2025 Conference

“Why Most Innovations Fail and How to Fix Your Innovation Problem”

Bob Neubert, Clinical Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship Operations Management and Strategy University at Buffalo School of Management

Innovation is critical for progress, yet most new ideas never achieve lasting impact. Why do so many innovations fail? The answer often lies in flawed assumptions, poor execution and idea-first thinking that ignores real needs. In this interactive workshop, we’ll break down the most common pitfalls that derail innovation efforts and provide a practical, needs-inspired framework to help you overcome them. Through real-world case studies, discussions and actionable strategies, you’ll learn how to diagnose weak points in your innovation process, refine your approach and drive meaningful, sustainable success.

“3 Presentations on Global Collaboration and Driving Sustainable Change”
Ballroom 2

• Indianna Minto-Coy, Deputy Executive Director, MBA and MS Programs, MONA School of Business and Management
• Patience Aseweh Abor, Associate Professor, Department of Health Services Management, University of Ghana Business School
• Professor Augustina Akonnor, Dean of Students, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration

Explore how sustainability has become a vital tool for financial institutions to assess their operations, why global collaboration is imperative in academia, and how multinational firms can catalyze sustainable transformation using diverse global perspectives. This session will feature three presentations from case studies in Ghana and Jamaica.

“Redefining Merit: Overcoming Inequality to Identify Talent”

Daniela Goya-Tocchetto, Assistant Professor of Organization and Human Resources University at Buffalo School of Management

Explore how economic background, including the advantages and disadvantages different socioeconomic classes experience, can influence access to career-building opportunities like internships and extracurriculars. Daniela Goya-Tocchetto examines how traditional hiring practices may unintentionally favor more privileged candidates and overlook others with equal or greater potential. Attendees will learn how companies can adopt more inclusive, skills-based hiring methods to better match talent with organizational needs, while promoting equity in the workplace.

Learn about practical action steps that can be taken to open doors for leaders to embrace sustainable solutions.

Led by Faustenia Morrow, Principal, Monarch of Infinite Possibilities, featuring:

• Jada Ivey, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, XII XX1 and Stylesbyjadamarie
• Robert Lowe, Pastor, New Beginnings Church of God in Christ; Founder & President, Nehemiah Community Development Corporation
• Chef Romone Anderson, Food Experience LLC

“Introduction of Sustainability to our Supply Chain”

Ryan Besecker, Director of Supply Chain Policy & Sustainability, Moog

Learn how Moog is responding to evolving industry sustainability standards and working with suppliers to align with these expectations.

“A World Buried in Trash: Responsible Solutions for a Growing Global Crisis”

Tom Ulbrich, President and Chief Executive Officer, Goodwill Western New York

In just one minute, 190,000 garments, 41,000 pairs of shoes and 1,000,000 plastic bottles enter circulation, fueling an environmental crisis hidden in plain sight. Ever wonder where all this ends up?
 
Uncover the startling afterlife of your trash, understand your role in this global challenge and learn simple, decisive actions you can take right now. Together, let's build a truly sustainable future. Your planet depends on it.

“Navigating Your Emotions: The Power of Emotional Intelligence at Work”

Emily Grijalva, Associate Professor Organization and Human Resources , University at Buffalo School of Management

This interactive presentation on Emotional Intelligence (EI) teaches practical skills necessary for workplace success. Participants will take a brief assessment to establish their personal baseline, examine common misconceptions about EI, and practice recognizing emotions in themselves and others. Professionals will gain actionable strategies to enhance emotional awareness and regulation, which ultimately can help to improve communication, reduce conflict, and build stronger workplace relationships.

Robert Skinner, Deputy Director and Chief of Partnerships and Global Engagement, Department of Global Communications, United Nations United Nations

The United Nations is spearheading global efforts to achieve a sustainable future through its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda encompasses 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at addressing critical issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. By fostering international collaboration and mobilizing resources, the UN is working to ensure that all people can live in dignity and prosperity, leaving no one behind in the journey towards a resilient and sustainable world.

