Twenty-seven was quite the year. And in this episode, Alex isn't holding anything back.

Two days before turning 28, Alex sits down for one of the most personal episodes yet — sharing life updates, business updates, and a reflection on a year defined by hard decisions, big leaps, and a lot of letting go. People. Relationships. Things.

An entire lifestyle.Life feels less comfortable now. More uncertain. But for the first time, it also feels real. And aligned. And honest — in a way that building CNY Women's Network and hosting this podcast for years somehow never quite got her to.

Alex also opens up about what's shifting in her business — looking at the numbers differently, making decisions based on long-term vision instead of external expectations, and eliminating what looks like it's working but doesn't actually feel aligned. Oh, and the show has a new name. And new handles. And there's a Summit recap you won't want to miss.

In this episode:

- Reflections on 27 — the leaps, the losses, and what actually shifted

- Why Alex is choosing authenticity over palatability — and what that looks like in practice

- What's changing in the business and why alignment matters more than optics

- A full CNY Women's Summit recap

- The rebrand from Cultivate CNY to Cultivate with Alex Canavan

- Your questions, answered

This one is personal. It's honest. And if you've ever felt like you were building something real but still not fully showing up as yourself — this episode might hit closer to home than you expect.

New episodes drop every Monday. Ready to Cultivate? Hit subscribe.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be a guest on Cultivate

Connect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate on her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Follow Cultivate with Alex Canavan on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Diam Media Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, host Alex Canavan sits down with Shamina Taylor — wealth consciousness mentor, speaker, and host of The Unapologetically Rich Show — for a conversation that is deeply personal, and for Alex, entirely full circle.

For two years, Alex listened to Shamina's podcast every single week. Her voice, her perspective, and her work played a pivotal role in one of the biggest decisions of Alex's life — the decision to leave a relationship where she was financially dependent and bet on herself instead. And now, just one day after Shamina took the stage as the keynote speaker at the CNY Women's Summit, they're sitting down together for this. That's not a coincidence. That's a moment.

This conversation goes far beyond money. It's about identity, power, and standards. About what it actually takes to become the woman who can hold more — more visibility, more responsibility, more success. And about the patterns that quietly keep women playing small, even when they've already achieved a great deal.

💬 Topics we cover:

-What wealth consciousness actually means — and why it starts with identity, not income

-The patterns that keep high-achieving women stuck at a ceiling they can't quite name

-Why ambition still makes people uncomfortable — and what to do about it

-The internal shifts that have to happen before anything external can change

-What it means to truly expand your capacity for wealth, leadership, and self-expression

-Alex's personal story — and how Shamina's work helped change the trajectory of her life

This one is honest. It's direct. And it might feel confronting in all the right ways. If you know you're meant for more — this is exactly the conversation you need to hear.

New episodes drop every Monday. Ready to Cultivate? Hit Subscribe.

Learn more about our sponsor:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cannon Advisory Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about Shamina Taylor

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be a guest on Cultivate

Connect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate on her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠Instagram⁠

Follow Cultivate with Alex Canavan on ⁠Instagram⁠

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Diam Media Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, host Alex Canavan sits down with Tanya Hembree — founder and visionary behind ONYX + ALABASTER, a multi-dimensional concept in Franklin, Tennessee where interior design, curated retail, and a designer coffee lounge come together under one roof to create a truly immersive experience.

Featured in People, Architectural Digest, Good Housekeeping, and Martha Stewart, Tanya is known for creating spaces that people don't just see… they feel. At her core, she's a curator of experience — someone who understands that when design, hospitality, and intention come together, something deeper happens.

This conversation isn't just about business. It's about alignment, obedience, and what it really looks like to build something beautiful and deeply rooted in purpose. Tanya opens up about following a calling that didn't always make logical sense, the cost of building something spiritually aligned and commercially successful, and how to lead well in seasons where clarity isn't guaranteed.

💬 Topics we cover:

- Tanya's journey into entrepreneurship and the birth of ONYX + ALABASTER

- Faith and business — what obedience actually looks like in practice

- How design shapes identity, experience, and healing

- The internal work of leadership: surrender, standards, and building from a full cup

- What it truly means to "live beautifully"

If you're building a business, navigating uncertainty, or craving more alignment in your life — this one's for you.

New episodes drop every Monday. Ready to Cultivate? Hit Subscribe.

