Amanda Kavanaugh, MBA ’22 is an Employer Group Reporting Research Scientist with Independent Health
“I knew that smaller class sizes is where I thrive.”
That was one of the reasons Kavanaugh chose Canisius for her graduate degree. After earning her undergraduate degree at D’Youville, Kavanaugh knew she valued a smaller classroom environment. She also needed a program that could fit into her life — one that would allow her to work, raise a family and earn her MBA.
Canisius offered that flexibility, and the degree helped Kavanaugh open new doors in a career she was already building at Independent Health. She has been with the company for nearly 15 years, first joining as an administrative assistant after working at Kenmore Mercy Hospital and later at a labor union. Along the way, she found opportunities to learn and grow, including tuition assistance from Independent Health that helped her earn her MBA.
After completing the degree, Kavanaugh was promoted from senior research analyst to research scientist. In her current role, she has more freedom to find creative ways to improve processes and automation within her team.
One recent accomplishment stands out. Kavanaugh and her colleagues learned Python and moved an entire project to a new reporting platform, cutting turnaround time by more than 80%.
For Kavanaugh, career growth is only part of the story. As a Buffalo native and Canisius graduate, Kavanaugh takes pride in working for an organization with such a strong connection to Western New York. She especially enjoys volunteering at community events where she can interact with the members and families Independent Health serves.
“I take so much pride in where I work.” That connection to mission and community is also something Kavanaugh encourages current Griffs to consider as they prepare for life after graduation. Her advice is to think carefully about the kind of work — and workplace culture — that will be the right fit.
For her, finding that fit has made all the difference. And Canisius gave her a way to continue growing professionally while balancing the other parts of her life that matter.
Her favorite Canisius memory is from graduation, when she looked around and saw the many people she had gotten to know during her time at the university — all at the same moment, but each ready to begin a different next chapter. “It was fulfilling to see everyone on their own paths but all at the same point and ready to explore a new future.”
