Buffalo Prep 2023 Impact Report

BUFFALO PREP IS NOT A SCHOOL, BUT A SCHOOL OF THOUGHT. WE BELIEVE IN EDUCATIONAL EQUITY. WE BELIEVE IN RACIAL JUSTICE. WE BELIEVE IN OUR SCHOLARS AND IN THEIR POTENTIAL TO CHANGE THE WORLD. THROUGH RIGOROUS ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING, BUFFALO PREP SCHOLARS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TURN KNOWLEDGE INTO POWER. WHILE THEY’RE PUTTING IN THE EXTRA HOURS IN THE CLASSROOM, WE’RE PUTTING IN THE WORK TO BUILD A MORE INCLUSIVE, EQUITABLE, AND JUST COMMUNITY AROUND THEM. FOR OUR SCHOLARS, THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT. AS THEY STRIVE TOWARD THEIR MOST VIVID, AUTHENTIC SELVES, THEY BECOME SHINING EXAMPLES OF WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DON’T SETTLE FOR MEDIOCRITY. WE ARE BUFFALO PREP, AND WE ARE ILLUMINATING BRILLIANCE – FOR OUR SCHOLARS, FOR OUR COMMUNITY, FOR OUR FUTURE.

Prep Scholars Academy

Grades 5, 6, 7, 8

A neighborhood-based culturally relevant academic program designed to help scholars excel throughout middle school and prepare them for high school

PSA scholars receive (English/Spanish) instruction

bilingual

PIPELINE OF PROGRAMS

Middle School Prep

Grades 5&6

An accelerated enrichment program offered the summers after 5th and 6th grades that prepares scholars for success in college preparatory high schools

Summer 2023 scholars attended different middle schools

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Prep Bridge

Grade 7

A program for eligible scholars who have completed a Buffalo Prep post-6th grade summer program and would like to continue in a challenging program throughout their 7th grade year

91% of parents agree that Prep helps their child feel more confident as a student

High School Prep

Grade 8

Pipeline of Programs

College Prep

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

An intensive, 14-month program that prepares students for acceptance to and success at top independent, Catholic, charter and criteria-based public schools and higher education

A comprehensive program designed to assist eligible 9th12th grade scholars to thrive academically and sociallyemotionally as they navigate high school and prepare for their post-secondary journey

100% of scholars graduate from high school

Alumni Prep

Beyond Prep

Support, networking, and connection during postsecondary education and beyond

In the last ten years, 84% of High School Prep graduates have graduated with a bachelor’s degree or are currently enrolled to obtain one 63% of the Class of 2024 participated in Middle School Prep

Patti L. Stephen President, Buffalo Prep

35 YEARS OF ILLUMINATING

BRILLIANCE

As we reflect upon the 35th anniversary of Buffalo Prep, we are compelled to express our profound appreciation for the strength of the enduring impact of our programs, which continue to grow stronger year after year thanks to a strong foundation set by those who came before us.

It lies in the legacy we build collectively—a legacy that transcends individual achievements and becomes a testament to the spirit of unity and collaboration. After 35 years, we are only growing stronger due to the dedication of all of our partners’ steadfast commitment to our scholars and mission.

Luis A. Rodriguez, Jr. ‘97 Board President, Buffalo Prep

Buffalo Prep is a united community of scholars, families, alumni, board, staff, partners, and supporters, all rowing in the same direction with justice and equity guiding our way. With high expectations for our scholars’ success, we each play a pivotal role in fostering an environment that encourages and nurtures growth, excellence, and community. We believe that knowledge is power, and that has been a driving force behind our shared mission.

As we continue our journey, let us remain mindful of the strength we draw from one another and the profound impact our collective efforts can have on the world. Let our legacy be one of compassion, resilience, and the unwavering belief that together, we can build a world where all scholars have access to an equitable education that honors and values their inherent brilliance.

MISSION

In the spirit of Ubuntu, “I am because you are,” we recognize that it takes a village to bring about lasting change. The collaborative efforts and dedication to educational equity embody the essence of what makes Buffalo Prep “work”! The true power of a community extends far beyond the confines of the present moment.

Thank you for your role in building our community and nurturing our scholars!

In solidarity and gratitude,

Patti L. Stephen, President

Luis A. Rodriguez, Jr. ‘97

With a focus on racially and culturally affirming practices, Buffalo Prep advocates for educational access and equity and provides programming to academically ambitious scholars of color. We strive to nurture our scholars’ brilliance while empowering them to engage civically as their authentic selves.