“Building Your Corporate Sustainability Strategy - Transforming Ambition into Action”

• Jennifer VanDewater, Vice President Enterprise Sustainability, Health, and Authenticity, Rich Products
• Amanda Harris, Senior Marketing Manager, Rich Products

As climate change impacts grow, it's crucial to include responsible business practices in core strategies for sustainable growth. Doing so also helps companies stand out, boost their value, improve their brand image and attract top talent. Understanding the need for change to address these impacts is one hurdle, but tackling it is another. Learn how to take foundational steps to establish a responsible business strategy, align your business plan with sustainability goals and transform your ambition into action.

“Labor and Sustainability Fireside Chat”

Steven Finch, retired President of Manufacturing Viridi Parente
Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, Executive Director, International Institute of Buffalo

Led by Maria Kraimer, chair, Organization and Human Resources and Donald S. Carmichael, professor of Organizational Behavior. This fireside chat centered on the intersection of labor and sustainability, focuses on how businesses can foster environmental responsibility while supporting workers' rights and well-being.

“Sustaining your People: Organizational Cultures That Are Built to Last”

Chuck Abramo, Group Vice President–HR, Delaware North

The sustainability conversation can't be had without talking about the sustainability of the people who drive and impact the agenda daily. This sector is supported by many successful companies driving innovative solutions, however, the challenges and demands that employees are facing today are bigger and more complex than ever before. This session will help leaders think about how they create lasting cultures that drive performance, sustain their teams and win in the marketplace for all stakeholders.

Led by Ryan McPherson, Chief Sustainability Officer, University at Buffalo

• Jennifer VanDewater, Vice President Enterprise Sustainability, Health, and Authenticity, Rich Products
• Chavuanne Cousins, Executive Vice President, Sustainability, M&T Bank
• Jon Powers, Co-Founder, CleanCapital
• Ken Kujawa, Regional Director, National Grid
  

This one-hour, conversation-style panel aims to explore the practical value and strategic importance of sustainability within modern organizations, especially during uncertain times. The session will be engaging, interactive and grounded in real-world experience from different perspectives.

Felipe Queipo, Program Management and Communications Officer, United Nations

This thought-provoking lecture will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and global governance, emphasizing how AI both supports and challenges the objectives of the United Nations. This keynote will address the ethical implications of AI and engage dialogue to actively shape a more just and inclusive digital future.

“Harnessing AI, Circularity, and Transparency - Sustainable Supply Chain Innovations”

Anupama Pasricha, Dean, School of Business, St. Catherine University

Explore how the latest technological advancements are fueling sustainable progress in the supply chain industry.

“’ESG is Dead': Adapting Communications for the Future”

Carly Battin, Chief of Staff, CleanCapital

Current trends may seem to be moving away from ESG, renewable energy and efforts to address the climate crisis, but the business case for sustainability more compelling than ever for companies, investors and consumers. In this session, dive into real-world examples of companies that have pivoted their terminology and communication strategies to appeal to and align with diverse groups of stakeholders.

“Reimagining Sustainability Leadership: Policy Change, Courage and Companies Competing to Be Greener”

Adam Rome, Professor of Environment and Sustainability, University at Buffalo

In the last 35 years, a growing number of corporations have sought to reduce their environmental impact, but the gravest threats to planetary well-being are more concerning than ever. The disjunct between effort and result comes from fundamental flaws in our economic system. To be effective sustainability leaders, executives need to join with citizens, environmental professionals, and policymakers to ensure that sustainability pays.

