Presentation Recap | Inclusive Communications: Representation Matters

Posted On
February 16, 2022

Image
Full Graphic With All Speakers

Explore why representation matters in your communication strategies during this thought-provoking panel discussion with leaders in their fields. Engage in thinking critically about how diversity, inclusion and representation in communications is critical to advancing your organization’s equity work, as well as staying competitive and achieving customer loyalty. You'll walk away with knowledge of practices to deploy within your organization. Sponsored by Berkshire Bank.

PANELISTS:

Stephanie Crockett, President & Chief Operating Officer, Mower

Stephanie is president and chief operating officer of Mower, a fiercely independent integrated marketing, advertising and public relations agency with professional staff across the U.S. She is responsible for growth, planning, culture and leading all external activities of the Agency. Stephanie specializes in multi-channel, enterprise-level integrated marketing communications with a foundation in data-driven insights. She regularly presents at national industry conferences and is very active in the community.

Aleesha Smalls-Worthington, Sr. Brand Director of Marketing, Scotch Porter

Aleesha has been a trailblazer in marketing and interactive for more than 20 years. Her creative, innovative concepts and strategies focus on delivering spot-on results for the black-owned startup, Scotch Porter, further elevating the multi-purpose men's wellness brand. Her expertise in web development, influencer marketing, interactive, social media, advertising, and promotions allows exploration of new media platforms with traditional sensibilities.  Previously, Aleesha held senior positions at Iconix Brand Group and Roc Nation, where she uncovered new digital territories for large global brands and elite celebrity superstar acts.

Nikita Jankowski, PR & Marketing Pro, Lifestyle Blogger

Nikita started her professional career as a television news reporter; delivering “live,” daily news coverage on ABC, FOX and CBS affiliates throughout New York State and Maine. She is a graduate of the historic Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Arts degree (concentration: English/Communications). She serves on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the New York State Travel & Tourism Industry Association and is the Immediate Past President for the Public Relations Society of America of Central New York.

MODERATOR:
Dr. Juhanna Rogers, VP of Racial Equity & Social Impact, CenterState CEO.

Other
CEO News

Image
Board of Directors 2026-2029
CEO News | 04/23/2026

CenterState CEO Announces 2026 Annual Elections to its Board of Directors

Following the 2026 Annual Meeting of its members, CenterState CEO has announced new and returning members to serve on the Board of Directors.

Image
Rob Simpson at CenterState CEO's 2026 Annual Meeting
CEO News | 04/23/2026

Read President Rob M. Simpson's 2026 Annual Meeting Remarks

CenterState CEO President Rob M. Simpson delivered the following remarks at the 2026Annual Meeting

Image
CenterState CEO 2026 Annual Meeting
CEO News | 04/22/2026

Micron’s Expansion Powers Urgency and Optimism at CenterState CEO’s 2026 Annual Meeting

CenterState CEO celebrated its 2026 Annual Meeting with more than 800 members of the business community at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. The event’s theme Vision to Velocity highlights a bold new chapter for Central New York’s…

Image
Business of the Year Congratulations
CEO News | 04/20/2026

Meet the 2026 Business of the Year Winners

CenterState CEO's Business of the Year Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of regional businesses and organizations in five categories.

Image
Kent Syverud Graphic
CEO News | 04/15/2026

CenterState CEO Shares Statement Following Kent Syverud's Cancer Diagnosis

CenterState CEO Chief Executive Officer Rob Simpson shared a statement of support following Kent Syverud's cancer diagnosis.

Image
CenterState Signal Graphic
CEO News | 03/31/2026

CenterState Signal: The Central New York Economy May Never Look Like This Again

CenterState Signal is a quarterly column by CenterState CEO's Jared Shepard that takes a closer look at economic trends and their impact on the regional economy.

Image
Micron CIF Announcement
CEO News | 03/27/2026

Micron Announces New Investments in Central New York Community

Micron joins Empire State Development to announce Central New York community investment funding.

Image
Minority Business Study Graphic
CEO News | 03/25/2026

Oswego County- Focused Minority Business Support Study Shares Ways to Strengthen Inclusive Growth

Oswego Minority Business Needs Study to share critical steps toward expanding opportunity in Oswego County.

Image
Rob Speaks at Gov. Hochul Rally
CEO News | 03/25/2026

Gov. Hochul Rallies With Upstate Leaders to Deliver State Budget Agenda

Gov. Kathy Hochul visited Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse to share her State Budget agenda with community leaders and elected officials.