RESPONSIBILITY EXCELLENCE INTEGRITY LEADERSHIP VISION VALUES

We envision a future where all students have the opportunity to pursue excellence and success in a community that nurtures their individual talents, goals, and selves.

Bigger images can go here.

THE EVOLUTION OF BUFFALO PREP EST. 1989

IN 1989 a vision took shape as education and community leaders founded Buffalo Prep, providing accelerated academic enrichment programming for scholars of color. Over the last 35 years, our organization has undergone a transformative journey, evolving its curriculum, expanding programs, and embracing a new mission dedicated to championing educational access and equity. What began with ten students has grown exponentially and now encompasses a pipeline of programs that supports 750 scholars and alumni each year.

At Buffalo Prep, we reject the notion of an achievement gap, recognizing instead the existence of access and opportunity gaps for scholars from historically marginalized communities. While our are scholars are exceptional, they are not the exception. We know that all children can succeed when given equitable opportunities to do so. We invite academically motivated scholars to participate in personalized educational and enrichment programs that guide and prepare them while illuminating their inherent brilliance.

Scholars commit to our programs as early as 5th grade, dedicating summers, evenings, and weekends to pursuing academic excellence.

Our collective work has yielded remarkable results. One-hundred percent of our scholars graduate from high school, and over the past ten years, 84%* of our High School Prep graduates have earned or are on track to earn a bachelor’s degree, far exceeding national averages. This success demonstrates the impact of our work in providing access and opportunities.

Buffalo Prep has gained national recognition as a leader in educational access programming. Over the last several years, we have grown as a social justice and civil rights organization specializing in racial, educational, and economic equity issues. Strategic initiatives, community partnerships, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion have marked our growth.

IN 2018

Buffalo Prep introduced a Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Pedagogy (CRSP), designed to honor every student’s unique gift

*83% reporting

750

“What began with ten students has grown exponentially and now encompasses a pipeline of programs that serves scholars and alumni each year.”

SOCIAL JUSTICE CIVIL RIGHTS AND

“Over the last several years, we have grown as a organization specializing in racial, educational, and economic equity issues.”

“In 2018, Buffalo Prep introduced a Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Pedagogy, designed to every student’s unique gifts and experiences.”

and experiences. This model fosters the adoption of innovative teaching methods, inspiring educators to validate students’ cultural, racial, and ethnic literacies. CRSP actively encourages the infusion of diverse heritages, languages, practices, and literacies into the classroom, empowering students by ensuring they see themselves reflected in the material. We nurture our students’ academic readiness while actively working to reform systems that hinder marginalized and low-income students from the outset. Our commitment extends beyond the classroom, believing it is our duty not just to educate our students with the knowledge, support, and skills needed for leadership, democratic citizenship, and activism but also to educate our community members in building a just and peaceful world.

impactful initiatives that inspire global change by amplifying voices.

IN 2021 Buffalo Prep marked a significant milestone by appointing its first alumnus, Luis A. Rodriguez, Jr. ‘97, to be the president of the board of directors. Following this, in 2022, the Buffalo Prep Alumni Council (BPAC) transitioned into an official charter committee under the board, harnessing the collective capital of Buffalo Prep alumni and uplifting their voices and experiences to guide programming decisions. We currently have five Buffalo Prep alumni serving on our board of directors.

and independent learners, we prioritize providing healthy food and snacks.

In addition to offering on-site access to a mental health counselor through our partnership with Child & Family Services, Buffalo Prep appointed a full-time Director of Community Wellness. This director is spearheading an organization-wide shift toward a trauma-aware model, emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access and incorporating a restorative approach. This role fosters a proactive culture of well-being throughout the organization and provides immediate, subclinical assistance for scholars, families, and alumni.

As we celebrate 35 YEARS of empowering students through education, our journey is best illuminated by the stories of those who’ve walked our halls. The following pages feature testimonials from our alumni, whose diverse paths underscore the profound impact of Buffalo Prep across generations. Their voices bring to life the enduring legacy and evolving aspirations of our community.

EVERY SCHOLAR PREP MARKET, READI HONOR

“In 2020, we launched (Realizing Equity, Access, Diversity, and Inclusion) and YEA (Youth Equity Academy), a series of interactive workshops promoting educational and racial equity across our community.”

