At the opening production of the 2025 New York State Innovation Summit, we celebrated more than innovation—we celebrated the people behind it. Our Champions of Innovation are entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders in NYS, who have faced extraordinary challenges, navigated obstacles, and emerged stronger through resilience and determination. Behind every breakthrough is a story of perseverance, and this year’s Champions remind us that innovation is often born from challenge—through creativity, courage, and grit.
Read on to explore their remarkable stories—each one a testament to the strength, ingenuity, and determination driving New York’s innovation ecosystem forward.
Hilario Castillo – FASS Syringe
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Yonkers, Hilario Castillo overcame cultural adaptation, language barriers, and a challenging urban environment to find his calling in nursing. While working as an ER nurse, a critical on-the-job experience inspired him to create the FASS Syringe, a safer, faster medical device.
With no formal business background, Hilario faced skepticism, funding challenges, and the difficulty of balancing prototype development with night shifts. He persevered, leveraging mentorship from his patients at the bedside; Claudette, Gary Rothman, Richard Murphy, and the late Jerry Morano. As well as Resources from organizations like FuzeHub, Rev Ithaca, Stony Brook University, ICORP, OTC of Albany, NYC Hot Spot, NY-ICORP, Nurse approved, and NYC eLab.
Hilario became the first Latino nurse-innovator selected for NYC eLab’s prestigious program and secured a patent for the FASS Syringe in 2017. His work earned national recognition, including being named one of Johnson & Johnson’s Top 100 Nurse Innovators (2020), made it on the Best of Nursing Awards 2024 Finalist List, Awardee of Albany Med’s OTR Innovation Bootcamp and joining SONSIEL
Hilario’s journey shows how resilience, mentorship, and determination can turn a napkin sketch idea into a transformative healthcare innovation.
Arber Ruci – NeARabl
At 13 years old, Arber Ruci moved from Albania to New York, navigating cultural adaptation and new beginnings. He developed a passion for entrepreneurship when he launched his first startup during the 2008 recession, secured investment in Silicon Valley, and resided there for 5 years. He returned to New York to care for his parents with his brother, a NYC teacher.
Arber co-founded his second startup during the COVID-19 pandemic, spinning out of CUNY’s City College Visual Computing Lab. He supports New York State’s innovation ecosystem through the New York I-Corps Hub, NYC Innovation Hot Spot, and Empire Corps, where he helps innovators commercialize their inventions.
His story reflects a lifelong commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship as well as giving back and empowering others to turn challenges into opportunities.
Amy Gurske – sayhii
Amy Gurske overcame gender bias and systemic challenges in tech and venture capital to build sayhii, a company addressing gaps in healthcare and support services. Raised by a single mother, she navigated the struggles of being a solo female founder while also caring for her elderly mother, facing cash flow challenges, difficult investors, and high-stakes business decisions.
Driven by resilience and mission, Amy bought out early investors to protect her vision and built a globally diverse, all-female leadership team. Her company empowers underserved communities, leveraging AI and technology to create meaningful solutions in healthcare and social support.
Amy’s journey was shaped by perseverance through financial, personal, and industry obstacles, demonstrating how determination and staying true to one’s mission can turn adversity into impactful, inclusive innovation. She has also benefited from New York State programs like LaunchNY, ESD STEP, LifeSciencesNY, SUNY Research Foundation, and NextCorps, using the ecosystem to scale and expand globally.
Jen Chiang – WearOpal
Jen Chiang turned personal adversity into purpose by founding WearOpal, a company dedicated to making personal safety accessible and seamlessly integrated into everyday life. As a survivor of violence, Jen was inspired to create protective technology that empowers users—especially women and mothers—through thoughtful, user-centered design.
As a non-technical founder, she led the development of a discreet smart safety ring that alerts 911 and emergency contacts, combining fashion with life-saving functionality. Her background in HR and business school shaped her approach, emphasizing real human needs and practical solutions.
During COVID-19, extensive customer discovery revealed a widespread need for accessible safety tools, reinforcing her mission. Jen’s work demonstrates how resilience, empathy, and innovation can transform personal challenges into ventures that protect and empower others.
Dan Tuller – DT Rescue Solutions
Dan Tuller transformed a difficult childhood into a lifelong commitment to public service and innovation. Driven by empathy and a desire to help others, he founded DT Rescue Solutions and developed the STELLA Rescue Sled, a lifesaving tool designed for emergency responders.
Despite repeated financial obstacles, skepticism, and limited resources, Dan persevered—finding creative ways to move his vision forward while balancing exhaustion and setbacks. His dedication turned challenges into opportunities, demonstrating how purpose-driven innovation can create tangible impact.
Through support from FuzeHub and the REV Ithaca Accelerator, Dan gained technical guidance, mentorship, and the encouragement needed to bring his invention to fruition. His story exemplifies resilience, resourcefulness, and the transformative power of channeling adversity into meaningful solutions that serve communities.
