BUFFALO, NY – Canisius University President Steve Stoute has once again earned a place on Buffalo Business First’s annual “Power 100 Business Leaders of Color” list, which recognizes influential leaders from across Western New York. This marks the fourth consecutive year President Stoute has been named to the list. He is joined by nine Canisius University alumni who are using their talents to lead in their careers and their communities – a reflection of the university’s mission to prepare graduates who make a meaningful difference.
This year’s Canisius honorees represent a range of industries, from health care and education, to law and real estate. Each demonstrates the reach and impact of Golden Griffins throughout the region.
The Canisius alumni named to the “Power 100 Business Leaders of Color” are:
• Marie Cannon ’87, PhD, president and chief executive officer, Community Action Organization of Western New York
• Sheila Brown ’87, manager and principal owner, Vision Multi Media Group LLC
• Shannon Bryant MS ’13, chief diversity and inclusion officer, Kaleida Health
• Lenora Foote-Beavers ’92, chief health equity officer, Evergreen Health
• Joseph Hanna MS ’19, MS ’20, partner, Goldberg Segalla; chair, Goldberg Segalla Diversity Task Force
• Chandra Redfern ’99, MS ’03, chief executive officer, Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers
• Ben Upshaw ’92, managing partner, CB-Emanuel Realty LLC
• Keith Wiley MBA ’81, member, New York State Board of Regents, Judicial District 8
• Dennis Wilson ’98, MSEd ’01, owner, Oakk Haus
Now in its fourth year, Business First’s “Power 100 Business Leaders of Color” recognizes individuals from underrepresented backgrounds who have risen to senior leadership roles in business and nonprofit sectors across Western New York. Honorees are selected based on organizational impact, leadership, revenue and workforce size, and community influence.
In honoring these individuals, the list also acknowledges the additional barriers many leaders of color face on their path to the top – and celebrates those who are creating space, opportunity and momentum for others.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
