Sarah walked through Seneca Falls last month, pausing at the bronze statues marking where Elizabeth Cady Stanton first declared women deserved equal rights. As a working mother juggling career and family, she felt a deep connection to those pioneering women who fought similar battles nearly two centuries ago.
What struck her most wasn’t just the history, but how relevant their struggles still feel today. Women across the Finger Lakes region continue pushing boundaries, starting businesses, leading communities, and breaking barriers that would have seemed impossible to those early suffragettes.
Now, that powerful legacy is coming alive again through Brave Women FLX 2026, a week-long celebration that promises to inspire a new generation of women while honoring those who paved the way.
Celebrating the Birthplace of Women’s Rights
The Finger Lakes region holds a special place in American history as the birthplace of the women’s rights movement. When Elizabeth Cady Stanton organized the first Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls in 1848, she sparked a revolution that would eventually secure voting rights and countless other freedoms women enjoy today.
Brave Women FLX builds on this rich heritage, transforming historical significance into a modern tourism initiative that celebrates both past achievements and present-day trailblazers. The March 1-8, 2026 event spans multiple counties across the Finger Lakes, creating a regional celebration that brings together communities, businesses, and visitors.
“We’re not just looking backward at history,” explains Hilary Fenner, Marketing Director at Cayuga County Tourism. “We’re connecting those historical moments to the incredible women making their mark in our region today.”
The initiative represents more than tourism marketing. It’s a deliberate effort to position the Finger Lakes as a destination where women’s stories matter, where female entrepreneurship thrives, and where visitors can experience authentic connections to pivotal moments in American social justice.
What Makes Brave Women FLX Special
Unlike typical tourism events focused solely on attractions, Brave Women FLX weaves together multiple elements that create a comprehensive experience for visitors and locals alike. The week-long celebration incorporates historical sites, modern businesses, educational opportunities, and community gatherings.
Key components of Brave Women FLX 2026 include:
- Guided tours of historic women’s rights landmarks
- Workshops and panels featuring contemporary female leaders
- Special exhibits at museums and cultural centers
- Collaborative events with local breweries and restaurants
- Educational programming for schools and community groups
- Networking opportunities for female entrepreneurs
| Event Component | Location Focus | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Historical Tours | Seneca Falls, Auburn | History enthusiasts, families |
| Business Workshops | Multiple venues | Female entrepreneurs |
| Cultural Exhibits | Museums region-wide | All ages, tourists |
| Community Events | Local businesses | Residents, visitors |
Amy Campanelli from Prison City Brewery represents the modern business component of the initiative. Her involvement demonstrates how contemporary female entrepreneurs connect with the region’s historical legacy while building their own success stories.
“There’s something powerful about running a business in a place where women first fought for basic economic rights,” Campanelli notes. “We’re continuing that tradition of women creating their own opportunities.”
Regional Impact and Community Collaboration
The success of Brave Women FLX depends on unprecedented collaboration between tourism organizations, historical societies, businesses, and community groups across multiple counties. This partnership approach ensures the event creates lasting benefits beyond the March celebration week.
Samantha Maslyn, Director of Communications at Discover Seneca, emphasizes how the initiative strengthens regional tourism while supporting local businesses owned and operated by women. The event creates opportunities for female entrepreneurs to showcase their services, from boutique accommodations to artisanal food producers.
Economic impact extends beyond direct tourism spending. The initiative positions the Finger Lakes as a forward-thinking destination that values diversity and inclusion, potentially attracting conferences, corporate retreats, and other events throughout the year.
Local schools benefit through educational programming that connects students with both historical and contemporary role models. Young women in the region gain exposure to diverse career paths and entrepreneurial opportunities they might not have considered otherwise.
“We’re planting seeds for the next generation of brave women,” Maslyn explains. “These young people are seeing firsthand that their hometown produced some of the most important social reform movements in American history.”
Looking Beyond 2026
While March 2026 marks the official launch of Brave Women FLX, organizers envision this as the beginning of an ongoing initiative rather than a one-time event. The collaborative framework established for 2026 creates infrastructure for annual celebrations, ongoing programming, and sustained tourism marketing.
The podcast discussion with Jim Sinicropi revealed ambitious plans for expanding the initiative in future years. Potential additions include partnership with universities for research projects, development of specialized tour packages, and creation of a scholarship program for young women pursuing careers in tourism and hospitality.
Regional business owners are already planning ways to maintain momentum beyond the inaugural week. Some are developing year-round programming that highlights women’s contributions to their industries, while others are creating permanent exhibits or installations that tell ongoing stories of female achievement.
The initiative also positions the Finger Lakes to compete for larger-scale events and recognition. Success in 2026 could lead to designation as a National Heritage Area or qualification for major cultural tourism grants that would fund expanded programming and facility improvements.
FAQs
When is Brave Women FLX 2026 taking place?
The event runs from March 1-8, 2026, spanning a full week across the Finger Lakes region.
Which counties are participating in Brave Women FLX?
The initiative includes multiple Finger Lakes counties, with confirmed participation from Cayuga and Seneca counties, with additional locations being added.
What types of events can visitors expect during the week?
The program includes historical tours, business workshops, museum exhibits, community gatherings, and special events at local restaurants and breweries.
Is Brave Women FLX only for women?
No, the events are open to all visitors and community members who want to learn about women’s contributions to the region and support female entrepreneurs.
How can local businesses get involved in Brave Women FLX?
Businesses can contact the participating tourism organizations in their counties to learn about partnership opportunities and ways to participate in the week-long celebration.
Will there be special accommodations or packages available during Brave Women FLX week?
Many local hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other accommodations are developing special packages for the event, with details becoming available closer to the March dates.
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