Karen Maxwell – Kema Kreations
Karen Maxwell relaunched her creative journey by founding Kema Kreations LLC, a MWBE-certified bag manufacturing company. As a woman- and minority-owned business owner, she navigated funding gaps, scaling challenges, and industries dominated by large corporations.
During COVID-19, when bag sales plummeted, Karen pivoted to producing masks, often collaborating with her mother—whose seamstress skills from Panama inspired Karen—to donate to hospitals and support the community. She fused wood, leather, stones, and gems into story-driven designs, learning finance, marketing, and production strategies along the way while staying true to her creative vision.
Supported by FuzeHub, Tech Valley Center of Gravity, and Albany STEAM Garden, Karen leveraged NYS resources to scale her business and build resilience. Her story highlights how perseverance, adaptability, and creativity can turn personal and professional hardships into meaningful innovation and community impact.
Jacob Kumpon – KLAW Industries, L.L.C.
Jacob Kumpon’s entrepreneurial journey began in high school with a lawn care business and carried into college, where he became passionate about solving challenges in recycling. While still a student, he co-founded KLAW Industries to transform waste glass into sustainable construction materials, addressing a critical gap in effective recycling.
Facing limited resources, Jacob and his cousin Jack secured a building in East Binghamton, investing their savings and building credibility with local concrete producers through persistence and word of mouth. Early support from the Koffman Incubator, FuzeHub grants, and other NYS programs helped them expand operations and grow a dedicated team.
Jacob’s story highlights resilience, resourcefulness, and mission-driven innovation—turning a college project into a company redefining sustainability in construction and demonstrating how determination and creative problem-solving can transform local industries.
Melanie LaRose – ESD
At age 14, Melanie LaRose faced a life-altering diagnosis of large cell lymphoma, enduring aggressive chemotherapy, personal isolation, and the challenges of adolescence during treatment. Her resilience through this experience inspired a lifelong commitment to giving back and advocating for others.
Melanie channeled her journey into volunteer and leadership roles with organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Blood Cancer United), Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the American Cancer Society, helping advance cancer awareness, research, and patient support.
Her personal story of perseverance informs her professional work in economic development, where she champions science, technology, and innovation that improve lives. Melanie’s experience exemplifies how overcoming adversity can fuel purpose-driven action, demonstrating the impact of resilience, community support, and innovation in both personal and professional areas.
Mary Jeanne Packer – Battenkill Fibers
Mary Jeanne Packer demonstrated remarkable resilience after a devastating fire destroyed her Battenkill Fibers Carding & Spinning Mill, including the building and key equipment. Despite the loss, she salvaged what she could, leveraged community support—including customers and local economic development organizations—and creatively overcame financing and operational challenges to rebuild.
Driven by a lifelong passion for natural fibers and connecting farms to fashion, Mary Jeanne revitalized the mill, focusing on local, sustainable “farm-to-fashion” textiles that meet customer demand for quality and sustainability. Her story highlights the power of persistence, innovation, and community collaboration.
Through her journey, she inspires mid-career women entrepreneurs, showing that resilience and creative problem-solving can not only rebuild a business but also strengthen local industries and create meaningful community impact.
Norma Byron – Ashlawn Energy
Norma Byron founded Ashlawn Energy to decarbonize urban infrastructure with her long-duration energy storage system, VanCharg™, designed for multifamily and commercial buildings. While building her climate tech company, she balanced the demands of entrepreneurship with caregiving for her husband during his seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s, navigating emotional, logistical, and financial challenges.
Despite these obstacles, Norma persevered—rebuilding her business after personal loss, scaling operations, and bringing energy solutions to low-income communities, often providing batteries at no cost to empower individuals and neighborhoods.
Supported by New York’s innovation ecosystem, including FuzeHub, AMT, Columbia University, and NextCorps, she leveraged mentorship, resources, and partnerships to grow Ashlawn Energy’s impact statewide. Norma’s story exemplifies resilience, purpose-driven innovation, and the belief that climate solutions are deeply personal—protecting homes, families, and futures while advancing sustainable technology for communities in need.
Patty Rechberger – FuzeHub
Patty Rechberger arrived in the U.S. with only $1,000, sleeping on the floor and working low-wage jobs to cover basic needs. She navigated difficult employers, borrowed resources, and ultimately secured a work visa to become a U.S. citizen.
Determined to advance, Patty balanced full-time work while earning a Master’s degree, driving an hour to classes and attending evening courses to pursue her education. Despite having no background in economic development, she pivoted from finance into the field, discovering her passion for empowering entrepreneurs and supporting innovation across New York State.
