B TEAM BUFFALO - Key Persons
Born and raised in the Buffalo area, Alexis has earned her Bachelor of the Arts in Communications from the University at Buffalo and Master of Science in Public Relations Management from Buffalo State College. She currently resides in Cheektowaga, NY with her plants as she is a plant mom. Alexis is the Community Relations Coordinator at Gerard Place, responsible for building and maintaining positive relationships with other non-profits organizations and business in the community. She also implements community outreach programs and coordinate events. For fun she likes to explore Buffalo and partake in all the fun and new activities the city has to offer. She is also addicted to popcorn! She is thrilled to join the B Team's enthusiastic squad and give back to the community.
Angela is a Western New York native who currently resides in North Tonawanda. She graduated from Daemen College with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Science in Professional Accountancy and went on to earn her CPA designation in February 2017. Angela is a member of the Lumsden McCormick tax department where she works with businesses and individuals on tax compliance issues and is chair of the firm's Making A Difference committee. Angela is excited to serve on the B Team Board of Directors and dedicate her passion for volunteering to the Buffalo community.
Becky, who was born and raised in Western New York, has her B.S. in Health Promotion from SUNY Oswego and Masters in Public Health from Daemen College. She has spent the last few years in a career working directly with the community but recently transitioned into a role as a Data Manager and Adjunct Professor. In her free time, Becky likes to be outdoors in nature whether it is hiking, biking, kayaking, or playing with her little furry love, Daisy. She is excited to be part of B Team and get back to serving the members of her community.
David grew up in Western New York and currently resides in North Tonawanda. He has a B.S. in Biochemistry from Binghamton University and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University at Buffalo. Since 2013 he has taught chemistry and biochemistry at D'Youville College in Buffalo's West Side. In his spare time, he enjoys home-brewing beer and watching British detective shows. David is excited to work with the B Team board to encourage and support widespread community involvement.
Derek was born and raised in the Western New York area and is excited to be joining the B Team to give back to the community. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Niagara University in 2017 as well as an MBA with a concentration in Strategic Marketing Management in 2018 while beginning his professional career. As an employee of Ingram Micro, he has not only created multiple marketing campaigns but has also sat on various committees within the organization and been involved in multiple charitable projects. In his free time, Derek enjoys playing golf and spending time with friends.
Jenna grew up in West Seneca and currently takes up space near the Elmwood Village with her dog Rocko. She received her Associate in Science in Fine Arts from Villa Maria College and is working toward her Bachelors In Art Education at Buffalo State College with plans to graduate in 2022. Jenna appreciates all things art, the landscapes in the southwest, good pastries and endless attempts at a large vegetable garden. Recognizing the importance of working in the community she lives in, Jenna is excited to join the B Team crew and hopes to land a job in a local elementary school after graduation.
Kailin was born and raised in Cheektowaga and has been involved in the WNY community since she was a teenager. She has a B.S. in Business from Wells College and a Master of Engineering degree in Technical Entrepreneurship from Lehigh University. Kailin currently works as a Peer Mentor and Health Educator through Native American Community Services. For fun, she likes to practice her moves for roller derby and play fetch with her cat, Princess Waffles. She is so excited to be a part of B Team and continue to make a difference in her community.
Liz is a native of Elmira, NY but raised in Depew, NY. She and her meows Tuna, Gordon, and Goopers call the Westside home now. She is a graduate of D'Youville College with a B.A. in History and a Masters in Secondary Education. Liz enjoys her free time by volunteering with various organizations throughout Buffalo, traveling, reading, crafting and performing stand up comedy. She's beyond excited to be a part of the B Team board and to continue engaging Buffalo communities through volunteering.
Lucas is originally from a small town outside of Ithaca, New York. He graduated from King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania with a B.A. and double majors in English/Professional Writing and Theology. He moved to Buffalo in 2018 where he now lives with his wife and two cats. Lucas works for NisonCo Public Relations as an Account Manager. When not working or involved with B-Team projects, Lucas also helps operate the Buffalo chapter of Books Through Bars, sending free books to incarcerated individuals around the country. He is eager to give back to the city he happily calls home.
Sarah is a life-long Western New Yorker who currently resides in her hometown of East Aurora, after spending many years living in the City of Buffalo. She graduated from St. Bonaventure University with a liberal arts degree before attending the University at Buffalo Law School and obtaining her J.D. She is a partner in the Buffalo law firm of Burden, Hafner & Hansen, LLC, where she practices in the insurance defense field, with a large portion of her practice dedicated to defending trucking accidents, municipal liability claims and employment matters. In her free time, Sarah enjoys adventuring through the Western New York area with her husband, daughter and two dogs, hiking trails and seeing the sights, with her camera in hand. Sarah is excited to be part of the B Team Board and to give back to the community she has been so blessed to be part of throughout her life.
Born and raised in Buffalo, Tara has spent her entire life active within the community. She is a long-time employee at Ingram Micro, Inc. and graduated with her BA in Business Administration (2014) and Masters in Organizational Leadership (2016) from Medaille College. She is excited to be a part of the B Team and looks forward to the opportunity to bring her passion for volunteering and raising civic awareness to the community.
Vanessa currently resides in North Buffalo with her dogs, Mitch and Myles. Vanessa was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and is a graduate of Buffalo State College with her B.A. in Public Communications and has her graduate degree in Organizational Leadership from Medaille College. She is currently employed as an Associate Marketing Manager at Rich Products on the New Platform Accelerator Team. She is excited to participate in B Team Buffalo's efforts to better our community and support local organizations.