"Careers In" Series

Careers in Accounting 

January 25th from 6:00pm - 7:00pm 

Warrant Buffet said, “Accounting is the language of business.” How well are you speaking the language? Attend the Careers in Accounting panel and get career advice from our experts. Find out how to prepare yourself on your path to becoming an accountant. Our panelists include:

• Nicholas Dentice, Career Coach and Recruitment Specialist, Freed Maxick
• Amy Ethier, Accountant, NYSUT
• Kelly Saposnick, Director, Tax and Business Services, EFPR Group
• April Turner, Senior Associate, BST & Co.
• Katie Welch, Senior Accountant, The Bonadio Group

Careers in Law and Criminal Justice

February 9, 6 – 7 p.m.

Interested in the many opportunities one can pursue in law and criminal justice? Attend the Careers in Law and Criminal Justice panel and hear career advice from our experts. Find out about different career paths, building experiences while you are a student and job search advice. Our panel includes:

• Nakesha Vines, ’20, Correction Lieutenant, NYS Dept. of Corrections and Community Supervision
• Mark Spain, ’22, Director of Security, SUNY Empire
• Trooper Curtis Rich, NYS Police
• Tracy Canaday, Assistant Re-Entry Manager, NYS Dept. of Corrections and Community Supervision
• Ian Grugan, ’13, ’17, ’20, Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives - Community Correction Rep 2, NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services

Join Meeting: Click here to join the meeting

Careers in Business

February 17, 6 – 7 p.m.

• Michael Nelson, NYS Department of Motor Vehicle
• Danielle King, 2017, TDC
• Angela Sorace, 2012, Constellation Agency

Join Meeting: Click here to join the meeting

Careers In Panel: Breaking Barriers a Celebration of International Women’s Day

March 8, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Details TBA 

Join Meeting: Click here to join the meeting

For full details and link to join, visit:  www.esc.edu/connects/  

Careers in Panel:  The Value of Internships  

February 15, 6 – 7 p.m.

Is there value in internships? Can SUNY Empire Students pursue them? The answer to both these questions are absolutely! Attend the Careers In Panel: The Value of Internships to hear about opportunities you can explore and how gaining this type of experience can benefit you in your career. Our panel includes:

• Daniel Deboulay, We Repair the World
• Cindy Mowris, Anderson Center for Autism
• Andrej Drofenik , YAI
• Ashley Boone, Constellation Agency 

Join Meeting: Click here to join the meeting

Careers in Healthcare

April 11, 6 – 7 p.m.

• Kate Hembrooke, FirstCareNY
• Annette Gibson, FirstCareNY

Join Meeting: Click here to join the meeting

Leveling Up in Your Career

Details TBA

For full details and link to join, visit:  www.esc.edu/connects/ 

Careers In Panel: Professional Organizations

Details TBA

Workshops TBD

Careers in Addiction 

September 22, 2020 

New this fall, SUNY Empire’s Careers In virtual panel series! Hear from experts in the field about their career path, what experiences and skills you should be building upon and bits of advice while you are pursuing your degree and look to work in the field or advance in your current position. Our Panelists included: 

• Laura Combs, LCSW-R, CASAC, CPP, Executive Director, New Choices Recovery Center 
• Robin Mann, LMSW, Executive Director, Erie County Council for the Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse 
• Kimberly Lillie, LCSW Senior Director of Integrated Community and Behavioral Health Services, Villa of Hope 
• Luke Nasta, M.P.A, CASAC, Chief Executive Officer, Camelot of State Island, Inc. 

View the "Careers In" Addiction Recording here 

Careers in Business 

October 13, 2020 

It is the Careers in Business s a virtual panel that will highlight the different career opportunities people can pursue within the industry, with helpful careers tips from experts in the field.  

