Greater Rochester Chamber

Inclusive Leadership Award

Celebrating Leadership That Creates Cultures of Belonging and Success

Greater Rochester thrives when organizations create cultures where people from diverse backgrounds collaborate to deliver standout solutions, services, and products. When employees feel seen, heard, and valued, organizations unlock innovation, enhance performance, and build stronger connections that help our region flourish.

At Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, we strive to model inclusion within our own organization while championing this movement region-wide. Inclusive workplaces foster respect, collaboration, and opportunity, driving success, economic growth, and a better quality of life for all. By honoring organizations who excel in this work, we celebrate their leadership and inspire others to follow.

The Inclusive Leadership Award honors organizations that create meaningful, lasting changes in workplace culture, places where employees feel seen, heard, and valued. These organizations lead with purpose, setting the standard for inclusive leadership that positively impacts both their workplaces and the Greater Rochester community.

Who Should Apply?

This award is open to organizations that:

Foster a collaborative culture where all employees feel valued and supported.
Promote employee well-being, growth, and engagement across teams.
Build inclusive practices that invite diverse perspectives into decision-making.
Lead initiatives that promote connection and success across departments.
Demonstrate a positive, lasting impact on their communities.

Any internal representative with a strong understanding of their organization’s culture and practices can apply. A strong application highlights specific practices and initiatives that demonstrate workplace commitment, empower employees, show meaningful leadership actions, and create impact in the community.

Award Criteria

Workplace Commitment
Organizations that build an inclusive culture by:

Supporting fair hiring, retention, and advancement.
Encouraging dialogue and collaboration across diverse perspectives.
Creating an environment where every voice is respected.

Excellence in Empowering Employees
Organizations that empower employees through:

Mentorship, training, and development opportunities.
Initiatives that encourage innovation and collaboration.
Intentional efforts to ensure all employees feel supported and connected.

Leadership in Driving Meaningful Change
Organizations where leaders:

Model inclusive behaviors and hold themselves accountable.
Allocate resources to strengthen workplace culture.
Invite diverse perspectives into decision-making processes.

Community Impact
Organizations that extend inclusivity beyond the workplace by:

Partnering with and supporting community programs.
Encouraging employees to engage in community-building efforts.
Demonstrating a positive impact through outreach and initiatives.

The Inclusive Leadership Award celebrates organizations and their leadership teams that set the standard for workplace cultures where employees feel seen, heard, and valued. By sharing their stories, we aim to inspire others to create workplaces where people and communities thrive together.

Heritage Christian Services's Marisa Geitner Receives
2025 Greater Rochester Chamber Inclusive Leadership Award

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce presented Marisa Geitner, President & CEO of Heritage Christian Services,
with its 2025 Inclusive Leadership Award at a ceremony on Wednesday, August 27.

Thank You to our Sponsors

View the Full Release

2025 Event Publication

Past Recipients

Dr. Keith Jenkins, inaugural recipient

Sady Alvarado-Fischer, 2023 recipient

Dr. Candice A. Lucas, 2024 recipient

Marisa Geitner, 2025 recipient

For questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions or contact Events Director,
Susan George at Susan.George@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Please note that there is no official merchandise for the Inclusive Leadership Award. Any third-party solicitations claiming to offer such merchandise are unauthorized and not endorsed by us. Please contact Susan.George@GreaterRochesterChamber.com to alert us, and for more information.