Ryan Dunlap, Chief Conflict Officer and Founder, Conflictish

Innovation and sustainability demand bold leadership, but bold leadership isn’t always popular. Too many leaders hesitate to make tough decisions or delay hard conversations out of fear of being disliked. The reality? If you’re going to lead change, you must be willing to challenge comfort, face resistance and stand firm when others waver. Explore the tensions leaders face when driving change, from handling criticism to balancing care with accountability. Gain actionable insights on navigating resistance, delivering hard truths with tact and maintaining composure under pressure.

Charles Abramo currently serves as Vice President, Human Resources Business Partner  for Delaware North. In this role, Mr. Abramo is responsible for leading Delaware North’s HR Business Partner organization, Employee Relations, HR Shared Services, HR Operations, HR M&A activity, HR communications and HR Help Desk. Prior to this role, he has held HR Leadership roles with Whole Foods Market, Crate & Barrel and Gap Inc. Active in his community, he has mentored students in HR programs, served as a guest lecturer at colleges and universities and previously sat on the board of PASCO, a nonprofit organization focused on providing leadership and HR education to small businesses.

Abramo graduated from the Stagen Executive Leadership Academy and holds a M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and a B.A. in Communications from Niagara University. He is active in many HR, Leadership and Business communities.

Prof. Augustina Akonnor (formerly Adusah-Karikari), PhD, is the Dean of Students and Head, International Programs at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). She is the immediate past Head of Department of Liberal Arts, led oversight responsibility of the Department of Hospitality and served as a senior lecturer at the School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (GIMPA). She is a 2018 Africa Oxford Fellow at Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, UK. She was also a Newton International Fellow at the University of Birmingham, UK from 2013 to January 2015. She has conducted extensive research both in rural and urban contexts in Ghana on public administration, development and gender related issues. Her research interests are in gender and public administration in developing world contexts, gender and extractive industries, development administration and management. Her work has appeared in journals such as the Public Organization Review, International Journal of Public Administration, the Journal of African and Asian Studies, the Journal of Public Administration and Development, and Extractive Industries and Society Journal. From 2010 to 2013 she represented GIMPA as a Research Team Member for an AAU/IDRC project on Governance in University Research in West and Central Africa. She has presented her research at several international and local conferences. She has served as the facilitator for the Gender, Leadership and Entrepreneurship module on Africa Programme (WELA), China European Business School, Accra. She serves as a facilitator at GIMPA’s Training and Consulting on various management and soft skills development, and also as the lead facilitator of the Gender and Diversity Module on the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), West Africa. Augustina holds a PhD in Educational Studies, Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Arts in International Affairs from Ohio University. She also holds a BA Hons (Secretaryship) from the University of Cape-Coast, Ghana.

Romone Anderson is an Executive Chef in the culinary industry. He started his journey as a little boy helping his mom cook in the kitchen, and realized at the age of 13 that he wanted to do this for a career. His culinary track began at Emerson High School learning the basic steps and his first job while at Emerson, was as a dishwasher at Hutch's Restaurant. His desire to learn more grew so he decided to follow the path to become a chef. After high school he attended Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, where he received his culinary degree. Over the years, Anderson has worked with many cooks and great chefs who have successfully guided him. Romone has co-owned restaurants and after 5 years of partnering, he chose to open his own business, FOOD EXPERIENCE LLC, where he currently offers exclusive catering services while in the process of securing a permanent location.

Patience Aseweh Abor is an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Administration and Health Services Management at the University of Ghana Business School. She holds a BS in Nursing and Masters of Philosophy, Health Services Administration from the University of Ghana. She also holds a Masters of Technology, Environmental Health from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa, and a PhD in Management from the University of Southampton, UK. She is a researcher with the African Economic Research Consortium. Her research interests include healthcare governance, health services management, health policy and socio-economic effects on health outcomes. Her papers have appeared in reputable international journals such as the Journal of International Migration and Integration, International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Leadership in Health Services Journal, Management Research Review, Journal of Health Organization and Management, International Journal of Social Economics, International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics and Journal of Medical Marketing.