IN 2020, we launched READI (Realizing Equity, Access, Diversity, and Inclusion) and YEA (Youth Equity Academy), a series of interactive workshops promoting educational and racial equity across our community. Buffalo Prep earned international recognition for READI in 2023 at the 2nd Annual Anthem Awards in the Community Engagement: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion category, setting a new standard for

Buffalo Prep students exhibit dedication to academic excellence, investing extended hours after school and on weekends to thrive in our demanding curriculum. While Buffalo Prep’s primary focus revolves around academic programming, our commitment extends beyond the classroom to support the holistic development of each student.

In 2021, Buffalo Prep introduced the Prep Market, ensuring scholars have access to nutritious, non-perishable items and delivery of fresh produce. Recognizing the crucial role of nutrition in promoting active, productive,

Our commitment to student success extends far beyond our programs. We take pride in fostering strong collaborations with organizations that share our dedication to educational equity. Buffalo Prep’s partnership with Buffalo Public Schools, including the securing of guaranteed seats at criteria-based schools, and with our partner high schools, including a memorandum of understanding that addresses academic success, social-emotional wellness, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as financial equity, underscore our commitment to expanding educational opportunities for all students in our community.

“In 2021, Buffalo Prep introduced the ensuring scholars have access to nutritious, non-perishable items and delivery of fresh produce.”

“As we reflect on our evolution over the past 35 years, Buffalo Prep remains committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, promoting equal opportunities, and ensuring that has the resources and support they need to succeed.”

Crystal J. Rodriguez-Dabney, Esq.

LL.M., CDP

Buffalo Prep Class of 1990

Senior Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center “Buffalo Prep provided me with exposure to opportunities that shaped me and let me know I did belong in rooms I could never have imagined being in.”

It is hard to believe that it has been 35 years since I joined the Buffalo Prep family. In 1989, I was a student at Campus West/College Learning Lab, and my guidance counselor told me about a new program he thought would be a good fit for me. Of course, at the time, I felt extra work was the last thing I needed, but I took the exam just to see what could happen. What happened was an experience that would forever change the trajectory of my life. Thirty-five years later, I stand where am largely because of my Buffalo Prep experience.

I am a proud member of the very first class. We were the experiment, and I am glad to see Buffalo Prep still standing, serving, and evolving into what it is today. When I attended Buffalo Prep, it was just Buffalo Prep. There was no High School Prep, College Prep, or anything else. Our rigorous curriculum helped us develop study and writing skills, critical thinking, and an appreciation for academic success.

I firmly believe that exposure breeds desire, but for the exposure Buffalo Prep provided, I am not quite sure a desire would have automatically followed. I was given the opportunity to attend classes on a college campus and actually see

myself there in the future. I was challenged by legends like Mr. Medina, Mr. Kash, and Mr. Zabawa. I was mentored by Lorna Hill, who coached me all the way to the city-wide finals for the Richmond Speaking Contest, where I ultimately placed. Buffalo Prep provided me with exposure to opportunities that shaped me and let me know that I did belong in rooms I could never have imagined being in before Buffalo Prep. At a recent event, Buffalo Prep’s commitment to DEI was fully described to me and, quite frankly, moved me. I can only imagine how many students feel fully supported by this evolution.

I will forever be a supporter of Buffalo Prep. was honored to host Alumni Prep students in the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center’s box to enjoy a Buffalo Sabres game. It is my hope that we can further develop a relationship and that a few fellow Preppies might find their way to Roswell.

There is a proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” The teachers and staff at Buffalo Prep were a significant part of my village.

My name is Marcene Robinson, and I am the director of communications for the University at Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. But well before that, I was a Preppie.

I began High School Prep at 12 years old. High School Prep was the first school program to truly challenge me. The rigorous courses and massive amounts of homework pushed me like never before. I will never forget the day—or my family will never let me forget—when I locked myself in the bathroom and refused to step foot in another Prep class. They made me go, and I am grateful for it. The experience made me more resilient and academically prepared for high school at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute.

My journey continued with College Prep. Buffalo Prep’s investment in me by allowing me to participate in this program still pays dividends in my life today. The program’s doors were always open after school to gain access to tutoring and guidance. The same kid who used to refuse to go to Prep voluntarily visited multiple days a week. College Prep allowed me

to travel to different schools to participate in college tours and better understand what college environment suited me best. And with the help of its SAT prep class, I dramatically increased my SAT score.

