The Judge Squad
Alissa M. Quinn
Master of Moves
Alissa Quinn, author, The Power of Impact Circles, has strived to make a difference for others, creating and leading unique impact circles for executive women in business, including women leaders touched by cancer, and women navigating significant life transitions.
She lives by the motto “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” which has served her well for over three decades as a Senior Vice President / Financial Advisor.
Alissa is a graduate of Union College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Economics, a program combining Mechanical Engineering and Economics. Alissa is an international-award-winning ballroom dance enthusiast, inspired by her mother, a South American immigrant, and her father of Italian heritage, who met on the dance floor.
In May 2025, Alissa and her professional instructor, Florin Vlad of Dance Fire Studio, Niskayuna, NY placed 8th in the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival, UK, at the Open Gold B2 level. Dancing her way through life’s storms, Alissa is an optimist who has learned that, in the words of Robert Brault, “taking a step backward after taking a step forward is not a disaster, it’s a cha-cha”! With her indomitable spirit, insatiable sweet tooth, and nickname of Auntie Bling, Alissa adds passion and a little sparkle to everything she adores: her family, friends, work, ballroom dance, flower arranging, entertaining, and creating impact circles to help others thrive and live life to the fullest!
Alissa has received many awards and accolades, most notably: President’s Circle Award, YWCA of Northeastern NY, 2020; Pearls of Wisdom Award, Women’s Employment & Resource Center, 2019; Visions of Strength Award, Northeast Health, 2017; Trailblazing Women Award, The Women’s Fund of the Capital Region, 2014; Advancement of Women in the Workplace Award, Women’s Employment & Resource Center, 2011; Women of Excellence Award, Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, 1993; and Women of Achievement Award, Schenectady, 1990.
Her community engagement includes founding four impact circles: Professional Women’s Network, Executive Network, Passion, Purpose & Legacy, and Next Chapter, in addition to having held the following positions: Honorary Co-Chair, Women of Achievement Awards; YWCA of Northeastern NY, 2019–2020; Babson College Business Coaching, Leadership & Training Program, 2011– 2016; Honorary Co-Chair, Women of Excellence Awards, Regional Chamber of Commerce, 2016–2017; Nomination Committee Chair, USA Dance, 2010–2014; Founder, Zoller Ballroom Kids, Inner City Children’s Ballroom Dance Program, 2005–2012; Corporate Committee Chair, Albany Institute of History & Art, 1997; Board Member, Junior Achievement 1994–1997; and Volunteer, Girl’s Inc., 1995–2010.
Alissa is a graduate of Union College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Economics, a program combining Mechanical Engineering and Economics. Alissa is an international-award-winning ballroom dance enthusiast, inspired by her mother, a South American immigrant, and her father of Italian heritage, who met on the dance floor.
In May 2025, Alissa and her professional instructor, Florin Vlad of Dance Fire Studio, Niskayuna, NY placed 8th in the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival, UK, at the Open Gold B2 level. Dancing her way through life’s storms, Alissa is an optimist who has learned that, in the words of Robert Brault, “taking a step backward after taking a step forward is not a disaster, it’s a cha-cha”! With her indomitable spirit, insatiable sweet tooth, and nickname of Auntie Bling, Alissa adds passion and a little sparkle to everything she adores: her family, friends, work, ballroom dance, flower arranging, entertaining, and creating impact circles to help others thrive and live life to the fullest!
Alissa has received many awards and accolades, most notably: President’s Circle Award, YWCA of Northeastern NY, 2020; Pearls of Wisdom Award, Women’s Employment & Resource Center, 2019; Visions of Strength Award, Northeast Health, 2017; Trailblazing Women Award, The Women’s Fund of the Capital Region, 2014; Advancement of Women in the Workplace Award, Women’s Employment & Resource Center, 2011; Women of Excellence Award, Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, 1993; and Women of Achievement Award, Schenectady, 1990.
Her community engagement includes founding four impact circles: Professional Women’s Network, Executive Network, Passion, Purpose & Legacy, and Next Chapter, in addition to having held the following positions: Honorary Co-Chair, Women of Achievement Awards; YWCA of Northeastern NY, 2019–2020; Babson College Business Coaching, Leadership & Training Program, 2011– 2016; Honorary Co-Chair, Women of Excellence Awards, Regional Chamber of Commerce, 2016–2017; Nomination Committee Chair, USA Dance, 2010–2014; Founder, Zoller Ballroom Kids, Inner City Children’s Ballroom Dance Program, 2005–2012; Corporate Committee Chair, Albany Institute of History & Art, 1997; Board Member, Junior Achievement 1994–1997; and Volunteer, Girl’s Inc., 1995–2010.
Chris Onorato
Hometown Hero
Chris Onorato is an anchor on NewsChannel 13 Today from 5-7am weekdays.
With his wife, Ashley, he co-hosts the only televised sports talk show in the area, Onorato & Miller, featuring local and national guests in the sports and entertainment world.
Chris grew up in Glen Rock, NJ and graduated from Ithaca College’s Roy H. Park School of Communications.
His official blood type is the universal type O-negative, but it might as well be marinara – or pink sauce. He doesn’t do well in the sun, but he loves the beach. Oh, and his hips don’t lie.