Carly Battin is Chief of Staff at CleanCapital, a leading clean energy investment company. CleanCapital has put more than $1 billion to work developing, building, owning and operating solar and energy storage projects across the United States. In her role, Carly is responsible for developing and executing CleanCapital’s business strategy, overseeing technology and enabling the company’s continued growth through marketing, advertising and public relations. In past professional roles, Carly worked as Director of Communications at Bak USA, a computer manufacturer with a strong social mission; Executive Director of the Elmwood Village Association, a community development non-profit; and Marketing Manager for The Buffalo News. She received her MBA from the University at Buffalo.

Ryan Besecker has an extensive work experience history. Starting in 1999 at Jack Adkins Ford Inc, they worked as a Parts Specialist until 2005, after which they transitioned to the role of Customer Service Advisor until 2006. From 2006 to 2007, they worked as an Assembly and Test Technician at Superior Workforce Solutions. Ryan then joined Moog Inc. in 2007 and held various positions, including Assembly and Test Technician, Supply Chain Specialist, Commodity Lead, Category Manager, Contracts & Procurement Compliance Manager, Senior Supply Chain Program Manager, Supply Chain Program Director, and currently, they hold the role of Director of Supply Chain Policy, Sustainment & ESG. Ryan Besecker obtained a Master of Business Administration from the University at Buffalo School of Management, The State University of New York from 2016 to 2018. Prior to that, they earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Medaille University, where they attended from 2008 to 2010. In addition, Ryan Besecker has an Associates degree in Computer Aided Drafting from ITT Technical Institute, Getzville, which they completed from 1999 to 2001. Furthermore, they have obtained several certifications, including Class Experience from Leadership Buffalo, Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University, Small Business Liaison Officer Training from 52.219 Consulting Services, Category Management Excellence from Denali - A WNS Company, Green Belt from Rochester Institute of Technology, Win-Win Negotiations from Baker Communications, Inc., Certified Lean Professional from UB TCIE, and Bills Mafia from Buffalo Bills.

Steven Finch is a proven leader in the automotive industry for over 41 years with General Motors, spending the last 15 years as Plant Manager of three different manufacturing locations —one sheet metal stamping plant and two engine manufacturing facilities. Changing careers after retiring from GM, he now leads the AAA Western & Central New York Automotive Services division as  Senior Vice President. Mr. Finch is former Board Chairman for the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, and current Chair for the Board of the Buffalo Urban League. He is also on the board of the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo, serving on its Racial Equity Roundtable, as well as, National Fuel Gas and the Allied Motion Company. Steven Finch has been celebrated as A Buffalo Black Achiever of the year, and on several occasions recognized in Buffalo Business First’s publication as one of the top leaders in the Buffalo area.

Amanda leads the development and activation strategy of Rich's Health & Authenticity (H&A) strategy, focused on delivering permissibly indulgent, better-for-you food and beverage solutions customers can trust to always be safe and responsibly made. H&A is a key pillar of Rich’s Generations of Good strategy — the irresponsible business strategy and commitment to drive positive impact and shared value creation for associates, customers and communities. This strategy reflects Rich’s purpose, values and determination to create a brighter future for generations to come. Amanda’s key accountabilities are tracking and translating emerging market trends, managing regulatory impacts and customer and consumer demands related to H&A and transforming these insights into actionable strategies, product innovation and positive outcomes for the business. Amanda graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration Degree from the University at Buffalo in 2013.

Jada Ivey is the CEO and founder of XII XXI and Stylesbyjadamarie. Her vision for XII XXI is to produce eco-conscious clothing, allowing customers to purchase with intent and meaning while saving the earth. XII XXI does this through upcycling and with a commitment to sustainability and strives to create an eco-friendlier fashion world. Stylesbyjadamarie is a styling service that allows customers to create looks for special occasions. Jada is also very active in the Buffalo community as well as the fashion industry. She is currently a sophomore at Buffalo State College majoring in Fashion Merchandising.

