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Event Series Hosted by Roberts Wesleyan University to Explore Lessons in Leadership
Deana L. Porterfield and Simeon Banister discuss how to “start strong and finish strong” in leadership positions.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — On Friday, April 21, the Community Institutes at Roberts Wesleyan University will host its first in-person leadership breakfast since 2019, titled “Start Strong, Finish Strong.” The event, which is part of the institute’s biannual leadership breakfast series, will examine lessons in leadership and will feature a moderated Q&A discussion with Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary President Deana L. Porterfield and Simeon Banister, president and CEO of the Rochester Area Community Foundation (RACF).
As her tenure with the institution comes to a close at the end of the 2023 spring semester, Porterfield will reflect on her last nine years at the helm of the university, sharing key lessons and leadership strategies she’s learned along the way. Porterfield will also share advice for those stepping into leadership roles on how to start strong and build community as she prepares to become the next president of Seattle Pacific University.
Porterfield is the 11th president of Roberts Wesleyan University and the third president of Northeastern Seminary, having served the university and seminary since 2014. Throughout her tenure as the institutions’ first female president, she has made significant contributions to the Roberts community and beyond through her leadership and dedication to Christian higher education.
Expanding on advice for individuals looking to step into leadership roles, Simeon Banister will share his perspective as recently appointed leader of a prominent community organization in Greater Rochester. Banister began his tenure as president and CEO of RACF in October 2022, becoming the first Black person to serve as president of the organization. Following a successful career in public and private service across New York state, Banister joined RACF in 2017 as a program officer for equity, moving up through the organization in various roles dedicated to steering and overseeing grantmaking and key community leadership initiatives.
Among his accomplishments, Banister served a vital role in merging efforts with United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes at the outset of COVID-19 to distribute nearly $7 million in funds to support critical needs in the community during the first year of the global health crisis. He also took the lead in establishing the North Star Coalition to help ensure post-pandemic recovery dollars are used to create opportunities that will benefit historically excluded residents.
The event begins at 7:30 a.m. with a breakfast and networking session, followed by a keynote at 8 a.m. by Porterfield and a Q&A with Porterfield and Banister moderated by Dr. Carrie Starr, executive director of the Community Institutes at Roberts Wesleyan University. This live event will be held in Rinker Conference Hall at the new Golisano Community Engagement Center on campus, located at 2301 Westside Drive, Rochester, NY.
Tickets are $30 and registration is required in advance. For more information on the event, or to register, click here. To learn more about Roberts Wesleyan University, visit roberts.edu.
About Roberts Wesleyan University
Roberts Wesleyan University is New York’s leading university for character education. Committed to the development of the whole person, the institution is focused on student growth through Christ-centered education, transformational learning and service to others. With 1,579 students and a tradition of excellence since 1866, the university strives to inspire students to transform themselves and the world, and offers over 90 undergraduate, graduate and adult-degree completion programs taught by high-quality, supportive faculty. Roberts Wesleyan University also has two doctoral programs in clinical/school psychology and occupational therapy. Redhawks Athletics intercollegiate sports teams compete as members of NCAA Division II. For more information, visit roberts.edu/about.