Learn more about our sponsor:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cannon Advisory Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be a guest on Cultivate

Connect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate on her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Instagram

Follow Cultivate with Alex Canavan on Instagram

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Diam Media Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week, we're doing something a little different — and it's one you won't want to miss.In this special live recording, host Alex Canavan flips the script at the CNY Women's Summit Welcome Reception, stepping out from behind the mic and into the hot seat. Elena Bombardier takes over the interview, turning the lens on Alex herself for a rare, unfiltered look at the woman behind Cultivate and the CNY Women's Network.What started as a simple idea pitched to a boss at 22 years old — a celebration for International Women's Day — turned into the largest event for women leaders in Central New York. Now heading into its fifth year, the CNY Women's Summit has grown from a scrappy 160-person happy hour into a full-day experience drawing hundreds of women professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders from across the region. But the journey there has been anything but linear.In this conversation, recorded live in front of a room full of the very community Alex built, she gets honest about the fear, the doubt, and the moments she found herself scrolling Indeed wondering if she should just give up. And she shares what kept her going anyway.💬 Topics we cover:-The origin story of the CNY Women's Summit — and what Alex was really looking for when she started it-How loneliness and a desire for community became the unexpected fuel behind the CNY Women's Network-What it actually feels like to grow year over year — and how fear gets bigger the more you have to lose-The evolution of the summit from networking happy hour to immersive, full-day experience-Alex's biggest leadership lessons, including getting honest about money and the things she's been avoiding-Showing up visibly and authentically — and why your people will always find youThis one is personal, vulnerable, and packed with the kind of honesty you rarely hear from the person who's usually asking all the questions.New episodes drop every Monday. Ready to Cultivate? Hit Subscribe.

Follow Cultivate on ⁠Instagram⁠

Learn more about this episode's sponsors:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cannon Advisory Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Central New York Community Foundation⁠

In this episode, host Alex Canavan sits down with Gwen Crossett — registered nurse, eldercare expert, and founder of ConstantCare247, a company born from a deep commitment to putting patients and families first.With over 25 years of experience in healthcare — more than a decade of which has been dedicated specifically to eldercare — Gwen has become a trusted guide for families facing one of life's most emotionally complex transitions: finding the right care for an aging loved one. She doesn't just understand the healthcare system. She knows how to cut through the noise, navigate the complexity, and deliver solutions that truly honor each client's unique needs and wishes.What sets Gwen apart is the rare combination of clinical expertise and genuine compassion. She's an advocate, a problem-solver, and someone who actually listens — and she built ConstantCare247 because she saw the gaps in eldercare that too many families were falling through alone.In this conversation, Gwen opens up about what inspired her to make the leap from nurse to founder, the realities of eldercare that don't get talked about enough, and her vision for giving Central New York families something every one of them deserves: peace of mind.💬 Topics we cover:-Gwen's 25+ year journey through healthcare and what led her to eldercare-The gaps she identified in the system — and why she felt called to fill them-What ConstantCare247 does and who it's designed to serve-How to navigate care decisions for aging loved ones without feeling overwhelmed-Leading with integrity, compassion, and advocacy in a complex industryIf you're caring for an aging parent, planning ahead for a loved one, or simply want to understand how to get better support from the healthcare system — this conversation is exactly what you need to hear.New episodes drop every Monday. Ready to Cultivate? Hit Subscribe.

Follow Cultivate on Instagram

Learn more about this episode's sponsors:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cannon Advisory Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Central New York Community Foundation⁠

In this episode, host Alex Canavan sits down with Sara Grace Nickle — owner, head coach, and the powerhouse behind SGP Fight Club, a female-focused fight program right here in the Syracuse area.

With 30 years of martial arts experience spanning boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, Sara Grace has channeled a lifetime of discipline and dedication into building something truly special for women. And here's the thing — you don't have to want to fight to belong here. Whether you're walking into a gym for the very first time or you're ready to step into the ring, SGP meets you exactly where you are.This is a space built on self-defense, getting strong, forming real friendships, and finding a community of women who are genuinely showing up for themselves. It's empowering, it's welcoming, and it's exactly what this area needed.In this conversation, Sara Grace opens up about her journey from fighter to coach, what it really takes to build a program rooted in women's empowerment, and why she believes every woman deserves to feel confident and capable in her own body.💬 Topics we cover:-Sara Grace's 30-year martial arts journey and how it led her to coaching-Building a female-focused fight program from the ground up-Why SGP is for every woman — beginner to competitor-The role of community in keeping women consistent and confident-What true empowerment looks like inside and outside the gymWhether you're looking to get stronger, find your people, or just reclaim a little power in your everyday life — this one is for you.New episodes drop every Monday. Ready to Cultivate? Hit Subscribe.

