Emily Hessney Lynch: University alumna, volunteer, and social media ambassador

Emily Hessney Lynch ’12, 15W
Major: History and English. Higher Education while at Warner School of Education.
Occupation: Digital Marketing and Communications Manager, NextCorps, formerly High Tech Rochester

Photo by Jacalyn Meyvis

Emily Hessney Lynch ’12, ’15 (W) was born and raised “essentially Rochester.” Her grandmother, Iva Larsen, was a 1948 graduate of the Prince Street Campus College for Women, and her dad, Larry, graduated in 1988 with his MBA from the Simon School of Business. She grew up in Pittsford, just a quick drive from the River Campus.

It’s fitting that Hessney Lynch continues her love of the city as the digital marketing and communications manager at NextCorps, formerly High Tech Rochester, a business incubator that supports startups and manufacturers in the Greater Rochester region. She volunteers with the Rochester Network Leadership Cabinet (NLC), a local group of alumni, parents, and friends who serve as ambassadors in the area.

When Hessney Lynch learned that the University was looking for alumni to help other alumni and friends connect online, she enthusiastically raised her hand. Her present job and personal life involve a lot of social media use, so it was a “natural fit.” She is directly responsible for developing and implementing her employer’s content strategy on its social media platforms.

“I’ve been volunteering on the Rochester NLC for the past six months, and it’s been a wonderful way to meet a lot of interesting, like-minded people who care about our alma mater,” says Hessney Lynch. She also notes that social platforms are a great way for alumni, parents, and friends to stay in touch, and get the inside scoop on University news and events in their region.

Hessney Lynch regularly posts on the University’s Rochester Network Facebook Group and she is passionate about having real conversations with people linked to the University and to the city of Rochester.

“I want people who have moved back to Rochester or who have lived here their entire life to learn something new and know that they immediately have people to connect with.” As part of another gig, Hessney Lynch is the editor of I Heart ROC, a local blog dedicated to all things related to the city of Rochester. She leverages her work on the blog to help alumni who might be new to the area to get reacquainted. She even created a list of 100 things to love about Rochester.

Inspired to get socially involved? Hessney Lynch has a few tips!
“Good content can include a number of things–it can be relatable, funny, and informative. If it’s something you would enjoy reading and seeing in your feed, then it could be great content to share. Social is flexible so you can try new things, see how they go, and adapt.”

—Emily Gillette, March 2018