with contemporary workforce needs.

Thomas Tee Jones

Education Associate, Cornell University’s Labor and Employment Law Program

Thomas Tee Jones supports employer‑focused training and outreach within the Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative (CJEI) at Cornell University.

Keri Martin

Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator, Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association (RTMA)

At the RTMA, Keri leads efforts to strengthen the connection between education and workforce development to create pathways into high-demand careers.

Joe Nehme

Senior Manager for External Affairs, Micron Technology

Joe currently serves as Senior Manager for External Affairs at Micron Technology where he supports the company’s New York expansion.

Amy Stewart

Workforce Development Specialist, Partners for Education & Business, Inc. at The Manufacturers Association (MACNY)

Amy works with several schools in Central New York to coordinate work-based learning programming, such as site visits and career readiness activities.

Rosalie Clemens

Executive Director, RIT Certified

With a career spanning engineering, global business development, national workforce programs, and now higher education, Rosalie brings the perspective of a lifelong learner who helps others navigate changing workforce demands.

Shawna Gareau-Kurtz

Director, Center for Workforce Development, Monroe 2‑Orleans BOCES

Shawna Gareau‑Kurtz leads regional efforts connecting education, workforce systems, and industry and is leading efforts to launch a regional Business & Education Alliance.

Dr. Carlene M. Lacey

Chief Executive Officer, CNY ON-RAMP

As CEO of CNY ON-RAMP, Dr. Lacey leads the organization’s mission to expand equitable workforce opportunities across CNY’s advanced manufacturing and construction industries.

Amina Mecca

Senior Director of Advertising, Advance

Amina leads a dynamic, diverse team of creative and forward-thinking marketing professionals working with clients in education and workforce development throughout the country.

Angelina Sanfilippo

Apprenticeship Business Developer, SUNY

Angelina partners with employers, workforce stakeholders, and SUNY campuses to expand Registered Apprenticeship and connect industry to sustainable training opportunities across New York State.

Chris Suozzi

Executive Vice President Business & Workforce Development, GCEDC

Chris has successfully transacted over $10 million in industrial real estate through business development, marking Genesee County a hub for strategic industry growth.

Eileen Donovan

Manager of Apprenticeship & Workforce Development, MACNY, The Manufacturers Association

Eileen is the Manager of Apprenticeship & Workforce Development at MACNY, The Manufacturers Association since October 2019.

Lisa Jackson, MS

Associate Provost and Director, SUNY UCAWD

Overseeing a $72 million statewide system, Lisa manages Educational Opportunity Centers and the ATTAIN project, which provide education and training access to underserved New Yorkers.

Melanie Lewis

Director of Workforce Strategies, Micron Technology

Melanie Lewis is Director of Workforce Strategies at Micron Technology, where she leads efforts to expand the technician talent pipeline in support of Micron’s U.S. expansion.

Dan Murphy, M.S.Ed.

Associate Director of Educational Opportunity Center Operations, SUNY UCAWD

Dan supports program evaluation, partnership development, marketing and communication, and data-driven decision-making across the statewide EOC system.

Jon Sanfratello

Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Programs, Genesee Valley BOCES

Jon leads programs in Adult, Career & Technical, Alternative and Special Education, while advancing regional workforce development efforts.

Alexis Vogt, PhD

Endowed Chair & Professor of Optics at Monroe Community College

Since joining MCC, Dr. Vogt has secured more than $17M and graduated the largest class of optics technicians in the program’s 65-year history.

Have an idea for a speaker or topic? Let us know more!