In this episode, host Alex Canavan sits down with Laura Capparelli, the woman behind Pausa Coffee — a coffee shop and cocktail lounge in the heart of downtown Syracuse that is truly unlike anything else in the area.

Inspired by European café culture and the art of slow living, Pausa is by day your go-to for beautifully crafted espresso drinks, seasonal lattes, and fresh pastries — and by night, an intimate lounge with curated wines, craft cocktails, and small plates. It's warm, it's elevated, and it's exactly what this city needed.

But the story behind it is anything but simple. Laura came to this not from a business plan, but from burnout — a health crisis that forced her to stop, slow down, and completely reimagine her life. What followed was a trip to Europe, a philosophy shift, and the vision for a space where others could do the same.

💬 Topics we cover:

• How a mental health crisis became the unexpected catalyst for Pausa
• Building a brand rooted in intentionality — and educating a market on why that matters
• Bringing European slow-living culture to Upstate New York
• Balancing a full-time career while launching and growing a business
• Hiring for heart over experience, and building a team that believes in the mission

If you're building a business, growing a career, or simply trying to create a life with more intention — this one's for you.

New episodes drop every Monday.Ready to Cultivate? Hit Subscribe.

Follow Pausa on Instagram

Learn more about our sponsors:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cannon Advisory Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Central New York Community Foundation⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be a guest on Cultivate CNY

Connect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate CNY on her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Cultivate CNY on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Follow the CNY Women's Network on TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   / cnywomensnetwork  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode is brought to you by the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠CNY Women’s Network.⁠ CNY Women’s Network is a Syracuse-based media company that prioritizes community and collaboration between woman-owned businesses. We connect, promote, and celebrate businesses in Central New York.

Email [email protected] to learn more about how CNY Women's Network can amplify your brand.

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Diam Media Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Cultivate CNY, host Alex Canavan sits down with Dr. Robert Kiltz, founder and director of CNY Fertility — one of the most innovative fertility practices in the country. Board-certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, Dr. Kiltz has spent more than two decades helping families grow right here in Central New York while completely reimagining what fertility care can look like.

His path to medicine was anything but straight — growing up in LA, kicked out of school, father in jail, couldn't read. What carried him forward was passion, grit, and a work ethic forged young. Today, CNY Fertility draws patients from around the world, yet remains deeply rooted in the community he's called home for nearly 30 years.

Dr. Kiltz doesn't just practice medicine — he challenges it. His approach blends cutting-edge reproductive science with faith, holistic wellness, and a deep belief in the carnivore diet as a tool for reducing inflammation, restoring hormonal health, and supporting mental clarity. This conversation goes far beyond fertility — it's about mission, purpose, and rethinking the way we live.

💬 Topics we cover:

• From gangs and school expulsion to building a nationally recognized medical practice
• Integrating Eastern and Western medicine to transform patient outcomes
• The carnivore diet, fertility, and its connection to chronic inflammation
• Faith, fasting, and the mindset shift that changed everything
• Why he believes most chronic illness starts with the wrong diet

Learn more about CNY Fertility

Connect with Dr. Kiltz on Instagram

Learn more about our sponsors:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cannon Advisory Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Empower FCU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Central New York Community Foundation

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be a guest on Cultivate CNY

Ready to gain access to exclusive discounts on some of our favorite women-owned products and services in Central New York? Introducing the 2025-2026 CNYWN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Member's Card⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! SHOP & SAVE AT 30+ women-owned businesses ACROSS CENTRAL NEW YORK

Connect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate CNY on her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Cultivate CNY on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Follow the CNY Women's Network on TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   / cnywomensnetwork  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode is brought to you by the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠CNY Women’s Network.⁠ CNY Women’s Network is a Syracuse-based media company that prioritizes community and collaboration between woman-owned businesses. We connect, promote, and celebrate businesses in Central New York.

