Local Leaders Speaker Series

5:00-6:30 pm, 141 Park Hall (North Campus)

BootSector’s mission is to empower, educate, and support the next generation of local entrepreneurs and startup leaders. BootSector provides financial grants to community organizers and handles payment processing, tickets, insurance, donations, and marketing support for your startup and entrepreneurial events. Join us to hear Founder and Executive Director Jordan Walbesser talk about guiding the organization from its start to its current form.  

5:00-6:30 pm, 305 Capen in Silverman Library (North Campus)

For over 100 years, the International Institute of Buffalo has welcomed foreign-born families and individuals and supported their journey to a new future in our community, regardless of race or religion. Since September 2021, Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi has successfully led the organization as major humanitarian crises, including those in Ukraine and Afghanistan, have driven more clients to the organization than ever before. Join us to hear her talk about the history and the future of the organization.

6:00-7:30 pm, 109 O'Brian Hall (North Campus)

This has been the most violent summer on Western New York's roadways in recent memory, with children and adults being injured and killed in crashes on a near daily basis. GObike is leading the charge to activate media and politicians to apply more urgency to redesigning and rebuilding local infrastructure to slow down drivers and create safe, accessible space for all users, of any background, age, and ability to walk, roll in a wheelchair, and ride their bikes. When we make our streets safe for kids, they're safe for everyone, including drivers. Join us to hear exciting ideas from two local leaders about how to improve Buffalo's transportation infrastructure. 

6:00-7:30 pm, 109 O'Brian Hall (North Campus)

Stitch Buffalo is a textile art center committed to empowering refugee and immigrant women through the sale of their handcrafted goods, inspiring creativity and inclusion through community education, and stewarding the environment through the re-use of textile supplies. The organization is Western New York’s only comprehensive textile arts center, offering award-winning programs that weave together social impact, cultural preservation, personal expression, and shared connections. Join us to hear Founder and Executive Director Dawne Hoeg talk about guiding the organization from its start as a weekly embroidery class, held in borrowed community rooms, to its current form.