Jessica is the founder and Executive Director of CoNECT, playing multiple roles as a Community Health Worker, community organizer, lead trainer and facilitator of collaborative projects. Jessica has worked in community-building and civic engagement in local, national, and international contexts. She has served in AmeriCorps and the U.S. Peace Corps, as an organizer in two Presidential campaigns and director of operations for Rock the Vote, and as a project manager for several agencies and initiatives ranging from nutrition to violence prevention to sexual health.

Danielle serves as the Program Coordinator for CoNECT. She has worked in a variety of coordination and outreach roles in a variety of settings, from real estate, sports teams, schools , and community organizations. She is also a family advocate and parent leader, and plays an active role in Buffalo Public Schools as the co-chair of Buffalo Parent Teacher Organization, parent engagement liaison at City Honors High School, and member of the district’s “Parent Congress”.

Jackie serves as Administrative and Finance Manager for CoNECT. She brings an array of knowledge and experience working in various roles in finance, administration, and operations, including small businesses and grants management in non-profit organizations and philanthropy.

Grace served the past decade and recently retired as the Vice President of Community Initiatives and Human Resources at Buffalo Urban League (BUL), where she directed the Housing and YouthBuild programs, as well as BUL’s Minority and Women’s Revolving Loan Trust Fund. Additionally, she served as the community liaison for health and wellness related initiatives and oversees projects and opportunities related to business and economic development. Grace is also active in many community-based and cultural organizations in Western New York.

Renee Cadzow, PhD, holds a doctorate in Anthropology and is an Assistant Professor at the University of Buffalo Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health in the Division of Health Services Policy and Practice. She was previously faculty and chair in D’Youville University’s Department of Health Administration and Public Health and served as the Associate Director for the  D'Youville Center for Doctoral Studies and Research. Renee brings a wealth of experience on health disparity research on a wide range of topics from maternal/child health to chronic disease management, using mixed methods that prioritize active community participation and relevance. She is also active in public health advocacy in healthcare, school, community, and neighborhoods.

Nicolalita Rodriguez is the Director and Founder of Little People's Victory, where she works as a Somatic trauma therapist and consultant utilizing dance, movement and somatic practices as culturally empowering tools for individual and collective healing within frontline communities. She works with CoNECT as a Community Health Worker, trainer and facilitator on various projects and initiatives. Nicolalita has worked in numerous non-profit organizations in the human services and mental health field, primarily within school and community settings and continues to be active in community organizing circles in Buffalo. She is a life-long dancer and integrates dance, movement, play and joy into all of the work she does.

Michael is retired from Public Health Education at Erie County after 30 years. He worked for 10 years at ECMC in the Immunodeficiency Clinic and 20 years at the Department of Health as an administrator in HIV Partner Services Program, HIV PrEP Services and HIV/STI/HCV Prevention for Women of Color. He worked closely with the Buffalo Public Schools providing HIV and STD education to youth, teachers, and administrators. He has provided sexual health education to various professionals and organizations and also worked to provide vital services and supports during the COVID-19 pandemic. Michael is currently serving as the Training Coordinator for CoNECT.

Sam has been a program director, consultant, and community organizer with over 25 years of experience in program and issue campaign development, implementation, and management.  Sam has diverse work experience in military, government, and non-profit sectors. Sam has also been a small business owner for 27 years, working with diverse audiences to achieve key actions, strategies, and goals for their organizations and communities.

Khadijah is a Community Health Worker and Family Advocate with CoNECT. She came to the United States from Kenya when she was 7 years old. She is a 2016 graduate of International Prep High School, and completed high school in 3 years. She’s also a graduate of Erie Community College with an associate degree of Social Science and Buffalo State University with a bachelors degree in Social Work, and Daemen College with a Masters degree in Social Work. Khadijah was trained as a student CHW as a high school junior and applies her work throughout community and is passionate about supporting parents/caregivers and students in Buffalo Public Schools and being an advocate for positive change.

“Shaq” Jones is a passionate Yoga Teacher, Community Health Worker and owner of Bending Buffalo Wellness. He has a bachelors degree in Community Mental Health from the University at Buffalo, and has worked as a Social Emotional Coordinator with BestSelf Behavioral Health, restorative trainer and facilitator with Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition, and has taught yoga to a wide variety of demographics ranging from senior citizens to students living with cerebral palsy.

