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The Rev Passenger to Pilot program aims to create a supportive network of entrepreneurial women around Ithaca, NY through mentorship, regular meetings, and workshops. The graduation event for the first class of women was held at Coltivare in mid-May 2016.
The event started with a keynote from Mary Opperman, the Vice President of Human Resources at Cornell University, followed by a speech from Robert Case, the Vice President of Business Development at Passenger to Pilot’s sponsor, M&T Bank. In addition to sponsorship, the Small Business Administration awarded Passenger to Pilot $50,000 last year, recognizing its potential to create a motivating and successful network of women founders.
After the guest speakers, many of the graduating women stood onstage to thank Ariana Blossom, the program’s leader, as well as their mentors and peers. The women proudly reported their best financial years yet, growth in their companies, and a new confidence going forward. They all want to continue with the program’s structure even though their official participation is now over.
The 2016 Passenger to Pilot graduates are:
Shirley Brown, Inspired Futures Coaching
Erica Marx, Listening Life
Chelsey Kingsley, Kingsley Quality Woodworking
Elisa Miller-Out, Singlebrook
Emily Russell, The Frame Shop
Amy Zarbock, Ithaca To Go
Tal Cohen, Ba-Li Cravings
Yvette Lucente Burggren & Charisse Lucente Koba, Miel Beauty Bar
Megan Pugh, Think Topography
Caroline Rasmussen, Agricultural Modeling and Training Systems
Kelly White, Illume Projects
The next class of Passenger to Pilot will be starting this summer. Stay tuned for updates on the Rev: Ithaca Startup Works blog!