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Utica-Rome Professionals Under 40, Utica, NY (2026)

04/09/2026

Today's member spotlight is the innovative Joram Stephenson!

Joram Stephenson is an engineer and entrepreneur focused on delivering client satisfaction by building efficient and cost effective solutions.

Stephenson, originally from the Binghamton area, came to Central New York to study Cybersecurity and computer science at Utica University. Through his tenure as a student, he was greatly involved on campus, holding leadership positions in student government and various other organizations. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2020.

After interning in Booz Allen Hamilton’s Summer Games Program in 2019, he was hired as a software engineer. This provided him an opportunity to deepen his understanding of systems and infrastructure while working with skilled teams. Stephenson found a real knack for solving problems that were especially tricky or had been accepted by an organization as unavoidable. This lead to his promotion as a Technical Lead in 2023, where he leads a team of engineers in devsecops and infrastructure. Over the past three years they have added value to clients by focusing on simplification of systems for easier maintenance, greater efficiency and cost reduction.

In the summer of 2021, he co-founded UNRVLD Media with a fellow alumni Kalif Wallace. Originally, focused on fashion and clothing, the pair had put out two unique clothing collections by 2023. This experience, gave a strong exercise in building business and marketing solutions. Noticing their aptitude for this Stephenson proposed a pivot to a marketing solutions posture. At the time of writing, they have worked all over New York, providing event coverage, commercial advertising and digital marketing. Stephenson serves the executive force behind the business, setting the strategic direction and vision while mobilizing resources and relationships to achieve long term growth.

Stephenson strives to seize greater leadership opportunities lending his skill set in systems thinking to solve complex problems and create greater efficiency.

In his free time, he enjoys keeping his mind sharp and up to date with current technologies by doing various tech projects. To keep He also enjoys cooking and playing sports such as ultimate frisbee and pickleball.

Join us in congratulating Joram Stephenson on today's well deserved member spotlight and we encourage you to connect with him!

03/27/2026

Today’s Member Spotlight is on the ambitious and driven Edin Pejcinovic!

Born and raised in New York City, Edin eventually found his home in Utica, NY. Adjusting from the fast-paced energy of NYC to a quieter environment was not easy, and leaving behind friends and family made the transition even more challenging. However, as time went on, Edin came to appreciate Utica’s calm pace and the opportunity it gave him to build a new chapter from the ground up.

At just 22 years old, Edin has already accumulated more than four and a half years of banking experience with th Bank of Utica. He currently serves as a Deposit Operations Specialist while also supporting the IT department as a backup Data Processor, demonstrating versatility and a willingness to contribute across multiple areas of the organization.

After graduating from James Madison High School in Brooklyn, Edin continued his education at Mohawk Valley Community College, earning an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. He is now a junior at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with a minor in Business Management. As an inducted member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, he participates in monthly leadership speaker broadcasts to further strengthen his leadership skills in all endeavors.

Outside of academics and banking, Edin’s background reflects a deep commitment to discipline and personal growth. In 2017, he earned his First Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo after more than five years of training under the World Taekwondo Federation. He also spent eight years playing the clarinet, developing a love for music.

While Edin’s academic and professional interests center on finance, his personal passions include combat sports, music, and literature. Above all, he values connecting with people—learning their stories and building meaningful relationships along the way. Please feel free to connect and say hello.

Also please join us in congratulating Edin on today's well deserved member spotlight and we encourage you to connect with him!

03/20/2026

Today's member spotlight is marketing professional Patrick Mertz!

Pat is a growth marketing strategist, team builder, and performance marketer. He believes the most effective marketing organizations are built on curiosity, collaboration, and a shared drive to solve meaningful problems. Throughout his career, he has focused on building scalable marketing systems that empower both teams and entrepreneurial professionals to grow. Known for his collaborative style, Pat is passionate about developing strong team cultures and creating solutions that connect the right expertise with the people who need it most.

Pat began his academic journey at Keuka College before continuing his education at Elmira College, where he completed his graduate studies. His academic experience helped shape the analytical mindset and strategic thinking that would later define his approach to marketing and growth.

He started his professional career in the insurance industry, focusing on communications and marketing initiatives designed to better connect organizations with the people they serve. During this time, he developed a strong interest in the intersection of strategy, technology, and data—and the role thoughtful marketing systems can play in driving meaningful business outcomes.

In 2017, Pat moved into the mortgage industry, where he began specializing in performance marketing and lead generation. Over time, he grew into a leadership role, building and managing a team responsible for supporting hundreds of mortgage originators across the country. By combining strategic planning, systems development, and team leadership, he helped implement scalable marketing solutions that enabled loan officers to grow their businesses while connecting borrowers with trusted industry professionals.

