© 2025 WXXI News
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
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.

  • Three people wearing headphones sit at a table in a radio talk studio: a man at left has dark braids and is wearing a navy polo shirt; a woman at center has short dark hair and is wearing glasses and a white sleeveless top with black polka dots; a woman at right has short blonde hair and is wearing a leopard print turtleneck, black jeans and black strappy heels.
    Connections
    Maplewood Park shooting one year later
    Racquel Stephen
    In the first hour of "Connections" on July 28, 2025, we remember the victims of the Maplewood Park shooting and discuss the state of gun violence in Rochester.
  • Multiple law enforcement agencies investigate two vehicles on Vassar Street near Park Avenue, that are connected to the officer involved shooting on Barrington Street where a man was killed when officers tried to apprehend him Monday, March 20, 2023. (photo by Max Schulte)
    Connections
    Maplewood Park shooting one year later
    Racquel Stephen
    During "Connections" on 7/28/25, we revisit the Maplewood Park shooting tragedy one year later. Then, a rebroadcast of our discussion on the increase in Americans living abroad.
  • Four people wearing headphones sit at a table in a radio talk studio: a man front left has long blonde hair, a blonde beard and is wearing a beige floral print short-sleeved shirt, green shorts and grey shoes; a woman front right has short blonde hair and is wearing an army green short-sleeved dress and beige heels; a woman back left has long blonde hair and is wearing a grey cardigan sweater over a black t-shirt; a woman back right has long brown hair and is wearing a black cardigan over a black and white floral print dress.
    Connections
    Small but Mighty Keuka Lake
    Racquel Stephen
    In the first hour of "Connections" on July 24, 2025, Racquel Stephen and her guests explore the hidden gems of Keuka Lake and the towns that surround it.
  • John Skrip III, owner of Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery in Breinigsville, PA, where the Spotted Lanternfly decimated six aches of grape vines including this section of vineyard of Pinot that had to be torn out after being destroyed by the Spotted Lanternfly.
    Connections
    Small but Mighty Keuka Lake
    Racquel Stephen
    During "Connections" on 7/24/25, we dive into all the hidden gems Keuka Lake has to offer. Then, a rebroadcast of our talk on how Henrietta says legal cannabis has had a positive impact on the town.
  • Four people wearing headphones sit at a table in a radio talk studio: a man front left is bald with a grey beard and is wearing a light blue polo shirt, jeans and sneakers; a woman front right has short blonde hair and is wearing a brown dress with large white polka dots and beige heels; a man back left has short dark hair and is wearing glasses and a grey and white striped button-down shirt; a woman back right has curly dark hair and is wearing glasses and a black sleeveless button-down shirt.
    Connections
    Puerto Rican Festival
    Racquel Stephen
    In the first hour of "Connections" on July 23, 2025, Racquel Stephen and her guests discuss the local Puerto Rican community and preview the 2025 Rochester Puerto Rican Festival.
  • The Puerto Rican parade in Rochester returns to North Clinton Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023.
    Connections
    Puerto Rican Festival
    Racquel Stephen
    During "Connections" on 7/23/25, we preview Rochester's Puerto Rican Festival. Then, a rebroadcast of our discussion on tips for recycling.
  • 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 sleeveless top and a turquoise necklace; a woman at center has short blonde hair and is wearing glasses and a black short-sleeved shirt; a woman at right has very short blonde hair and is wearing a purple dress.
    Connections
    Social Media Warning Labels
    Racquel Stephen
    In the first hour of "Connections" on July 22, 2025, our experts discuss a NYS bill that would require mental health warning labels on social media platforms and how to handle a growing digital world.
  • This stock photo shows children using their smartphones.
    Connections
    Social Media Warning Labels
    Racquel Stephen
    During "Connections" on 7/22/25, we discuss a new NYS bill requiring mental health warning labels on some social media platforms . Then, a rebroadcast of our talk about birds of prey in NYS.
  • Two smiling people wearing headphones sit next to each other at a table in a radio talk studio: a man at left has very short dark hair and a grey beard and is wearing a black blazer over a grey polo shirt; a woman at right has short blonde hair and is wearing a black and grey striped dress.
    Connections
    Funding cuts to public media
    Racquel Stephen
    In the first hour of "Connections" on July 21, 2025, WXXI president and CEO Chris Hastings joins us to break down what funding cuts to public media mean for the future of WXXI and the community.
  • Chris Hastings will be the next President and CEO of WXXI Public Media. He comes to Rochester from Boston, where he had an executive role at public media organization GBH. Hastings joins WXXI on November 11, and will succeed Norm Silverstein, who is retiring after more than 28 years in the position.
    Connections
    Funding cuts to public media
    Racquel Stephen
    During "Connections" on 7/21/25, we talk with WXXI president and CEO Chris Hastings about cuts to public media funding. Then, a rebroadcast of our talk about new treatment options for Parkinson's.