Canisius College

Women Leaders' Retreat Spring 2012:

"This experience was a unique opportunity to learn from and share with talented and impressive women.  My learnings went beyond what I received from the very effective presenters, but seeped into a deeper level of connecting with a number of colleagues on an interpersonal level.  The group from our workplace were so inspired by the last two days that we've already begun the process of formulating a sanctioned professional women's group at our workplace and reaching out to discover external groups with similar agendas of lifting up and developing women in the workforce. Invigorating."

- Kerry Ann Atlas; Manager of Store Inventory Accounting & Special Projects, Tops Markets

"The Women Leaders' Retreat was inspirational and motivating.  It was great to be among such incredible women for the past two days.  All of the speakers were so engaging and informative.  I really learned a lot from them and the women who were in attendance with me.  As a young professional, it really was refreshing to meet women of all ages and backgrounds who were as passionate about their profession and making a difference as I am..."

- Heather Ryan, Media and Sales Development Specialist, Tops Markets

“I enjoyed the retreat.  The Canisius Center for Professional Services is a nice venue for seminars and the team is very accommodating. The two day Women's Leadership seminar was great.  I found it to be uplifting and quite motivational.  Good mix of presenters by varied experience all of which did a good job delivering their message.  I would definitely recommend this program to my female colleagues.”

- Susan Kelchin, Risk Manager, Tops Markets

"It was excellent.  I've been to conferences before that really had no value and this was definitely not the case.  It focused a lot on recognizing strengths as opposed to weaknesses and developing what you naturally have and not stressing about elements you don't posses.  So many personal touches which also added value, and felt more personalized - in essence causing an exhilarating sense of engagement!"

 - Kelli Griffin, Officer, Sr. Learning& Development Specialis, First Niagara Bank

“The retreat was amazing! I have to be honest; I’m not really into “women whiners” sessions, as I call them. Meaning I don’t like when anyone thinks that they are owed something just because of who they are. I believe that you need to work for what you want and this will help you better appreciate everything that you have. I was really happy that this retreat was centered mainly on Leadership and cultivating skills for reaching our goals and successes. It was really an amazing couple of days and I’d love to do more things like it! Thanks again for everything.”

- Bobbi Sedor, AVP- Senior Auditor, First Niagara

“It was very good.  I met a lot of people (40 of us) and I walked away inspired.  The first day in the morning was with Gretchen Fierle from HealthNow.  She was good.  That afternoon was Judi Spear, RV Rhodes LLC (professional/personal coach) she was fantastic.  We had to take a personality test online prior to the seminar, attached are my results.  This was my favorite part of the entire seminar.  Judi helped us identify our strengths and provided a chart with everyone’s name it and their Top 5 Signature Themes.  Everyone that attended exchanged emails so we can call one another for support/brainstorming. 

The next day was “Communicating with Confidence,” by Siobhan Smith and Sheri Mooney from First Niagara.  They were both very good.  I had lunch with Sheri (former attorney) and asked her speak at one of our Dept Meetings.  The last part was Engaging Your Team by Michele Tucker from Tapecon.  She was very good also.  Thank you!”

- Cynthia Rajczak, Sr. Commercial Lines Manager, First Niagara Bank

“I had a fabulous time at the event!  The retreat was very up uplifting and engaging.  What a dynamic bunch of speakers!  If I had to pick a favorite I would say that it would be a tie between Judi and the gals from First Niagara.   I connected well with their views, thoughts, and people skills.  I felt I left the retreat re-energized.  Actually, when I walked into the office this morning my staff said I had a "glow" about me.  How funny is that?!”

- Barbara Saieva, International Operations Manager, Speed Global Services

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A study group was formed as part of the SHRM HR Certification Prep Course. Following the exam, we received this note from a client:"I passed!! Thank you to all of you in the study group—I couldn’t have done it without your help and support. You managed to keep us on track with the module reviews and handouts, and I truly think it benefitted us as a group."

- Pam Morgan, Human Resource Manager, Loews