The Women in Leadership Panel included Dr. Julie Burton from SUNY Morrisville, Alvogen Norwich Site Director Tami Watson, Michele Graham from Preferred Mutual, Achieve CEO Amy Howard, and UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital Vice President of Services Coordination Chris Kisacky, and was moderated by Former Commerce Chenango Leadership Program Administrator Jill Eddy. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — On Tuesday, I attended the first Chenango Women’s Leadership Conference, hosted by Commerce Chenango at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich.

This was my first experience at an event like this, so it was a little intimidating to walk into a room of more than 185 professional women.

Fortunately, the atmosphere was very welcoming. It was immediately evident that everyone was excited to be there, and the goal of organizers and attendees alike was to support and empower each other.

I snagged a coffee and settled in for a busy day. As an avid note taker, I was thrilled to find each seat included a fancy notebook and matching pen – no boring reporter’s notebook for me today!

Organized by women, for women, the Chenango Women's Leadership Conference was a day full of valuable information and inspirational insights from women with experience in leadership roles, wealth management, and entrepreneurship.

After being welcomed by BlueOx Senior Vice President and Commerce Chenango Board of Directors Member Julia Miller, the conference was underway. We heard from New York Central Mutual President Cheryl Robinson, who shared her experience as a young professional all the way up to the leadership role she currently holds.

Her story emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities as they come your way, to never stop learning, and to approach all people and situations with empathy.