Presentation Recap | Racial Equity & Social Impact Trainings

Posted On
March 15, 2021

Image
Racial Equity And Social Impact Graphic

CenterState CEO was proud to host two Racial Equity & Social Impact trainings.

The professional development experiences focused on how businesses and organizations can work toward racial diversity and social impact in Central New York. A panel of local and national experts explored the topics of race, equity, and community engagement:

PANEL 1 - February 9, 2021:

  • Dr. Darnisa Amante-Jackson, racial equity strategist and educator and entrepreneur
  • Dr. Lomax R. Campbell, director, Mayor’s Office of Community Wealth Building, City of Rochester Sady Fischer, director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Excellus BCBS
  • Dr. Nadrea R. Njoku, senior research associate, Patterson Institute - United Negro College Fund
  • Moderator: Dr. Juhanna Rogers, VP of Racial Equity & Social Impact, CenterState CEO

This session offered an opportunity to engage in critical thinking about the intersections of equity work and the business community, and gain tips, advice and knowledge of sound practices to deploy within companies. 

PANEL 2 - March 16, 2021:

  • Dr. Malika Carter, chief diversity officer, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
  • Charlene Tarver, founder and executive director, Women’s Economic Institute, Inc.
  • Joann M. Yarrow, director of Community Engagement and Education, Syracuse Stage; Founder and CEO of Live Animation Studios and Distinctive Voices
  • Moderator: Dr. Juhanna Rogers, VP of Racial Equity & Social Impact, CenterState CEO

As part of Women’s History Month, session two of this series explored the intersections of race and gender in a thought-provoking panel discussion with women leaders in their fields. The session aimed to engage attendees in thinking critically about equity work, particularly as it impacts women in the business community.

Both sessions were sponsored by Berkshire Bank.

You can view both sessions below, in their entirety.

Session 1

Session 2

Other
CEO News

Image
IIH 1 Year Celebration
CEO News | 09/17/2026

INSPYRE Innovation Hub’s First Year Fuels Growth, Connections and Entrepreneurial Success

In its first year, CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub has become a cornerstone of Central New York’s innovation ecosystem.

Image
2026-09-10-convo
CEO News | 09/11/2026

CenterState CEO Chief Executive Officer Rob Simpson Receives Upstate Medical University’s President’s Award for Distinguished Service

The award recognizes Rob’s longstanding service to Central New York and his commitment to building strong, collaborative partnerships across the region.

Image
GNY10 Finalist Graphic
CEO News | 09/09/2026

Empire State Development Announces GENIUS NY Round 10 Finalists

Finalists from around the world will compete in this milestone year for GENIUS NY, the world’s largest accelerator for drones and robotics.

Image
Whiz Kidz Group
CEO News | 09/01/2026

Whiz Kidz Summer Program Inspires the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Students spent a week at CenterState CEO's INSPYRE Innovation Hub turning everyday problems into business ideas, building brands and pitching their solutions.

Image
Craig-Witmer-WEB 2026
CEO News | 08/26/2026

Craig Witmer Hired As CenterState CEO's Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

CenterState CEO is excited to announce Craig Witmer as its Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Image
GNY9 Group graduation photo
CEO News | 08/20/2026

GENIUS NY Cohort 9 Graduates Yearlong Accelerator

The five companies making up GENIUS NY’s ninth cohort finished their time in the yearlong accelerator for uncrewed systems in August.

Image
Rob Simpson Power 100
CEO News | 07/27/2026

Rob Simpson Named to City & State's Upstate Power 100

The list by City & State New York recognizes 100 leaders who are driving new projects across Upstate New Yrk.

Image
Syracuse panoramic skyline
CEO News | 07/23/2026

CenterState CEO Selected to Take Part in Opportunity@Work and Brookings AI Readiness Lab

CenterState CEO is one of six regional economic development organizations that will participate in the the AIRLab.

Image
Kelly Tyrone Collage
CEO News | 07/20/2026

CenterState CEO Announces New Staff Roles

CenterState CEO's Kelly Fumarola and Tyrone Dixon take on new roles in the organization.