DisrUpstate Launches DisruptHER Commons to Support Women Leaders Across Central New York

DisruptHER Commons Brings a Village-Style Leadership Experience to Central New York Women

One-day immersive event connects women leaders to real support while benefiting local nonprofit POPI

SYRACUSE, NY — On Saturday, March 21, 2026, DisrUpstate will host DisruptHER Commons, a one-day leadership experience designed as a modern village square for women leaders across Central New York.

Held from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at McCarthy Mercantile, the event is intentionally structured unlike a traditional conference or vendor fair. Instead, organizers describe it as a community-centered environment where women can gather to learn, connect, and access practical support across the areas that shape their work and lives.

Organizers say the event reflects growing demand for accessible leadership support, community connection, and locally rooted professional development opportunities for women across Central New York’s evolving workforce and small business economy.

The Commons is built around five core pillars of women’s leadership: Health, Style, Work, Wallet, and Brand.  More than 20 curated market vendors will offer services, expertise, and hands-on experiences throughout the day, alongside featured sessions from local leaders representing each pillar:

• Emily Gozy, Nourished with Emily (Health)

• Elizabeth Gullotto, Bellezza Styling (Style)

• Lindsay Mastrogiovanni, ConsciousHR (Work)

• Katie Schmid, Primerica (Wallet)

• Sarah Fredenburg, SHP Brand Bash (Brand)

Designed for movement and interaction rather than passive attendance, the open-flow event allows participants to explore vendor experiences, attend practical workshops, relax in comfortable lounge spaces, and engage in conversation with fellow leaders and local providers.

“It’s not about performative networking,” said Lindsay Mastrogiovanni, Founder of DisrUpstate. “We created a space where women can learn something useful, have meaningful conversations, and leave with real support — whether that’s health guidance, financial insight, professional resources, or new connections.”

Tickets include full-day access to all workshops and vendor experiences, lunch and refreshments, and a curated CNY swag bag for early attendees.

Approximately 125 women leaders, founders, and professionals from across Central New York are expected to attend.

A portion of event proceeds will benefit People on Purpose Inc. (POPI), a Central New York nonprofit that provides HR and workforce development support to nonprofits and community-based organizations. Organizers estimate that every dollar invested through POPI generates approximately ten dollars in regional economic impact by strengthening workforce infrastructure and organizational capacity.

DisrUpstate has rapidly established itself as a regional leader in leadership and workforce development programming, growing its flagship DisruptHR Syracuse event by 160% from 2024 to 2025 and expanding its portfolio of community-centered leadership experiences across Central New York.

DisruptHER Commons also serves as a regional entry point to the DisrUpstate Leadership Summit, a three-day leadership retreat taking place June 12–14, 2026 in the Adirondacks.

The Summit brings professionals from across Central and Northern New York together for deeper leadership development, cross-sector collaboration, and conversations shaping the region’s workforce and economic future. Set against the backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains, the experience blends strategy and connection with the energy of a summer gathering — immersive learning by day, community, music, and shared experiences by night.

Organizers describe DisruptHER Commons as the community gathering space — and the Leadership Summit as the full-scale leadership immersion that follows.

Attendees of DisruptHER Commons will receive exclusive Summit announcements and opportunities during the event.

Tickets are available at disrupstate.com.

General Admission: $55
Supporter Ticket: $100 (includes additional donation to POPI and recognition at the event)

About DisrUpstate

DisrUpstate is a Central New York leadership and community organization focused on building stronger regional ecosystems through connection, education, and shared resources. Its events bring together business owners, executives, and emerging leaders to foster practical collaboration and long-term community impact.

Media Contact:
DisrUpstate
[email protected]
315-214-8527