Upstate Emerging Leaders 2024-2025 Membership Year Report
Our mission is to promote and encourage the spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism among young professionals in Central New York.
This year has brought powerful moments of leadership, connection, and community impact.
Whether you're new to Upstate Emerging Leaders United (ELU) or continuing the journey, thank you for bringing your energy and talents.
With many powerful moments already behind us - and more ahead- we’re just getting started!
This report is a glimpse at what we have accomplished together.
Kick-Off Meeting for Membership Year 2024-2025 [September 2024]
Photo from Upstate ELU
Sarah’s Guest House Dinner Service
Each month Upstate ELU members prepare a meal at Sarah’s Guest House, Central New York's only adult healthcare hospitality house for patients and families traveling to Syracuse for Medical Care.
• 2nd Tuesday of the Month
• Upstate ELU Coordinator: Jackie Pilon
• Upstate ELU Volunteers: 2-3 /month
ONGOING EVENTS
Samaritan Center Breakfast Service
Each month Upstate ELU members, along with other Upstate staff and students, assist with breakfast service at Samaritan Center.
• 3rd Wednesday of the Month
• Upstate ELU Coordinator: Scott Neal
• Upstate Volunteers: 10-14/month
FALL
September 25, 2024 - Good for CNYThe $10K Nonprofit Pitch
Upstate ELU attended this United Way event where 5 local nonprofits pitched their ideas for projects that support youth in the areas of literacy, STEM, and the arts. A panel of judges selected one project to receive $10,000 and the audience picked a “fan favorite” to win $1,000!
November/December 2024 - Samaritan Center “My Place Box” Donations
In addition to providing much-needed meals, the staff at Samaritan also do their best to supply their guests with necessities that we all take for granted. Upstate ELU assisted with a collection for both Basic Needs supplies and for a “My Place Box” which provides housewares for individuals transitioning into their own apartments.
December 18, 2024 - United Way Book Distribution at Salvation Army Christmas Bureau
Upstate ELU members volunteered with at the United Way book distribution tables, where every family that came was able to pick out a new book for each child in their household.
December 16, 2024 – Care
Package Assembly
As part of the United Way’s Annual CNY Care Package Project, Upstate ELU members assisted with sorting and packing the donated personal care items into over 1000 care packages that would be given to families in need.
January 20, 2025MLK Day of Service: Winter Clothing Drive
Following the United Way of CNY’s Share the Warmth Winter Coat and Accessories Drive, Upstate ELU members assisted with sorting and packing the donated items that would be given to people in need.
WINTER
February 8, 2025 - Hugs for Hope Foundation: Valentine’s Day Card Writing Party
Upstate ELU members were invited to participate in Hugs for Hope Foundation's Valentine's Day Card Writing Party. This was a Valentine's Day card writing event to send cards to the 300+ individuals that have received gift boxes. A short script was provided for volunteers and encouraging stickers were provided to include. Hugs for Hope sends gift boxes to those who are on the road to a cure for their specific cancer, letting them know they're not alone.
February 11, 2025 - From First to
Next
ELU joined a panel of people who have achieved significant firsts in our community as they reflection their personal journey to reaching a first milestone, and what it will take to help the next generation to continue to blaze new trails in Central New York and beyond.
March 18, 2025 - Pints & Principles
ELU members had the opportunity to interact and engage with local business leaders.
March 30, 2025 – Support
Human for Upstate Mascot Hero
Upstate Emerging Leader Bronte Hilgenberg helped guide Upstate mascot Hero around the American Heart Association Walk.
April 7, 2025 - Lunch & Learn with Upstate Training & Development
Renae Rokicki, Senior Leadership and Development Coordinator, hosted a Leadership Matters seminar for the Upstate Emerging Leaders.
Event coordinated by Upstate ELU member Veronica Farrell
April 21 – May 2, 2025 - United Way United For Mom’s Drive
In honor of Mother’s Day, ELU members and Team Upstate hosted a United for Mom’s drive in partnership with the United Way of CNY. Self-care items were collected for the United Way to give to women in need. 225 care packages were assembled.
Upstate ELU Planning Committee: Veronica Farrell, Tara Pinkerton, Sarah Trapani, Natalia Valenzuela Faccini, Ashley Volles, Zanette Howe, & Rebecca Pesci
May 8, 2025 - Dinner Service at Chadwick Residence
Upstate ELU members served dinner at Chadwick Residence. The mission of Chadwick Residence is to provide supportive housing and a variety of professional services for homeless women and their children in an environment that empowers them to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to increase their self-sufficiency.
SPRING
May 15, 2025 - Support Human for Upstate Mascot Hero
Upstate Emerging Leader Jackie Pilon helped guide Upstate mascot Hero around the Hospital Week activities at University Hospital downtown and community campuses.
