Networking Event at Innovation Square Supports Women in Family Business

This spring, the Family Business Program at St. John Fisher University will host a networking event for women in family firms.

The Women in Family Business event will run from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, at Innovation Square (100-140 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14604). Women from family firms are invited to meet, network, share, and learn from each other. Food will be provided by Fisher alumna Nicole Heroux Williams ’06 of Simply Crepes.

“Fisher’s Women in Family Business committee is gaining momentum as it becomes clear that women enjoy being with each other and learning about peers’ experiences, dreams, successes, and challenges,” said Dr. Carol Wittmeyer, director of the Family Business Program and visiting associate professor in the School of Business at Fisher. “We are delighted that Lauren Gallina Payne is hosting our spring networking event at her family’s extraordinary Innovation Square property.” 

Gallina Payne is a third-generation member of her family business, Gallina Development Corporation, where she serves as marketing director. During the event, she will share her family business journey and provide a (condensed) tour of her family’s new property, Innovation Square. Music will be provided by Eastman School of Music students who are also Innovation Square residents.

“I am thrilled to host this networking event and look forward to sharing my story with many like-minded women who share the journey of working in a family firm,” Gallina Payne said.

Gallina Payne is co-chair of the event alongside Holly Rund, a fourth-generation member of Kittelberger Florist & Gifts. Rund is a longtime regional family business advocate, serving on Fisher’s Family Business Steering and Women in Family Business committees.

Online registration is now open through Friday, May 10 (also the last day for refunds). For more information, email Dr. Carol Wittmeyer at cwittmeyer@sjf.edu.