Seven Niagara University alumni are participating in the Western New York chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Rising Stars program, which recognizes young professionals for their career accomplishments.
Honorees in this guided fundraising and awareness campaign participate in professional development and networking events and are paired with a mentor to help better the lives of children and adults living with cystic fibrosis. Over the past 10 years, participants have used their leadership skills to generate more than $500,000 to further the mission of the CF Foundation.
Previous honoree Ashleigh MacMartin, B.A.’06, M.S.’08, vice president, governance and controls at HSBC, is serving as chair of the Rising Stars committee this year. Kristen Cavalleri, B.A.’16, account executive at Gelia; and Nola Cornett-Swistak, B.S.’05, M.S.’06, vice president, risk management at M&T Bank, are also serving on the committee. Maggie Hempel, B.S.’16, a case manager with the Niagara County Office for the Aging; Ashley (Dilcher) Lantz, B.A.’13, event manager/administrative assistant at Kelly for Kids Foundation & Jim Kelly Inc.; Dan Schlein, MBA’16, business development associate at Alliance Advisory Group; and Courtney Corbetta, B.A.’15, co-host/feature reporter AM Buffalo, WKBW-TV, were selected as honorees.
“I am passionate about professional growth and development with young professionals in our community,” said MacMartin. “This program is a unique opportunity for young professionals to learn a number of skills, including soft skills, leadership, and philanthropy, while building a professional network.” She noted that the money raised through this program stays in Western New York, and that last year, more than $80,000 was raised.