Graduates Honored as Women of Influence

By Jacqueline Molik Ghosen

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Five graduates of programs in the University at Buffalo School of Management will be among those honored as “Women of Influence” by Business First for their contributions to the Western New York community.

Four of the graduates are alumnae of the school’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) and one received her undergraduate degree from the School of Management.

Business First will present the awards at a Women of Influence Luncheon on September 22 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens.

Joyce DeLong, owner of Insty-Prints Business Printing, will be honored in the Inspiration category for her exceptional words, actions and attitude. She is a graduate of the CEL’s Core program and a resident of Williamsville.

Shawna Dosser, owner of BWI Health Promotions, will be honored in the Entrepreneur category as a woman who has founded a successful company. Dosser is a graduate of the CEL’s Allstate Minority and Women Emerging Entrepreneurs program and the Core program. She is a resident of Eden.

Mary Casilio Powell, president of Casilio Cos., will be honored in the Family Business category for carrying on the legacy of her family’s construction business. She is a CEL Core graduate and resident of Clarence.

Nadia Shahram, owner of the Matrimonial Mediation Center, and Sherry Sutton, president of Sassy Design Group, will be honored in the Creativity category for their experience and knowledge in solving problems and enriching the lives of others. Shahram received her bachelor’s degree from the School of Management and is a resident of Williamsville. Sutton is a CEL Core graduate and resides in Buffalo.

The UB School of Management is recognized for its emphasis on real-world learning, community and economic impact, and the global perspective of its faculty, students and alumni. The school has been ranked by Bloomberg Businessweek, the Financial Times, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report and The Wall Street Journal for the quality of its programs and the return on investment it provides its graduates. For more information about the UB School of Management, visit mgt.buffalo.edu.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB’s more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.