• Heather Elford, Decrescente Distributors 
• Kelly O’Neill-DiCarmine, Golub Corporation 
• John Meaney, SUNY Empire State College 

View the "Careers In" Business Recording here 

Careers in Communications 

November 19, 2020 

It is the Careers in Communications is a virtual panel that will highlight the different career opportunities people can pursue within the industry, with helpful careers tips from experts in the field.  

• Solomon Syed, SUNY Empire State College 
• Kyle Adams, SUNY 
• Trisha Began, WTEN 
• Danielle Sanzone, WMHT 

View the "Careers In" Communications Recording here 

Creating Your Career Path: Career and Job Search Advice for Neurodiverse Individuals, a Careers in Series Program  

April 29, 2021 

Our panel of experts will share advice and tips on deciding on a career path, conducting a job search, interviewing tips, and transitioning into your new role on the job.  Our panel will be moderated by Dr. Noor Syed, SUNY Empire’s Founding Director, Center for Autism Inclusivity (Research, Education, Services); panelists will include: 

• John Banas, Capital Region Disability Resources Coordinator, NYS Department of Labor 
• Theresa Eames, Workforce Advisor, NYS Department of Labor 
• Anne Jordan, ’12 & ‘16, Director of Human Resources, Anderson Center for Autism 

View the "Creating Your Career Path: Career and Job Search Advice for Neurodiverse Individuals, a Careers In Series Program" here

Careers in Human Resources 

September 24 

On September 24, we will be hosting our second in the series with Careers in Human Resource Management. Hear from experts in the field about their career path, what experiences and skills you should be building upon and bits of advice while you are pursuing your degree and look to work in the field or advance in your current position.  Our Panelists include: 

• Kim Demchak, HR Manager, Hood (SUNY Empire alum, ’17 and ‘20) 
• Sharon Gerasia, Director of Organizational Development and Talent at Price Chopper Supermarkets-Market 32 (SUNY Empire alum, ‘00) 
• Tracey Meek, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, SUNY Empire State College 
• Sarah Scavo, Senior Director Human Resources, Central Services, Ellis Medicine 

View the "Careers In" Human Resources Recording here

Leveling Up In Your Career  

March 30, 2021    

Maneuvering the career ladder to progress in your career takes hard work, building professional connections/collaborations and going the extra mile. Our expert panel will share their story, experience and advice on how to create your path to advancing in your career. Our panelists include: 

• Lexie Bonitatibus, Assistant Vice President for Administration, SUNY Empire State College 
• Robert Lento, ’98, Former President & CEO of Limelight Networks 
• Dawn Sampson, ’20, Vice President of Operations, Community Memorial Hospital 
• Keyshaun Service, ‘15, Product Control/Finance at Citi 

View the "Leveling Up In Your Career" Recording here

Careers in Marketing 

Thursday, February 25, 2021 

Marketing is one of the most competitive industries and can be a challenge to break into.  But being prepared with your education, skills and experiences will be critical to your success with a job search.  Join SUNY Empire for our Careers in Marketing virtual panel and hear about career opportunities in the field of marketing, advice from experts pertaining to key skills needed, experiences and tips for those in the job market. Our panel includes: 

• Karen Tanski, Senior Director of Marketing and Creative Services, SUNY Empire State College 
• Lydia Smith, SUNY Empire Student and Social Media Intern 
• Laura Jeszik, Recruiter in Enrollment Management, SUNY Empire 
• Jacki Hannon, On Premise Key Accounts – Northern US, Bell’s Brewery and SUNY Empire Alumnae 

View the "Careers In" Marketing Recording here

Careers in Mental Health 

Thursday, May 20, 2021 

It should come as no surprise that the need for individuals in the mental health field is increasing.  With a higher demand, comes the need for more professionals working in this area.  Join us for the Careers in Mental Health and hear from experts in the field about their career path, what experiences and skills you should be building upon and bits of advice while you are pursuing your degree and look to work in the field or advance in your current position.   

