Speakers
Maisha Beard-Johnson
Coordinator of Business Asset Development, Mayor's Office of Financial Empowerment
Maisha Beard is a transformational speaker who teaches entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals how to speak with clarity, confidence, and presence. A former speechwriter in the Mayor’s Bureau of Communications and currently the Coordinator of Business Asset Development and Kiva Capital Access Manager within the Mayor’s Office of Financial Empowerment, she works closely with entrepreneurs navigating moments where their voice, message, and first impression truly matter.
With a master’s degree in English and Creative Writing, Maisha brings both language mastery and lived leadership experience to her work. Through The Maisha Experience, her speaking and storytelling platform, she supports audiences in releasing over-explaining, introducing themselves with intention, and communicating in ways that are clear, concise, and effective.
She is the creator of The Clarity Shift, a signature teaching experience designed to help people say what matters, say it clean, and allow their words to land with impact. Her work centers clarity, connection, and confidence, helping people show up, speak up, and be understood.
A two time Emcee for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, an Ambassador for Voices of Black Women with the American Cancer Society, and an Inaugural Woman of Impact and Inclusion Honoree with the Rochester Business Journal, Maisha’s voice moves rooms and builds trust, one clear conversation at a time.
Amit Chitre
Founder, R3 Communications
Amit Chitre is the founder of R3 Communications, where he helps leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact—especially in moments that matter most. With more than 30 years of experience across journalism, public relations, and executive leadership, Amit has seen firsthand how the right words can build trust, influence decisions, and accelerate careers.
He began his career as a television news reporter before moving into senior communications roles at an award-winning PR agency and a national nonprofit, where he led high-profile initiatives at both the regional and national levels. Today, Amit partners with individuals and organizations on crisis communications, media training, public relations, and internal communications—coaching them to navigate tough conversations, speak up with confidence, and lead in any room.
Amit is also the Amazon best-selling author of The Other Playbook: Brand Lessons Every Student-Athlete Needs (But No One Teaches), where he helps individuals build authentic personal brands for success in sports, school, and life.
His mission is simple: help professionals find their voice—and use it to make an impact.
Herb Escher
CEO, Dale Carnegie of Upstate NY
With a career spanning over two decades in leadership development and corporate training, Herb Escher is renowned for his unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential. As the CEO of Dale Carnegie of Upstate NY, and the Greater Boston Region, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Long Island, he has catalyzed transformative change in the business landscape.
Herb's journey into the realm of professional development began with a passion for understanding human behavior and psychology. He embarked on a mission to leverage his knowledge to drive meaningful change in the corporate world.
Herb has held various executive positions throughout his career, each contributing to his holistic understanding of organizational dynamics and leadership principles. His relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the field of leadership development.
Under Herb's visionary leadership, Dale Carnegie of Upstate NY, and the Greater Boston Region, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Long Island, have experienced unprecedented growth and success. His strategic insights and ability to adapt to evolving market trends have positioned the organization as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and foster a culture of excellence.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Herb is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He actively volunteers his time and expertise to mentor aspiring leaders and support initiatives to empower underprivileged individuals.
Herb Escher's dedication to inspiring positive change and driving organizational success is a testament to his unwavering passion for leadership development and his firm belief in every individual's potential to make a difference.
Stephanie Johnson
Founder, HR With Purpose
Stephanie Johnson is a dynamic leader, workforce development professional, and entrepreneur committed to helping people and organizations grow with purpose. With experience spanning healthcare administration, recruitment, workforce strategy, and business leadership, Stephanie has built a reputation for leading with both excellence and authenticity.
Professionally, she supports executive leadership, clinical operations, research, and workforce initiatives within one of the region’s leading cancer centers while also expanding her work in human resources and talent development. As the founder of HR With Purpose, Stephanie advocates for people-centered leadership and practical HR solutions that help small businesses create stronger workplace cultures.
Known for her ability to connect strategy with real-life impact, Stephanie speaks openly about leadership, confidence, career growth, and the realities of balancing ambition, family, and personal evolution. Her message resonates deeply with emerging women leaders because it is grounded in lived experience, resilience, and intentional growth rather than perfection.
Whether mentoring professionals, building businesses, or creating spaces where women feel empowered to lead boldly, Stephanie’s mission remains the same: helping others step fully into the next version of themselves with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Dr. Joseph Stefko
President/CEO, OneROC
Dr. Joseph Stefko is President/CEO of OneROC, Greater Rochester's regional economic alliance. In OneROC's first seven years, its $35M+ capacity-building plan has contributed to improvements in the region's peer rank on a host of key metrics including job growth and regional GDP expansion. OneROC also played a lead role in securing federal Tech Hub designation and a first-in-the-nation implementation award for the NY SMART I-Corridor, the nation's only full semiconductor value-chain tech hub, for which Dr. Stefko serves as Regional Innovation Officer.
He previously served as President/CEO of Rochester-based CGR. Prior to being named CEO, he was VP and Director of Public Finance, managing engagements on government fiscal management and restructuring, community competitiveness and economic analysis.
From 2003-08, he was Principal Analyst, Deputy Director and Acting Executive Director for the emergency fiscal control board appointed by New York State to monitor the finances of the City of Buffalo and Buffalo Public Schools. During his tenure the board's guidance contributed to more than $230 million in savings, a quadrupling of reserves, and five credit rating upgrades.
He was appointed by Governor Hochul in 2026 to serve on the University at Buffalo Council. Additionally, he serves on the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Genesee Valley Club's Board of Governors, the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation Board of Directors, and as Immediate Past President of the University at Buffalo Alumni Association Board of Directors. He is the former Chair of the Partnership for Downtown Rochester.
He is a two-time "40 Under Forty" award winner: in 2005 from Buffalo Business First and 2014 from Rochester Business Journal. In 2016 he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University at Buffalo Alumni Association; from 2023-2026 was named to the Rochester Business Journal's Power 100 list; and in 2024 and 2025 was named to City and State NY's Upstate Power 100.
He holds BA, MA and PhD degrees from UB.