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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.
Recipient Organizational Award Non-profit
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 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. 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 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. 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. 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, 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. 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, 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
Maria Provenzano (she/her)
Event Coordinator
Maria was born and raised in Buffalo. She graduated from Buffalo State University with a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Technology and a minor in dance and she earned her Masters of Science in Executive Leadership with a business concentration from Daemen University. Over the last 10 years, Maria has been an event planner and booking agent through her business REV Promotions & Booking. She is also a choreographer and stylist for various WNY events including fundraisers, themed parties, holiday events, and galas. In her spare time, Maria enjoys dancing, trying new restaurants, networking, and supporting the local music, dance and art community. She loves being a part of Buffalo’s growth as it is such a unique community and truly the city of good neighbors.
Languages Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: As a woman business owner herself, Maria is excited to bring her expertise to support, educate and enrich underserved communities through her experience in entrepreneurship and bring new creative ideas curating inclusive events reflective of WEDI’s goals.
Best Advice She’s Ever Received: Change is the only constant.
Maria was born and raised in Buffalo. She graduated from Buffalo State University with a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Technology and a minor in dance and she earned her Masters of Science in Executive Leadership with a business concentration from Daemen University. Over the last 10 years, Maria has been an event planner and booking agent through her business REV Promotions & Booking. She is also a choreographer and stylist for various WNY events including fundraisers, themed parties, holiday events, and galas. In her spare time, Maria enjoys dancing, trying new restaurants, networking, and supporting the local music, dance and art community. She loves being a part of Buffalo’s growth as it is such a unique community and truly the city of good neighbors.
Languages Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: As a woman business owner herself, Maria is excited to bring her expertise to support, educate and enrich underserved communities through her experience in entrepreneurship and bring new creative ideas curating inclusive events reflective of WEDI’s goals.
Best Advice She’s Ever Received: Change is the only constant.
Brody Walsh (he/him)
Social Media, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Brody was born and raised in Buffalo. For the past 4 years, he’s honed his digital marketing and communications skills as he built a video and photo business that supports local musicians, comedians, and businesses. In his spare time, he enjoys film photography, live music, and comedy.
Language Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I have been a part of the Buffalo community my whole life and have spent much of my time working to support local artists, musicians, comedians, and businesses through content creation, marketing, and event promotion.”
Best Advice He’s Ever Received: Eat at a local restaurant tonight. Get the cream sauce. Have a cold pint at 4 o’clock in a mostly empty bar. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Listen to someone you think may have nothing in common with you. Order the steak rare. Eat an oyster. Have a negroni. Have two. Be open to a world where you may not understand or agree with the person next to you but have a drink with them anyways. Eat slowly. Tip your server. Check in on your friends. Check in on yourself. Enjoy the ride. - Anthony Bourdain
Brody was born and raised in Buffalo. For the past 4 years, he’s honed his digital marketing and communications skills as he built a video and photo business that supports local musicians, comedians, and businesses. In his spare time, he enjoys film photography, live music, and comedy.
Language Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I have been a part of the Buffalo community my whole life and have spent much of my time working to support local artists, musicians, comedians, and businesses through content creation, marketing, and event promotion.”
Best Advice He’s Ever Received: Eat at a local restaurant tonight. Get the cream sauce. Have a cold pint at 4 o’clock in a mostly empty bar. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Listen to someone you think may have nothing in common with you. Order the steak rare. Eat an oyster. Have a negroni. Have two. Be open to a world where you may not understand or agree with the person next to you but have a drink with them anyways. Eat slowly. Tip your server. Check in on your friends. Check in on yourself. Enjoy the ride. - Anthony Bourdain
Economic Development Team
Education Team
Leeya Bundy (she/her)
Launch Program Coordinator
A proud Buffaloian, Leeya has lived in the area her entire life. She is student at University at Buffalo where she is pursuing her master’s degree in English. She earned her bachelor’s degree from there in English and Legal Studies in 2022. Before joining WEDI, she worked as an advisor for Delta Sonic, a writer at CBR, a comic book company, and volunteered with the Belle Center. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, music, animation, hiking and spending time with loved ones.
Languages Spoken: English and French
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “As someone who has a lifelong connection to WNY, I think WEDI is so important and worthwhile because I've always felt strongly about the necessity of diversity of a vibrant, successful immigrant and refugee community, particularly in Buffalo.”
Best Advice She’s Ever Received: If the world is cold, make it your business to build fires.
A proud Buffaloian, Leeya has lived in the area her entire life. She is student at University at Buffalo where she is pursuing her master’s degree in English. She earned her bachelor’s degree from there in English and Legal Studies in 2022. Before joining WEDI, she worked as an advisor for Delta Sonic, a writer at CBR, a comic book company, and volunteered with the Belle Center. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, music, animation, hiking and spending time with loved ones.
Languages Spoken: English and French
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “As someone who has a lifelong connection to WNY, I think WEDI is so important and worthwhile because I've always felt strongly about the necessity of diversity of a vibrant, successful immigrant and refugee community, particularly in Buffalo.”
Best Advice She’s Ever Received: If the world is cold, make it your business to build fires.
