The event provides an opportunity to network and share experiences.
Following an evening of celebration at The Cannata Report’s Awards & Charities Gala, industry women gathered on Friday morning, November 3, to celebrate 10 years of Women Influencers at the 8th Annual Women Influencers Brunch. Hosted by our own Carol C. Cannata, senior vice president of client services, and Sharon Esker, story and features editor, the brunch recognized The Cannata Report’s 2023 Women Influencers: Chelsey Bode, CEO, Pearson-Kelly Technology; Melissa Confalone, president, Fraser Advanced Information Systems; and Liz Sumner, managing partner, SumnerOne.
Ramona Rodriguez, Emily Rodriguez, Jennifer Amatucci, Hytec; and CJ Cannata.
Danielle Wolowitz, Shore Business Solutions; Ginamaria Cairon and Erica Calise, Sharp.
The Cannata Report partnered with Distribution Management, GreatAmerica Financial Services, Kingston Training Group, and Milner to bring female industry leaders together to hear business and personal perspectives from Bode and Confalone, as well as share stories and network over an exquisite brunch in the Conservatory at The Madison Hotel in Morristown, New Jersey.
Kim Louden, GreatAmerica; Sarah Custer, Distribution Management; Tawnya Stone, GreatAmerica.
Sharon Tosto Esker, The Cannata Report; Sarah Custer, Brenda Shelton, and Emily Carapella, Distribution Management.
Dawna McCabe, Century Business Technologies, and Jennifer Healy, Ricoh.
Frank G. Cannata and Adrienne Bastinelli, Centric Business Systems.
Since its inception, the brunch has grown exponentially, with women across various positions and segments of the independent dealer channel attending. This year, nearly 50 women joined the brunch. From The Cannata Report’s perspective, the event provides a much-needed platform for industry women to share career experiences and insights in a comfortable, social setting.
Tom McMahon and Anthony DelGrosso, Milner; with Carol C. Cannata and Frank G. Cannata.
Brenda Shelton, Distribution Management, and Deana Dearry, PaperCut.
Kate Kingston, Kingston Training Group.
Kim Louden, GreatAmerica.
Sharon Tosto Esker, The Cannata Report.
“The Cannata brunch was a delight to wake up to,” said Bode. “There were so many old friends and new acquaintances that I’m confident will become friends in time. Getting to share successes and failures in a setting with other female leaders was comforting conversation. I’m extremely grateful to be part of a community that empowers, encourages, and challenges women.”
Sarah Custer, Distribution Management.
Tom McMahon, Milner.
Melissa Confalone, Fraser Advanced Information Systems.
Chelsey Bode, Pearson-Kelly Technology.
Moonsun Park, Sharp; Cecilia La Spisa and Maegan Lujan, Toshiba; and Deana Dearry, PaperCut.
The Cannata Report’s Sharon Esker led an informal discussion spotlighting the Women Influencers and asked them to speak about how they create a vision for themselves and their organizations, as well as how they cultivate clarity in order to maintain a focus on their vision. She also led attendees through an exercise to hone in on a challenge in their life and what is getting in the way of overcoming that challenge, as well as to highlight what motivates them, what brings them joy, and what they strongly believe in. The women used their responses to write down a personal commitment that they made to themselves that would support them moving forward.
Tawnya Stone, GreatAmerica; Sarah Custer, Brenda Shelton, and Emily Carapella, Distribution Management; Kim Louden,
GreatAmerica.
Ginamaria Cairone and Erica Calise, Sharp; Danielle Wolowitz, Shore Business Solutions; Emily Rodriguez, Ramona
Rodriguez and Jennifer Amatucci, Hytec.
Stacey Miller, GreatAmerica; Chelsey Bode, Pearson-Kelly Technology; Carol C. Cannata, The Cannata Report;
Josie Heskje, GreatAmerica; Jennifer Healy, Ricoh; and Dawna McCabe, Century Business Technologies.
“It was such an honor to celebrate all of the amazing women who are a part of this industry,” said Confalone. “As a woman who has spent her entire career in the office technology industry, I remember times when I was one of the only women in the room. It’s so rewarding and inspiring to be able to be part of this group of strong, trailblazing leaders.”
Each attendee received a black and gold gift box, designed by The Cannata Report’s Carol Cannata, with the quote: “Your influence is your power.”
Inside the box, was a mirror with a gold travel bag.
GreatAmerica also gifted each attendee a hot pink baseball cap emblazoned with the company’s star logo in honor of breast cancer awareness.
Each attendee received an exquisitely wrapped black and gold gift box, designed by The Cannata Report’s Carol Cannata, with the quote: Your influence is your power. Inside the box, was a mirror with a gold travel bag. On the mirror, Carol included a riff on a famous quote by the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “And you belong in all places where decisions are being made.” GreatAmerica also gifted each attendee a hot pink baseball cap emblazoned with the company’s star logo in honor of breast cancer awareness.
Lindsay Usherwood, Usherwood Business Technology; Lauren Hanna, Blue Technologies; Melissa Confalone, Fraser Advanced Information Systems; and Kate Kingston, Kingston Training Group.
Beth McKee, Static Control; Patricia Ames, BPO Media; Adrienne Bastinelli, Centric Business Systems; Michelle and
Elizabeth Ragusa, Applied Business Concepts; Whitney Lowe, Capital Business Machines; Leonie Forristal and Natalie
Cumberbatch, Kyocera.
