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.
Operations Manager - Jennifer 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.
Development Director - Laurie Ousley
Education Director - Amina Boyd
Amina is a well rounded creative and educator who loves hands-on learning and exploration. She comes to The Foundry with a significant background in K-12 education, media production and screen-printing, and a passion to support youth of color in career exploration. She loves working with people of all ages to help them uncover their untapped potential and is excited to help cultivate more creatives and entrepreneurs within The Foundry. She develops our interactive, maker-focused curriculum to support students in afterschool as well as in our workforce development training opportunities.
Business Development Director - 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.
FOUNDRYmade Project Manager - Sam Kahn
Sam is an artist, entrepreneur, nerd, and social justice advocate who seeks to use art for community and individual advancement. In addition to their work at the Foundry, they run Raven & Riddle, which makes handmade Dungeons & Dragons dice. Sam is also a forever Dungeon Master, and a collector of unending art projects. With a background in community outreach and artistic entrepreneurship, Sam seeks to expand and cement the FoundryMade vision as a pillar of Buffalo's community.
Makerspace Manager - Emma Brittain - Hardy
Emma wears many hats in our organization and community. Along with being the Makerspace manager she is a teaching artist and small business tenant at the Foundry. On any given day you may see her working on her own pottery or sculptures, supervising Open Maker Hours, teaching classes in the tech or textile lab, or helping with our youth programs. She loves everything related to art and tinkering, she jokes that she "collects hobbies". Emma is always willing to learn more and also to share her own knowledge.
Youth Development Coach - Paige Williams
Paige has a background in business administration and entrepreneurship and brings a unique perspective to empower and inspire young minds. Her experience working with children of all ages and backgrounds, coupled with a genuine passion for art and crafting, fuels her commitment to helping our youth grow and thrive. Paige is the co-owner of Made 2 Make It, a custom apparel company.
Youth Instructor - Paul Borden
Youth Instructor - Michele Mirabella
Michele 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 Instructor - Toni Jones
Toni is a motivational image consultant specializing in personal branding. She obtained her B.S. in Fashion and Textile Technology from Buffalo State College, NY, A.A.S. in Textile and Marketing Development from Fashion Institute of Technology New York, NY and a Vocational Degree in Fashion and Interior Design from Niagara Career and Tech Center Sanborn, NY. Toni has also studied Fashion Styling Photography in London, UK. Toni’s extensive background in textiles gives her a sharp eye for detail and understanding of how fabrics conform and insinuate the human body.
Youth Instructor - Keiah Shauku
Page Updated 9/2023