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COVER STORIES

COVER STORIES

COVER STORY: BEHIND THE LENS WITH MAKENNA RIVAZFAR

PHOTOS BY JULIE OLDFIELD & MAKENNA RIVASFAR PHOTOGRAPHY

For 2023 we are excited to be able to bring a fresh, talented and inspiring young woman on board with the Rochester Woman Online team, and as our January/Fenruary cover woman. Please welcome Makenna Rivazfar!

Let us take you behind the lens as we dig into her incredible background, family, and what inspires her on her life’s journey both personally and professionally. You will see, just as we did, that she is more than just a pretty face!Continue reading

COVER STORIES, SHE HUSTLES TALKS

SHE HUSTLES TALKS: JAZZY T

PHOTOS BY L SHOT PHOTOGRAPHY & JOHN WASHINGTON JR.

Meet Jazzy T. Podcaster. Radio host. Entrepreneur. And the true definition of a hustler. By “hustle” I mean a woman who can multi-task, get things done, and evokes a response from others. Originally from Detriot, Michigan, she nows calls Rochester home along with her husband and two girls.

Recently we had the pleasure of interviewing Jazzy for our cover of She Hustles Talks. An online women’s magazine featuring female entrepreneurs and lady bosses who hustle everywhere!Continue reading

COVER STORIES

BETHANY STEVENS: A WOMAN WHO WEARS MANY “CROWNS”

PHOTOS BY NORTH GLOW PHOTOGRAPHY

For the latest edition of Rochester Woman Online, we are pleased to be able to feature Bethany Stevens as our latest cover woman. She is a woman who truly wear many “crowns”. She is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and the current reigning Mrs New York America.

We hope you enjoy our conversation with Bethany and a little glimpse of what it is like to be a modern day woman who can do it all.Continue reading

COVER STORIES, SHE HUSTLES TALKS

PLANNING FOR A SUCCESSFUL LIFE: MONIQUE CHATMAN

PHOTOS BY L SHOT PHOTOGRAPHY

Our latest She Hustles Talks cover woman, is a lady boss creating the first Minority/ Black owned Day Spa dedicated solely to Men’s health and wellness in Rochester. She is a female, take charge in a man’s industry and creating an empire.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who is Monique Chatman?
I am a warrior. I believe I was born to lead and motivate. I may have a strong exterior, but my core is soft, giving and caring. Born a matriarch of 16 siblings, I have lived, suffered and succeeded past levels my imagination could have never afforded me to believe.Continue reading

COVER STORIES

DR MYRA HENRY: on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women

Can you tell us a little bit about the YWCA, and its mission. How did the YWCA get started?
A brief history of YWCA Rochester and our commitment to serve women in this community is best described as. A Legacy of Women Helping Women.

In 1883, eleven empowering women saw a need to provide housing for young women moving into the city for the first time to find work. They founded a women’s association that years later would vote to become a member of the national organization known as the YWCA and opened a small boarding house. Employment services were offered, as well as classes in arithmetic and English since educational opportunities for women were extremely limited.Continue reading

COVER STORIES

MEET JOANNE RYAN: The Award-Winning Exec Talks Success— and Shoes!

PHOTOS BY BRODY WHEELER

JoAnne M. Ryan, MHA, RN, has long shone brightly in our community. Media powerhouse Norma Holland, designer Gail Riggs and others have lauded her successes, citing penchants for advancing well-being communitywide, nurturing young talent and enthusiastic collaboration. Ryan, named among 2022’s Women of Excellence by the RBJ and a 2021 ATHENA Int’l. Award finalist, took over as Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester President & CEO in 2021. An illuminating Q&A follows.Continue reading

COVER STORIES

JENNIFER BOUTTE: making our community more equitable

PHOTOS BY JOLANA HOLLISTER

A Rochesterian born and raised, Jennifer Boutte has maintained a lifelong commitment to making our community more equitable, more accessible and a place made for everyone to live. As vice president of community engagement for Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, Jennifer continues her passion with veracity and determination.

We sat down and spoke with Jennifer about her life, her joys, her career and more.Continue reading

COVER STORIES

WENDY BLEIER-MERVIS: Camp Good Days & Special Times

PHOTOS BY BRODY WHEELER

Please welcome Wendy Mervis to the ever expanding list of incredible Rochester Woman Online cover women. I have had the true pleasure of knowing and working with Wendy and Camp Good Days & Special Times in the past, and now am truly am honored that she sharing her story and journey with us in the latest edition.

From competitive basketball in college, to giving back by working at Camp Good Days, she is now the executive director nhelping to run this amazing organization along side husband Gary.Continue reading

COVER STORIES

CINDY ZICARI ARENA: THE FUNNIEST WOMAN YOU HAVE NEVER MET…YET

PHOTOS BY BRODY WHEELER

Some of you may already know our cover woman as “Rochester’s Funniest Person” while others may know her as the Pickle Pizza viral sensation, but one thing is for sure — when you meet Cindy Zicari Arena, you will never forget her and her sense of humor. The risqué yet down-to-earth comedian (and expert pizza maker) sat down with Rochester Woman Online to share more about her colorful past, rough seasons and laughter, and how using the experiences you have been through can ultimately help you fulfill your purpose in life.

Q: Cindy, I am so excited to sit down with you and learn more about your life. What is your background, where are you from, and what do you do when you are not performing on stages across the country?

A: I am a 59 year-old mother of two who has always loved to laugh and have fun. Born and raised in Rochester, I currently live in Irondequoit with my partner of 18 years. I work full time at Rhino’s Pizzeria where I went viral for the pickle pizza. Can you believe it? Not my comedy but a pizza! In my free time, I enjoy watching My 600-lb Life, Hoarders, 90 Day Fiancé, and any show that helps uplift me.Continue reading

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