Theme: Air

Join us and engage with big ideas from brilliant speakers from throughout Central New York about how we can all rejuvenate ourselves, or communities, and our worlds. This event will take place in The Sperry Center, Room 105, on the campus of the State University of New York at Cortland.

SUNY Cortland
22 Graham Ave
Cortland, New York, 13405
United States

Curtis Czarniak

Retired Professor

Mr. Czarniak received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture (Plant Pathology) from The Ohio State University (1975) before completing a Master of Science Degree in Science Education (1989) and a CAS in Educational Administration (1996) from SUNY Cortland.

Jason Page

Assistant Professor

Dr. Jason Page is an Assistant Professor at SUNY Cortland with over 20 years of experience in education and human services. A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), he brings extensive clinical experience working with diverse populations including at-risk youth, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those with substance use disorders. After earning his doctorate in Recreation Therapy from Clemson University, he has focused his academic career on understanding how marginalized recreational activities and the people who participate in them navigate social acceptance and stigma.

Kathy Love

Self-Care Coach & Entrepreneur

Kathy Love is a TEDx speaker, author of My Self Care Sh*t: The Workbook & My Self Care Sh*t: The Workbook-Military Edition, My Self Care Sh*t: The Coloring Book, Chief Community Officer of The Outlier Project, contributing author in the Standing O! book series, self-care coach, entrepreneur, mother & more.

LIz Arnold

Community Leader

For 20+ years, Liz Arnold has designed and built thoughtful programs that guide emerging and established leaders towards lives and careers of impact. Liz is currently the Director of Leadership Engagement + Impact at the Truman National Security Project, uniting bold thinkers nationwide to build a strong, safe future. She has additional program leadership experience in startups, tech & education at Google, Cornell, Endeca, Harvard and MIT.

Margaret Steffie

Health Activist

Margaret Steffie is a certified personal trainer, health coach, and nursing student with a Master’s in Public Health and a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland. After overcoming significant weight and GI issues, she looked beyond conventional diet and health recommendations, seeking out research and specialized practitioners. This journey fueled her passion for wellness, particularly in the areas of health literacy and evidence-based nutrition.

Riley Meckley

Teacher & Influencer

Riley Meckley is an aspiring teacher who also runs @alwaysdressbest on Instagram. With over 175,000 followers, Riley shares fashion, lifestyle, and positive content. Inspired by her own journey, she proves that success does not require filters or photoshop. Challenging Instagram’s perfection-driven standards, Riley uses her platform to inspire confidence and embrace real life’s imperfections. Her signature motto “Let’s Keep it REAL” resonates with thousands who call her account a “breath of fresh air.”

Rodney Koch

Lecturer

Dr. Rod Koch, CMA, CSCA, PMP, CSM brings over 30 years of experience at the intersection of business and technology, navigating multiple generations of technological change. Beginning his career in accounting, he quickly discovered his passion for technology, transitioning to a successful career in Information Technology. Throughout his career, he has weathered and thrived through numerous organizational shifts—downsizing, rightsizing, and realignments—thanks to his unwavering commitment to continuous learning and adaptability.

Thomas Curty

Mental Health Awareness Advocate

Thomas Curty is a current student at SUNY Cortland, soon to be graduating in the spring semester of 2025. He has a strong interest in mental health advocacy, digital media, and political science. He comes from Staten Island, NY where he plans to return to work in the mental health field, working a helping job where he can make a difference.