Career Services will host its third annual Women’s Empowerment Summit from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, in the Marano Campus Center auditorium, room 132. The event continues to grow as a signature campus experience, connecting students with influential women leaders across industries while fostering confidence, career readiness and community.
Since its launch, the Women’s Empowerment Summit has welcomed high-level campus leaders (vice presidents, directors, department chair and more), a diverse range of employer and alumni guests, and roughly 170 engaged students — and organizers anticipate this year’s event will be even bigger and more impactful.
The 2026 summit will feature a dynamic “Women of Impact” keynote panel, including:
- Jaime Alvarez, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways
- Melanie Littlejohn, President and CEO, Central New York Community Foundation
- Mino Lora, Co-Founder and Artistic Director, The People’s Theatre
- Kelly Vann, Chief of Staff, Lockheed Martin
The keynote panel will be moderated by SUNY Oswego alumna Christina (Galvin) Argus ’18, M’19, former managing producer for NewsChannel 9 WSYR.
Following the keynote, attendees will participate in interactive breakout sessions from 5 to 6 p.m., designed to provide practical skills and career insight. Topics include:
- Leadership in Media and the Arts
- Salary Negotiation Strategies
- Community Leadership and Advocacy
- Careers in Education, Mentorship, and Women-Centered Fields -- which will be co-hosted by the gender and women’s studies program
The event will conclude with a catered networking reception from 6 to 7 p.m. in 145 Marano Campus Center, offering students the opportunity to connect directly with panelists, alumni and professionals.
As always, the first 75 attendees to arrive at the reception will receive a signature summit swag bag, this year featuring Girl Scout Cookies and fun, professional items to support you on your career journey.
Additionally, every person in attendance will have the opportunity to be entered into a raffle to win a spa gift basket valued at over $150, courtesy of Elysian Spa in Oswego.
“This summit is about access, inspiration, and empowerment,” said Megan Mazzoccone, assistant director of Career Services and event organizer. “It creates space for students to see what’s possible, hear real stories from accomplished professionals and leave feeling more confident in their next steps.”
The Women’s Empowerment Summit is open to all SUNY Oswego students and is supported by the Feinberg Family Fund, Career Services, University Advancement, Gender and Women's Studies and Auxiliary Services.
For more information, please contact: Megan Mazzoccone at megan.mazzoccone@oswego.edu.
-- Submitted by Career Services