Celebrating Greater Rochester's best and brightest young leaders.
The Greater Rochester Chamber IGNITE Award celebrates outstanding young leaders within the Greater Rochester community. These individuals embody the pinnacle of personal and professional achievement, excelling in their chosen fields, all while dedicating themselves to meaningful community engagement, and paving the way for others to follow in their footsteps.
We honor those who demonstrate unwavering excellence and leadership in their business or profession, who selflessly give back to the community through their contributions and support, and who have earned recognition for their outstanding work and contributions to the Greater Rochester business community and shaping its future.
2025 Greater Rochester Chamber IGNITE Award
Stay tuned for more information about nominations, applications, and sponsorships for the 2025 Greater Rochester Chamber IGNITE Award coming soon!
Selection Criteria
The Greater Rochester Chamber IGNITE Award applicant between the age of 21 – 35 years must meet each of the following three criteria to apply for this award:
Thank you to our 2024 Event Sponsors
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Presenting Sponsor
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Supporting Sponsors
Authentica Beyond TalentEdge John Schlia Photography RG&E/NYSEG - AVANGRID ROC2025 Starbridge |
Selection Process
The Greater Rochester Chamber IGNITE Award Selection Committee pre-screens nominations to ensure all required information is included. A group of finalists is determined based on the award criteria and supporting documentation provided in the application package. Final selection of the Greater Rochester Chamber IGNITE Award winner is made by a Selection Committee consisting of a diverse group of leaders from the Greater Rochester business community.
For more information, please contact Cassidy Pendell or read over our frequently asked questions.
Please note that there is no official merchandise for the Greater Rochester Chamber IGNITE Award. Any third-party solicitations claiming to offer such merchandise are unauthorized and not endorsed by us. Please contact Susan.George@GreaterRochesterChamber.com for more information.
Learn more about previous recipients:
Faziri Ndahiro Renzaho
6th Annual IGNITE Recipient
| 2023 | Adrian Hale, NYS Board of Regents |
| 2022 | Kimberly Harding, Nixon Peabody |
| 2021 | Sheila Dunne, Toggle Communications |
| 2020 | Nicole VanGorder, Rivent Partners |
| 2019 | Taren Greenidge, Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prohete, LLP |
Photos provided by John Schlia Photography