The program also helped me mature as a young adult and build self-confidence—something I lacked at that age. The years of preparation resulted in a full academic scholarship to the University at Buffalo. As if Prep had not done enough for me, the program provided me with additional scholarships to purchase a laptop and books for college.

“There is a proverb that says, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ The teachers and staff at Buffalo Prep were a significant part of my village.”

Marcene Robinson

Buffalo Prep Class of 2005 Director of Communications, University at Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

I will be forever indebted to the wonderful people who run the program. They dedicate their time and effort to making a difference in the lives of thousands of students of color. I will always be grateful to Buffalo Prep for their support. I will always be a Preppie. Happy 35 years, Buffalo Prep!

Shafay Shazad

Buffalo Prep Class of 2019

Canisius College ‘26

Pre-Med “Prep has been an exceptionally large factor in my life since the first day I walked through the doors into Middle School Prep, and Prep has continued to influence me to this day.”

My name is Shafay Shahzad, and am an alum of the High School Prep class of 2019. I was a part of Middle School Prep, High School Prep, and College Prep for the past eight or so years of my life. Saying Buffalo Prep has impacted my life would be an understatement, to say the least. Prep has been an exceptionally large factor in my life since the first day I walked through the doors into Middle School Prep, and Prep has continued to influence me to this day.

Unacceptable.” At Middle School Prep, we are called to go beyond the status quo and strive for nothing short of excellence. I took this mindset that had learned and began applying it to my everyday life. Every single day, I try to be excellent and not succumb to mediocrity in whatever it may be.

My name is MaryTess Wright, and I am an alumna of the Buffalo Prep class of 2015. I am currently a kindergarten teacher at King Center Charter School and am loving every aspect of my career.

My journey began with Middle School Prep, but not with my first day of classes. I have an older sister named Zoya, whose elementary school teachers recommended that she pursue Buffalo Prep during the summer. Since my sister was a part of the program and enjoyed it, I thought to myself, “Why don’t I give it a go?” The following summer, I was all packed to head to Prep. I loved what the program was all about right from the beginning. I made friends that still talk to today. learned from teachers who genuinely cared for us scholars, and there was ample time for us kids to wind down! Before Middle School Prep, I was a decent student as I did all my work adequately. This would soon change, however, as one of Buffalo Prep’s mottos is “Mediocrity is

I have tremendous gratitude towards everyone who works at Buffalo Prep. To try to help a community I am so enthusiastic about, I became a teacher’s assistant over the past couple of summers, working directly with the new generation of scholars. I try my best to be able to reciprocate the love and care Prep provided my family over the past decade. I would not have amounted to anything near where I am today without the support of Buffalo Prep. I am thankful to everyone at Buffalo Prep who works so hard each day to ensure every scholar is successful.

My Prep journey began in Middle School Prep the summer before starting sixth grade. When my mother dropped me off early that July morning, there was not an ounce of joy on my face. What 11-year-old wants to spend their summer taking extra classes? However, when she picked me up, I couldn’t contain all of the joy I felt after experiencing that first full day.

I had never had the opportunity to say that I had a Black teacher, a teacher that I saw myself in, until that summer. I’ve always attended predominantly white institutions, so being in a program like Buffalo Prep that was committed to uplifting Black and Brown students both academically and socially lit a fire in me that I didn’t even know that I had.

I never knew how much I loved math until Buffalo Prep. I never knew that somebody who looked like me could be a teacher until Buffalo

Prep. Prep unlocked new ways of thinking, new interests, a new way of life. The moment knew I was loved by Buffalo Prep was the moment I became a leader and a changemaker. Buffalo Prep led me to becoming a Jackie Robinson Foundation scholar, one of my proudest accomplishments, where I’m connected with some of the most influential minds in the nation. Not only did I grow academically because of Prep, but professionally, socially, and as a person in general. They nurtured me into the woman I am today.

Buffalo Prep has been a part of my life for almost 12 years, and in that period of time I’ve seen it evolve in many different ways. They have been more committed to increasing their involvement in various social justice movements that impact their students both inside and outside of the classroom. I’m excited to see what Buffalo Prep takes on next to enhance the lives of their students and their community.