May 20, 2025 - Leading with Compassion
Upstate Emerging Leaders attended the United Way ELU professional development event “Leading With Compassion,” featuring Upstate's Brooke Fraser, MSN, FNP-C, CPHON.
SUMMER UPCOMING
June 2, 2025 - Upstate ELU
Lunch & Learn: Upstate Leadership Panel
Facilitated by Upstate Training & Development
Upstate Emerging Leaders will have an opportunity to hear from Upstate's leadership on being a leader at Upstate and in the Central New York community.
Upstate ELU Planning Committee: Laytinya Brooks, Christina Dickerson, Veronica Farrell, Sarah Trapani, Zanette Howe, & Rebecca Pesci
Day of Caring - August 7, 2025
Upstate ELU members participate in the community’s biggest day of volunteer service, coordinated by United Way of CNY.
SOCIAL EVENTS ATTENDED
• October 3, 2024 – ELU Coffee Pop-Up @ Café Kubal Creekwalk Commons
• November 1, 2024 - Baldwin Fund Annual Gala
• November 7, 2024 - ELU Happy Hour @ Meier’s Creek – Inner Harbor
• November 17, 2024 – Heather’s Hope & Heels Fashion Show & Brunch
• December 5, 2024 - ELU Coffee Pop-Up @ Parthenon Books
• January 30, 2025 - ELU Happy Hour @ Soul Society
• February 11, 2025 – Cards & Conversations
• May 15, 2025 – Broadway for United Way: Beetlejuice
ACCOMPLISHMENTS BY UPSTATE ELU MEMBERS
Laytinya Brooks, Employee/ Student Health
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Philo Co-Advisor
Christina Dickerson, College of Health Professions
• 3rd Upstate Service Anniversary
Veronica Farrell, Outpatient Pharmacy
• Lean Six Sigma White Belt
• Joined United Way CNY Steering Committee
Bobbie Jo Massena, Utilization Review
• Leading Others Microcredential
• Upstate Mentor
Scott Neal, Neuroscience & Physiology
• Promoted to Research Asst. Prof. (non-tenure-track)
• Named Director, Neuroscience and Physiology Microscopy Core
Rob Taylor, IMT - AIS - Decision Support Applications
• Helped organize a delivery of 20 boxes of new children's clothes to Golisano Children's Hospital from PEACE Inc.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training
Jackie Pilon, Upstate Connect Call Center
• Received the Team Champion Award, on behalf of Upstate ELU volunteers, at the Sarah’s Guest House Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in December 2024
• Article published in Healthcare Contact Center Times - Breaking the Silence: How to Normalize Mental Health Discussions at the Contact Center (February 2025)
• 0% turnover for 19 months in her department (Upstate Connect Call Center)
Tara Pinkerton, Medicine Subspecialties Clinic
• Authored and distributed weekly Wellness Wednesday newsletters through the Wellness Committee at the Medicine Subspecialties Clinic
• Serves as Treasurer of the Sunshine Committee, supporting a positive and engaged workplace culture
• Creation of the 2024 & 2025 ELU newsletters
Bronte Hilgenberg, Patient Finance
• Obtained Healthcare Administration MBA via SUNY Oswego
• Became certified through Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) as a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) and a Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR)
• Became a David's Refuge Advisory Council member
• Joined Upstate Patient and Family Advisory Council, Upstate Patient Experience Champion Focus Team, Upstate Community and Wellness Garden, United Way Emerging Leaders and Women United
• Obtained Upstate micro credential - Leading Self
ORGANIZATIONS UPSTATE ELU MEMBERS HAVE VOLUNTEERED WITH
ACR Health
Hugs for Hope Foundation
HumaneCNY
Jowonio School
MACNY
Peace Inc.
MACNY P-Tech Program
Mary Nelson Backpack Giveaway
McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Salvation Army
Samaritan Center
Sarah’s Guest House
Spiritual Care Center
Syracuse Urbanism Collective
Talk Read Sing Onondaga
Theta Omicron Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho
Sorority Inc. in Syracuse, NY
United Way of CNY
Upstate Community Garden
Upstate Medical University / Team Upstate
ELU MEMBERS & YEAR MEMBERSHIP STARTED
Jackie
Scott
Robert
Stacey Keefe, Hospital Administration David Auerbach, Pharmacology
Matt
BECOMING A MEMBER
from Upstate ELU Kick-Off Meeting for Membership Year 2024-2025 [September 2024]
There is a $250 donation to United Way to join Emerging Leaders United, which can be given throughthe annual Upstate Community Giving Campaign. Upstate Medical University offers a limited number of scholarships to employees for one year of memberships an Emerging Leader. The scholarship application is available in late summer. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.upstate.edu/elu or e-mail: elu@upstate.edu
