BUFFALO, NY – Canisius University is proud to announce that President Steve Stoute has been named one of Buffalo’s “Power 100 Business Leaders of Color” by Business First, ranking No. 19 on the prestigious list. This is the fourth consecutive year President Stoute has been named to the annual ranking. 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.
The “Power 100 Business Leaders of Color” recognizes leaders from Western New York companies and organizations who have risen to the top of their fields and are making a significant impact on the community and having influence in the region. The list also honors those who promote creativity and inclusion, serve as role models, and advocate for diverse perspectives. In selecting the list, Business First considers several factors including the size of the leader’s workforce, the organization’s revenue, the length of time the leader has held the position and their community impact and influence.
This year's 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. They are:
• #33 Ben Upshaw ’92, managing partner, CB-Emanuel Realty LLC
• #35 Marie Cannon ’87, PhD, president and chief executive officer, Community Action Organization of Western New York
• #37 Chandra Redfern ’99, MS ’03, chief executive officer, Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers
• #47 Joseph Hanna MS ’19, MS ’20, partner, Goldberg Segalla; chair, Goldberg Segalla Diversity Task Force
• #53 Sheila Brown ’87, manager and principal owner, Vision Multi Media Group LLC
• #56 Lenora Foote-Beavers ’92, chief health equity officer, Evergreen Health
• #75 Shannon Bryant MS ’13, chief diversity and inclusion officer, Kaleida Health
• #93 Keith Wiley MBA ’81, member, New York State Board of Regents, Judicial District 8
• #100 Dennis Wilson ’98, MSEd ’01, owner, Oakk Haus
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.