“The moment I knew I was loved by Buffalo Prep was the moment I became a leader and changemaker.” Mary Tess Wright

Buffalo Prep Class of 2015 Kindergarten Teacher, King Center Charter School

“Even back then, Buffalo Prep understood the importance of creating inclusive spaces for students of color.”

PREP SCHOLARS ACADEMY EST. 2021

Maria Cruz

Buffalo Prep Class of 1997

Senior

Director of Equity and Inclusion, Evergreen Health

My name is Maria Cruz, and I graduated from Buffalo Prep in 1997. When I entered Buffalo Prep, I had just finished seventh grade, preparing to enter eighth grade, and I had no idea what I was in for. I knew that I loved school and wanted to enhance my social skills and be around like-minded individuals. Looking back, I was scared and felt so out of place academically, but I loved sharing space with others who resembled me. Even back then, Buffalo Prep understood the importance of creating inclusive spaces for students of color. The teachers were tough and expected excellence from us. I can say for certain now that Buffalo Prep shaped who I am today. I learned significant skills like writing and how to look at things from a logical perspective. They instilled and further developed my spirit of hard work and resilience. Thanks to Buffalo Prep, was able to attend Buffalo Seminary for high school. I wholeheartedly feel that without this experience, I would not be who I am today. Buffalo Prep has developed many new programs that were not available back when I attended, such as Prep Scholars Academy (PSA). With great pride, I was asked to join the advisory

council as an alum and help develop PSA. As a Latina student who struggled with the English language, I am happy to know that classes have bilingual instruction (English/Spanish) as part of the curriculum. Joining the PSA advisory council allowed me to reconnect with Buffalo Prep and give back to the young students who may feel how I felt during my time there. It was an opportunity to build a network between alumni and those just starting the program who may need mentoring and additional guidance.

I am excited to know that Buffalo Prep recognizes the need for early and continuous support interventions. I am thrilled to see how it has created culturally relevant spaces where students can have a better sense of self and understand their place in the larger scope of society. Buffalo Prep has committed itself to creating equitable opportunities for students of color, and I congratulate them on celebrating 35 years of service to the community.

Buffalo Prep’s academic programming utilizes researched-based best practices that include a culturally relevant sustaining teaching and learning model that celebrates every student’s inherent gifts and experiences. This philosophy is based on the work of Gloria Ladson-Billings and centered on three core pillars: academic excellence, cultural competence, and critical consciousness. Each of these pillars has its own mantra or guiding principle, which helps encapsulate its essence and values.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Mediocrity is unacceptable: We believe in the inherent excellence of all members of our community. It is our job to collectively challenge each other to always strive to be our best and most authentic selves.

CULTURAL COMPETENCE

We have superpowers: We believe that our students have incredible resilience and resourcefulness, and that they come to us with vast amounts of community cultural wealth. And given access, they have the power to do anything they put their minds to.

CRITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS

We can change the world: We believe that each one of us has the capability to be a leader for positive growth and change in our community. As an organization, we pride ourselves in sustainable civic action.

2022-2023 FACTS AND FIGURES

ADMISSIONS SUMMER

Eligible 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students were invited to apply to Buffalo Prep’s summer 2023 programs. The Admissions and Recruitment office works with local schools, churches, community centers, organizations, and our family network year-round to spread the word about Buffalo Prep.

Applicants must meet a number of academic and income eligibility requirements to be considered, which include completing an essay, participating in an interview with Buffalo Prep, and taking an admissions exam.

2,013 STUDENT NOMINATIONS FROM WNY SCHOOLS

ACADEMIC YEAR

Five hundred and forty 7th-12th grade scholars and college-aged alumni were supported through our Prep Bridge, High School Prep, College Prep, and Alumni Prep programs in 2022-2023.

55 OUTREACH EVENTS

750+ SCHOLARS AND ALUMNI SERVED

18 PARTNER HIGH SCHOOLS

Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School

Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart

Buffalo Seminary

Canisius High School

Cardinal O’Hara High School

City Honors School

Frederick Law Olmsted School

Hutchinson Central Technical High School

Leonardo da Vinci High School

Mount Mercy Academy

Mount Saint Mary Academy

Nardin Academy

Nichols School

The Park School of Buffalo

St. Francis High School

St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute

St. Mary’s High School

Tapestry Charter School

After-school and Saturday programming for middle and high school scholars during the academic year takes place at Buffalo Prep’s headquarters on the University at Buffalo South Campus.

