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Board Members

Officers

  • Najja is the founder and principal of Phoenix Innovation Group, LLC, which provides innovation coaching, leadership and entrepreneurial development, and community engagement. He believes in the potential of every individual to achieve their best.

    Najja has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University at Buffalo and a Master of Science in Creativity and Change Leadership from Buffalo State, where he is an Adjunct Lecturer. He is a decorated disabled United States Air Force veteran, having served in Operation Enduring Freedom.

    In addition to working with scientists globally, Najja engages with local youth in Buffalo, inspiring teenagers to connect with creativity and entrepreneurship. His greatest motivation comes from being a father to his son and a steward of culture.

  • Andy is the Director of Marketing for Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation, with over 25 years of experience in corporate communication across various platforms, including print, digital advertising, social media, and events.

    Previously, he was the Director of Marketing at Snyder Corp., where he coordinated marketing and public relations for businesses such as E.B. Green's Steakhouse and Beaver Hollow Conference Center.

    Mr. Schwartz is also active in his community, having participated in Leadership Buffalo Essentials and Dale Carnegie Leadership Training, and he serves on the board of Sandy Beach Park Club. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Media Communications from Medaille College in Buffalo, NY.

  • Kevin is a partner at Hurwitz & Fine, P.C., leading the firm's economic development practice group. He is also a member of the firm's management team. A native of Buffalo, Kevin graduated from SUNY Geneseo and the University at Buffalo Law School.

  • Scott has over 30 years of experience in general business and financial management. He is the owner and manager of Advanced Storage, Inc.. He has been deeply involved in the Western New York entrepreneurial community through organizations such as Launch NY, Buffalo Angels, and WNYVA. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and Economics. Additionally, he has served as treasurer for various non-profit organizations.

Members

  • Greg, a Buffalo, NY native, has over 15 years of software engineer experience in the technology industry. He co-founded SOLID Foundation Prep in 2015, a non-profit that uses sports to introduce underprivileged children to various career opportunities. Currently, he works as a software engineer at M&T Bank and is dedicated to lifelong learning, actively mentoring aspiring professionals.

  • Nassema is a creative and data-driven content creator and social media manager. She excels at developing videography and photographic content, accompanied by engaging captions and promotional materials. Nassema maintains an active social media presence, sharing interesting activities and places to visit within the Black community in Buffalo.

  • Matt works at CoachMePlus and volunteers with the makerspace and youth programming at the organization. He is actively involved in the STEAM programming at The Foundry. He assists with any technological issues the organization may encounter.

  • Lauren currently works as the Director of People Operations at Tapestry Charter School and has experience in compliance and HR management for over 200 employees.

  • Joseph is currently a Senior Audit Manager at Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. He is certified in New York State and has a proven track record in the accounting industry. He is skilled in financial accounting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), transaction advisory services, management, and income taxes. Joseph is a strong accounting professional who earned an MBA from the School of Management at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

  • David has extensive experience and education in Environmental Science, Environmental Design, and City and Regional Planning. He is currently enjoying retirement after serving as the Executive Vice President of the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation and teaching at the University of Buffalo's School of Architecture and Planning.

Staff

  • Megan co-founded The Foundry and graduated from Barnard College with a degree in Environmental Policy. She has worked on green building construction sites nationwide and gained woodworking experience at the Yestermorrow Design/Build School. From 2011 to 2014, she ran a woodworking business in Buffalo and is dedicated to supporting women and people of color in non-traditional careers.

    Megan is involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, promoting mentorship. She has received several awards, including the Women Who Move the City Award and BizJournal's 30 Under 30 Award.

  • Tamara and her daughter were among the first tenants at The Foundry. With years of hard work, she helped her daughter create the million-dollar brand Zandra Beauty. They have been featured in prominent outlets, including Forbes, USA TODAY, and ESPN.

    As the founder of Raising A Mogul, Tamara supports parents in nurturing future leaders and entrepreneurs. She co-founded Legacy Brand Creators, a boutique brand development and marketing agency. A mother of five, she actively champions youth entrepreneurship programs.

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  • Jennifer has over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector, specializing in Community Relations, PR/Marketing, Fundraising/Development, Event Planning, and Volunteer Management. In her spare time, she volunteers on several boards, participates in community theater productions, and writes a blog called "All Things Jennifer."

  • Drew joined The Foundry nearly two years ago as a volunteer and metal shop safety instructor to share his passion for metalworking, specifically welding and fabrication, with others eager to learn. In his ongoing pursuit of improving his craft and skills, Drew aims to create a space that fosters collaborative learning.

  • 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!

  • El is a printmaker and graphic designer who continuously collects knowledge and uses art to connect with their community. As an advocate for social justice and inclusive art spaces, they strive to foster recognition at The Foundry that everyone has untapped creative potential. You can find their work outside The Foundry at mmdesign716.com.

  • Paul is a retired production manager with over 30 years of experience in the building trades, including carpentry and project management. He aims to live simply and sustainably while exploring topics like mysticism, mythology, and psychology.

    Passionate about nature, he creates hand-carved spoons and handmade chairs through green woodworking. Paul enjoys connecting with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

    Originally from Philadelphia, he has lived in Western New York for over 35 years. He has been volunteering at the Foundry since 2015. He looks forward to many more years of service.

Contract Instructors &
Volunteer Supervisors

Building Maintenance

  • Russ Reinagel

  • James Lewis (staff)

Garden Maintenance

  • Ann Bishof

  • Barb Deren

  • Kathy McNally

Additional Instructors

  • Zandra Cunningham

  • Dezarayia Cunningham 

  • Tim Genco

  • Keiah Shauku

  • Erik Walter

  • Mike Zak

  • Members of Buffalo Fashion Runway

Contract Instructors/ Volunteer Supervisors

Youth Instructors:

  • Zandra Cunningham

  • Dezarayia Cunningham

  • Tim Genco

  • Keiah Shauku

  • Erik Walter

  • Mike Zak

  • Members of Buffalo Fashion Runway

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

Creative Artisans:

  • Emma Brittain-Hardy

  • Elise Cominsky