PHOTOS BY MAKENNA RIVAZFAR PHOTOGRAPHY

A survivor and a ‘fighter,’ our latest cover woman for Rochester Woman Online is the oldest of six children, has been employed with the New York State Police since 2003, promoted to Investigator in 2016, and has been a board member of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children since 1996.

Sayeh’s story of survival as a young girl has been publicized throughout the media when on September 22, 1988, Sayeh, then age 8 and her sister Sara, age 6, were kidnapped from their home during the late night by a man known as Raymond Warfield Wike, one of their mother’s boyfriends. She survived the brutal attack, identified the man who had committed these horrific crimes, and because of her experience began a journey of becoming the voice for other victims.Continue reading

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

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

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

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

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