Race for Equity Raises More Than $27K to Support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Posted On
August 22, 2023

Image
Certificates presented to Race For Equity drivers are displayed on a table.

CenterState CEO recently hosted the second annual Race for Equity event at the Pineview Run racetrack, in Lafayette, New York. Leading up to the event, seven local “celebrity” drivers raised funds through the CenterState CEO Foundation. Collectively, the event raised more than $27,000 to expand access to the DEI initiatives, led by CenterState CEO’s Racial Equity & Social Impact (RESI) team.

Additionally, this event highlighted the community’s deep commitment to fostering equity and inclusion and building a more welcoming and prosperous region for all.

“Our Syracuse and CNY community is growing in such beautiful ways. We have people from all over the world with vast histories, cultures and differences. Through the work that we’re doing everyday with my amazing colleagues at CenterState CEO, and with our community partners and business leaders, we are thinking about how we can help this community to continue to grow in a way that provides opportunity, access and possibilities to all residents, all members of society,” said Dr. Juhanna Rogers, CenterState CEO senior vice president of RESI.

Funds from last year’s Race for Equity supported an Equity Day for Nonprofits  earlier in 2023 and will also support a follow-up gathering for Equity Day participants. This event, hosted by CenterState CEO’s RESI team, engaged nonprofit leaders in a day focused on incorporating inclusion, equity and leadership strategies in community organizations.

While this year’s Race for Equity is complete, there is still time to give. It’s not too late to show your support for this year’s drivers and their efforts to raise funds for this initiative.

Thank you to all those who have already made a donation to support equity work in the Central New York community!

Congratulations to the event’s standout drivers:
  • Most money raised – Susan Crossett, CPS Recruitment
  • Fastest driver – William M.X. Wolfe, Esq., Harris Beach PLLC
  • Safest driver – Franklin Fry, Redhouse Arts Center

 

Thank you to all the drivers who participated in the 2023 Race for Equity!

Ben Sio, CenterState CEO

Franklin Fry, Redhouse Arts Center

Maarten Jacobs, Allyn Family Foundation

Meg Tidd, VIP Structures

Simeon Etta, Above the Rest Consulting, LLC

Susan Crossett, CPS Recruitment

William M.X. Wolfe, Esq., Harris Beach PLLC

 

Thank you to all of our event sponsors!

Pit Crew Sponsors

    Visions Federal Credit Union
    Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Checkered Flag Sponsors

    Burdick BMW
    Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc.
    OneGroup
    Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.

Winners Circle Sponsor

    Black River Systems

Image
Spectators watch drivers at the 2023 Race For Equity.
Image
All seven drivers that participated in the 2023 Race For Equity pose for a picture.
Image
One of the cars used for the 2023 Race For Equity.
Image
Attendees listen to opening remarks from Dr. Juhana Rogers at the 2023 Race for Equity,

Other
CEO News

Image
New Hires Photos 022026
CEO News | 02/05/2026

CenterState CEO Welcomes New Hires

New hires join the Administration and Human Capital and Marketing and Communications teams.

Image
GNY Apps Open graphic
CEO News | 01/28/2026

Empire State Development Announces Applications Open for GENIUS NY Cohort 10

ENIUS NY, operated by CenterState CEO and funded by Empire State Development, is the world’s largest accelerator program focused on drones, robotics and autonomous systems.

Image
2026 Economic Foreast Breakfast crowd
CEO News | 01/22/2026

Economic Forecasters Share Optimistic Outlook for 2026

The Economic Forecast event shares insights into the region’s economic climate from the perspective of regional business leaders and economic experts.

Image
Micron Groundbreaking Graphic
CEO News | 01/16/2026

Rob Simpson Issues Statement on Micron’s Historic Groundbreaking in CNY

CenterState CEO President and CEO Rob Simpson shared the following message with members following Micron's groundbreaking celebration.

Image
Premo Clothing Drive 2026
CEO News | 01/16/2026

12th Annual Mark J. Palumbo Memorial Clothing Drive, honoring Nancy Premo

CenterState CEO is hosting the 12th annual Mark J. Palumbo Memorial Clothing Drive in honor of Nancy Premo. Bring gently used items such as winter coats, hats, sweatshirts, gloves, scarves, sweaters and warm socks to CenterState CEO's…

Image
State of the State Statement Rob Simpson Graphic 2026
CEO News | 01/13/2026

Rob Simpson Issues Statement on Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2026 State of the State

Robert M. Simpson, president of CenterState CEO, in Syracuse, issued the following statement following Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 State of the State Address.

Image
CenterState Signal Graphic
CEO News | 01/02/2026

CenterState Signal: Understanding The Present to Forecast the Future

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
Business of the Year Awards 2026 - nominations now open
CEO News | 12/15/2025

Nominate a 2026 Business of the Year!

CenterState CEO is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Business of the Year Awards. The awards celebrate companies and organizations that have achieved growth and gone above and beyond in the past year to distinguish themselves as…

Image
CNY ONRAMP new hires
CEO News | 12/08/2025

CNY ONRAMP Announces New Hires

CNY ONRAMP, Inc. supported by CenterState CEO welcomed three new employees to its organization.