Cultivate with Alex Canavan

In this episode of Cultivate CNY , we’re excited to welcome Katie Hanlon to the show! As Chief Community Officer at the United Way of Central New York, Katie plays a vital role in shaping how one of the region’s most impactful organizations supports nonprofits, activates volunteers, and meets the evolving needs of our community. With a deep-rooted commitment to service and collaboration, Katie lea...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we couldn't be more excited to welcome Tim Dougherty to the pod! As the visionary leader behind Project Lean Nation, Tim has built more than just the fastest growing meal prep service in the country—he's created a movement that transforms lives through nutrition, community, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. His approach goes far beyond delivering meals;...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY , we’re excited to welcome Katie Mahaffey to the show! As the Front of House Client Relations Manager at Aqua Spa Float Center, Katie is often the first person guests see—and she makes every interaction count. With a background in public relations and a passion for wellness, Katie brings warmth, clarity, and connection to both client experiences and brand messaging...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY , we’re excited to welcome Susan Crossett to the show! Susan is a bold force for transformation in Central New York—whether she’s leading organizational change, elevating community partnerships, or helping businesses evolve with purpose. As the Owner and CEO of Sapphire Recruitment, Susan recently rebranded the longtime firm CPS Recruitment and is now spearheading...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we couldn't be more excited to welcome Coach Jack to her first ever podcast! Felisha Legette-Jack is leading a new era of Syracuse Women's Basketball—one defined by grit, heart, and history-making wins. In just two seasons at the helm, she's transformed the Orange from the bottom of the ACC to a national contender, earning back-to-back 20-win seasons, a trip to th...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY , we’re excited to welcome Holly Conti to the show! As managing partner of Full Swing Public Relations, Holly is helping reshape the media landscape—one mission-led story at a time. With a background in journalism and a drive to create meaningful impact, she co-founded Full Swing with a bold vision: to help purpose-driven brands turn visibility into influence. In j...

In this second SOLO episode of Cultivate CNY we're excited to welcome our fearless host, as well as Founder and CEO of the CNYWN, Alex Canavan. From her early days as a professional makeup artist to launching a fast-growing community for women in Central New York, Alex’s journey is all about building what didn’t yet exist. In 2023, she founded the CNY Women’s Network with a mission to connect,...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we’re excited to welcome Patrick Griffin to the show! Patrick brings a rare blend of financial insight, negotiation mastery, and entrepreneurial vision to everything he does. As a Partner at NegotiationTraining.com by TableForce, he teaches leaders how to approach negotiation with confidence and clarity—backed by data, experience, and practical tools. He’s also th...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we’re excited to welcome Dr. Amy St. Croix to the show! With a career that spans the classroom, school leadership, and executive strategy, Dr. Amy St. Croix brings a rare blend of instructional depth and systems thinking to the world of education. From teaching high school English to directing curriculum and special education at the district level, Amy has dedicat...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY , we’re excited to welcome Dr. Rebecca Alexander Carey to the show! As a physical therapist with a specialty in pelvic rehabilitation and a deep background in orthopaedics, Dr. Rebecca brings a holistic, patient-first approach to healing. Her work is grounded in advanced training in biomechanics and pain science, and uniquely shaped by more than a decade of teachin...

Welcome back to Cultivate CNY, in today’s episode, we couldn't be more excited to welcome Kate Houck to the podcast! For nearly a decade, Kate Houck has been the heart and driving force behind David’s Refuge—a Central and Western New York organization dedicated to supporting parents and guardians of children with special needs or life-threatening illnesses. Under her leadership since 2015, David’s...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we're excited to welcome Yarden Carroll to the podcast! Yarden is the founder of Crowned Creative, where she believes resilience and creativity aren’t just nice-to-haves—they're the driving forces that transform businesses and lives. Growing up with humble beginnings, raised by a single mother of four, and deeply inspired by her dad’s creative dreams and her mom’s...