Beth McKee, Static Control.
Tawnya Stone, GreatAmerica and Carol C. Cannata, The Cannata Report.
“The Cannata Women’s Brunch is something I look forward to every year,” said Danielle Wolowitz, executive vice president of Shore Business Solutions, who has attended numerous Women Influencers brunches. “It’s an opportunity for like-minded women to share their insights on work, life, and the balance of the two. Over the years the friendships that have been forged are amazing, and I just love that there is an opportunity for us to come together, leave the competition at the door, and just learn from each other. Truly invaluable. Thank you to the Cannatas for recognizing the need and creating this space for all of us.”
Above: Front row (kneeling): Tom McMahon, Milner; Carol C. Cannata; Anthony DelGrosso, Milner. Second row: Sarah Custer, Distribution Management; Sharon Tosto Esker; CJ Cannata; Frank G. Cannata; Josie Heskje, GreatAmerica; Whitney Lowe, Capital Business Machines; Elizabeth Ragusa and Michelle Ragusa, Applied Business Concepts; Emily Carapella, Distribution Management. Third row: Erica Calise, Sharp; Maegan Lujan, Toshiba; Danielle Wolowitz, Shore Business Solutions; Deana Dearry, PaperCut; Tawnya Stone, GreatAmerica; Kim Louden, GreatAmerica; Patricia Ames, BPO Media; Jennifer Healy, Ricoh; Jenna Miner, ConnectWise; Leonie Forristal, Kyocera; Adrienne Bastinelli, Centric Business Systems; Natalie Cumberbatch, Kyocera. Back row: Cecilia La Spisa, Toshiba; Jennifer Amatucci, Hytec; Brenda Shelton, Distribution Management; Ramona Rodriguez, Hytec; Kerstin Woods, Toshiba; Emily Rodriguez, Hytec; Beth McKee, Static Control; Stacey Miller, GreatAmerica; Kate Kingston, Kingston Training Group; Melissa Confalone, Fraser Advanced Information Systems; Dawna McCabe, Century Business Technologies; Chelsey Bode, Pearson-Kelly Technology; Lauren Hanna, Blue Technologies; Lindsay Usherwood, Usherwood Office Technology; Ginamarie Cairone, Sharp.
The Importance of Recognizing Women in the Industry
Kim Louden, vice president, sales, GreatAmerica Financial Services
“The Cannata Report’s Women Influencers franchise is a critical component to the continued evolution of our channel. It is a key way we can breakdown stereotypes and elevate the excellent work women are doing to evolve and inform our future. It was particularly meaningful that Milner sponsored the Women’s Brunch this year, as Tom McMahon was notably one of the first male executives to intentionally recognize the efforts of female leadership in our space.
Not only do programs like this highlight the diverse leadership demographics of our industry, but they provide an opportunity to shine a light on women in leadership roles; this visibility is so important as it will drive and inspire other young women to achieve greatness and make our industry stronger. It also shows how our industry is actively leveraging the full potential of talent so we can continue fostering a more inclusive culture and drive better business decisions overall. Women like Chelsey Bode, Melissa Confalone and Liz Sumner are so deserving of this 2023 honor. Each brings a diverse set of skills and imaginative perspectives to the office equipment space. They are fierce changemakers who are driving big innovations within our industry, and we are better for their contributions.”
Sarah Custer, vice president sales operations, Distribution Management
“It’s wonderful to reflect on the remarkable journey of the Women Influencers franchise over the last decade. The platform has shone a spotlight on so many talented individuals, providing a unique opportunity to delve into the stories of women making significant contributions in our industry. Many thanks to The Cannata Report for their foresight and understanding of the profound impact this initiative would have.
The annual Women Influencers Brunch is a powerful testament to the success of this endeavor. Stepping into a room filled with dynamic women leaders from various corners of our industry is an indescribable experience. It’s a gathering that leaves a lasting impression. In my twenty-two years in the industry, I’ve never been involved in anything quite like it.
Congratulations on reaching the ten-year milestone of celebrating Women Influencers. I think I speak for all of us when I say we’re looking forward to what the next ten years will bring.”
Anthony DelGrosso, regional vice president & GM, Milner
I am delighted to reflect on our recent sponsorship of the 8th Annual Women’s Influencers Brunch. This event, celebrating female leadership in technology, resonates with Milner’s commitment to diversity and empowerment. We take pride in the fact that over 40% of our managerial roles are held by women. This achievement reflects our belief in the transformative power of diverse leadership. One of the event’s many highlights was Tom McMahon, our President, sharing the inspirational story of his mother’s journey in tech, starting as a telemarketer, and working her way into leadership. His narrative highlighted the undeniable impact of female leadership.
Our decision to support this event was instant, driven by our commitment to gender diversity. We extend our gratitude to the Cannata’s for creating such an empowering platform.
A special congratulations to Chelsey Bode, Melissa Confalone, and Liz Sumner for being featured as this year’s leaders. Their recognition is well-deserved and reflects the essence of the event.
In closing, Milner’s involvement in the Women’s Influencers Brunch underscores our dedication to nurturing female talent in technology, contributing to a future enriched by diverse and dynamic leadership.”