Ken began his career with Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation in January 1990 as a Graduate Intern in the company’s Economic Development Department. Over the years, he has built a distinguished career in the energy sector and currently serves as the Regional Director for Western New York at National Grid. In his role, Ken is responsible for managing relationships with National Grid’s largest commercial and industrial customers, as well as with municipalities, elected officials at the local and state levels and key community stakeholders. His work supports regional economic growth, infrastructure planning and collaborative partnerships across the area. He represents National Grid on the boards of several prominent regional organizations, including the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Invest Buffalo Niagara and Northland Workforce Training Center. Ken holds a Bachelor’s degree and an Master’s in Business Administration from Canisius College, along with a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University at Buffalo.

Robert J. Lowe, Th.D. currently pastors the New Beginnings Church of God in Christ in Buffalo, NY. He and first lady Tonia D. Lowe are the founders of the “One Flesh Ministries, which is a ministry dedicated to providing guidance and assistance for couples and families. Alongside his wife, Pastor Lowe ministers to singles, couples and families, bringing hope and life to dying relationships. Pastor Lowe presently sits as the Chairman of the Ordination Board, Church of God in Christ, Jurisdiction two of Western New York, and is also the dean of the Jurisdiction’s Training Institute. Dr. Lowe is the Founder and President of the Nehemiah Community Development Corporation. Committed to education and excellence, Pastor Lowe served in the capacity of a founding member at the Primary Hall Preparatory Charter School in Buffalo. He also sat on the Buffalo Leadership Commission on AIDS Executive Committee and has served the City of Buffalo Family Court system as a mediator. He strongly believes in Nehemiah 4:14 “Fighting for the Families.” Pastor Lowe is married to Tonia D. Lowe and they have two beautiful daughters. Dr. Lowe is a proud graduate of the North Carolina College of Theology.

In his role as the Chief Sustainability Officer, Ryan connects people across the university with information, innovation and tools to reduce UB’s carbon footprint and enhance quality of life by improving environmental stewardship, increasing economic efficiency and augmenting cultural values and awareness. He specifically works closely with university partners and employs an integrated campus-wide strategy that leverages the university’s operations, curriculum, external engagement and research to further UB’s sustainability efforts. Previously, Ryan has held positions at UB as Associate Vice President for Government and Community Relations and as Chief of Staff for external affairs. Prior to joining UB, Ryan worked in Washington, D.C. and New Hampshire, advocating for greater environmental protection and democratic participation.

Indianna Minto-Coy is Deputy Executive Director, MBA and MS Programs at Mona School of Business and Management, The University of the West Indies, Mona. She is the Caribbean Countries Director for the Academy of International Business – Latin America and the Caribbean for 2021-2024. She is also a Research Affiliate at Wilfrid Laurier University’s International Migration Research Centre. Indianna’s research, consultancies, publications and public engagements span the themes of Entrepreneurship, Diasporas and International Business. There is also an emerging stream of work in the areas of Sustainability, Business Continuity and Disaster Risk Reduction.

