The John R. Oishei Foundation

We had an amazing time at the Buffalo Urban League's energizing and inspiring Gala! With a theme of Collective Strength: Celebrate the Power of Community, the evening was a wonderful reminder of the many, many organizations and people who are working hard every day to move Buffalo forward. 

Many thanks to Dennis Galucki and the Center for the Study of Art, Architecture, History, and Nature for the invitation to be part of the IMAGINE Buffalo series, presented by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Oishei President Christina Orsi shared an update on the Foundation's new strategic approach and evolution with participants earlier this week.  You can see the entire presentation and question / answer session here: https://lnkd.in/g4Td79H9

"Understanding these necessary shifts pushed us as an organization to take a hard look at our processes, our systems, and how we structure our work. As a result, our team identified several new key functions, or areas of work, that the Foundation must have to create lasting change." Oishei Foundation President Christina Orsi shares an update on our evolution, including the new key functions that will shape our work ahead. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gYyfKNy4 Photo: Kalvin Booker

Last Saturday was a night to remember! Oishei team members Allison Geddes (also an Open Buffalo Emerging Leader) and Dr. Mark J. Scott joined supporters, leaders, advocates, and friends to celebrate Open Buffalo's 10 years of hard work and progress toward building a more inclusive and just Buffalo.

What a great Reunion Weekend! Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the Karen Lee Spaulding Oishei Foundation Leaders of Color Fellows (from all cohorts) who participated in events throughout Fellows Reunion Weekend! A combination of fun and learning, we hope Reunion Weekend left you inspired, refreshed, and recharged.

We're looking forward to celebrating!

We're still reflecting on our individual experiences at Equal Justice Initiative's National Memorial for Peace and Justice. Oishei's Esther Annan, LMSW, Allison Geddes, Christina Orsi, and Dr. Mark J. Scott made the trip to Montgomery, AL as part of The Buffalo Servant Leadership Coalition. As we keep our focus firmly on building financial prosperity for a racially just region, we continue to do the work of witnessing the root causes of racial inequity.

We were thrilled to spend a wonderful evening at the Black Achievers Annual Awards Dinner, celebrating the success of the students and individuals honored at this year's event for their substantial contributions to their families, communities, and places of employment! Aitina Fareed-Cooke, Esther Annan, LMSW, Alana Costner, Onji Brown, Melinda Smith, Christina Orsi, Christopher Pitek, Elizabeth Badger, Armonde Badger

The Uncharitable Movie explores the stories of four iconic American charitable efforts that were hindered or destroyed by outdated ideas. Through compelling narratives and insights from leading voices in the field, the documentary reveals how misconceptions about charity's role and operations have limited its potential. This event promises compelling discussion and new perspectives. Sign up today: https://lnkd.in/gzwgedtF