The Corning Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 2026 Annual Own It! Women’s Conference, an impactful experience designed to inspire connection, confidence, and collective growth among women across our region.

Guided by this year’s theme, “Together We Rise. Unapologetically, with Power and Confidence,” the conference will create space for honest conversations, bold ideas, and meaningful takeaways. Attendees will hear from dynamic speakers, participate in engaging sessions, and connect with other women who are driven to lead, grow, and support one another—both professionally and personally.

The Own It Women’s Conference is more than a one-day event; it is a community-building experience rooted in collaboration rather than competition. Women from all industries and career stages are invited to come as they are and leave feeling empowered, supported, and equipped with renewed confidence and practical insight they can carry forward.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, business professional, nonprofit leader, or an emerging voice in your field, this conference offers opportunities to learn, network, and grow in an environment that celebrates authenticity, strength, and shared success.

Registration opens January 5. An early bird discount will be available through February 1, with registration officially closing on March 2. Large group discounts are also available; those interested are encouraged to reach out for more information. For registration, and more information, please visit our event page!

Join us in 2026 as we come together to rise—stronger, more confident, and unapologetically owning our power.

Speaker Lineup

Keynote Speaker- Jerakah Heady

Jerakah Heady is a strategist of life, leadership, and becoming. She is the voice women turn to when they are done surviving and ready to rise with intention, grit, and gratitude. Jerakah speaks to the woman who knows there is more for her and is finally ready to claim it. Through her signature framework and movement rooted in clarity, courage, and conscious action, Jerakah helps women stop waiting for permission and start making decisive moves toward the lives they are meant to live.

Her work sits at the intersection of ambition and alignment. Career and calling. Strength and softness. Discipline and joy. Through her keynote, Jerakah challenges audiences to take radical ownership of their story, steward their lives with purpose, and make the bold, often uncomfortable moves that change everything.

She does not motivate. She activates. And when she speaks, women leave clearer, steadier, and ready to move.

"Owning Our Mindset" Session- Alisa Troccia

Alisa Troccia is a lifelong member of the local community, an entrepreneur, and a passionate advocate for personal growth, wellness, and intentional living. Born and raised in the area, she is deeply committed to giving back and creating meaningful impact through both her work and community involvement.

She is the founder and owner of ECG Promotions, a full-service marketing and promotional agency established in 2009, now celebrating over 15 years in business. In addition, Alisa partners with a botanical and functional wellness brand focused on helping individuals feel better from the inside out through holistic solutions.

A former radio host and active community leader, Alisa also serves as the Director of the Miss Colonial Days Pageant, where she helps young girls build confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of community through service and responsibility. She is also the founder of Paint the Night Pink, a charitable event created to raise awareness and funds for cancer support services.

Known for her belief in mindset, gratitude, and intentional action, Alisa is passionate about inspiring women to own their confidence, align their beliefs with their goals, and show up as the person they are becoming. She is honored to return to the Own It Women’s Conference and share her message alongside such an empowering group of women.

"Owning Our Finances" Session- Amanda Herrick Smith and Lisa Fusco

Owning Our Finances is presented by Amanda L. Herrick Smith, CFP®, and Lisa Fusco of John G. Ullman & Associates. Together, they’ll explore how our financial choices reflect our values and how becoming more intentional with money can feel empowering rather than restrictive. This conversation will help attendees build confidence, reduce stress, and align their finances with who they are and how they want to Own It.

Amanda’s (pictured left) upbringing in rural New York instilled the value and satisfaction of productive work. She understands that clients have worked hard to obtain their own successes and she is highly dedicated to help others achieve their financial wants, needs, and dreams. Amanda believes that there is more to financial planning than number crunching, it is an educational experience we share with others to help make sound decisions we can feel good about. Amanda joined John G. Ullman & Associates, Inc. in 2006 after obtaining her Bachelors in Financial Planning. She works with clients as a Senior Advisor to develop, coordinate, implement, and monitor all aspects of their financial plans.

Lisa Fusco (pictured right) is a Regional Manager, Relationship Development with John G. Ullman & Associates, serving out of the Big Flats office since October 2024. Lisa holds a dual Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology and Biochemistry from Keuka College. She worked as a Project Manager for Corning, Inc. for six years before becoming a stay at- home mom to her four children - two biological daughters and an adopted daughter and son from Guatemala. During that time, Lisa found her passion. She envisions a vibrant community where our neighbors are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to achieve their personal goals. Her passion is evident through her achievements at the Steuben County Habitat for Humanity and Hardinge, Inc. where she focused on business, community and people development initiatives. In her spare time, Lisa serves as Chair of the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce and is involved in various other community organizations. In addition to being a mom to four kids and two dogs, Lisa leads international mission trips to Ecuador and serves as Missions Team Leader at her church. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, cooking and cheering on the Buffalo BiIls.

Thank You to Our Presenting Sponsor,

Siemens Energy!