Panelists include: 

• Nadine Akinyemi, Executive Director Bridging Access to Care, New York 
• Wendy Burch, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness, New York State 
• Maggie Nadel, Employment and Education Unit Leader, Venture House 

View the "Careers In" Mental Health Recording here 

Careers in the Pharmaceutical Industry 

October 20, 2020 

Careers in the Pharmaceutical Industry is a virtual panel that will highlight the different career opportunities people can pursue within the industry, with helpful careers tips from experts in the field.  

Presenters: 

• Kristin Esterby, GlaxoSmithKline 
• Gina Hernandez, Novartis 

View the "Careers In" the Pharmaceutical Industry Recording here

Careers in Philanthropy 

November 12, 2020 

Attend the next Careers In virtual employer panel!  The Careers in the Philanthropy virtual panel on Thursday, November 12 from 6 – 7 p.m.  Hear advice from experts in the field of philanthropy, the career opportunities available, key skills needed, experiences and tips for those in the job market. Our panelists Include: 

• Evelyn Buchanan, Cal State Chico (SUNY Empire Alum) 
• Sarah Heslin, Capital Region YMCA 

• Pamela Howard, Historic Albany Foundation 
• Katie Nelson, United Way of the Greater Capital Region 
• Toby Tobrocke, SUNY Empire State College 

View the "Careers In" Philanthropy Recording here 

Careers in Politics:  Women in Politics 

October 14, 2020 

Our esteemed speakers included dynamic leaders across all levels of government, representing several regions in New York State. The event will begin with a welcome address by New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea-Stewart Cousins, and be followed by a moderated panel. Our amazing list of panelists included: 

• Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, chairperson of the Veteran’s Affairs Committee and Legislative Women’s Caucus  
• Erie County Legislature Chairwoman and SUNY Empire Alumna April Baskin  
• Tioga County Legislature Chairwoman and SUNY Empire Alumna Martha Sauerbrey  
• Cayuga County Legislator and SUNY Empire Lecturer Heidi Nightengale  
• Saratoga County Board of Supervisors City Supervisor Tara Gaston 
• Town of Glenville Councilwoman Gina Bologna Wierzbowski 

View the "Careers In" Politics: Women in Politics Recording here

Shattering the Glass Ceiling, Celebrating International Women’s Day 

March 9, 2021 

In honor of International Women’s Day, SUNY Empire brings you, Shattering the Glass Ceiling, celebrating women’s accomplishments and the journey it took to get there.  This panel will feature SUNY Empire alumnae who have made an impact in their field and in our communities.  They will share the roles they have played, the challenges they have faced and the successes they have celebrated. 

• Mary Raymond, ’99 and ’04: Served on Alumni/Student Federation Board of Governors, worked in the military, Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Secret Service  
• Dr. Kim McKinsey-Mabry, ’05: Acting Vice President, Monroe Community College 
• Barbara Dury, ’16 : Award Winning Senior Writer Journalist and Media Development Expert, PBS, CBS News, 60 Minutes 

Our program will open with a greeting from Provost Meg Benke and be moderated by Dr. Sue Epstein of SUNY Empire.   

View the "Shattering the Glass Ceiling, Celebrating International Women's Day" Recording here

Careers in Technology 

March 16, 2021 

Careers in technology continue to grow and develop, as well as the need for security.  What are skills and experiences that organizations look for in candidates?  How do you prepare for technical interviews?  Join SUNY Empire for our Careers in Technology/Information Technology virtual panel and hear about career opportunities in the field of technology and cyber security, advice from experts pertaining to key skills needed, experiences and tips for those in the job market. Our panel includes: 

• Meaghan Meleco, Corporate Recruiter, Zones 
• Todd Myles, CIO, SUNY Empire State College 
• Tim Stowell, CIO, Wentworth Management Systems 
• Kaivalya Gorla, Associate Security Specialist, GreyCastle Security 
• Jimmi Aylesworth, Security Specialist, GreyCastle Security 

View the "Careers In" Technology Recording here