Syracuse University’s Trailblazers

Founded in 2019, Full Swing Public Relations serves diverse, small business owners of professional services companies such as law firms, health care providers and consultancies—helping clients increase their visibility, credibility and sales.

Conti studied communication and rhetorical studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) and says Syracuse gave her the confidence and expertise to pursue a career in journalism and marketing.

“Part of the brilliance of a Syracuse University education is you learn how to discover your passions and find answers to challenges that arise for you during your life, and how to solve those challenges,” she says.

Fun fact: Less than 2% of women-owned businesses scale past the $1 million annual revenue mark, and Conti and her business partner reached that in under four years. As a working mother, Conti is proud to be an example of how you can show up fully for your family, work and self.

McKenzie Construction is a design-build construction firm that specializes in $1-10 million projects servicing the federal government across the United States.

At Syracuse, Fernandez studied civil engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and walked on the football team. He says he had incredible mentors and coaches during this time, including Meredith Professor Emeritus Sam Clemence, who encouraged Fernandez to keep going, even when things got tough.

“For four years I pushed myself mentally in the classroom and physically on the football field,” he says. “This developed a work ethic that I carried into my career, which has been a game changer for me any time I face an obstacle in business.”

Fun fact: Fernandez says McKenzie Construction has successfully secured over $170 million worth of government construction projects to date.

Rematriation is dedicated to supporting the movement of rematriation, which is Indigenous women-led work to raise human consciousness toward a relationship with Mother Earth. The organization uplifts Indigenous women’s voices through their digital storytelling platform and in-person gatherings—ensuring their stories and knowledge are widely shared. She’s also releasing a talk show and podcast series, Rematriated Voices with Michelle Schenandoah, in 2025.

Schenandoah earned a master’s degree in magazine, news and digital journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Her favorite course was offered through the Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship, where she engaged in real-time business development of her organization.

“The program at Newhouse truly helped shape my understanding of the current digital landscape of multimedia publishing and social media,” she says.

Fun fact: As an Oneida Nation member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, it’s important to Schenandoah to stay connected to the Syracuse University Indigenous community, which she does as an Orange alumna and adjunct professor in the College of Law.

By funding research and connecting individuals and families with a network of athletes and athletic organizations, Uplifting Athletes uses the power of sport to build a community that invests in the lives of people impacted by rare diseases.

At Syracuse, Long studied marketing management and supply chain management as an undergraduate in the Whitman School of Management and then pursued a graduate degree in new media management from the Newhouse School. He was also on the football team, which he says was an incredibly impactful experience in learning the true meaning of being a teammate.

“My time at Syracuse was instrumental in preparing me for many of the challenges I faced while building Uplifting Athletes,” he says.

Fun fact: Since 2018, Uplifting Athletes has funded more than $1 million in research grants to the next generations of rare disease researchers and, since 2022, has provided Uplifting Experiences programs to more than 1,200 individuals impacted by a rare disease.

Railyard Arts Studio offers a diverse range of art classes and workshops designed to foster creativity and artistic skills for all ages and experience levels.

Leary studied arts education in VPA and credits Professor Emeritus David MacDonald for instilling a lasting impact on her confidence as an artist and educator. Being born with one hand, Leary says a few teachers questioned whether she could succeed in certain tasks, especially in something as hands-on as wheel throwing. She asked MacDonald if he thought he could teach her, and without hesitation, he said, “Absolutely.”

“Both of my careers—first as a public-school art teacher, and now as the owner of a pottery and art studio—are direct results of the education I received at Syracuse University,” she says. “The combination of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of educational techniques has shaped my entire professional journey, allowing me to pursue my passion for both teaching and creating art in a community-focused environment.”

Fun fact: Since starting her business, Leary is most proud of her help in launching several of her students’ artistic journeys—she says it’s a reminder of the lasting impact art can have on individuals and the community at large.