Patty’s journey reflects resilience, determination, and a couple leaps of faith. Inspired by her family and fueled by a desire to help others, she has become a steadfast champion for entrepreneurs, guiding them toward growth, opportunity, and success in the state’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Paul Guglielmo – Craft Cannery
Paul Guglielmo launched his grandfather’s pasta sauce business from his car, selling jars at farmers markets, festivals, and demos, despite limited resources and long hours. Early barriers with copackers who required high minimum orders inspired him to pivot—he became a copacker offering low minimums and reduced R&D fees, solving a major challenge for fellow food startups.
Recognized by Grow-NY judges for addressing real industry problems, Paul demonstrates that innovation isn’t only about inventing new products—it’s about creating solutions that empower others.
Balancing 60–80 hour workweeks with family responsibilities, he built a strong foundation for Craft Cannery while mentoring future entrepreneurs. Paul’s story embodies resilience, creative problem-solving, and determination, proving that with persistence and ingenuity, barriers can be transformed into opportunities, and small businesses can thrive.
Rhonda Staudt – Tire Conversion Technologies
Rhonda Staudt transformed Tire Conversion Technologies (TCT) from an unprofitable startup into a multi-million-dollar, Made-in-USA manufacturer producing over 80,000 pieces per month. Early struggles with cost management and labor-intensive processes were overcome through industry-standard accounting, material resource planning, and workforce-focused innovations.
Committed to sustainability, TCT repurposes recycled tire rubber to create safer, eco-friendly products while improving work conditions for employees. Rhonda developed and institutionalized productivity metrics, and factory cost modelling. She is now driving a digital transformation to streamline processes, enhance quality, and grow revenue toward $10 million.
Her story reflects resilience, strategic problem-solving, and dedication to people, sustainability, and American manufacturing—showing how innovation and purpose-driven leadership can turn early obstacles into long-term success.
Dr. Zina Berry – Z-Loupes
With over 30 years of experience as a dentist, Dr. Zina Berry transformed her firsthand experience of ergonomic challenges into innovation. Her insight led to the creation of Z-Loupes, a hands-free, lightweight dental magnification system designed to improve posture, reduce eye strain, and promote clinician wellness.
Transitioning from dentistry to product development, Zina navigated major industry challenges from high manufacturing costs and long development cycles to slow adoption rates, overcoming each through persistence and creativity. With mentorship from Launch NY and the CNY Biotech Accelerator, she refined her design, secured lab access, and developed a strong go-to-market strategy.
Zina’s story highlights resilience, technical innovation, and strategic problem-solving, demonstrating how experience, determination, and collaboration can turn a real-world challenge into a market-ready solution with meaningful impact on health and safety.
Edward Greenwood – Communitas America
Edward Greenwood’s work empowers first-generation founders of color from low-income NYC neighborhoods, helping underinvested communities access capital, networks, and resources. Inspired by his time in the Peace Corps in Estonia and working at the grassroots level in Africa, he witnessed firsthand how limited access hinders entrepreneurial and economic growth. Motivated by this experience and a desire to make a personal impact, Edward also adopted his son from Africa, further reflecting his commitment to supporting and uplifting communities he has worked with.
Through Communitas America’s accelerator and incubator programs, Edward has supported over 270 founders across sectors like fintech, edtech, and community health, fostering inclusive innovation and sustainable local economies. He bridges gaps between underrepresented entrepreneurs and statewide resources, collaborating with NYSTAR, NY I-Corps, and academic partners to connect innovators to commercialization and incubation support.
Edward’s approach combines global perspective, hands-on mentorship, and community-focused impact, demonstrating that resilience, strategic guidance, and access to opportunity can transform historically excluded communities into thriving centers of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Chase Kahn – Chase Mobility
Chase Kahn transformed a personal mobility challenge into a mission-driven business. After experiencing the limitations and safety issues of existing wheelchair devices due to a genetic connective tissue disorder, Chase co-founded Chase Mobility by enforcing safer, more intuitive, and affordable mobility solutions.
While navigating their own disability, Chase completed an Industrial Design degree at RIT in 2024, integrating user-centered design principles and feedback from wheelchair users into product development. Chase’s startup journey began after winning RIT’s Tiger Tank pitch competition, securing $100,000 to launch the venture.
Chase is driven by a commitment to empower the disability community, ensuring that mobility devices prioritize freedom, usability, and accessibility over profit-driven norms. Through advocacy, innovation, and persistence, demonstrating how personal experience and resilience can redefine an industry and improve the lives of others.
These Champions embody the spirit of resilience, creativity, and impact. From overcoming personal adversity to navigating systemic barriers, each story highlights the determination, grit, and vision required to turn challenges into meaningful innovation. Their journeys remind us that entrepreneurship is not just about products or technology—it’s about people, purpose, and persistence. By leveraging mentorship, resources, and community support, these Champions are reshaping industries, empowering communities, and inspiring the next generation of innovators to embrace resilience, seize opportunity, and create lasting change across New York State and beyond.