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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
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.”
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.”
Development and Communications Team
Economic Development Team
Catherine Dolan (she/her)
Economic Development Director
Catherine lives in the area. She received a bachelor’s degree in Management and a master’s degree in Psychology. Prior to WEDI, Catherine worked in finance and sales. She has volunteered as a cheer coach and with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She is a single mother of two boys.
Languages Spoken: English
Best Advice She Ever Received: “It's a terrible thing, I think, in life to wait until you're ready. I have this feeling now that actually no one is ever ready to do anything. There is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now. And you may as well do it now. Generally speaking, now is as good a time as any.” ― Hugh Laurie
Catherine lives in the area. She received a bachelor’s degree in Management and a master’s degree in Psychology. Prior to WEDI, Catherine worked in finance and sales. She has volunteered as a cheer coach and with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She is a single mother of two boys.
Languages Spoken: English
Best Advice She Ever Received: “It's a terrible thing, I think, in life to wait until you're ready. I have this feeling now that actually no one is ever ready to do anything. There is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now. And you may as well do it now. Generally speaking, now is as good a time as any.” ― Hugh Laurie
Cristen Gregory
Community Engagement Coordinator
A native of Canada, Cristen holds a bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance from University of Toronto, a master’s degree in Business Administration from Medaille College, and she has earned an international designation as a Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA). Prior to WEDI, she worked as the executive director of many arts organizations and served as a chair and/or member of numerous nonprofit boards. She also teaches How to Run a Non-Profit and Voice classes at Canisius College, acts as a certified holistic nutritionist/health and wellness coach, performs music all over the world, and teaches voice. She lives in Buffalo with her husband.
Languages Spoken: English and Ukrainian
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “Everyone deserves to have the chance to succeed and the tools to make it happen.”
Best Advice She Ever Received: Always believe something wonderful will happen. Seize the day!!
A native of Canada, Cristen holds a bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance from University of Toronto, a master’s degree in Business Administration from Medaille College, and she has earned an international designation as a Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA). Prior to WEDI, she worked as the executive director of many arts organizations and served as a chair and/or member of numerous nonprofit boards. She also teaches How to Run a Non-Profit and Voice classes at Canisius College, acts as a certified holistic nutritionist/health and wellness coach, performs music all over the world, and teaches voice. She lives in Buffalo with her husband.
Languages Spoken: English and Ukrainian
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “Everyone deserves to have the chance to succeed and the tools to make it happen.”
Best Advice She Ever Received: Always believe something wonderful will happen. Seize the day!!
Eboni Hayes (she/her)
Portfolio Manager
Eboni was born and raised in Buffalo. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Marketing Communications and a MA in Integrated Marketing Communications from St. Bonaventure University. Prior to WEDI, she spent over 15 years working in real estate and at other nonprofits. In her free time Eboni enjoys bowling, playing skee ball, and promoting healthy living through exercise and eating. She lives in Buffalo with her daughter and cat.
Languages Spoken: English and Spanish
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I have always been passionate about economic equality and removing the visible and invisible barriers that prevent it. It is important because basic equality should not be a wish, it should be a reality.”
Best Advice She Ever Received: The failure happens when you fail to try.
Eboni was born and raised in Buffalo. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Marketing Communications and a MA in Integrated Marketing Communications from St. Bonaventure University. Prior to WEDI, she spent over 15 years working in real estate and at other nonprofits. In her free time Eboni enjoys bowling, playing skee ball, and promoting healthy living through exercise and eating. She lives in Buffalo with her daughter and cat.
Languages Spoken: English and Spanish
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I have always been passionate about economic equality and removing the visible and invisible barriers that prevent it. It is important because basic equality should not be a wish, it should be a reality.”
Best Advice She Ever Received: The failure happens when you fail to try.
Purnima Mohan (she/her)
Economic Development Coordinator and Team Leader
Purnima has lived in Buffalo for 15 years. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Food & Fermentation Technology from the University of Mumbai, India. Prior to WEDI, she worked for Rich Products and Coca Cola India. Purnima has volunteered with numerous nonprofits and serves as the co-president of her PTSA Council. In her free time she enjoys arts and crafts, singing, dancing, cooking, photography, and volunteering. She lives in Amherst with her husband and son. Purnima was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in January 2022.
Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Tamil, Marathi
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I work with clients/business owners with diverse backgrounds at the West Side Bazaar. It's wonderful to see the passion in these business owners and it's a privilege to support WEDI’s clients and help them make their dreams a reality by providing training opportunities and guiding them through their incubation process. I love collaborating and working with different partners in the Community.”
Best Advice She Ever Received: When the going gets tough the tough get going!
Purnima has lived in Buffalo for 15 years. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Food & Fermentation Technology from the University of Mumbai, India. Prior to WEDI, she worked for Rich Products and Coca Cola India. Purnima has volunteered with numerous nonprofits and serves as the co-president of her PTSA Council. In her free time she enjoys arts and crafts, singing, dancing, cooking, photography, and volunteering. She lives in Amherst with her husband and son. Purnima was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in January 2022.
Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Tamil, Marathi
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I work with clients/business owners with diverse backgrounds at the West Side Bazaar. It's wonderful to see the passion in these business owners and it's a privilege to support WEDI’s clients and help them make their dreams a reality by providing training opportunities and guiding them through their incubation process. I love collaborating and working with different partners in the Community.”
Best Advice She Ever Received: When the going gets tough the tough get going!
Mike Moretti (he/him)
West Side Bazaar Operations Manager
Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Mass Communication from St. Bonaventure University and a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Buffalo State College. Prior to WEDI, Mike worked for the Buffalo State Student Union, the University of Northern Iowa, and the Campus Center at University at Albany. He is very involved in Buffalo's music industry where he programs acts for a music venue, owns a music blog, and releases local music through his own record label. Mike lives in Allentown with his fiancée. Mike was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in August 2021.
Languages Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I love seeing Buffalo grow, along with the competencies and confidence of business owners.”
Best Advice He Ever Received: Buy Bitcoin.
Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Mass Communication from St. Bonaventure University and a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Buffalo State College. Prior to WEDI, Mike worked for the Buffalo State Student Union, the University of Northern Iowa, and the Campus Center at University at Albany. He is very involved in Buffalo's music industry where he programs acts for a music venue, owns a music blog, and releases local music through his own record label. Mike lives in Allentown with his fiancée. Mike was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in August 2021.
Languages Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I love seeing Buffalo grow, along with the competencies and confidence of business owners.”
Best Advice He Ever Received: Buy Bitcoin.
Katrina Nanor (she/her)
Underwriter
Katrina was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. She has a bachelor’s degree in Finance and an associate’s degree in Accounting from the University of the Pacific. With over 15 years of experience in financial institutions and credit unions, Katrina brings extensive knowledge working with internal and external customers to provide lending and financial services. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, working out, and focuses on self-care and self-improvement.
Languages spoken: English
Connection to WEDI's Mission: “I grew up in the inner city of Buffalo where there are communities that I am connected to that struggle daily to obtain and maintain financial stability. This is often due to lack of education. I have a goal to educate the community on the importance of financial stability.”
Best Advice She’s Ever Received: “The importance of controlling my emotions, never allow them to control me. It’s dangerous to the soul”
Katrina was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. She has a bachelor’s degree in Finance and an associate’s degree in Accounting from the University of the Pacific. With over 15 years of experience in financial institutions and credit unions, Katrina brings extensive knowledge working with internal and external customers to provide lending and financial services. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, working out, and focuses on self-care and self-improvement.
Languages spoken: English
Connection to WEDI's Mission: “I grew up in the inner city of Buffalo where there are communities that I am connected to that struggle daily to obtain and maintain financial stability. This is often due to lack of education. I have a goal to educate the community on the importance of financial stability.”
Best Advice She’s Ever Received: “The importance of controlling my emotions, never allow them to control me. It’s dangerous to the soul”
Evan Roorand (he/him)
Relationship Manager
Evan is a lifetime resident of Western New York. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design and a master’s degree in Urban Planning (with a Specialization in Economic Development) from the University at Buffalo. Prior to WEDI, Evan interned with the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) and Buffalo Place. In his free time he enjoys playing music and is in a local band. He lives in Elmwood Village with his two cats. Evan was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in October 2021.