Donna Glasgow (she/her)
Elementary School Programs Coordinator
Donna was born in Buffalo. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Medaille College. Prior to WEDI, she worked for the Buffalo Public School system in special education. In her free time, she enjoys camping, biking, and art. She lives in Buffalo with her boyfriend and has three children, three grandchildren, and three dogs. Donna was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in February 2021.
Languages Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “Growing up on the west side of Buffalo, I have seen many diverse groups of people move here and struggle to survive. I believe it’s important to give students an opportunity to receive an education equal to their peers so when they are ready to go to college or get a job, they have the knowledge to succeed. I feel privileged to have this opportunity.”
Donna was born in Buffalo. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Medaille College. Prior to WEDI, she worked for the Buffalo Public School system in special education. In her free time, she enjoys camping, biking, and art. She lives in Buffalo with her boyfriend and has three children, three grandchildren, and three dogs. Donna was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in February 2021.
Languages Spoken: English
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “Growing up on the west side of Buffalo, I have seen many diverse groups of people move here and struggle to survive. I believe it’s important to give students an opportunity to receive an education equal to their peers so when they are ready to go to college or get a job, they have the knowledge to succeed. I feel privileged to have this opportunity.”
Steven Pantoja (he/him)
Launch Program Assistant
Steve moved to Buffalo 15 years ago and has grown to love it. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from St. Lawrence University and a master’s degree in Business/Managerial Economics from Clarkson University. Prior to WEDI, he worked in banking and finance. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially his son, with whom he lives.
Languages Spoken: English and Spanish
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I believe it is important that we continuously work to strengthen our community and support those neighbors who are struggling to succeed and thrive. When my family expanded five years ago I decided to put down roots in Buffalo. I became an educator to help young community members navigate our education system and grow into our future leaders. In essence, I like to think I am influencing minds and hearts to create a better, more inclusive future for my son.”
Best Advice He Ever Received: Never stop learning.
Steve moved to Buffalo 15 years ago and has grown to love it. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from St. Lawrence University and a master’s degree in Business/Managerial Economics from Clarkson University. Prior to WEDI, he worked in banking and finance. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially his son, with whom he lives.
Languages Spoken: English and Spanish
Connection to WEDI’s Mission: “I believe it is important that we continuously work to strengthen our community and support those neighbors who are struggling to succeed and thrive. When my family expanded five years ago I decided to put down roots in Buffalo. I became an educator to help young community members navigate our education system and grow into our future leaders. In essence, I like to think I am influencing minds and hearts to create a better, more inclusive future for my son.”
Best Advice He Ever Received: Never stop learning.
Carmen Terrell (she/her)
Launch After-School Program Assistant
Carmen was born on Andrew’s Air Force Base and spent most of her life in Virginia. She moved to Buffalo in 2016. She is a math teacher at Lafayette International Community High School. Carmen received her Bachelors of Science in Mathematics Education 7-12 from Buffalo State and she is working to earn her in the same field as well as in Bilingual Education. In 2019, she had an opportunity to teach math in English in Santiago, Chile through a Buffalo State study abroad program. In her spare time, she records and produces music, her own and other artists, a passion she brings to our students in the Launch program as she teaches music production to them and as a part of WEDI’s Saturday Academy. She resides in the Riverside area with her dog daughter Leighla. In her spare time, she enjoys Law & Order, playing video games, knitting, and crochet.
Languages spoken: English and Spanish
Connection to WEDI’s mission: “When I moved to Buffalo in 2016 and started a life for myself with no family nearby, I have received many opportunities to help me be successful from continuing my studies at Buffalo State, becoming a beloved high school math teacher at Lafayette International Community High school to being more involved with the Buffalo community. With gaining success from these opportunities, I want to be able to give back to my community and help them navigate the education system here and grow into leaders and that it is never too late to bring your vision to life.”
Best Advice She’s Ever Received: Like what you do, and then you will do your best.
Carmen was born on Andrew’s Air Force Base and spent most of her life in Virginia. She moved to Buffalo in 2016. She is a math teacher at Lafayette International Community High School. Carmen received her Bachelors of Science in Mathematics Education 7-12 from Buffalo State and she is working to earn her in the same field as well as in Bilingual Education. In 2019, she had an opportunity to teach math in English in Santiago, Chile through a Buffalo State study abroad program. In her spare time, she records and produces music, her own and other artists, a passion she brings to our students in the Launch program as she teaches music production to them and as a part of WEDI’s Saturday Academy. She resides in the Riverside area with her dog daughter Leighla. In her spare time, she enjoys Law & Order, playing video games, knitting, and crochet.
Languages spoken: English and Spanish
Connection to WEDI’s mission: “When I moved to Buffalo in 2016 and started a life for myself with no family nearby, I have received many opportunities to help me be successful from continuing my studies at Buffalo State, becoming a beloved high school math teacher at Lafayette International Community High school to being more involved with the Buffalo community. With gaining success from these opportunities, I want to be able to give back to my community and help them navigate the education system here and grow into leaders and that it is never too late to bring your vision to life.”
Best Advice She’s Ever Received: Like what you do, and then you will do your best.
Courtney Yonce-Swain (she/her)
Education 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.
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.