In this special SOLO episode of Cultivate CNY we're excited to welcome our fearless host, as well as Founder and CEO of the CNYWN, Alex Canavan. Alex Canavan is a former makeup artist turned founder and CEO of the Central New York Women’s Network. As a young woman with an entrepreneurial spirit, Alex recognized a lack of opportunities in Syracuse for women to gain visibility and build connecti...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY , we’re excited to welcome Jessica Montgomery and Tommy Lincoln of Stay Fresh to the show! For over a decade, Tommy has been the creative engine behind Stay Fresh—a bold and vibrant Syracuse-based agency that blends photography, branding, web design, and public art into unforgettable visual experiences. From massive murals that transform city blocks to brand identi...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY , we’re excited to welcome Megan Thomas to the show! As an attorney, educator, and passionate community advocate, Megan has built a career rooted in leadership and service. A proud graduate of Syracuse University’s College of Law and the Maxwell School of Citizenship, she brings a deep commitment to justice and mentorship—whether she’s in the courtroom, the classro...

In today’s episode, we couldn't be more excited to welcome Michael Sgro to Cultivate CNY! Michael has built a career dedicated to unlocking human potential and empowering professionals to thrive. As an educator, minister, coach, and recruiter of superheroes, he helps individuals elevate their leadership skills, career readiness, and emotional intelligence—all through the power of connection and “p...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we’re thrilled to welcome Kate Flannery to the show! Kate has dedicated her career to serving the Central New York community in impactful ways. As the executive director at Syracuse University’s Office of Community Engagement Planning, she plays a key role in fostering connections between the university and the region. Her passion for service is also evident in he...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we're excited to welcome Tammy Wilkinson to the show! As the owner of Aqua Spa and a dedicated Float Ambassador, Tammy believes personal wellness should be a part of everyone’s journey—and she’s made it her mission to share the bliss of floating with the world. Alongside her life partner, Terry LeRoi, Tammy oversees the daily operations, growth, and vision of Aqua...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we're excited to be joined by Alex DeRosa and Matt Reed, the creators of Spatchcock Funk, a show that blends food, drinks, and storytelling! What started as a YouTube series has exploded into something bigger—Spatchcock Funk now airs on TV stations in Syracuse, Rochester, and even PBS stations across the country. Named after the technique of spatchcocking a chicke...

In this special LIVE episode of Cultivate CNY we're excited to welcome our fearless host, as well as Founder and CEO of the CNYWN, Alex Canavan to the podcast! Alex Canavan is a former makeup artist turned founder and CEO of the Central New York Women’s Network. As a young woman with an entrepreneurial spirit, Alex recognized a lack of opportunities in Syracuse for women to gain visibility and bui...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we’re excited to be joined by Kristy Mandour, the creator of Sow to Speak and a seasoned communication and public speaking coach. With a unique specialization in emotional intelligence and actionable mental wellness, Kristy is on a mission to rehumanize the workforce. Her deep understanding of human behavior isn’t just a skill—it’s a lifelong pursuit. With decades...

In today’s episode, we’re honored to welcome Melanie Littlejohn—a visionary leader, dedicated changemaker, and President and CEO of the Central New York Community Foundation. With a career spanning nearly three decades at National Grid, Melanie has been at the forefront of customer and community engagement, championing initiatives in economic development, social equity, and corporate responsibilit...

I am really excited for you guys to hear from Lauren Ippoliti! Lauren Ippoliti is an Advanced Certified Imago Therapist, EMDR specialist, and relationship expert who has dedicated her career to helping people heal, grow, and build thriving connections. Her journey into this work was deeply personal—after facing her own relationship challenges, she became committed to understanding what makes relat...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we’re thrilled to be joined by Arel Moodie, a dynamic professional speaker, bestselling author, entrepreneur, devoted father, and husband. With an incredible career that has taken him across 48 states and five countries, Arel has spoken to over 750,000 people, inspiring audiences with his journey and insights. Beyond the stage, he has played a key role in building...

In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we're thrilled to be joined by Danielle Mercuri, a dynamic restaurateur, creative entrepreneur and dedicated community leader. Danielle’s journey over the past year has been one of immense challenges and inspiring resilience. From her success in the restaurant industry to navigating the closure of multiple establishments, she has faced personal and professiona...