Languages Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I love being able to connect our clients with valuable resources to help their businesses succeed, especially during these unprecedented times. Achieving economic equity in Western New York is important to me because it helps expand the entrepreneurial landscape.”
Best Advice He Ever Received: Toss away stuff you won't need in the end, but keep what's important - and know who's your friend.
Evan is a lifetime resident of Western New York. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design and a master’s degree in Urban Planning (with a Specialization in Economic Development) from the University at Buffalo. Prior to WEDI, Evan interned with the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) and Buffalo Place. In his free time he enjoys playing music and is in a local band. He lives in Elmwood Village with his two cats. Evan was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in October 2021.
Languages Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I love being able to connect our clients with valuable resources to help their businesses succeed, especially during these unprecedented times. Achieving economic equity in Western New York is important to me because it helps expand the entrepreneurial landscape.”
Best Advice He Ever Received: Toss away stuff you won't need in the end, but keep what's important - and know who's your friend.
Esperance Rwigamba (she/her)
Relationship Manager
Esperance moved to Buffalo as a refugee in 2005 and considers it her home. She holds an associate degree in Business Administration from Erie Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Medaille College, and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Buffalo State College. Prior to working at WEDI, Esperance provided services to people with mental health issues and their families. In her free time she enjoys traveling and spending time with family. She lives with her husband and four children. Esperance was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in May 2022.
Languages Spoken: English, French, Kinyarwanda, Swahili, Kirundi
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “Working for WEDI is close to my heart because I understand the hard work and effort it takes to start a business. Helping under-represented business entrepreneurs secure funding to begin their journey gives me a sense of pride. I am a woman, a minority, and came to the United States as a refugee so I can relate to my clients. I know what it means to start from scratch, to have an idea and a dream, but to need a little help to make it a reality. Seeing how beneficial my work is to the individuals and the larger community gives me joy!”
Best Advice She Ever Received: “My parents advised me to ‘Never give up.’ This helped me achieve my goal of completing my studies even though I had to learn English and computers, along with a new culture.”
Esperance moved to Buffalo as a refugee in 2005 and considers it her home. She holds an associate degree in Business Administration from Erie Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Medaille College, and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Buffalo State College. Prior to working at WEDI, Esperance provided services to people with mental health issues and their families. In her free time she enjoys traveling and spending time with family. She lives with her husband and four children. Esperance was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in May 2022.
Languages Spoken: English, French, Kinyarwanda, Swahili, Kirundi
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “Working for WEDI is close to my heart because I understand the hard work and effort it takes to start a business. Helping under-represented business entrepreneurs secure funding to begin their journey gives me a sense of pride. I am a woman, a minority, and came to the United States as a refugee so I can relate to my clients. I know what it means to start from scratch, to have an idea and a dream, but to need a little help to make it a reality. Seeing how beneficial my work is to the individuals and the larger community gives me joy!”
Best Advice She Ever Received: “My parents advised me to ‘Never give up.’ This helped me achieve my goal of completing my studies even though I had to learn English and computers, along with a new culture.”
Yanush Sanmugaraja (he/him)
Senior Director, Economic Development
Yanush has lived in Western New York since 2016. He holds a bachelor’s of arts degree with studies in sociology and economics from SUNY Geneseo. Yanush started working at WEDI as an economic development specialist and is now the senior director of economic development. Prior to WEDI, he worked in digital sales, marketing, and media for various companies and nonprofits. He has served on the boards of and/or volunteered for People for Animal Welfare, Hearthside Cats, Inc., and AmeriCorps (through The Service Collaborative). In his free time he enjoys spending time with his pets and being outdoors in warmer weather. Yanush has been recognized by the John R. Oishei Foundation and named to its Fellowship for Leaders of Color in October 2020. He was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in November 2021. In March 2022, Yanush was awarded Buffalo Business First's 30 under 30.