Faustenia “Tina” Morrow was born on the East side of Buffalo, NY and raised in the Historic Hamlin Park Neighborhood. Always a dreamer, organizer, writer and leader, at the age of 25 she was featured in EBONY Magazine’s “30 Future Leaders.” Preciously she served as WNY Director of the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, an environmental advocacy organization. Faustenia noticed that the Black Church was missing from the environmental movement and organized the 2006 Pastoral Health & Environmental Conference at Elim Christian Fellowship. The goal of this Conference was to bring together Black Pastors on the Eastside of Buffalo to learn more about ways the faith-based community could partner with the environmental community to impact social change. Faustenia is the Founder and Principal of the Monarch of Infinite Possibilities LLC (MIP). She is a global connector and conductor. She uses innovative and creative ideas to help her clients develop messages to engage community stakeholders and increase target audiences. MIP is a partner in the WNY Clean Energy HUB sponsored by NYSERDA and the USDA Forest Service Community Partnership Project. Faustenia connected Juneteenth-Buffalo to the Erie County Environment and Planning Department to introduce sustainability and zero waste practices that could become woven into large scale festivals on the Eastside of Buffalo. EPA funding led to MIP partnering with Drexel University and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital to engage BIPOC young people from across NYS to discuss issues related to Climate Change and the rising heat index. MIP was hired as a stakeholder liaison for the Clean Mobility Buffalo Project; consulted with Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, the Interfaith Committee of the Sierra Club Niagara Chapter, Clean and Healthy NY as well as environmental justice organizations like WE-ACT (Harlem, NY) and the Toxic Waste Lupus Coalition to help make a difference for frontline and marginalized communities. After losing her only sister on September 11th, 2020, to brain cancer, Faustenia created the Harriet Tubman Legacy Project (HTLP) which birthed a virtual Harriet Tubman 5K walk/run. She is a Board Member of the WUFO Black Radio History Collective and served 4 years as an appointed member of the Erie County Environment Management Council (EMC). She was a member of the New York State Climate Impacts Assessment Team and the Biden White House Faith and Community Engagement Stakeholders weekly call. She was a recipient of the 2024 Erie County EMC Environmental Excellence Award and successfully completed her 5th year organizing the 2025 MLK Day of Service on Buffalo’s Eastside, which involved 300 volunteers supporting 23 Projects. During Black History Month she received the 2025 Community Service Award from the mayor of the City of Buffalo. Faustenia is a woman of faith, loves learning to fly planes, traveling and making the impossible possible!

Anupama Pasricha, PhD is an accomplished educator, scholar and leader who brings experience and expertise to the School of Business, St. Catherin University. With her agile mindset, commitment to diversity and inclusivity and impressive leadership experience, Dr. Pasricha is dedicated to contributing to the continued success and growth of the School of Business. With over 30 years of global teaching and research experience, including 12 years in India, Dr. Pasricha has developed a deep understanding of educational practices and cultural perspectives. Her extensive knowledge and expertise in the field have earned her recognition as an award-winning educator. A collaborative and service-oriented leader, she believes in working with colleagues to achieve common goals. Dr. Pasricha has been a part of the St. Catherine University community since 2005 and served as the Fashion Design and Merchandising Department chair for 10 years. She has also served as an internship and study-abroad advisor, supporting students in gaining valuable real-world experiences. Beyond her work at St. Catherine University, Dr. Pasricha is a consultant on sustainability for two Minnesota-based companies, highlighting her practical expertise in the field. She also serves as an advisor to the Mindful Businesses podcast, demonstrating her dedication to promoting sustainable practices and mindful leadership. Dr. Pasricha's research interests revolve around sustainability, equity, and leadership. Her extensive publication record, which includes over 100 scholarly works such as journal articles, book chapters, reviews and conference proceedings, showcase her commitment to advancing knowledge in these areas. Her sustainable design work has also been featured in prominent venues such as the Minnesota History Center, Textile Center of Minnesota and Cathy G. Murphy Gallery. Dr. Pasricha holds a Doctorate of Philosophy and a Master's in Education from Iowa State University in Ames. She also obtained a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science from Delhi University in India.

Jon Powers, President of CleanCapital, is a transformative leader with a deep-rooted commitment to advancing clean energy solutions. His journey began with the United States Army, where he witnessed firsthand the crucial role of clean energy in safeguarding national security. As Special Adviser for Energy, Jon pioneered initiatives that revolutionized the army’s energy program, later assuming the role of Director of Outreach for the Energy Initiatives Task Force. Appointed Federal Chief Sustainability Officer by President Obama, Jon played a pivotal role in shaping energy and climate policies across the Federal Government. Drawing from his extensive experience, Jon co-founded CleanCapital with a mission to attract investment to clean energy solutions that advance the energy transition. CleanCapital is now among the leading developers and owners of middle market solar and storage in the U.S. with more than $1 billion invested to date. A graduate of John Carroll University and Johns Hopkins University, Jon’s visionary leadership continues to drive innovation and impact in the clean energy sector.

