When Joanne Lenweaver walked into the Southside Innovation Center in 2009 to officially begin her role as Director of the WISE Women’s Business Center, she knew she was home. With a background in advertising and entrepreneurship, she brought more than business savvy—she brought heart, humility, and a profound desire to help other women succeed.

“I came to WISE with a good head and an even better heart,” she says. “Because I knew how hard it could be.”

That empathy became the heartbeat of WISE during Joanne’s leadership. She didn’t just build programs—she built a community. She created a space where women could show up fully, where their dreams were taken seriously, and where asking for help was seen not as weakness, but wisdom.

A Legacy of Authenticity and Grit

Joanne’s path to WISE was shaped by her own entrepreneurial journey. As the founder of an award-winning advertising agency, she had done work that was creative, international, and acclaimed. But behind the accolades were hard days—days of isolation, poor communication, and burnout. She admits she didn’t always know how to ask for help, and at times didn’t have the tools to lead with emotional intelligence.

That lived experience became her greatest asset as a mentor. “If I could help one woman avoid the mistakes I made, it was all worth it,” she says. “You have to get your head on straight—and you can’t do that in a vacuum.”

At WISE, she brought that message forward with clarity and compassion. She led with authenticity, emphasizing that the most successful entrepreneurs she knew weren’t just talented—they were genuine.

“Entrepreneurship comes from your heart and soul,” she says. “People buy into you. And if you can show up as your full, imperfect, incredible self—that’s power.”

Growing Something Great

Joanne took the helm of WISE at a time when funding was tight, and every resource mattered. “We were building something of value on a dream she laughs. “But the women made it easy to keep showing up.” What the program lacked in dollars, it made up for in community.

Support came in the form of donated time, belief, and shared passion. Events like the annual Symposium became cornerstones of the local business calendar, and the 10th anniversary celebration—standing-room-only in the Tech Garden Theater—was a symbol of just how far WISE had come.

One of Joanne’s favorite memories is being invited to speak about WISE’s EXITO! program on the international stage—first at the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit in Lima, Peru, and later in Taiwan, where she addressed a group of women entrepreneurs.

“There was a language barrier, different markets, different worlds—but the same spirit,” she recalls. “Entrepreneurship is universal.”

The Women Who Fueled Her Fire

Ask Joanne what she’s most proud of, and she’ll point to the women.

“The women we served—they’re the story,” she says. “Their success made it easy for me to work hard. Easy to fight for funding, to stay late, to keep showing up. They inspired me every day.”

She doesn’t name one specific role model—instead, she remembers a “gigantic hug of women” who built her up, supported each other, and made the whole endeavor worthwhile.

One business she especially admires is The Sweet Praxis, a woman-owned bakery in downtown Syracuse. “I initially thought the location was a little tough,” she admits with a smile. “But they had a vision. They made it work. That’s what women entrepreneurs do.” The Sweet Praxis opened in November of 2016, and still operates in its original Hanover Square location in Syracuse, now a flourishing area of Downtown.

From WISE to Clean Slate

Today, Joanne pours her passion into Clean Slate Farm, the business she runs with her husband Dave. They’re a fixture at local markets, known for their delicious, infused vinegars and warm energy. Running a business while managing Parkinson’s disease hasn’t been easy, but Joanne brings the same grit and grace she exuded at WISE.

She believes her time at WISE prepared her for the challenges she faces now—especially the importance of teamwork, emotional intelligence, and showing up every day, even when it’s hard.

Her Message for the Next Generation

Joanne’s greatest hope is that WISE continues to evolve with compassion at its core. “We need leaders who understand not just business, but people. Who know how to lead with heart, with care—for your team, your clients, your community.”

She urges those who support women entrepreneurs to invest more than just money. “Your advice, your experience—those things are gold. Give someone your time. Help them avoid the pitfalls. That’s how we really make a difference.”

She believes the next 20 years of WISE will be just as transformative as the last, if not more so. But it will require bold leadership and continued investment.

“The world needs these women,” she says, “not just as financial engines, but as employers, innovators, and caretakers. They’re going to change the world.”