Ashley V. Nicole Dolson, founder of Melanin Skyn Co., is a McKinley graduate. The lack of skin products for melanin rich skin and product placement segregation she experienced led her to create her line of products. She hopes her skin care products increase inclusiveness for those of all skin tones.
Melanin Skyn Co. - Black Owned, Natural Ingredients, Skin Care
Kimberly Powell (Hutch Tech) is the manager of the IT Help Desk. Under her leadership, the BPS IT Help Desk was transformed into a fully online system, modernizing support and setting a new standard for efficiency and accessibility. Driven, and people-centered, she continues to drive innovation.
Dr. Leah Angel Daniel is a Performing Arts graduate, author, advocate for change, community developer, and now serves as the Executive Director of the African American Cultural Center. She empowers foster youth, as they become adults, to reach their potential through Fostering Greatness Inc.
Practicing attorney LeRoi C. Johnson, a graduate of Lafayette High School, has exhibited his art on six continents including prestigious venues like the Museum of Modern Art in Rio. Currently, his work is displayed at the Albany Institute, Cairo Opera House, and Museum of Afro-Brazilian Culture.
Fred Wagstaff is the Executive Director of Security for the Buffalo Public Schools and proud graduate of Lafayette High School. His participation in sports at Lafayette helped him develop the character necessary for a career in law enforcement and eventually security for the Buffalo Public Schools.
Stephen Forman Jr. 2020 graduate of Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. An up-and-coming illustrator and talented visual artist, Stephen is making waves in the Buffalo art scene. He is a comic book author, illustrator and he creates caricatures at Canalside and Darien Lake.
Zhanna Reed is a graduate of Performing Arts. She is an entrepreneur, actor, vocalist, and artist. She graduated magna cum laude and received the Chancellor’s Award from Buffalo State. She travels the world as a performing artist and promotes using the arts for wellness and self-care practices.
Aundrea Sanders graduated from Burgard Vocational High School in 1995. She is currently the Director of Crisis Prevention and Intervention Supports, which works to help fulfill the Superintendent's Education Bargain by providing the highest quality services to our neediest children and families.
Robert Paterson is a Performing Arts graduate and an award-winning classical composer. Named Composer of The Year by the Classical Recording Foundation at Carnegie Hall, Robert Paterson is the winner of the Alfred I. DuPont Award. His music is often a Best of the Year pick on National Public Radio.
Dr. Karl Kozlowski - Hutchinson Central Technical H.S. -1992 - Professor & Chair of Kinesiology at Canisius University. Dr. Kozlowski seeks to inspire life-long learning in his students. His research focuses on using exercise and activity to treat diseases rather than pharmaceuticals.
Shauna Strom graduated from Hutchinson Central Technical H.S. in1998 and is Assistant Legal Counsel for the Buffalo Public Schools. She graduated UB Law School in 2005 and was admitted to the NYS Bar in 2006. Previously she practiced personal injury law with the Law Offices of William Mattar.
Kara McGuire (Hutch Tech 1992) is the Assistant Director of the Library at Daemen University, where she oversees essential library operations and manages the professional development of the library’s work-study students. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Hutch Tech Alumni Association and previously served as a Parent Engagement Liaison.
Maurice Ragland, a Seneca Vocational and RIT graduate, is the Core Functional Lead for Digital Transformation at Northrop Grumman and co-owner of the hospitality brand LOV3 Houston. From Buffalo to the boardroom, his story embodies resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of education.
Colleen Cunningham, a Hutch Tech Engineer class of 1995 started as an ELA teacher and is currently the Principal at Pathways Academy, formerly the Principal at Riverside Academy, Assistant Principal at Riverside, Buffalo Culinary, and Emerson, and a Supervisor in the Office of School Leadership.
Dr. LaFraya Wilson is the principal at West Hertel Elementary and a proud graduate of Hutch Tech. Previously in her BPS career she was a teacher, and an instructional coach. She participated in the first cohort of the Buffalo Aspiring Leadership Academy gaining her administration credentials.
Raina Lipsitz (2000 City Honors) author of The Rise of a New Left, writes about politics & culture for many publications. She has organized book events in the U.S. and abroad, including in Seoul, Korea, where Rollercoaster Press published a Korean translation of her book.
Erika LaMar is the principal of Bennett Park Montessori school and a 1996 graduate of Performing Arts. She was a vocal music major. Principal LaMar is passionate about running her non-traditional Montessori school that enriches students’ learning through hands-on learning experiences.
Ani DiFranco-Performing Arts Class of 1986. Ani DiFranco created her own record label, Righteous Babe Records, in 1990. She is a successful musician, poet, and author. She is an advocate for women’s rights and LGBT visibility. She won a Grammy for Best Recording Package in 2004 for her album Evolve.
Dr. Ramona Reynolds is a graduate of Performing Arts and member of the BPS Cabinet as the Chief of Athletics, Community Schools, Family and Community Engagement. She earned a BA, Masters, and Doctorate from UB. She is a strong advocate for engaging families and the community in students’ education.
Natasha Mehta is a graduate of City Honors. She earned a BA in history and a Master of Social Work from UB. In BPS, she has been a Teacher, Social Worker, an AP, and Supervisor of Instructional Technology. She now serves as Supervisor in the Department of Social, Emotional, and Wellness Supports.
Casimiro D. Rodriguez Sr. graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in 1972 and is the president of the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY. He is a strong advocate of education, health, and equality of Buffalo's Latino Community. He is a graduate of UB and a retiree of General Motors.
Brian Higgins is the President of Shea’s Performing Arts Center and a former United States Representative for the 26th Congressional District. He plans to enhance and grow the market of Shea’s Theatres. He has been a strong advocate for peace, middle-class issues and the development of our region.
