Education. Dialogue. Positive action.
OPENING SPEAKER
Rochester native Robert J. Duffy began as Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce president and Chief Executive Officer January 1, 2015. Prior to coming to Greater Rochester Chamber, Duffy served as New York lieutenant governor from January 2011 to December 2014. Duffy previously served as Rochester mayor from January 2006 to January 2011 and as Rochester police chief from March 1998 to April 2005.
During his tenure as Rochester mayor, Duffy was widely recognized for reducing the cost of government, improving services, lowering tax rates, and attracting millions of dollars in private-sector investments.
As lieutenant governor, Duffy chaired the Regional Economic Development Councils aimed at rebuilding New York's economy and having local/regional leaders identify their respective funding priorities.
Duffy also played an instrumental role on the governor's Mandate Relief Council. He chaired a series of statewide mandate relief hearings, which sought input from local government officials and constituents on the statutory and regulatory burdens faced by local governments and school districts.
In May of 2012, Duffy was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. The medal honors notable American citizens who demonstrate a life committed to community service.
Duffy holds two degrees from Monroe Community College, a Bachelor of Science from Rochester Institute of Technology, and a Master of Arts from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.
Duffy also serves on a variety of boards, including the SUNY Board of Trustees, Co-Chair of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, the Center for Governmental Research, Business Council of New York State, US Chamber of Commerce Council of 100, AVANGRID, and others.
CLOSING SPEAKER
Emmanuel Acho is a modern thought leader who challenges audiences to go beyond the status quo in order to bring forth long lasting and meaningful change. Acho is a Fox Sports Analyst, the Host of FS1’s SPEAK and Host/ Producer of the Emmy Award-Winning Uncomfortable Conversations with Emmanuel Acho , a web series focused on driving an open, difficult, but ultimately productive conversation on race in America. Acho has received two Emmy Awards — Outstanding Sports Personality/ Emerging On Air Talent and Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series for Uncomfortable Conversations.
In his latest book, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew, Acho and
cowriter Noa Tishby tackle the tough questions on antisemitism. They explore sensitive topics like Jewish stereotypes, power dynamics, and the nature of Judaism, providing clear insights into the roots of Jewish hatred in America. With Tishby's Israeli American background and Acho's Nigerian American heritage, they offer diverse perspectives that make complex ideas accessible. Their dialogue aims to educate and empower readers to recognize and address bigotry, emphasizing that hatred against one is a threat to all.
In partnership with Oprah Winfrey, Acho released the Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man book on November 10th, 2020. It is the third title published as “An Oprah Book” and debuted at #3 on the New York Times best sellers list. He also released Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy in the Spring of 2021. His latest book, Illogical: Saying Yes to a Life Without Limits is now available.
After earning his undergraduate degree in sports management in 2012, Emmanuel was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. He was then traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013, where he spent most of his career. While in the NFL, Emmanuel spent off- seasons at the University of Texas to earn his master’s degree in Sports Psychology. In 2016, Emmanuel left the football field and picked up the microphone to begin his broadcast career. In 2018, Emmanuel was promoted within ESPN, where he served as the youngest national football analyst and was named a 2018 Forbes 30 Under 30 Selection. In 2017, he and his family’s non-profit organization, Living Hope Christian Ministries, raised enough funds to build a hospital in rural Nigeria.