Meet Our Staff

WEDI is composed of ambitious and dedicated individuals who believe passionately in our mission, the potential of the people we serve, and the ability of our work to bring about positive change in the community. We invite you to learn more about the WEDI team and check out our employment opportunities.

Executive Staff

Recipient Organizational Award Non-profit

Carolynn Welch (she/her)

Executive Director

Carolynn was born and raised in Buffalo and has enjoyed watching it become an even better place to live over the years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from D’Youville University. Carolynn has worked at WEDI since 2017 and was appointed executive director in 2019. Prior to WEDI, she worked at various nonprofits for 20+ years in areas including program management, development, compliance, and administration. In September 2022, Carolynn received the Delta Sigma Alumni Award from D'Youville University. In her free time she enjoys reading. She lives in Hamburg with her three children.

Languages Spoken: English

Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I love seeing the direct impact of our work through the smiles on students’ faces, the success of small business owners, and the satisfaction of both when they achieve their dreams. By working as a partner with our clients we see the best results and are able to meet people where they are to achieve success.”

Francesca Gentilcore (she/her)

Executive Assistant

Francesca has lived in the Western New York region for 14 years. She is a graduate of the University at Buffalo where she received her bachelor’s degree in environmental design. Prior to joining WEDI, she interned at the Town of Clarence and for Assemblyman Jon Rivera’s office. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with loved ones, going outdoors, and staying active. Francesca was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in February 2025.

Languages spoken: English

Connection to WEDI’s mission: “As a longtime resident of WNY, I feel a responsibility to contribute to our region through uplifting other residents and small businesses so that they can reach their greatest potential.”

Greatest piece of advice she’s ever received: Imagine if we measured success by the amount of safety that people felt in our presence.

Courtney Yonce-Swain (she/her)

Senior Program Director

Courtney has lived in Buffalo since 2016 and considers herself a Buffalonian. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in English and Anthropology from SUNY Geneseo. Prior to working at WEDI, Courtney spent a year in Thailand, volunteered at Mary's Place, taught TESOL classes, and served as an AmeriCorps ABLE member. In her free time she enjoys going on 'adventures,' renovating her home, reading, gardening, and tending to her numerous aquariums. She lives on the West Side of Buffalo with her husband, his daughter, and two cats. Courtney was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in October 2022 and June 2023.

Languages Spoken: English

Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I was shaped by the experience of being raised by a single mother and never having financial or housing stability. I want to help others avoid this situation so there is never a question of having enough food for everyone to eat or a debate about which bills won't be paid this month.”

Best Advice She Ever Received: Pain is inevitable. Suffering is by choice.

Development Team

Cody Clement-Sanders

Director of Operations

Cody has lived in Buffalo since 2011. He holds multiple degrees from the University at Buffalo including a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design with a minor in Geography and a Masters of Urban Planning with dual specializations in Neighborhood Planning and Community Development and Economic Development and International Planning. Prior to working at WEDI, Cody interned for Joule Assets. He serves on the board of the King Urban Life Center where he is the chair of the Restoration and Facilities Committees. In his free time he enjoys playing video games and ultimate frisbee, hiking, working on cars, and tinkering away at greasy mechanical projects. Cody was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in June 2021.

Languages Spoken: English

Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “In my own life experiences and what I’ve observed of others, I’ve seen the invisible but very real barriers that prevent people from improving their lives and it has left me with a smoldering core of passion for this work. I want not just to help people, but to eliminate the systemic issues that cause them to need assistance in the first place.”

Best Advice He Ever Received: No matter how tough things get, always find a reason to smile and laugh. Never lose your sense of humor.

Elizabeth Lovria (she/her)

Grants Manager

Elizabeth was born and raised in Western New York. She received bachelor’s degrees in public relations and English and Textual Studies from Syracuse University. Prior to WEDI, Elizabeth worked in the mortgage industry, wrote for Buffalo Spree's website, and took care of her children. Elizabeth is the Vice President of the Board of Directors at Stitch Buffalo and a member of the Board of Directors for Western New York Planned Giving Consortium. In her free time she enjoys running, hiking, martial arts and cheering for Buffalo sports teams. She lives with her husband and two children in Hamburg. Elizabeth was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in March 2021, October 2024, and April 2025.

Languages Spoken: English

Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I believe in supporting small businesses and creating opportunities for everyone who work hard to succeed, not just those who fit a certain mold.”

Best Advice She Ever Received: "Just YouTube it. You can figure out how to do anything if you go on YouTube."

Contact: (716) 507-5286 or elovria@wedibuffalo.org

Economic Development Team

Education Team

Finance and Administration Team

WEDI is an ATHENA award recipient, organizational award non-profit

Pictured left-right: Elizabeth Lovria, WEDI's Grants Manager, Steve Zenger, WEDI Board of Directors, Carolynn Welch, WEDI's Executive Director and Nancy McNamara of UWBEC.

In accordance with federal laws and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Learn more here.

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