Started at company: 2005
Years in field: 20
Born in: Buffalo
Lives in: Buffalo
Proudest accomplishment: Through communication, able to share life experiences that motivate others toward positive change and awareness which includes all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, religions and persons with disabilities. In several instances, communicating with groups where English is second language.
College: B.A., sociology with minor in urban planning/African American studies, SUNY Albany; M.S., inter disciplinary, social science, concentration gerontology, University at Buffalo
Graduate of: The Campus School and Bennett High School
Most fun event in the last year: Hosted the local community conversation about the Muhammad Ali Documentary, directed by Ken Burns, David Momahon and Sarah Burns on WNED on a PBS broadcast. Produced nine wellness/mental health Zoominars on a wide range of topics with Buffalo Branch NAACP, Kaleida Health, NY Project Hope and Community Partners.
Growing up: Parkside Community, raised Catholic, two loving sisters, multi-generational household, ethnically diverse neighborhood, father and mother worked full-time jobs. Education and civil rights were lead dinner topics. In high school, active with Episcopal Youth Group, NAACP Youth Group, Gamma Girl Sorority and began volunteering with senior citizens
When not working, I’m: Exercising, reading, learning, history, marketing, writing, doing photography
Favorite nonprofits: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), WNED, Crisis Services
Leadership positions: Executive committee, Buffalo Branch NAACP; board of Every Person Influences Children (EPIC), Crisis Services, Health Sciences Charter School and Hispanic Women’s League; advancement committee, Albright Knox Art Gallery; class chair, Leadership Buffalo; advisory Committee for WNED and University at Buffalo Mini Medical School; advisory committee for curriculum revision, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
I can’t get rid of: Large wooden bar in basement
Lucky charm: Cross from the Vatican
Career advice: Your act of kindness and smile is what people will remember, regardless of language.
This keeps me up at night: Through communication, how to make people realize they have more in common towards the goal of peace, understanding and giving back.
Hidden talent: Cooking
This might surprise people: I love to sing, however I can’t carry a tune.
Wishful super power: Read minds
To-do list: Travel to Paris, work with gemologist and design jewelry, be selected for Ted Talk
A food I can’t live without: Italian
Covid lesson: Power of networking through Zoom
Self-description: Congenial
Women of Influence Awards 2022: Francesca Mesiah, Kaleida Health - Buffalo Business First (bizjournals.com)