Alumni are supported year-round with a variety of opportunities including college and career counseling, scholarship assistance, and mentoring services.

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Summer 2023 welcomed over two hundred 5th-8th grade scholars to participate in Buffalo Prep’s academic enrichment programming at three sites: Prep Scholars Academy at D’Youville University, Middle School Prep at Nichols School, and High School Prep at the University at Buffalo South Campus.

Scholars attended classes for five-weeks from 8:30am-4:00pm Monday-Friday, engaging in culturally relevant curriculum in English Language Arts, social studies, science, and mathematics. In addition, students focused on social-emotional wellness and developed competencies in problem solving, writing, critical thinking and time management.

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303

100%

25

81

REALIZING EQUITY, ACCESS, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

Buffalo Prep’s READI program is an internationally recognized series of interactive workshops, trainings, and presentations to promote educational and racial equity throughout our community. We work with companies, schools, organizations, and peer and networking groups to facilitate conversations that provide further understanding of these topics. Workshops are designed to encourage a deeper examination of climate and policies and offers a platform for meaningful discussion and action planning.

Organizations can work with Buffalo Prep to customize a training/series of trainings to provide the opportunity for individual and collective reflection and to build a knowledge base and strategies that can be utilized to strengthen and maintain an inclusive and equitable climate.

Examples of workshops include the ABCs of DEI, Creating Equitable Policies That Support All Voices, and Understanding Privilege & The Zero-Sum Mentality.

IN MARCH 2023, Buffalo Prep received international recognition for READI at the 2nd Annual Anthem Awards, being selected as a Bronze Winner in the Community Engagement: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion category.

2022-2023 AT A GLANCE

41 SESSIONS

PrepTalk, launched in 2022, is a series of panel discussions that features Buffalo Prep alumni sharing experiences working in various career sectors in the Western New York community and beyond. The 2022-2023 season took place at Seneca One in downtown Buffalo and featured alumni entrepreneurs and those working in the legal and business industries. Panelists shared their career and education journeys, lessons learned, and tips for building an inclusive community with audience members, which included community supporters, current Buffalo Prep scholars, and younger alumni.

PrepTalk also serves to further expose scholars and alumni to various professional opportunities, broadening their awareness of life’s possibilities and enhancing their aspirations. By utilizing our region as a lived curriculum and understanding that empowered students translate into a robust community, we are preparing our scholars to be the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

2022-2023 PREP Talk

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

FROM SCHOLARS TO LEADERS: ALUMNI POWERING THE BOARD.

Matthew Becton ‘01

Alumni Council Chair

Senior Manager, Verizon

Monique Cooper ‘04

Alumni Council Treasurer Agency Operations Manager, OneBridge Benefits

Honorable JaHarr Pridgen ‘94

Board Secretary

Chief Judge, Buffalo City Court

Luis A. Rodriguez, Jr. ‘97

Board President

CEO, Rodriguez Construction Group

Sarah Washington ‘04

Alumni Council Corresponding Secretary Senior Attorney, National Fuel Buffalo Prep marked a significant milestone in 2021 by appointing its first alumnus, Luis A. Rodriguez, Jr. ‘97, to be the president of the board of directors. We are proud to now have five Buffalo Prep alumni serving on our board.

“Being on the board is truly a full circle moment. People invested time and effort that allowed me to be where I am today, and now I am fortunate to be in the same position to invest that same time and effort.”

“Serving on the board is a testament to Buffalo Prep’s influence on the students of the past and that it’s legacy will continue to positively impact the community. I’m honored that I can play a role in supporting our current scholars. It gives me hope for the promise of a brighter tomorrow.”

“Being an alum on the board is significant because it proves that there is a return on the investment that Prep places on its students. It is a privilege to sit on the board and really fulfills the statement that life comes full circle.”

“It has been an honor to help lead an organization that has provided so much opportunity for me. In my board president position, I have been able to support students in the community I was born and raised in and help shape the future leaders of tomorrow.”

“As a former Buffalo Prep student, I fully understand the sacrifices and hard work it takes to be a Prep scholar. It gives me a unique perspective which I keep in the forefront while serving on the board.”

2022-2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Luis A. Rodriguez, Jr. ’97

President CEO Rodriguez Construction Group, Inc.