Today, Pat serves as Growth Marketing Manager at Better Mortgage, where he continues to evolve enterprise performance marketing and lead generation strategies supporting a rapidly expanding distributed retail network. His work frequently involves partnering across marketing, sales, product, and operations teams to design integrated growth solutions that support company-wide objectives.

Having spent much of his career in financial services, Pat is particularly interested in how technology and data can simplify complex industries, create better consumer experiences, and help professionals build sustainable, growing businesses.

Outside of work, Pat enjoys spending time with his wife, Emily, their daughter Lakyn, and their two golden retrievers, Gill and River. A CNY native, he loves being part of a community known for its strong sense of connection and character. Much of their time together is spent exploring the area—visiting local parks and lakes, attending community events, and supporting the many local restaurants and small businesses that make the Utica–Rome area such a special place to call home.

Join us in congratulating Pat on today's well deserved member spotlight!

03/13/2026

We had a memorable networking event last night with over 20 attendees at the MVCC thINCubator!

It was a wonderful evening of connection, collaboration, and community building!

Event Hosts DeQuan Watson and Chris Beal did a fantastic job planning and leading the event!

Thank you to everyone who attended and a special thanks to our sponsors Jj Gould of Mohawk Valley Designs and Chelan Vanno of The Portal -Utica!

We look forward to our next networking event, which will likely be in early May!

03/13/2026

Attention Members! Community Event: Healthcare, Art, and Entrepreneurship Collide at the 2026 Nursing Shindig – Utica Edition

UTICA, NY — April 18, 2026 — Healthcare professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs will gather for a one-of-a-kind networking and cultural experience as the 2026 Nursing Shindig – Utica Edition | Art & Entrepreneur Exhibit takes place at Moment For Life 360 on Saturday, April 18 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Founded by nurse leader and healthcare consultant Shelby Englishe Williams, RN, the Nursing Shindig Series is a multi-state initiative designed to celebrate, support, and connect healthcare professionals while spotlighting innovation, entrepreneurship, and creative expression within the healthcare community.

Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and vendor information are available online.

2026 Nursing Shindig New York Edition | Art & Entrepreneur Exhibit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-nursing-shindig-new-york-edition-art-entrepreneur-exhibit-tickets-1823345699069?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile

03/12/2026

A sponsor and speaker of tonight's networking event is ChelanVanno!

Chelan Vanno is the founder of CP Innovations Group and The Portal - Utica, a creative and experiential leadership space located in Utica’s historic Bagg’s Square district.

With more than 20 years of experience leading complex strategic initiatives in the federal government, Chelan specializes in helping organizations and leaders navigate complexity, design better systems, and bring meaningful ideas to life. Her work bridges operational strategy with human-centered leadership practices that support clarity, resilience, and collaboration.

At The Portal, Chelan has created a unique space where business leaders, creatives, and community members gather for strategy sessions, workshops, leadership experiences, and restorative practices that help people think more clearly and work more effectively together.

Chelan is deeply invested in the Mohawk Valley region and actively collaborates with local organizations, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits to strengthen the area's innovation and leadership ecosystem.

She lives in Deerfield with her husband Phil and their family. Outside of her professional work, Chelan enjoys supporting her children in both athletics and academics, volunteering in her community, and exploring the region’s local markets and natural spaces. She and Phil also share a love of travel, dining out, and experiencing a wide variety of food, music, and cultural events together.

We thank them for sponsoring and look forward to her speaking tonight!

Buy tickets here:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/uticaromeprofessionalsunder40/2057209?fbclid=Iwb21leAQTGnxjbGNrBBMaeGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHtGqXbYcIDNJCXB27D3mJ5Z5kbcBLOTZlonPITn4Hg-z5WqkZCyEmvjvzJy4_aem__FrhhADg7D0oG0APuJrqlQ

03/12/2026

Today’s Member Spotlight is Community Leader, Mentor, and Youth Pastor De'Quan Watson!

DeQuan is a dedicated community leader whose life’s work centers on empowering youth, strengthening families, and building healthier communities across Central New York. With more than 16 years of mentoring at-risk young men, DeQuan has committed his time, leadership, and heart to ensuring that the next generation has the guidance, opportunities, and support needed to succeed.

Professionally, DeQuan currently serves as the Director of Prevention Innovation at the Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR), where he leads forward-thinking prevention initiatives designed to address substance use, strengthen protective factors, and connect individuals and families to vital support systems. In this role, he works closely with community partners, schools, and local organizations to design impactful programs and strategies that meet real community needs. A central focus of his work is bridging the gap between community members and the resources that can help them thrive.

