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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
Cody Clement-Sanders (he/him)
Director of Operations
Cody has lived in Buffalo for 10 years. 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 Committee. In his free time he enjoys playing video games and ultimate frisbee, hiking, working on cars, and tinkering away at greasy mechanical projects. He lives with his girlfriend. 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.
Cody has lived in Buffalo for 10 years. 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 Committee. In his free time he enjoys playing video games and ultimate frisbee, hiking, working on cars, and tinkering away at greasy mechanical projects. He lives with his girlfriend. 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.
Katherine Coleman (she/her)
Grants Specialist
Katherine has lived in Buffalo since 2015. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from SUNY Purchase. Prior to WEDI, Katherine worked as a freelance writer for newspapers, magazines, and blogs and also as a salesperson for Brady Corporation in Williamsville, NY. In her spare time, Katherine enjoys being outdoors, gardening, traveling, listening to music, and cooking. She lives with her boyfriend, her best friend, and three cats. Katherine was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in August 2022 and WEDI's Employee of the Year for 2022.
Languages Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I was a volunteer writer for Karibu News where I got to interview refugees and hear their stories. I was deeply affected by their stories and by how clearly grateful they were to be here and have things like drinking water or free school for their kids. When I found out about WEDI, it re-motivated me to be a part of helping refugees.”
Best Advice She Ever Received: "Don't ever give up hope. There is always hope." May-Antoinette Colman, Katie’s grandmother
Katherine has lived in Buffalo since 2015. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from SUNY Purchase. Prior to WEDI, Katherine worked as a freelance writer for newspapers, magazines, and blogs and also as a salesperson for Brady Corporation in Williamsville, NY. In her spare time, Katherine enjoys being outdoors, gardening, traveling, listening to music, and cooking. She lives with her boyfriend, her best friend, and three cats. Katherine was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in August 2022 and WEDI's Employee of the Year for 2022.
Languages Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I was a volunteer writer for Karibu News where I got to interview refugees and hear their stories. I was deeply affected by their stories and by how clearly grateful they were to be here and have things like drinking water or free school for their kids. When I found out about WEDI, it re-motivated me to be a part of helping refugees.”
Best Advice She Ever Received: "Don't ever give up hope. There is always hope." May-Antoinette Colman, Katie’s grandmother
Erin St. John Kelly (she/her)
Director of External Relations
Erin moved to Buffalo from New York City in 2010. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with an English minor from Concordia University. Prior to WEDI, she worked as a writer and editor, as the communications director for Buffalo Seminary, and created “The Map for Adventurous Eaters” for the International Institute of Buffalo. She lives in Buffalo with her husband and has two grown daughters.
Languages Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I am thrilled to join WEDI to participate in the life of the city, and to work towards equity and inclusion for all its inhabitants.”
Best Advice She Ever Received: Pick your battles.
Contact: (716) 800-2280 or ekelly@wedibuffalo.org
Erin moved to Buffalo from New York City in 2010. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with an English minor from Concordia University. Prior to WEDI, she worked as a writer and editor, as the communications director for Buffalo Seminary, and created “The Map for Adventurous Eaters” for the International Institute of Buffalo. She lives in Buffalo with her husband and has two grown daughters.
Languages Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I am thrilled to join WEDI to participate in the life of the city, and to work towards equity and inclusion for all its inhabitants.”
Best Advice She Ever Received: Pick your battles.
Contact: (716) 800-2280 or ekelly@wedibuffalo.org
Elizabeth Lovria (she/her)
Development Coordinator
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. In her free time she enjoys running, hiking, 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.
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
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. In her free time she enjoys running, hiking, 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.
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
Laura Munson (she/her)
Capital Campaign Manager
Born in Dayton, OH, Laura moved to Buffalo from Pittsburgh, PA when she was in the third grade and considers Buffalo her true home. She received her bachelor's degree in French and Music from Denison University. Prior to WEDI, she worked at the Canadian Consulate in Buffalo as the Bilingual Commercial Assistant and then as its Director of IT. After many years there, she became the Director of Admissions at her high school alma mater. Laura has two daughters in college, and she lives in Buffalo with her husband and her rambunctious Scottish Terrier named Winston. In her spare time, she enjoys live music, gardening, and running after her kids. Laura was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in February 2023.
Languages Spoken: English and French
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “My husband and I are big Buffalo boosters. We have lived all over Buffalo (East Side, West Side, Downtown, North Buffalo) and are committed to being good neighbors and helping Buffalo succeed for all. We first learned of WEDI and its commitment to Buffalo because our daughters both volunteered as after-school ENERGY tutors.”
Best Advice She Has Ever Received: “Always wear comfortable shoes!”
Contact: (716) 393-2891 or lmunson@wedibuffalo.org
Born in Dayton, OH, Laura moved to Buffalo from Pittsburgh, PA when she was in the third grade and considers Buffalo her true home. She received her bachelor's degree in French and Music from Denison University. Prior to WEDI, she worked at the Canadian Consulate in Buffalo as the Bilingual Commercial Assistant and then as its Director of IT. After many years there, she became the Director of Admissions at her high school alma mater. Laura has two daughters in college, and she lives in Buffalo with her husband and her rambunctious Scottish Terrier named Winston. In her spare time, she enjoys live music, gardening, and running after her kids. Laura was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in February 2023.
Languages Spoken: English and French
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “My husband and I are big Buffalo boosters. We have lived all over Buffalo (East Side, West Side, Downtown, North Buffalo) and are committed to being good neighbors and helping Buffalo succeed for all. We first learned of WEDI and its commitment to Buffalo because our daughters both volunteered as after-school ENERGY tutors.”
Best Advice She Has Ever Received: “Always wear comfortable shoes!”
Contact: (716) 393-2891 or lmunson@wedibuffalo.org
Economic Development Team
