Video of the event, May 3, 2025 at Terry Hills in Batavia, NY
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The YWCA held their 2025 Women of Inspiration Awards Luncheon on Saturday afternoon at Terry Hills in Batavia. This year’s event honored women in five categories who have made remarkable contributions to their community in the areas of education, leadership, inspiration, team commitment and entrepreneurship.
HONOREES INCLUDE:
Education: Lucy Sackett
Lucy Sackett’s dedication to the Batavia Community spans over 50 years, particularly in physical education and water safety. As a passionate swimming instructor, Lucy taught children essential water safety skills, empowering countless young people, especially young women. Despite personal hardship, Lucy has continued her community involvement, now supporting Crossroads House, a local comfort care facility. Her lifelong commitment to education and the empowerment of women makes her a deserving recipient of the Education Award. Lucy was nominated by Elaine Gurrant.
Leadership: Karyn Winters
Nominator – Anita Strollo
Choosing just one category for Karyn Winters’ Women of Inspiration Award was nearly impossible—because she embodies them all: Leader, Educator, and Inspiration. As Director of the Genesee County Business Education Alliance (BEA), Karyn has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between education and workforce development. Her passion and energy are unmatched, and her leadership has left a lasting mark on countless students and professionals throughout our region.
Before taking on the BEA directorship, Karyn worked with Junior Achievement in Rochester, where she helped students build critical soft skills to prepare them for the real world. Since stepping into her role at the BEA, she’s spearheaded events like the GLOW With Your Hands Manufacturing and Healthcare Days and organized countless summer camps—all while bringing her signature spirit and organizational superpowers to everything she touches.
Karyn’s leadership goes far beyond job titles. She inspires with humility, uplifts with kindness, and never seeks the spotlight—often pushing others forward for recognition instead. After a personal loss, she showed up for her team and community with grace, strength, and unwavering commitment, embodying everything the YWCA stands for: empowering women, promoting dignity, and leading with compassion.
Whether she’s encouraging students, mentoring colleagues, or simply offering a hug and a kind word, Karyn’s presence leaves you believing in yourself just a little more. She is, without a doubt, a true Woman of Inspiration—and we’re honored to celebrate her
Inspiration: Mary Kate Hoffman
Women of Inspiration Winner Spotlight
Meet Marykate Hoffman
As Superintendent of Pavilion Central School District, Marykate Hoffman is a trailblazer in education, shattering glass ceilings and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Her unwavering commitment to student success—especially for young women—has created new pathways in traditionally male-dominated fields. Through innovative programs like Pavilion’s food processing initiative, Kate equips students with the skills to succeed both personally and professionally, while also bolstering the local economy.
“Kate Hoffman is the epitome of leadership and resilience, serving as a beacon of inspiration for women and girls in our community,” says nominator Gretchen Rosales, Superintendent of Elba Central Schools.
“She has shattered stereotypes and inspired countless young women to believe in their own potential. Kate exemplifies determination, intelligence, and compassion, and she consistently goes above and beyond to mentor young women in education. Her leadership fosters an inclusive environment where girls are encouraged to pursue leadership roles, especially in fields historically closed to them. Through her work, she is showing the world that women can lead with confidence—and pave the way for others to follow.”
Contributions to the Community
Kate’s influence extends well beyond the classroom. As Chairwoman of the Genesee Valley Chief School Officers’ Association Committee on Legislative Advocacy, she fights for the voices of rural schools to be heard at the state level. Her advocacy reflects a deep belief in equity, no matter where a student lives or their economic background. Her visionary leadership continues to strengthen not just Pavilion, but the entire region.
Congratulations, Marykate! Your passion, advocacy, and leadership are changing lives—and inspiring countless others to rise and lead.
TEAM – Leadership Genesee Book Club (Stacey Anderson, Samantha Stryker, Sue Blanchard, Michelle Dills, Chris Fix, Diana Fox, Brenda Lee Heinemann, Laurie Mastin, Rebecca McGee, Donna Morrill, Lisa Ormsbee, Betty Powers, Barb Shine and Lynn VanDerBeck)
Women of Inspiration Winner Spotlight
Leadership Genesee Book Club: TEAM Award
Formed in 2012, the Leadership Genesee Book Club has grown into much more than a gathering of readers—it has become a sisterhood rooted in community, friendship, and family. Together, these remarkable women have navigated life’s many highs and lows, supporting each other through births, deaths, and everything in between.
Each member serves as a powerful role model for women and girls, demonstrating resilience, perseverance, and leadership. They are dedicated volunteers, serving on a wide array of community boards, including the Business Education Alliance, Rochester Regional Health/UMMC, Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, GO ART!, the Muriel Marshall Foundation, the St. Jerome Foundation, and Head Start, among others.
Graduates of Leadership Genesee and active community leaders, including four proud Rotarians, these women work collaboratively to create lasting, positive impacts in Batavia and beyond. Their collective spirit of service, mentorship, and leadership truly inspires future generations of women leaders, making them deserving recipients of the TEAM Award.
Members of the Leadership Genesee Book Club include:
Stacey Anderson – Retired RN, Genesee County Health Department; Retired Corfu Public Librarian
Samantha Stryker – Assistant Director, Richmond Memorial Library
Sue Blanchard – Retired CEO, Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union
Michelle Dills – Real Estate Broker, Howard Hanna
Chris Fix – Retired Director, UMMC Foundation
Diana Fox – Retired Director, Office for the Aging
Brenda Lee Heinemann – Supervisor, Liberty Pumps
Laurie Mastin – Retired Industrial/Municipal Account Manager, National Grid
Rebecca McGee – Human Resources Team Lead, Tompkins Insurance
Donna Morrill – Retired Human Resources, P.W. Minor
Lisa Ormsbee – Vice President, Applied Business Systems
Betty Powers – Retired, Liberty Pumps; Established Career Development and Occupational System, BOCES
Barb Shine – Retired Assistant Professor, Genesee Community College; Former Director of Workforce Development
Lynn VanDerBeck – Retired Human Resources, Caldwell Manufacturing
Their unity, dedication, and impact are a true testament to the power of women working together for the greater good. Congratulations to the Leadership Genesee Book Club!
Women of Inspiration Winner Spotlight!
Meet Dr. Emily Fraser-Branche Entrepreneur Award
Dr. Emily Fraser-Branche is a board-certified pediatrician and founder of Three Little Birds Pediatrics. Her leadership in healthcare and her entrepreneurial spirit have made her a vital force in her community. Her dedication to providing high-quality, culturally sensitive care has helped countless women and children. Additionally, her support of the YWCA has ensured the continuation of vital services for the community, cementing her as a powerful advocate for women and families.
Entrepreneur: Dr. Emily Fraser-Branche/provided photo
The event also featured Keynote Speaker Linda Dynel, a survivor whose story of resilience was an inspiration to all in attendance. She is the author of the memoir “Leaving Dorian”, which was published in 2014.
Recipients pictured from left-Mary Kate Hoffman, Lucy Sackett, Lauri Mastin with three members of the Leadership Genesee Book Club, and Karyn Winters.
Makayla Balonek, a Senior at Batavia High School, received the Frances G. Francis Scholarship. Makayla is a kind, hardworking, intelligent, creative person who is dedicated to her academic and personal growth. She will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology to study Computer Engineering Technology.
Presented by Jackie Wheeler, Crisis Counselor at the YWCA.
Jake Rychlick, Youth Ministry at Northgate Methodist Church, provided the Invocation