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Buffalo Niagara Partnership hosts first Leading Women event

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The Partnership

November 11, 2025

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership hosted its first BNP Leading Women event on Nov. 4 at BNP @ the cobblestone. It was an afternoon led by an inspiring host committee of women shaping the future of Western New York. Together, we created a space for meaningful conversations, shared experiences and new opportunities to collaborate.

A huge thank you to event sponsor Seneca Gaming Corporation and our incredible speakers for sharing their stories, perspectives and passion:

  • Cynthia Lui, Seneca Gaming Corporation
  • Jacqueline Hall, Workforce Buffalo
  • Colleen Reedy, Per Scholas Buffalo
  • Vilona Trachtenberg, Buffalo Sabres
  • Marsha Koelmel, Catapult Executive Consulting
  • Tracy Woodrow, M&T Bank
  • Tricia Barrett, Crowley Webb
  • Kimberlee Dunlop, Seneca Gaming Corporation

At the heart of the program was the presentation of the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award to Beth Hollis, vice president of variable operations at West Herr Auto Group. Her leadership reflects the very spirit of the ATHENA Award – empowering women to achieve their full potential and creating pathways for others to follow.

Relive the smiles, connections and good times from the event:

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