DeQuan’s passion for service is deeply rooted in his own educational and leadership journey. He attended Utica College, where he studied Human Services, equipping him with the knowledge and foundation to serve individuals and families through advocacy, prevention, and mentorship. He is also a proud alumnus of the Young Scholars Liberty Partnership Program (YSLPP), a program dedicated to helping students realize their potential and pursue higher education. These experiences helped shape his lifelong commitment to investing in youth and opening doors for others.

Beyond his professional career, DeQuan serves faithfully as Elder and Youth Pastor, of the Greater Highway Deliverance Temple of Utica, where he mentors young people spiritually, emotionally, and socially. His ministry focuses on helping youth build resilience, develop strong character, and discover purpose in their lives. Through mentorship, leadership development, and faith-based guidance, he continues to uplift and empower young people to become leaders in their own communities.

DeQuan is also known throughout the region as a connector and community builder. Whether organizing community conversations, leading prevention initiatives, mentoring youth, or bringing professionals together for networking and collaboration, he consistently works to strengthen the social fabric of the community. His leadership philosophy centers on compassion, integrity, and the belief that when people come together with a shared purpose, transformative change can happen.

At the heart of everything DeQuan does is a deep commitment to service. He believes that leadership is not simply about position, but about impact, relationships, and creating pathways for others to succeed.

Please join us in celebrating DeQuan for this well-deserved member spotlight and for the meaningful work he continues to do in our community. If you have the opportunity, be sure to connect with him and learn more about his passion for mentorship, prevention, and community empowerment.

DeQuan is also host of tonight's networking event!

Buy tickets here:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/uticaromeprofessionalsunder40/2057209?fbclid=Iwb21leAQTGnxjbGNrBBMaeGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHtGqXbYcIDNJCXB27D3mJ5Z5kbcBLOTZlonPITn4Hg-z5WqkZCyEmvjvzJy4_aem__FrhhADg7D0oG0APuJrqlQ

03/11/2026

Today's member spotlight is operations expert Matthew Rainbow!

Matthew Rainbow is an operations leader with more than 11 years of experience in eCommerce and consumer products, specializing in building strong operational foundations that support growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Throughout his career, he has developed a reputation for strengthening partnerships with manufacturers, vendors, and third-party logistics providers while helping organizations streamline processes and scale efficiently.

In his most recent role as Senior Operations Manager, Matthew oversaw customer service operations, managed 3PL partnerships across North America, and played a key role in launching new golf and fitness products. He also led major operational initiatives including the onboarding and implementation of a company-wide ERP system as well as the development of company-wide procedures designed to improve efficiency and collaboration. Earlier in his career, he led high-performing teams in customer service and partner support while successfully launching more than 50 consumer products and contributing to significant retail growth through partnerships with major national retailers.

Matthew began building his leadership foundation in Central New York. He grew up in Syracuse and attended Christian Brothers Academy, graduating in 2006. He later attended St. John Fisher University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications along with a specialized degree in Leadership, graduating in 2010.

At the core of Matthew’s professional and personal philosophy is a passion for relationships. He believes that building trust and working toward shared goals (whether within organizations, partnerships, or communities) is the foundation of meaningful and lasting success. He strives to bring people together, create positive momentum, and contribute to environments where individuals and teams can thrive.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family and supporting his children as they compete in soccer and hockey throughout the Rome and Utica area. He is an avid bass and walleye fisherman, enjoys golfing at his home course of Skenandoa, and regularly trains for local powerlifting competitions.

Join us in congratulating Matthew on today's well deserved member spotlight and we encourage you to connect with him!

03/10/2026

Today’s member spotlight and a sponsor of this weeks networking event is JJ Gould of Mohawk Valley Designs!

JJ Gould is an entrepreneur and business owner based in Central New York with a strong background in finance, operations, and small-business development. He graduated from Binghamton University in 2009 with a degree in Finance, launching a career focused on building and scaling businesses across multiple industries.

In 2010, at just 23 years old, Gould founded his first company, ShipRite Software, a shipping and logistics software business designed to help companies streamline shipping operations and reduce costs. While running ShipRite, he continued his education and earned a Master’s degree in Health Services Management from SUNY Polytechnic Institute in 2013, demonstrating a commitment to both entrepreneurship and academic advancement.

Gould expanded his entrepreneurial pursuits in 2012 when he acquired Tolpas Dairy, a dairy delivery business that generated strong cash flow and served the Central New York region. After successfully operating and growing the business, he sold Tolpas Dairy in 2014, completing a profitable exit.

Also in November 2012, Gould founded Mohawk Valley Designs and Apparel, a custom apparel and branding company specializing in screen printing, embroidery, direct-to-film printing, and signage. What began as a small startup has grown rapidly into an expanding regional business. Today, Mohawk Valley Designs employs six team members and continues to experience strong growth while serving businesses, organizations, and communities throughout the Mohawk Valley.

