NextCorps is celebrating Jackie Amigone’s remarkable 25-year journey with the organization. Since 1999, Jackie has been a cornerstone of our non-profit, supporting entrepreneurs while keeping staff cyber secure in roles as Operations Manager, IT Supervisor, and a key member of the Scale For ClimateTech and Manufacturing Accelerator program teams. Here’s a glimpse into what has kept her motivated, some of her memorable moments, and the incredible person behind the project management certified professional.
Q: What has kept you motivated and passionate about your work at NextCorps (and formerly High Tech Rochester) for 25 years?
A: “I firmly believe in NextCorps’ mission, and that has been a crucial motivator. I respect and admire the entrepreneurs we work with because starting and growing a business is hard. The programs and support that NextCorps provides are incredibly valuable in helping these companies move forward. I am extremely grateful for the growth opportunities I’ve been given and the supportive work culture here.”
Q: Can you share some of the most memorable moments or achievements from your time here?
A: “They say if you don’t toot your own horn, no one else will, so here we go. One significant achievement was vastly improving Internet bandwidth at our previous incubator in Henrietta. Until 2007, the Internet bandwidth was limited because fiber optic cable wasn’t available in the building. This impacted all the companies in the facility. When I got a new account manager for our Internet Service Provider (ISP), we met and I expressed the importance of getting fiber optic service and how it could benefit our companies and provide the ISP with new business opportunities in the future. The ISP account manager convinced her managers to extend their fiber optic network to our building at their cost, saving us at least $10,000. Once the fiber was active, we tripled our Internet bandwidth immediately, without tripling the cost.
One of my proudest accomplishments was managing the Rochester Regional Business Plan Contest, which became the Rochester Venture Challenge, from 2008 to 2017. This community-based startup competition involved multiple sponsors, partners, and support from the broader community, which required months of planning and five months to execute from kick-off to the final judging and Celebration of Entrepreneurship Luncheon. Jim Senall’s idea when he joined in 2009 was to elevate the visibility of the culminating event to include a luncheon with a keynote presenter along with an awards ceremony for the contestants. We started in 2009 with 150 attendees and by 2017 we increased that to almost 350! It was a lot of work, but incredibly rewarding.”
Q: How have you seen the company and the industry evolve over the past quarter-century?
A: “When I started in July 1999, we were a small group of four people at the Henrietta incubator and two or three people working on the MEP program downtown at the Chamber of Commerce. Today, NextCorps is more than four times that size. The support landscape for entrepreneurs was much smaller 25 years ago and there wasn’t a lot of collaboration. Fast forward to 2024, and you can find a variety of resources and organizations for entrepreneurs, with many looking for opportunities to collaborate and support each other’s initiatives.”
Q: I know you love to bake. What’s your favorite thing to make, and do you have a special recipe you’d like to share?
A: “I was inspired by The Great British Baking Show in 2015 to begin baking cakes and other tasty desserts, but my specialty is Babka, a sweet yeast bread usually swirled with chocolate, cinnamon, or other fillings. I started baking Chocolate Babka in 2010 for gifts and special occasions and to date, I’ve made 209 loaves! I got the recipe from a cooking magazine but have made my own adjustments over the years, so unfortunately, that recipe has to stay a secret.”
Q: Can you tell us about your role as a stage manager at the Blackfriars Theatre? What do you enjoy most about it?
A: “My college degree is in theater production and I worked professionally for several years after graduation before deciding to leave the profession. I had a 12-year hiatus before I got involved with Blackfriars Theatre in 2001 when I attended a show. I introduced myself to the Artistic Director saying I had stage management experience and wanted to get involved. It turned out he needed a stage manager for the upcoming show and offered me the opportunity. Since then, I’ve worked as a stage manager or assistant stage manager for over 50 productions. I enjoy going through the entire process, from the initial read-through to putting it in front of an audience. Running the show is the most enjoyable part; it’s an art, it’s not just pushing a button.”
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting their career?
A: “Take the opportunities when you see them, even if they seem daunting at first. The moments that push you out of your comfort zone are often the most rewarding and educational. Learn from the things that don’t go right; every mistake is a valuable lesson. And most important, spend more time listening than talking. You can learn so much by paying attention to the experiences and insights of those around you.”
Q: What other hobbies or interests do you have that might surprise your colleagues?
A: “I have a passion for learning and using it to overcome my fears, including learning karate. I did it for four years and earned my Purple Belt. It may not be a surprise, but I describe myself as a ‘Jackie of all trades,’ because I enjoy learning and wanting to explore new areas.”
Jackie also has two mischievous bunnies that keep her busy, and some of the pictures she captures are hysterical – ask to see some of them if you have a chance!
Celebrating Jackie
Jackie’s journey at NextCorps is a testament to her dedication, passion, and versatility. Her contributions have helped shape our organization, and we are incredibly grateful for her 25 years of service. Here’s to many more years of growth and success together.