Four Roberts Alumni Named 2026 Women of Excellence Honorees

Sarah Billings has built a career marked by leadership, perseverance, and a commitment to organizational excellence. After beginning her professional journey in janitorial services at Kodak’s Eastman Business Park, she balanced full-time work with her education, ultimately earning her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Roberts Wesleyan University in 2010. She went on to hold leadership and compliance roles with Rochester City School District, University of Rochester Medical Center, and Rochester Regional Health, including overseeing staff development efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, she joined Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship as HR director and board secretary, where she leads human resources initiatives and organizational operations. Her career reflects a deep dedication to service, accountability, and professional growth.

Erica Dayton serves as executive director of the Golisano Foundation, one of the nation’s largest private foundations dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since stepping into the leadership role in 2023, she has guided the Foundation’s growing initiatives, including the nationally expanding Golisano Children’s Alliance and Bailey and Friends. Working closely with philanthropist Tom Golisano, Dayton has helped extend support to children’s hospitals in underserved communities across multiple states. Under her leadership, the Alliance has grown rapidly and has been connected to more than $350 million in gifts to participating hospitals. Her work continues to advance inclusion, opportunity, and compassionate care for vulnerable populations.

Pamela Ferranti has built a distinguished career in procurement and supplier management while also dedicating decades of service to her community. As category manager for professional services and travel at Brenntag, she has delivered millions in annual contractual savings through strategic partnerships and negotiations, following 15 years in supplier management roles at Xerox Corporation. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ferranti has served on the board of the Union Agricultural Society at Palmyra since 1991 and became the Wayne County Fair’s first female president in 2007. Under her leadership, the historic fair continues to welcome more than 30,000 attendees annually while engaging hundreds of volunteers and community participants. She also launched an apprentice program for local high school students, creating hands-on leadership opportunities for the next generation. 

Anna Valeria has led transformational growth at Open Door Mission, expanding the organization from two facilities to a six-location network serving Rochester’s homeless community. Since becoming CEO in 2017, she has significantly increased programming for individuals, women, children, and families experiencing homelessness while remaining committed to the organization’s faith-based mission. Valeria first joined Open Door Mission in 2014 to develop its inaugural residential program for women and children, bringing with her a background in legal publishing, social work, and housing policy. Under her leadership, the organization has added emergency housing, expanded recovery services, and developed affordable housing initiatives in downtown Rochester. She also serves as a regional leader in homelessness advocacy through her work with the Homeless Service Network and Continuum of Care Board.