Executive Director - Megan McNally
Megan is the co-founder of The Foundry. She graduated from Barnard College with a degree in Environmental Policy, has worked on green building construction sites across the country, and gained experience in woodworking at Yestermorrow Design/Build School. She moved back to Buffalo to run a woodworking business from 2011-2014 and is passionate about supporting women and people of color in "non-traditional" career pathways. She is active in Big Brothers Big Sisters and encourages everyone to consider mentorship. She has been the recipient of Women Who Move The City Award, BizJournal's 30 under 30 Award, Protege of The Year from University at Buffalo’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and one of the finalists in the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo Centennial Awards.
Director of Business Development & Incubation - Tamara Zantell
Tamara and her daughter were one of the first tenants at The Foundry - after many years of hard work, she helped her daughter turn her business idea into a million-dollar brand Zandra Beauty. Together or separately, they have been featured on AOL, ESPN, Netflix, USA TODAY, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Black Enterprise, Nightline, Today Show, and more. Tamara is the founder of Raising A Mogul, a worldwide community that supports parents in nurturing the next generation of leaders, influencers, philanthropists, and entrepreneurs. In addition, she co-founded Legacy Brand Creators, LLC, a boutique brand development, marketing, and publishing agency. She is a mother to five. And has consistently been a champion and instructor of our Youth Entrepreneurship Programs.
Operations Manager - Jennifer L.S. Weber
Jennifer brings 25+ years of non-profit experience working in Community Relations, PR/Marketing, Fundraising/Development, Event Planning and Volunteer Management to her role at The Foundry. In her spare time she serves as a volunteer on several boards, dabbles in community theater productions and blogs and writes at All Things Jennifer.
FOUNDRYmade Manager - Drew Brotz
Drew joined The Foundry nearly two years ago as a volunteer and metal shop safety instructor to share his passion for metal work, specifically welding and fabrication, with those who also wish to learn. In Drew’s continual pursuit for improving his craft and deepening his skill set, he desires to create a space that encourages collaborative learning.
Business Development Assistant - Aaron Ferguson
Aaron joins The Foundry after 15 years in television production and media communication. He brings his talent, skills, and creativity to help entrepreneurs/future business developers accomplish their goals. In his spare time he enjoys going to the movie theater, enjoying art, and of course watching the Buffalo Bills
Makerspace Coordinator/Youth Program Instructor - El Mirabella
El is a printmaker, graphic designer, and a continuous collector of knowledge; who uses art to connect with their community. They are an advocate for social justice and inclusive art spaces; which they seek to continue at The Foundry through recognition that everyone truly is creative with untapped potential. Outside The Foundry, their work can be found at MMDesign716 or mmdesign716.com
Youth Program & Wood Instructor - Paul Borden
Paul retired from a job as a production manager for a cabinet company and has more than 30 years experience in the building trades as a carpenter, project manager, and aging in place specialist. His goal is to live simply and sustainably and to pursue new knowledge, while reading about mysticism, mythology, and psychology. He loves nature and has devoted himself to greenwood work in making hand-carved spoons and handmade chairs. Paul enjoys working with people of all ages and is always trying to meet and engage with individuals from many different backgrounds. Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, he has lived in Western New York for over 35 years. Paul began volunteering at the Foundry in 2015 and looks forward to many more years ahead.
Building Maintenance - Russ Reinagel, James Lewis
Additional Instructors
- Zandra Cunningham
- Dezarayia Cunningham
- Tim Genco
- Keiah Shauku
- Erik Walter
- Mike Zak
- Members of Buffalo Fashion Runway
Volunteer Supervisors/Adult Class Instructors
Woodshop:
- Mark Amman
- Paul Borden
- Eric Borenstein
- Gary Buchholz
- Elizabeth (Freed) Friedrich
- Josh Meggesto
- Russ Reinagel
Metalshop:
- Chris Boyd
- Drew Brotz
- Beth Juliar
Textile Lab:
- Pat Beckerle
- Kimberly Crosier
- Sarah Johnson
- Susan Koloski
- Catherine Lochtefeld Sirianni
- Midori Ohtake
- Cheri Vogelbaum
Tech Lab:
- Caine McDermott
- El Mirabella
- Jerry Mckeone
- Erik Walter
- Jason Zilbauer
- Randy Zimmer
Garden:
- Ann Bishof
Creative Artisans:
- El Mirabella
- Emma Brittain-Hardy
- Elise Cominsky
Page Updated 3/2025