Email [email protected] to learn more about how CNY Women's Network can amplify your brand.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Collective by CNY Women’s Network, a membership community for growth-minded women.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use the code: CULTIVATE10 for 10% off your first month or your first year with The Collective.

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Diam Media Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Cultivate CNY, host Alex Canavan sits down with Andriana Cannon, Syracuse native and founder of Cannon Advisory Group, a boutique accounting and advisory firm helping business owners gain clarity, confidence, and control over their finances.

A LeMoyne College graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Andriana put herself through college working in the hospitality industry, an experience that gave her the people first mindset and multitasking grit that still defines her practice today.

Before launching her firm in 2023, Andriana spent three years in private auditing and two years as Accounting Manager for a fast growing startup, where she learned to build financial foundations from the ground up. What started as a flexible work from home venture quickly took off, and today Cannon Advisory Group is a thriving team built on two decades of trusted relationships. Andriana is also deeply rooted in the CNY community. She leads Greek dance classes at St. Sophia's Church and is working toward financial literacy programming with the Girl Scouts of America.

💬 Topics we cover:

• The journey from bartending and serving to founding an accounting firm
• What working at a high growth startup taught her about building her own business
• How hospitality shaped her client first, relationship driven approach to accounting
• Building a team rooted in trust and years of real world relationship building
• Why she's intentional about staying boutique and never losing the personal touch
• Her 2026 goal: bringing financial literacy to young women through the Girl Scouts

Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cannon Advisory Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Andriana on LinkedIn

Learn more about our sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Empower FCU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be a guest on Cultivate CNY

Ready to gain access to exclusive discounts on some of our favorite women-owned products and services in Central New York? Introducing the 2025-2026 CNYWN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Member's Card⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! SHOP & SAVE AT 30+ women-owned businesses ACROSS CENTRAL NEW YORK

Connect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate CNY on her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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This episode is brought to you by the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠CNY Women’s Network.⁠ CNY Women’s Network is a Syracuse-based media company that prioritizes community and collaboration between woman-owned businesses. We connect, promote, and celebrate businesses in Central New York.

Email [email protected] to learn more about how CNY Women's Network can amplify your brand.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Collective by CNY Women’s Network, a membership community for growth-minded women.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use the code: CULTIVATE10 for 10% off your first month or your first year with The Collective.

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Diam Media Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Cultivate CNY, host Alex Canavan sits down with Ryan Benz, Founder and CEO of Redev CNY, a Syracuse-based real estate development firm transforming affordable homeownership across Central New York.

A Syracuse University Whitman School of Management graduate, Ryan has built a career around creating real pathways to ownership for moderate-income households and ensuring long-term residents share in their neighborhoods' economic growth.

As Chair of the Syracuse Housing Authority and Vice Chair of the United Way of Central New York, Ryan's impact extends far beyond development. His team made history as the first in New York State to utilize HCR's Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program—innovation that earned him the 2026 Crystal Ball Award. When he's not reshaping housing policy, you might find him at Oh My Darling or The Fitz, the downtown Syracuse restaurants he owns with his wife Leigh Ann.

💬 Topics we cover:

• Redefining affordable homeownership and equitable development
• Leading the Syracuse Housing Authority and addressing CNY's poverty crisis
• Being first in NYS to use the Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program
• The creative, entrepreneurial spirit behind community revitalization
• Balancing development, board service, and restaurant ownership
• Why now is the time to take the entrepreneurial leap

Learn more about Redev CNY

Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn

Learn more about our sponsors:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Cannon Advisory Group⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Empower FCU⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be a guest on Cultivate CNY

Ready to gain access to exclusive discounts on some of our favorite women-owned products and services in Central New York? Introducing the 2025-2026 CNYWN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Member's Card⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! SHOP & SAVE AT 30+ women-owned businesses ACROSS CENTRAL NEW YORK

Connect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate CNY on her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Follow the CNY Women's Network on TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   / cnywomensnetwork  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode is brought to you by the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠CNY Women’s Network.⁠ CNY Women’s Network is a Syracuse-based media company that prioritizes community and collaboration between woman-owned businesses. We connect, promote, and celebrate businesses in Central New York.

Email [email protected] to learn more about how CNY Women's Network can amplify your brand.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Collective by CNY Women’s Network, a membership community for growth-minded women.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use the code: CULTIVATE10 for 10% off your first month or your first year with The Collective.

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Diam Media Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