Women TIES Advisory Board

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Women TIES is a success because of the sage advice, enthusiasm, and insight of these outstanding business women. The Women TIES Advisory Board consists of women who are true believers in the success of other women, especially women entrepreneurs.

You can learn more about their companies by viewing their corporate listings in the membership directory. They are listed below in alphabetical order by first name.

Betsy Powers Financial Planner SageMark Consulting of Northern New York

Betsy has been in the financial services business since 1984. She currently works for Sagemark Consulting where she does fee-based financial planning with a specialty in business succession planning and exit strategies for business owners and executives. She has held numerous leadership roles including the President of the Cazenovia Area Community Development Association and Chairman of the Cazenovia Chamber of Commerce.

Cynthia Scott Founder and President OMC Financial Services, Ltd.
Cynthia started her company, an independent, fee-based, federally registered investment advisory firm, twenty five years ago. She was a pioneer at the time since the industry was dominated by men. She writes a weekly column for Eagle Newspapers, a monthly column for Empire Monthly, and is a frequent guest on WCNY's "Financial Fitness" program.

Debbie Sydow, Ph.D. President Onondaga Community College
Debbie is an outstanding female leader whose vision, intellect and dedication in her role as President of Onondaga Community College has helped it to grow, strengthen and serve more students in Central New York. In her role, she leads OCC with its unique stewardship and public responsibility to prepare citizens for productive careers in the Central New York region.

Ellie Hayman Real Estate Professional r-House
Ellie has been a significant player in the Syracuse real estate market since 1975. As a top producer, she's sold more than 265 million in real estate. Her innovative and creative marketing efforts have helped to brand her as one of the most highly recognizable real estate agents in Central New York. She believes in marketing and personal branding to grow a business name and reputation.

Gwen Webber-McLeod, M.S. President Inspiring People to New Levels of Leadership
Gwen has over 28 years experience in leadership development, professional facilitation, and motivational speaking. She has expertise in team building, valuing diversity as a vital organizational resource, change management, reputation management, and communications. She is a powerful and dynamic speaker who inspires those around her.

Joan Powers Senior Business Advisor New York State Small Business Development Center
Joan is one of the best female business advisors in Central New York. Her warm personality, expertise, and knowledge aid her in assisting hundreds of women entrepreneurs each year with business plans, funding packages, and marketing plans. She is a tremendous resource for women business owners.

Karen McMahon President and CEO Shopformuseums.com
Karen has extensive business experience in running a national business. Her creative insight, purpose-driven leadership, marketing skills and ability to handle logistics has helped her grow her company into one of the fastest growing museum fundraising programs on the web. She has experience in building strong partnerships with leading e-commerce retailers.

Leslie English Partner & General Manager Dale Carnegie Training

Leslie is a Partner and General Manager of Dale Carnegie Training in Central New York. Since her career with Dale Carnegie, she has received sales recognition as a top producer and has placed in the 10% of over 2,000 consultants worldwide. She has extensive experience in developing and coaching professionals in effective public speaking and leadership skills. Her expertise in training have assisted women in businesses all over New York State.

Peggy Pointowski Former Syracuse Entrepreneur
Peggy ran a successful business in Syracuse in the 1990's which garnered her numerous awards and accolades from local, regional, and state agencies. She was recognized by New York State as the Small Business of the Year one year. She remains a constant supporter of women entrepreneurs and an inspiration to all who know her.

Shannon Magari, ScD, MPH, MS Principal Owner Colden Corporation
Shannon is an outstanding business woman with a background in bioengineering, engineering science, public health and environmental health. She is the first female principal owner of the company which has offices in Syracuse, New York City, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Shannon is also a Visiting Scientist at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Theresa Slater President Empire Interpreting Service, LLC

Theresa is a professional Sign Language Interpreter and the founder and President of Empire Interpreting Service. LLC. The company was founded in Homer, New York and has grown in size under Terre's leadership. This growth led Terre to expand operations with a second office in downtown Syracuse. She has strong business skills which stemmed from her role as business manager for Porsche/Audi prior to starting her business. Terre has a strong desire to see Women  TIES impact in the Ithaca area.

Trisha Torrey President DiagKNOWsis.org
Trisha is an experienced entrepreneur who is currently empowering patients with the tools they need to make tough medical decisions through her company DiagKNOWsis.org. She also moderates the Research Help Board, writes a bi-weekly newspaper column, hosts a radio show and more in order to help others become better health and medical care consumers.

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