Today, NYS Senator Lea Webb presented Via’s Cookies with a NYS Empire Award. The NYS Empire Award is the highest award a NYS Senator can bestow upon businesses and organizations in their district. 

While attending college at Ithaca College, Olivia (Via) Carpenter navigated the challenges of financial hardship, rigorous academics, and a new social environment. It was during this time that she revived her high school cookie recipe and began selling baked goods locally. What started as a small effort to make ends meet quickly evolved into a thriving business, supported by community demand and early placements in local cafés and markets across Ithaca.

Through participation in entrepreneurial programs such as Ithaca College’s Demo Day competition, Carpenter refined her business model and scaled her operations. Her success in these competitions provided critical funding and helped her formalize Via’s Cookies as a growing enterprise. Over time, she expanded her product line to include vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring accessibility for customers with dietary restrictions while maintaining exceptional quality and flavor. Carpenter has intentionally structured her business to give back, donating a portion of proceeds to support underrepresented students and communities, including Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ individuals. 

"At Via's Cookies, our motto is love, justice, and cookies for all because we began with the intention of pouring into and uplifting our community,” said Via Carpenter, Founder. “Seeing and knowing that we are achieving this feels amazing, and the recognition only solidifies that feeling. Thank you."

“I am proud of Via’s Cookies for becoming such a cornerstone of the Southern Tier,” said Senator Lea Webb. “This business began as a way to navigate the financial struggles of attending college, and has bloomed into a thriving business that gives back to those who need it most, really exemplifying the best of business in New York State.” 

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