Upstate NY's Voices of Authority
Listen to podcast episodes about the women of the North Country of New York State. Profiles of prominent women in business, wellness, education, tech, and more.
In this episode, Ann Donnelly sits down with Colleen Carlson, the Director of Sales at the Saratoga Casino Hotel, to explore a career that spans decades at one of Saratoga’s most iconic properties. From her humble beginnings selling race programs at age 15 to overseeing sales for a massive complex that includes a hotel, casino, fine dining, and elite event spaces, Colleen shares the “magic” behind their “under one roof” strategy.
In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly sits down with Sharon Horton, the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. With a rich background spanning hospitality and major nonprofits such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and NAMI, Sharon brings a wealth of operational and advocacy expertise to the region’s housing challenges. Sharon discusses the profound, generational impact of homeownership, the organization’s strategic pivot to modular building to combat rising costs and weather delays, and the exciting new initiatives on the horizon—including a powerful “Women Build” project in Hudson Falls.
In this episode, we attend the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Women In Business meeting and interview some of the attendees. We explore how the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses, fosters community connections, and offers valuable resources for entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and established businesses alike. From networking events to advocacy and education, discover how their strategic initiatives help businesses thrive in the Lake George region.
In this conversation, Felicia Lynn, owner of Hometown Board Shop in Glens Falls, shares her journey from a passionate snowboarder and ski instructor to a business owner. She discusses the challenges of starting a business, the importance of community engagement, and her plans for the future of the shop. Felicia emphasizes the significance of mentorship and building a supportive team while navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship in the outdoor sports industry.
In this conversation, Lisa Boucher, founder of HR Ninja, shares her extensive human resources experience and discusses the challenges and rewards of her journey. She emphasizes the importance of understanding business needs, navigating employee benefits, and fostering community through initiatives like HR Cafe. Lisa highlights the evolving landscape of HR and the necessity for businesses to adapt to new employee expectations while maintaining compliance and support for their workforce.
In this episode, Kara Magoolaghan, principal of KMCG LLC, discusses her journey from mechanical engineering to founding a consultancy focused on helping nonprofits and small governments with capital projects. She emphasizes the importance of sustainable and resilient building practices, particularly in affordable housing, and shares insights on the challenges faced by community-centric organizations. Kara also reflects on her passion for charitable work and the rewarding experience of entrepreneurship.
In this episode, Ann Donnelly speaks with Jacqueline O’Donnell, founder of Math Refresh. They discuss her journey in creating a math education company that makes math relevant and engaging for students. O’Donnell shares insights on the challenges faced during the pandemic, the benefits of online tutoring, and the importance of creating a safe learning environment. She emphasizes the need to empower girls in STEM and the role of parents in their children’s education. She also outlines her future plans for expanding Math Refresh and her innovative approaches to math education.
In this episode, Ann Donnelly speaks with Serena Smith, the owner of Hot Yoga Queensbury. She shares her journey into the world of hot yoga, the challenges of running a fitness studio, and the importance of community in yoga practice. She discusses the various styles of yoga offered at her studio, the benefits of hot yoga, and her aspirations for the future, including the dream of owning a retreat center. The conversation highlights the emotional and physical benefits of yoga, the significance of community support, and the joy of doing what you love.
In this episode, Janice Durant from New Trails Business Consultants discusses her journey in the franchising world, the intricacies of transitioning from corporate life to business ownership, and the various aspects of franchise ownership. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s motivations, the financial implications, and the support systems available for aspiring franchise owners. Janice also shares insights on the role of a franchise consultant and the community aspect of franchising, highlighting how local ownership can have a positive impact on communities.
In this episode, Joël Lynn Ralph shares her journey from a family background in kitchen and bath design to establishing her own business. She discusses the challenges and joys of being self-employed, the intricacies of kitchen design, and her passion for reviving historical homes. Ralph emphasizes the importance of understanding client needs and building strong relationships, while also reflecting on her future aspirations in the industry.
