AMHERST, NY – Amherst Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, A.J. Baynes, and LIFT Chairwoman, Bernie Aja of ESC, announce the official launch of the Chamber’s Leadership & Inspiration for Trailblazers (LIFT) professional women’s group and initiative at 5:30pm on Tuesday, September 24th at Park Country Club, 4949 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221.
Bernie Aja of Employer Services Corporation (ESC) shared, “The LIFT Council has been working to provide members a series of programs dedicated to the needs of women in every chapter of their professional life. WNY is fortunate to have a thriving network of women’s organizations, therefore our mission is to ensure LIFT would be unique and not duplicative. I have spent most of my career committed to fostering the growth of women professionals. It has been my distinct pleasure to work with the remarkable women leaders on the LIFT Council and look forward to future.”
“LIFT is in response to our membership looking for the Chamber to provide another pillar of programming,” said A.J. Baynes, President & CEO of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce. “I couldn’t be more excited about its potential, especially given the talent and determination of these leaders to ensure its success.”
This Chamber members-only event will feature a panel discussion facilitated by the Chamber’s 2023 Woman of Distinction, Jody Briandi, President/Managing Partner of Hurwitz Fine. She’ll lead the conversation between the Chamber’s 2021 Woman of Distinction, Anne Constantino, CEO of Telos Consulting; Dr. Adiam Tsegai, President of SUNY Erie; Laura Dolan, Market Executive of Bank of America; and AmyRae Nessa, Director at the Construction Exchange.
“LIFT is an incredible opportunity for women in Western New York to connect, collaborate, and empower one another as professionals in the business community. This initiative not only encourages networking, but also cultivates a supportive environment where women can thrive together. The energy and potential LIFT bring is exciting and I can’t wait to get started,” said Jody Briandi. Additionally, Anne Constantino contributed, “I am excited to be a part of this important initiative that will bring together women from various industries and backgrounds to support each other in their professional journeys. This group will offer resources, mentorship, and opportunities that will help women of all levels of their career to make connections, learn and grow.”