What’s Next?

We welcome back Shantelle Patton, the Founder of That Brown Bag, an annual directory that highlights Black-owned businesses, to discuss how to create better access to the directory portal and how to empower minority business owners to their potential.

We revisit two standout episodes: Jay Moran’s conversation with Dr. Annette Wysocki, the Dean of the School of Nursing at the University at Buffalo, and Jillian Hanesworth’s conversation with Alex Burgos and Talia Rodrigeuz.

Today we are joined by returning guests Alex Burgos and Talia Rodriguez to discuss in great length the Hispanic vote in Western New York and beyond, along with their thoughts on the state of the country.

First, Morgan Williams-Bryant, CEO of Leadership Buffalo, discusses some of the initiatives the group has been up to. Next, Eann Robinson and Kiman Baldon of Ear Quality LLC discuss how Ear Quality empowers and educates rising musicians.

We welcome Dr. Annette Wysocki, the Dean of the University at Buffalo’s School of Nursing, discusses how to better support nurses, who she views as one of the most needed yet least supported professions.

The What’s Next crew takes a trip to Jamestown to catch up with Kaycee Colburn, the Founder of KayCo, and Reverend Luke Fodor, Momina Di Blasio, and Sam Qadri. The three are members of the New Neighbors Coalition, a group dedicated to assisting new refugees.

WBFO brings you a special edition of What’s Next? as we break down Hochul's recent State of the State address, dividing it into six key topics: Education, Housing, Affordability, The Environment, Mental Health, and Public Safety.

Jamie Anderson, the COO of F-BITES, discusses why the skills they teach are impactful to WNY’s youth. Next, Faustenia Morrow and Pastor Paul Thomas, the organizers for the 5th Annual MLK Day of Service event at Bethel AME Church to discuss the event and the impact of MLK’s legacy.

The UB School of Social Work received a $3.59 million grant to develop the Buffalo Mental Health Service Professional Fellowship program. Dr. Katie Stalker and Dr. Annahita Ball discuss the programs funded by the grant, and how to address adolescent mental health in Western New York.

The Ujima Theater did not end up getting any of the ARP money originally allocated to them by the Buffalo Common Council. They recently received $49,000 from the $2.3 million pool of New York State Council on the Arts funds, which was imperative to the survival of the institution.

Michelle Sawyers, the recently appointed CEO of the YWCA of Western New York, sits down with Ekua Mends-Aidoo to discuss the YWCA’s impactful work that serves local women and families and her vision for the future of the YWCA.

PATH is a non-profit faith-based organization dedicated to ending human trafficking through education, prevention, and restoration. Julie Palmer discusses what PATH has been up to, and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

The International Institute of Buffalo has been integral in bringing refugees to the area with an official Refugee Status Determination from the United Nations. We welcome back Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, the Executive Director of the Institute.

We continue our series with the candidates for the upcoming Buffalo mayoral election. This edition, we welcome Judge James McLeod, a retired Buffalo City Court Judge.

We revisit conversations with Pastor Charles McCarley of the Tabernacle of Praise about the role that religious leaders play in the community, and with Jasmine Westbrook, a local healthcare advocate.

The “No New Jail” movement aims to fight Erie County’s decision to build a brand new $200 Million jail and focuses on advocating for better conditions in existing jails and how funds can be better allocated to community resources.

Rasheed Wyatt shares why he chose to run for mayor, the change he wants to see from City Hall, and how his background in finance can help the City of Buffalo navigate its problems.

Kelly Diane Galloway and Saladin Allah sit down with Jay Moran to discuss the FreeTHEM Gala and a trip they took to Tanzania/Zanzibar, where they led 21 people on a cultural excursion.

Sean Ryan discusses his plans for the city of Buffalo, including his timeline to fix key issues such as housing, small business ownership, and the revitalization of Downtown Buffalo.

Eann Robinson and Kiman Baldon, co-founders of Ear Quality LLC, share their mission to empower musicians. Henri Muhammad previews the Muhammad School of Music’s 25th-anniversary concert celebration.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara, and the Southern Tier create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships between volunteer mentors and children ages 6 through young adulthood in Western New York.

Over 80% of 911 calls to Buffalo Police do not involve crime or violence, yet the police are always sent. Recently, the Partnership for the Public Good and its partners helped launch the Erie County Community Responders Program.

Jay Moran speaks with Jasmine Westbrook about healthcare advocacy and Dr. Monica Miles on sustainability efforts with Mother Earth Literacies, enhancing health and equity in WNY communities.

On today’s episode, we welcome a panel of key members of the AI initiative to the show. The five discuss the future of integrating AI and healthcare.

Former Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield announced his candidacy for Buffalo Mayor. He recently became a voice on the national level for gun violence prevention and fighting white supremacy.