Since September 2021, Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi has successfully led the International Institute of Buffalo (IIB) through significant changes in response to global events. First, humanitarian crises, including those in Ukraine and Afghanistan, drove more clients to the organization than ever before and regularly put IIB’s mission and services in the headlines.

Now, the grounds shift daily with the arrival of a new presidential administration, altering the legal and policy landscape. Ms. Rizzo-Choi’s experiences as a refugee and asylum law expert, combined with her background as a former television journalist, have enabled her to navigate the changing terrain. Prior to joining IIB as its Executive Director, she served on its Board of Directors for six years. She previously served as the executive director at The Pro Bono Project in New Orleans, Louisiana’s largest pro bono legal services organization, and as National Pro Bono Counsel at Human Rights First in Washington D.C., a flagship organization that works at the forefront of international and national refugee law and policy. At the beginning of her legal career, Jennifer Rizzo-Choi served as Legal Director at Journey’s End Refugee Services, where she founded its immigration legal services program. A West Seneca native, Jennifer Rizzo-Choi earned her Master’s in Business Administration from MIT’s Sloan School of Management and her Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo School of Law, where she now teaches Refugee and Asylum Law as an adjunct professor. Ms. Rizzo-Choi serves on the Board of Advisors of the New York State Institute on Immigrant Integration Research & Policy, launched by Governor Hochul in 2023.

Adam Rome is a historian of business and sustainability. His research focuses on what United States corporations have done – and not done – to become greener. He now is writing a book about Walmart. Rome also is a leading authority on the history of environmental activism. His publications include The Genius of Earth Day: How a 1970 Teach-In Unexpectedly Made the First Green Generation and The Bulldozer in the Countryside: Suburban Sprawl and the Rise of American Environmentalism. With Hartmut Berghoff, he co-edited Green Capitalism? Business and the Environment in the Twentieth Century. He is professor of environment and sustainability at the University at Buffalo.

As one of the Buffalo Niagara community’s most passionate advocates for small business, and a business owner himself, Tom Ulbrich intimately understands the critical significance of entrepreneurship to our local and global economy and culture. Ulbrich has dedicated his personal and professional work to small business advocacy. He spent more than a decade as the executive director of the UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL), providing strategic oversight to advance the CEL’s mission of invigorating the local economy through entrepreneurial development.

Under his leadership, the CEL expanded its interdisciplinary approach to educating emerging business leaders centered on best and next practices and backed by the thought leadership of the School of Management. During his tenure, the CEL was recognized multiple times as one of the Top 100 Small Business Influencers in North America. Ulbrich is a member of the National Federation for Independent Business’s New York State Leadership team and a frequent author and orator on topics concerning the importance of small business and entrepreneurship to the vitality of the American economy. A testament to Ulbrich’s insights is his TED talk, “Is There a Better Way?,” which explores the necessity of developing entrepreneurial skills and spirit in students.

As the Vice President of Enterprise Sustainability, Health & Authenticity, Jen VanDewater is the lead of the Rich Products Corporation’s responsible business strategy called ‘Generations of Good.’ A dynamic leader with over 25 years’ experience working in the marketing and sustainability fields, Jen is dedicated to driving the strategic vision and activation plans that propel Rich Products towards its ambitious commitments to the planet and its people. Jen’s expertise spans across integrating sustainable practices into core business strategies, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and championing social responsibility. Her visionary approach and unwavering commitment to sustainability inspires teams to innovate and create lasting positive impacts on both the environment and society. Jen is an alumna of the State University at Buffalo, graduating with her Master’s in Business Administration in 2002.