Buffalo State Well-Represented among Business First’s Power 200 Women
Several Buffalo State University alumnae, staff members, College Council members, and trustees were recently honored by Buffalo Business First, a Buffalo-based business journal, on its 2024 Power 200 Women list. This annual distinction recognizes the community’s female leaders whose talent and influence fuel economic, social, and cultural growth throughout Western New York.
Buffalo State University interim president Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D. ranked 20th, making her one of the region’s top female leaders. Also recognized were Jody Briandi, Buffalo State College Foundation board member; Linda Dobmeier, ’71, chair of the Buffalo State College Council; Patricia Farrell, Buffalo State College Council member; SUNY Trustee Eunice Lewin, whose long-standing ties to Buffalo State include the 2008 President’s Distinguished Service Award for her chairmanship of the foundation galas; Sheila Rayam, ’90, who received the Buffalo State Distinguished Alumnus Award at the 2024 Commencement ceremonies in May; Tracy A. Sawicki, ’84, Buffalo State College Foundation board member and chair of the Foundation Development Committee; and Leslie Zemsky, former Buffalo State College Council member.
Interim president Bonita R. Durand Ph.D. (left) with Sheila Rayam at Buffalo State's 2024 Commencement.
The list also included an impressive number of Buffalo State alumnae:
LaVonne Ansari, ’91
Morgan Williams-Bryant, ’03
Patricia Clabeaux, ’72
Debra Colley, ’79
Catherine Collins, ’75
Gayle Perry Denning, ’88
Darby Fishkin, ’94
Mary Jo Hunt, ’78
Alice Jacobs, ’16
Denise Jones, ’88
Sheila Kee, ’73
Allana Kelly-Beaton, ’14
Martha Lamparelli, ’84, ’90
Elizabeth Mauro, ’92
Brenda McDuffie, ’74
Brandye Merriweather, ’04
Jennifer Parker, ’93
Bernice Radle, ’11
Shana Stegner, ’14
The Power 200 Women countdown is sponsored by M&T Bank, BestSelf Behavioral Health, Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, and Southtowns Radiology.
Pictured below: Linda Dobmeier (left), Eunice Lewin, and Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D.
Commencement and holiday party photos by Jesse Steffan-Colucci, Buffalo State photographer; Rockwell Hall photo by Buffalo State Marketing and Communications.
