In association with the exhibition "Explore Rochester at 10: A Decade of People and Places", RoCo presents a panel discussion about the changing landscape of social media over the past decade.

Social media has transformed dramatically in the last ten years, reshaping how we connect, share, and perceive the world. While it has certainly fostered community engagement and provided platforms for diverse and niche voices, it has also introduced major challenges related to mental health, privacy, democracy, and surveillance capitalism.

Using the exhibition and Explore Rochester as a departure point, this program will delve into the promises and pitfalls of social media. We will discuss its influence on fields like photography and marketing, its role in uplifting local arts & culture, and also impacts on our mental well-being, and the implications of living in an increasingly monitored and monetized digital environment. Join us for a timely and insightful conversation with four local speakers about where they’re at now and where we all might go from here.

Panelists:
• David Grome: Economic Developer at Greater Rochester Enterprise
• Danielle Ray: communications coordinator at the George Eastman Museum
• Steve Carter: co-founder of Explore Rochester, Marketing & Outreach at CineStill Film
• Justin Dusett: co-founder of Explore Rochester and Creative Director at Neon Wave.
• Bleu Cease, moderator: Executive Director/Curator Rochester Contemporary Art Center

ABOUT THE PANELISTS

David Grome, a Korean-American adoptee, is an avid golfer, vegan food enthusiast, and advocate for rescue animals. He moved to Rochester in 2007 after studying political science and public policy on Seneca Lake at Hobart College in Geneva, NY. As an economic developer at Greater Rochester Enterprise, David manages projects to support the attraction and expansion of private sector investment to the nine-county Greater Rochester, NY region. In this role, David also fosters public-private collaborations to advance technology innovation and entrepreneurship. David previously directed media, advertising, and public relations programs for Fortune 500 brands. In his free time, David enjoys exercising, watching the PGA TOUR and F1, exploring local arts and culture, reading about economics and American politics, and learning about watch collecting. He also serves as vice chair on the Board of Directors of Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York.

Danielle Raymo is a communications and marketing professional with a passion for museums, the arts, and great storytelling. As the communications coordinator at the George Eastman Museum and owner of Rochester Brainery, they help businesses and cultural institutions connect with their audiences. They co-founded Upstate Social Sessions (2013–2019), Western New York’s only social media marketing conference, and have worked with organizations like Blackfriars Theatre and Helen & Gertrude. A theatre enthusiast, they’ll sneak a Broadway deep cut into messaging whenever possible.

Steve Carter is a co-founder of Explore Rochester and is proud to call Rochester, NY home for the last 15 years. He leads Marketing & Outreach at CineStill Film and has over a decade of marketing experience, including time as the Global Head of Social Media at Kodak, consulting for the International Center of Photography, and working with Fortune 500 brands. He graduated from Roberts Wesleyan University with a B.S. in Management and Social Entrepreneurship. He is passionate about Rochester, history, reimaging cities built for people, as well as understanding and fostering community, both online and off — and occasionally, he also likes to take photos.

Justin Dusett is a Rochester native, TEDx alum, RAF Addy Award winner, and co-founder of Explore Rochester. Currently, he works as the Creative Director at Neon Wave. He also proudly serves as Design Director of Rochester Cocktail Revival, and Creative Director for Living Roots Wine & Co. He graduated from Monroe Community College with an A.D. in Commercial Illustration. Community and human connection live at the center of all of his most cherished projects.

David lives in the Town of Brighton with his partner Janine and their dog Kiddo, a rescue dog from Puerto Rico.