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
CenterState CEO Leadership Update
CEO News | 03/11/2026

CenterState CEO Announces Key Leadership Changes and Promotions

The CenterState CEO Board of Directors today voted to approve leadership changes for the organization designed to position it for continued growth and impact at a transformative moment for Central New York’s economy. The approved changes…

Image
Cleantech Accelerator 2026
CEO News | 03/05/2026

Cleantech Accelerator Powered by National Grid Introduces its 2026 Cohort

CenterState CEO launched its Cleantech Accelerator powered by National Grid at the start of 2026 with four teams.

Image
GOFCC AM
CEO News | 03/03/2026

GOFCC Celebrates 110th Anniversary at 2026 Annual Meeting

The Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GOFCC) hosted its 2026 Annual Meeting, presented by Constellation, at the Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center in Oswego.

Image
SU Chancellor Elect Haynie Graphic
CEO News | 03/03/2026

CenterState CEO Shares Statement Congratulating Syracuse University's 13th Chancellor and President

CenterState CEO President and CEO Rob Simpson issued the following statement on Syracuse University's announcement naming Dr. J. Michael Haynie as its13th Chancellor and President.

Image
Board of Directors Annual Elections
CEO News | 02/27/2026

Members: Vote on CenterState CEO's Board of Directors, 2026-29

Vote on CenterState CEO’s proposed 2026-2029 board of directors.

Image
Congratulations Business of the Year Finalists 2026
CEO News | 02/26/2026

CenterState CEO Announces 2026 Business of the Year Finalists

CenterState CEO has announced finalists for its prestigious 2026 Business of the Year Awards.The awards recognize member companies in five categories: Business with fewer than 50 Employees; Business with more than 50 Employees; Community…

Image
AM2026 Speaker Graphic 2
CEO News | 02/25/2026

Micron Executive VP of Global Operations to be Keynote Speaker for 2026 Annual Meeting

CenterState CEO will welcome Manish Bhatia, executive vice president of global operations at Micron Technology as keynote speaker for the event.

Image
Housing CNY Fund Graphic
CEO News | 02/19/2026

Gov. Kathy Hochul Announces $150 Million Housing CNY Fund

The $150 Million Housing CNY Fund will support at least 2,500 units of housing.

Image
Advanced Manufacturing Stock
CEO News | 02/17/2026

CNY ONRAMP Launches First Workforce Training Cohort in Syracuse

CNY ONRAMP programming is scheduled to run through June 2026.