Throughout his career, Gould has built a reputation for identifying opportunities, developing efficient operations, and scaling businesses through strong financial management and strategic growth.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Gould is a dedicated family man. He lives in Central New York with his wife and their two children, balancing entrepreneurship with family life and community involvement.

Through his ventures and leadership, Gould continues to focus on building sustainable businesses that support local economies and create long-term opportunities in the Mohawk Valley region.

Join us in congratulating JJ Gould on today's well deserved member spotlight and we encourage you to connect with him!

We also thank Mohawk Valley Designs for sponsoring this weeks networking event!

But tickets here:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/uticaromeprofessionalsunder40/2057209?fbclid=Iwb21leAQTGnxjbGNrBBMaeGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHtGqXbYcIDNJCXB27D3mJ5Z5kbcBLOTZlonPITn4Hg-z5WqkZCyEmvjvzJy4_aem__FrhhADg7D0oG0APuJrqlQ

Hope to see you there!

Facebook Event Link here:
https://facebook.com/events/s/utica-under-40-march-networkin/766082649872405/

03/09/2026

🚀 Utica-Rome Professionals Under 40 Networking Event this Thursday!

Join us for an evening of connection, collaboration, and community building at one of the Mohawk Valley’s most innovative spaces — The Thinkcubator.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, young professional, creative, or emerging leader, this event is designed to bring together driven individuals under 40 who are shaping the future of the Utica-Rome region. Expand your network, share ideas, and build meaningful relationships with peers across industries.

📅 Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026

⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Location: The Thinkcubator

$ Cost: $15

Enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where you can: ✨ Meet and connect with local professionals

✨ Exchange ideas and opportunities

✨ Build relationships that strengthen our regional workforce and community

✨ Learn more about local initiatives supporting young professionals

Light refreshments will be available.

Event Hosts are DeQuan Watson and Chris Beal!

Bring business cards, bring a colleague, and bring your energy as we continue building a strong, vibrant professional network in the Utica-Rome area!

But tickets here:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/uticaromeprofessionalsunder40/2057209?fbclid=Iwb21leAQTGnxjbGNrBBMaeGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHtGqXbYcIDNJCXB27D3mJ5Z5kbcBLOTZlonPITn4Hg-z5WqkZCyEmvjvzJy4_aem__FrhhADg7D0oG0APuJrqlQ

Hope to see you there!

Facebook Event Link here:
https://facebook.com/events/s/utica-under-40-march-networkin/766082649872405/

03/04/2026

Today's member spotlight is the energized Monica Kelly!

Monica is a a passionate storyteller
who brings creativity, compassion, and community spirit to all that she does!

Monica is a proud graduate of Suny Oneonta College where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies – driven by her interest in connections, creativity, and interpersonal understanding. She deepened her experience by serving as a Teaching Assistant in the Communications Department and interning with the campus Teaching, Learning, and Technology Center. She also spent all four years performing with an on-campus acapella group; serving two of those years as Public Relations Representative – managing relationships, publicizing events, and overseeing social media.

After graduation, Monica began working as a server and bartender – a role that strengthened her ability to connect, thrive in fast-paced environments, and adapt to a range of communication styles while she searched for her full-time career path.

Monica joined AmeriCU Credit Union in May 2021 as a Marketing Assistant, supporting all areas of the marketing team and expanding her knowledge with a focus on social media. In 2022, Monica was promoted to Social Media Specialist, where she continues to manage AmeriCU’s social platforms, curate content, and elevate brand awareness across multiple digital channels. As of this February, she has expanded her impact with the addition of Public Relations to her title and scope of work – supporting media relations, strategy, and overall visibility. Monica has always loved supporting her local communities and meeting new people through AmeriCU’s volunteerism and community outreach!

In addition to her marketing role, Monica leads AmeriCU’s Social Club Committee – a team designated to boosting morale and fostering a sense of belonging by coordinating employee events, team-building activities, celebrations, and recognition efforts across the organization.

Monica prides herself on being a true “people person” who leads with empathy – someone who thrives most when she’s connecting, collaborating, and building relationships. She’s excited to continue growing in her career and evolving into the best version of herself along the way!

Outside of work, Monica enjoys singing and has proudly performed the National Anthem at events such as the Utica Boilermaker, Utica Comets games, SUNY Oneonta sporting events, and more! She also loves crafting personalized gifts, spending quality time with friends and family, and soaking up summer days on Sacandaga Lake!

Join us in congratulating Monica on today's well deserved member spotlight and we encourage you to connect with her!

Utica-Rome Professionals Under 40

04/09/2026

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03/20/2026

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03/13/2026

03/12/2026

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03/11/2026

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03/04/2026

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