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Elissa Orlando

Elissa Orlando

Producer

Elissa Orlando is a producer for “Connections with Evan Dawson.” She returns part-time to WXXI News after stepping back from a long career in public media and in translational science. Her media and public health careers include leadership in the New York State COVID-19 vaccine administration at the University of Rochester.

Elissa earned her master’s degree in public administration and health systems from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. She is also a part-time dog trainer and avid community volunteer.

  • Four people wearing headphones sit at a table in a radio talk studio: a man front left has short brown hair and is wearing glasses, a white button-down shirt, jeans and sneakers; a woman front right has short blonde hair and is wearing a blue, yellow and orange patterned button-down shirt and pants with clear heels; a woman back left has short grey hair and is wearing glasses and a blue and white sleeveless top; a man back right has short brown hair and is wearing a white button-down shirt.
    Connections
    The Triple Identity of Canandaigua
    Racquel Stephen
    In the first hour of "Connections" on July 17, 2025, we begin our Finger Lakes Thursday series by learning about the history of Canandaigua and all the area has to offer to tourists and residents.
  • Canandaigua Lake
    Connections
    The Triple Identity of Canandaigua
    Racquel Stephen
    During "Connections" on 7/17/25, we kick off our Finger Lakes Thursday series with a discussion on Canandaigua Lake. Then, a rebroadcast of our conversation about the feasibility of going "car-lite."
  • Two smiling people wearing headphones sit in a radio talk studio: a man at left has short blonde hair and is wearing a red polo shirt; a woman at right has short blonde hair and is wearing a beige and black striped sweater.
    Connections
    Travel safety
    Racquel Stephen
    In the first hour of "Connections" on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, host Racquel Stephen speaks with experts to learn what travelers should know before planning a trip this summer.
  • A traveler checks the arrivals and departures board at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport on Friday, July 19, 2024.
    Connections
    Travel safety
    Racquel Stephen
    During "Connections" on 7/16/25, we discuss what you need to know when traveling this summer. Then, a rebroadcast of our conversation with a professor who has a different view of who deserves success.
  • Four people sit or stand in the corner of a radio talk studio: a guest far left has long dark hair and is wearing a black sweater vest over a brown and beige striped blouse; a guest near left is wearing a black baseball cap, pink blazer and black t-shirt with a rainbow colored emblem; a woman near right has short blonde hair and is wearing headphones and a dark green blouse; a guest far right has a brown beard and is wearing a grey newsboy cap, a maroon and cream striped button-down shirt and jeans.
    Connections
    Being transgender in Rochester
    Racquel Stephen
    In the first hour of "Connections" on July 15, 2025, host Racquel Stephen and her guests discuss the challenges facing people in the transgender community.
  • This stock image shows a person's hand holding a rainbow flag, which is known as a symbol of LGBTQ pride.
    Connections
    Being transgender in Rochester
    Racquel Stephen
    During "Connections" on 7/15/25, we discuss proposed laws that would put the transgender community in danger. Then, a rebroadcast of our conversation about the increase of vegan food options.
  • Three women wearing headphones sit at a table in a radio talk studio: a woman at left has long brown hair and is wearing glasses, a black top and a black blazer; a woman at center has long dark hair and is wearing glasses, a white top and a bright blue blazer; a woman at right has short blonde hair and is wearing a pink and purple abstract print dress.
    Connections
    Phobias
    Racquel Stephen
    In the first hour of "Connections" on July 14, 2025, guest host Racquel Stephen and her panel discuss what qualifies as a phobia and what options are available for treatment.
  • This stock image depicts a dictionary definition of the word phobia.
    Connections
    Phobias
    Racquel Stephen
    During "Connections" on 7/14/25, we discuss the stigma surrounding phobias and what treatment options are available. Then, a rebroadcast of our conversation about a local leader's trip to Ghana.
  • Two smiling people wearing headphones sit at a table in a radio talk studio: a man at left has short brown hair and is wearing a pink button-down shirt; a woman at right has short blonde hair and is wearing a green blazer, leopard-print shirt and jeans.
    Connections
    Cannabis use for chronic conditions
    Racquel Stephen
    In the second hour of "Connections" on June 26, 2025, guest host Racquel Stephen leads a discussion on the use of cannabis to treat chronic conditions among older adults.
  • Five people wearing headphones sit at a table in a radio talk studio: a woman front left has long dark hair and is wearing a black t-shirt with red and white writing and a short black t-shirt; a bald man front right has a dark beard and is wearing a long-sleeved orange t-shirt, black pants and work boots; a man back left is wearing a black baseball cap and a beige hooded sweatshirt with yellow writing and has his arm around a young boy who is standing next to him; a bald man back right has a dark beard and is wearing a black button-down shirt; a woman at center has short blonde hair and is wearing a green blazer, a leopard-print shirt, jeans and black heels.
    Connections
    Men's mental health
    Racquel Stephen
    In the first hour of "Connections" on June 26, 2025, guest host Racquel Stephen and her panel discuss the stigma surrounding mental health for men and explore new ways to provide assistance.