JAN 2025 - letter from the president
Dear TechRochester Community:
Happy New Year to all of you!
As we step into 2025, we have much to celebrate and anticipate. This year marks the 25th anniversary of TechRochester—a milestone that reflects our enduring commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth within the Greater Rochester technology community.
You may have seen the release of our new 25th Anniversary Logo. This symbolizes the celebration of 25 years of excellence! Over the past quarter-century, TechRochester has evolved from a small collective of tech enthusiasts into a vibrant organization that unites professionals across various sectors.
Our journey has been marked by numerous achievements, including the Technology Woman of the Year Awards, which has honored and inspired countless women in technology. The Technology Woman of the Year Awards is also celebrating its 25th year! This time-honored tradition is a celebration of not just advancements in Technology, but also of female leaders, pioneers, and trailblazers who have made their mark on the tech landscape in Rochester. Nominations are now open. All details regarding this event can be found HERE. I hope you will consider joining us!
Last week, I had the privilege of presenting to students at the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in their “Speaking From Experience” speaker series. I was honored to share insights on the current tech ecosystem and the NY SMART I-Corridor, and encouraged students to connect with our TechRochester community through events and mentorship. If you have not yet had an opportunity to engage with the Institute, I encourage you to do so. The students always appreciate an opportunity to network with business leaders in our community.
We are continuing to plan our 25th Anniversary celebrations so stay tuned to our Events and Community Calendar, and please consider joining us!
On a personal note, I am honored to be a finalist for the 2025 Athena International Awards. It is a privilege to be among so many deserving women. I am humbled by, and grateful to my fellow TechRochester Board Members: Judy Miller, Meghan Plate, and Jennifer Sertl, for their support and letters of recommendation. The Awards will take place on February 13th at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
Our strength lies in our community. We encourage you to participate in our events, engage with fellow members, and contribute to discussions that drive innovation. Together, we can continue to make Rochester a leading hub for technology and innovation.
As we celebrate our past, we remain focused on the future. We are committed to expanding our programs, fostering inclusivity, and supporting the next generation of tech leaders. Your involvement is crucial to achieving these goals.
Thank you for being an integral part of TechRochester’s journey. I look forward to celebrating this year with all of you!
Susan Ippoliti Kavanagh
President, TechRochester