Amy Cieslik was in a professional rut.
Now her career is thriving at OneBridge Benefits, a job she found after attending a Women in Tech WNY networking event.
Two years ago, Amy Cieslik was stuck in a professional rut. She knew something needed to change, but she didn't know how to effect that change.
Cieslik is not a natural networker, but she walked alone into the Women in Tech WNY annual event at Seneca One Tower.
That was the moment everything changed.
Cieslik was connected with a fast-growing insurance-tech company and recurring sponsor of the event. The company had an opening – one not yet even posted. And the conversation just…flowed.
“It gave a more social setting to talk with them in," Cieslik sad. "It was comfortable and helped each of us see how we were, without being in a very formal interview. I got a good vibe from the company. Knowing it was a group who felt it important to support and empower women made the conversations even easier.”
After the event, Cieslik and her new company contact connected via LinkedIn and exchanged messages. She sent her resume. The recruiter provided a draft job description.
Fast-forward to today, and Cieslik is nearing her two-year anniversary with OneBridge Benefits, having already been promoted to Manager, Product Design and Release Management.
She’s not alone, either. Last year, OneBridge Benefits made yet another hire from an introduction at Women in Tech WNY.
Now, heading into Women in Tech WNY 2026, Cieslik is giving back to the community that altered her path. She will take the stage on March 26 at Seneca One Tower, speaking on the event’s concluding panel.
“I’m hoping that I can share my story and give someone else the confidence they might need to speak to someone, shake a hand, or walk up to a booth,” she said.
Ceilsik also participated in a Women in Tech WNY advisory council created to help steer content selection throughout the conference.
“What do you have to lose by joining?” she said. “It’s free to register. You get incredible exposure to leaders and decision-makers. And there is incredible knowledge sharing from the different sessions,” said Amy. “There is so much to be said about the palpable energy in that room. It makes you think ‘I can do it’.”
