Akil Kamu Ajamu

Akil Kamu Ajamu was born in Jamaica and graduated from the University of San Jose, in California, receiving a B.A. in Political Science. After moving to Buffalo NY, he received a graduate degree in Educational Administration, from University of New York in Buffalo.

Akil has been a mentor, coach, and educator to innumerable students. He and his wife, Maryama, took control of the education of their children and many children within the community. The results; self-assured, analytical, and capable students who will touch the future with a keen sense of self and the true purpose of community.

Tanika Shedrick

"For many, a career and calling are two vastly different pursuits. A career can be carefully crafted and shaped to fit how you may want to impact the world. A calling is the lifelong mission that attaches itself to your very soul, guiding your every step for a lifetime."

After resigning from the Ph.D. program in Chemistry with her master’s degree, Tanika Shedrick formally walked into her calling of an educator. Her journey began at Oracle Charter School during its first year of operation, over fifteen years ago. As one of the first teachers of the school, and the first African American teacher, Tanika rose through the ranks to acquire additional leadership opportunities. With almost ten years of service, Tanika Shedrick resigned from Oracle to pursue additional administrative opportunities. Shortly thereafter she applied and was hired to be a Principal in the Buffalo City School District.

Serving as Principal at ECC 82 for almost three years, Tanika Shedrick worked tirelessly with the faculty, staff, students and families to improve the standing of the school. After two years of demonstrable growth, the school received special recognition from the Commissioner. While dedicated to ECC 82, Tanika watched her alma mater, BUILD Academy, undergo major scrutiny, bringing local attention to its impending closure and search for new leadership. With such an earnest obligation to preserve the legacy of BUILD Academy, Tanika applied for the principalship of the new BUILD Community School. In May 2018, Tanika Shedrick was appointed and continues to serve as Principal of the school.

Tanika holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Canisius College, a New York State School Building Leadership Certificate, Master of Arts in Chemistry from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Morgan State University of Baltimore, Maryland. Mrs. Shedrick is an Elder of True Bethel Baptist Church, First Vice President of the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and member of the Buffalo (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. However, her greatest accomplishments are her wonderful marriage to her husband of over 14 years and her two beautiful sons.

Tyra Johnson Hux

Tyra Johnson Hux joined LISC in November 2019, where she began as LISC WNY’s lead staff for Developer Education programs, creating trainings for commercial real estate and affordable housing developers. In January 2021, she began her new position as Deputy Director for LISC WNY! In her new role, Tyra will lead efforts to cultivate, design and implement inclusive economic development programs for the LISC WNY office.

Her past experience includes construction management for the largest commercial construction firm in Western New York, where she established a track record for completing multimillion-dollar projects by developing strong cross-sectoral partnerships while maintaining costs.

Immediately prior to joining LISC, Tyra owned an independent business, with a “main street” shop and a consulting firm, called Blue Sky Design Supply. Her vision for Blue Sky is of a company that generates an enduring enthusiasm for environmental and social sustainability, featuring innovative and environmentally friendly building products and home décor. The consulting side of Blue Sky allowed Tyra to work on a variety of environmentally and socially sustainable development projects. While working for organizations that affect lives, she honed her passion for supporting individuals and communities that systemically receive less investment than others.

Tyra has volunteered and been appointed to the board of directors of several business development, arts and social services organizations, which provides her a deep working knowledge of the challenges and opportunities that face Western New York. During her tenure on these boards, Tyra has built relationships with a broad network of change makers, including elected officials and community champions.

Tyra’s educational background includes a Master of Business Administration and B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering. She is also an accredited Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) professional. Outside of LISC, Tyra is a wife and mother of two young children. She enjoys making her famous carrot cake, geeking out to Korean dramas on Netflix, and collecting autographed copies of books by prominent Black writers such as Gwendolyn Brooks, Angela Davis and Octavia Butler!

Dr. Craig Rogers

Dr. Craig Rogers is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics and Finance at Canisius College located in Buffalo, New York. His research focuses on spatial differences in demographic and socioeconomic characteristics in metropolitan and micropolitan areas and on the use of exploratory spatial data analysis using GIS. He holds undergraduate degrees in economics and business administration from the State University of New York College at Brockport, an MBA and M.A. in economics as well as a Ph.D. in geography from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Demone A. Smith

Demone A. Smith is a native of Buffalo, New York. A graduate of the City of Buffalo Public Schools #69, Burgard High School and alumnus of Wilberforce University, the nation’s oldest private African American University.

Demone served as District Chair for the Tatonka District for the Boy Scouts and Assistant Scoutmaster to Troop 139 producing 7 African American Eagle Scouts, Past President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., President-Elect National Pan-Hellenic Council, Board Member of the Erie County Community Action Organization, Metro Community Development Corporation, Big Brothers Big Sisters; Member of Paramount F&M Lodge #73, International Association of Workforce Professionals, NAACP, the Urban League, Beverly Road Block Club, Hamlin Park Taxpayers Association and Charter Member, National Museum of African American History & Culture. Demone has also served as an Erie County Legislator in 2004, City Common Council Member for the Masten District in 2008, and was elected Majority Leader in 2012.

Currently, Demone is the Executive Director of the Buffalo and Employment and Training Center (BETC). During his tenure there he has increased the recognition, services offered focused on and made significant strides in raising the employment of young adults 18-14 and re-entry customers.

Shatorah Donovan

Shatorah Donovan is an attorney and Chief Diversity Officer for Mayor Brown’s Office of Diversity, Opportunity, and Inclusion. As an attorney, Ms. Donovan practiced immigration law from a holistic perspective. She assisted business owners and professionals attain status in the United States, but most dear to her heart was helping individuals and families from around the world fight for their most basic human right- the right to live without fear and persecution. As Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Buffalo she is focused on creating and enhancing opportunities for historically disadvantaged populations. She does this through economic development, education, and policy implementation. She believes that Buffalo’s prosperity will be sustained through abundant inclusion.

Bennie Williams

Bennie D. Williams serves as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Multicultural Student Center at Canisius. Williams is charged with supporting and advancing the college’s initiatives related to the student experience with a focus on students of color and the education of the entire student population around issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. Williams works directly with the ALANA Student Center to provide African American, Latinx American, Asian American and Native American students with services to help them succeed at Canisius and beyond. Williams also oversees the college’s Center for International Education, which supports the academic needs and development of the global student community. An alumnus of Canisius, Williams earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2011, in childhood education (grades 1 – 6) and master’s degree in college student personnel in 2013. A native of Buffalo, Bennie has been a student affairs practitioner for over 7 years.