Dr. Shelley M. Kimelberg

Vice President Director of Interdisciplinary Degree

Programs

University at Buffalo

Betsy Mitchell

Treasurer Community Volunteer

Honorable JaHarr Pridgen ’94

Secretary Chief Judge

Buffalo City Court

Jodyann Galvin

Governance Chair

Partner

Hodgson Russ LLP

Mary Ann Coulson*

Immediate Past President

Retired from Morgan Stanley

BOARD MEMBERS

John Baldo**

Founder & President

SelectOne

Matthew A. Becton ‘01

Senior Manager

Verizon

Stephen W. Bell

Managing Director

Steve Bell Communications LLC

Dina Benderson

Community Volunteer

Shannon Bryant

Chief Diversity and Inclusion

Officer

Kaleida Health

Monique Cooper ‘04**

Agency Operations Manager

OneBridge Benefits

Mark Graczyk**

President, Military Aircraft

Moog

Francisco Guzmán*

Deputy Commissioner

City of Buffalo Department of Public Works, Parks & Streets

Division of Buildings

Honorable Craig D. Hannah

New York State Supreme Court

Justice in the 8th Judicial District

Scott Horrigan

Chief Financial Officer

Alkegen

Kathie A. Keller*

Treasurer

Keller Technology Corporation

Kevin Kerl

Exectuve Vice President & Chief

Administrative Officer

AML RightSource

Alexandra Montante*

Community Volunteer

Jeff Pappalardo

Founder/Creative Director

Inkind Marketing & Design

Everett Pefley*

Senior Finance Manager

M&T Bank

Dr. Suzanne Rosenblith

Dean and Professor

University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education

George Schoeneman

Senior Vice President - Risk

Management

HSBC USA Inc.

Gellenia Nicole Smallwood

Senior Director, Early Childhood

Services

Say Yes

Buffalo

Sarah Washington ‘04**

Senior Attorney

National Fuel Gas Company

Tracy Woodrow

Senior Executive Vice President &

Chief Administrative Officer

M&T Bank

Eric J. Yarwood

Executive Director

Education Collaborative of Western New York

Patti L. Stephen

President

Buffalo Prep

*Finished term in June 2023

**Began term in July 2023

$3.1 million endowment fund

SPECIAL EVENTS

Celebration, Party for Prep, Prep for Dinner, PrepTalk

SUPPORTERS

Buffalo Prep is pleased to recognize financial contributions between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. To view the list of donors, please visit buffaloprep.com/supporters. On behalf of the scholars we serve, we thank you for your generosity and support.

100% privately funded of working with approximately

THE HONOR

100%

of Buffalo employees...Prep

• are proud to tell people they work for Buffalo Prep

• report they are encouraged to balance their work and personal lives

• feel they are able to be themselves in the workplace

• feel the senior leadership team has a clear vision for the future, treat their employees with respect and encourage them to develop their knowledge and skills

2022-2023 STAFF AND ADMINISTRATION

MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION

Patti L. Stephen President

Dr. Marcus Deveso

Chief Program Officer

OPERATIONS

Moira Ciechoski

Senior Director of Program Operations

Emily Jimenez ‘13 Program Coordinator

ADMISSIONS

Christina Petit

Director of Admissions and Recruitment

Elizabeth Guzmán

Admissions and Recruitment Manager

Patrick Washington

Director of Admissions and Recruitment*

DEVELOPMENT

Ashley L. Coder

Director of Development

Ashley Middleton

Development and Event Coordinator

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Grace O’Connor

Director of Community Relations

Kaitlynn Dauphinee

Community Relations Coordinator

COMMUNITY WELLNESS

Dr. Joseph Bieron, DSW, MSW

Director of Community Wellness

Claudine Karambizi ‘13

Community Wellness Coordinator

COLLEGE PREP

David Johnson

Senior Director of College Prep

Stephanie Rivera

Director of Scholar Success Programming

Kenneth Vargas

Director of College Prep Programming*

HIGH SCHOOL PREP

Lysette Vazquez-Moore ‘13

Program Manager

MIDDLE SCHOOL PREP

Vanessa Boyd

Program Manager

PREP BRIDGE

Vanessa Boyd

Program Manager

PREP SCHOLARS

ACADEMY

Ericka Rivera

Program Manager

*as of August 2023

For a full list of our staff and faculty, visit buffaloprep.com/staff.