Languages Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “My parents immigrated to the US and worked very hard to build the foundation for our family here and establish themselves. Their perseverance inspires me to reduce the barriers and obstacles of others who come from similar backgrounds.”
Best Advice He Ever Received: You are not better than anyone else, and nobody is better than you.
Yanush has lived in Western New York since 2016. He holds a bachelor’s of arts degree with studies in sociology and economics from SUNY Geneseo. Yanush started working at WEDI as an economic development specialist and is now the senior director of economic development. Prior to WEDI, he worked in digital sales, marketing, and media for various companies and nonprofits. He has served on the boards of and/or volunteered for People for Animal Welfare, Hearthside Cats, Inc., and AmeriCorps (through The Service Collaborative). In his free time he enjoys spending time with his pets and being outdoors in warmer weather. Yanush has been recognized by the John R. Oishei Foundation and named to its Fellowship for Leaders of Color in October 2020. He was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in November 2021. In March 2022, Yanush was awarded Buffalo Business First's 30 under 30.
Languages Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “My parents immigrated to the US and worked very hard to build the foundation for our family here and establish themselves. Their perseverance inspires me to reduce the barriers and obstacles of others who come from similar backgrounds.”
Best Advice He Ever Received: You are not better than anyone else, and nobody is better than you.
Ryan Schupp (he/him)
Director of Lending
Ryan was born in Buffalo. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Mercyhurst University and a master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University. Prior to working at WEDI, he was an AmeriCorps service member at the City of Buffalo, Division of Citizen Services. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer.
Languages Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “WEDI allows me to merge my desire to make a difference in the world with my interest in business.”
Best Advice He Ever Received: “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Ryan was born in Buffalo. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Mercyhurst University and a master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University. Prior to working at WEDI, he was an AmeriCorps service member at the City of Buffalo, Division of Citizen Services. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer.
Languages Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “WEDI allows me to merge my desire to make a difference in the world with my interest in business.”
Best Advice He Ever Received: “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Nick Sessana (he/him)
Relationship Manager
Nicholas is originally from Eden, NY. He received his bachelor’s degree in Public Communication and master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from SUNY Buffalo State College. Prior to WEDI, Nicholas worked as Events and Operations Manager at Campbell Student Union at Buffalo State and as a project manager of an e-commerce marketing team. In his spare time, he plays guitar in several local bands, such as Cooler and Genesee Hotel, and writes for buffaBLOG, a music blog. He lives on Buffalo’s West Side with his wife and two cats, Vivi and Krillin.
Languages spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s mission: “I feel WEDI's mission is the perfect way to give back to my community while also bringing new and exciting business opportunities to Buffalo.”
Best Advice He Ever Received: “If it takes ten minutes or less, do it now!”
Nicholas is originally from Eden, NY. He received his bachelor’s degree in Public Communication and master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from SUNY Buffalo State College. Prior to WEDI, Nicholas worked as Events and Operations Manager at Campbell Student Union at Buffalo State and as a project manager of an e-commerce marketing team. In his spare time, he plays guitar in several local bands, such as Cooler and Genesee Hotel, and writes for buffaBLOG, a music blog. He lives on Buffalo’s West Side with his wife and two cats, Vivi and Krillin.
Languages spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s mission: “I feel WEDI's mission is the perfect way to give back to my community while also bringing new and exciting business opportunities to Buffalo.”
Best Advice He Ever Received: “If it takes ten minutes or less, do it now!”
Donata Uzamukunda
West Side Bazaar Assistant
Donata is originally from Rwanda and came to the United States in 2015. Back in her country, she worked as a retail food business owner for 15 years. Donata started a business when she was 17 years old. Her business was successful and expended until she came to the United States. Donata is working at West Side Bazaar as Assistant Manager and enjoys working closely with small businesses and clients every day.
Donata is originally from Rwanda and came to the United States in 2015. Back in her country, she worked as a retail food business owner for 15 years. Donata started a business when she was 17 years old. Her business was successful and expended until she came to the United States. Donata is working at West Side Bazaar as Assistant Manager and enjoys working closely with small businesses and clients every day.