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.

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.

Jackie serves as Administrative and Finance Manager for CoNECT. She brings a wealth of knowledge working in various roles in finance, administration, and operations, ranging from small business to grants management.

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 holds a PhD in Anthropology and is an Associate Professor and Chair of Health Administration & Public Health at D'Youville University. She is also the co-director of the Center for Research on Physical Activity, Sport & Health at D'Youville. Her research and evaluation efforts focus on community health and maternal/child health and emphasize participatory methods. Renee is active in public health advocacy in healthcare, school, community, and neighborhoods. She also serves as a trainer with CoNECT.

Dayatra Hassan is a Community Health Worker, community educator, trainer and facilitator of trauma informed and restorative justice practices and cultural competency in the community, schools and nonprofit sectors of Buffalo. Dayatra is a life-long Artist and arts advocate and the creator of SistaCypher; a self-love initiative that focuses on women and girls in the Buffalo community through the arts, holistic wellness, and social justice.

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.

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.

Mark brings in depth financial knowledge to CoNECT, as a Retirement Planning Specialist and Financial Consultant, some clients include the Buffalo Bills. As a Federal Benefits Specialist as well, he provides Financial education to Federal employees. Mark has served as Treasurer on a number of boards in the Buffalo area.

Brenda has served as prominent community leaders and champion for change for decades. 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.

Breonna works in two roles, as a Community Schools Specialist at Say Yes Buffalo and as an Editor at the Franchise Development Group. 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.

Michael has been working with Erie County Department of Health for the past 18 years as a Public Health Educator and Manager of the HIV Partner Services Program. He works 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. Michael also serves as a CoNECT team trainer.

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.