Edward Speidel is a lifelong resident of Buffalo, father of four children including two sons with autism, and a community, family, and student advocate with over 20 years of experience. Ed is currently in his fourth year as president of the Buffalo District Parent Coordinating Council, and has spent the past 20 years on the board of directors for Gloria J. Parks Community Center & Kensington-Bailey Housing Office. Ed has diverse experience as a veteran of the US Army and member of the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, Buffalo Public Schools Parent Congress, and Say Yes Operating Committee. He is also trained as a NYS Parent Member to support other parents during IEP meetings and advocate for special education students. Ed is also a local business owner, and full-time dog lover.

Olivia Tutuska is a Community Health and Research Fellow with CoNECT. Olivia holds her B.A. in Sociology with Honors from Columbia University, where she researched social disparity and LGBTQIA+ history, as well as authored two published multidisciplinary papers in the field of psychology with the Junior Researcher Programme at the University of Cambridge. Olivia has experience in youth faciliatation, and qualitative research. Born and raised in Buffalo, she returned after graduation with the hopes of servicing her community. At CoNECT, Olivia assists with community programming, including for the Youth Community Health Workers, and analyzing data for research purposes. Olivia is also a jewelry designer, and incorporates art and creativity into all aspects of her life.

Tanesha is a passionate and dynamic professional with a commitment to public health and community empowerment. She has experience in nonprofit management, community health, and family advocacy. She provides essential frontline services—building trusting relationships, offering direct support and leveraging shared experiences to empower individuals and families. Tanesha serves as a Board Member for the University District Community Developmental Association, and builds family-focused programming at Most Valuable Parents of Buffalo. She has also supported initiatives that foster strong school-community partnerships and parent involvement to boost youth achievement. She is a Restorative Justice Practitioner, which reflects her holistic approach to community well-being. Tanesha’s service is grounded in the belief that strong communities begin with empowered families.

Brandon is a special education teacher in Buffalo Public Schools, working primarily with multilingual students and families. He has worked at International School #45 and through the District as a School Wellness Team co-chair, school gardener, and on many other committees to build school and community wellness. He is also a fitness instructor and avid biker.

Khadijah is a Community Health Worker and Family Advocate with CoNECT. She came to the United States from Kenya when she was 7 years old. She is a 2016 graduate of International Prep High School, and completed high school in 3 years. She’s also a graduate of Erie Community College with an associate degree of Social Science and Buffalo State University with a bachelors degree in Social Work, and Daemen College with a Masters degree in Social Work. Khadijah was trained as a student CHW as a high school junior and applies her work throughout community and is passionate about supporting parents/caregivers and students in Buffalo Public Schools and being an advocate for positive change.

Mark brings in-depth financial knowledge to CoNECT, as a Retirement Planning Specialist and Financial Consultant and Federal Benefits Specialist. He has worked with a diverse base of clients, including Buffalo Bills, and he provides financial education in both individual and group settings. Mark has a long history of community service, and has served as Treasurer on a number of boards in the Buffalo area.

Brenda is a prominent community leader and champion for change. She was the first woman President and CEO of the Buffalo Urban League, Inc. and has served on numerous boards and committees for banks, foundations, arts and cultural groups, and government entities. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Brenda received her bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Buffalo State College and graduate certification in Human Resources from the University at Buffalo School of Management. She is also a member of the CoNECT training team.

Breonna works in two roles, as a Tech Community Engagement Specialist at M&T Bank and as an Editor at the Franchise Development Group. She previously worked as a Community Schools Specialist at Say Yes Buffalo. Her past commitments have brought her all the way to Namibia as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English and Math, as well as a variety of other commitments, composing and publishing the school’s first newsletter, and learning Oshindonga.

Diane R. Tiveron has practiced corporate and business law since admission to the New York State Bar in 1990. Ms. Tiveron has been voted an Upstate New York "Super Lawyer" in the areas of Business/Corporate Law and Business Litigation every year since 2007.