Morgan Hardy (formally Williams-Bryant) serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Leadership Buffalo, where she is dedicated to translating vision into reality by fostering inclusive leadership and amplifying the community’s voice. With a focus on listening, assessment, collaboration, and intentional impact, Morgan works to nurture leaders who drive meaningful change in the Greater Buffalo community.
A strategic thinker and visionary, Morgan brings creativity, effective communication, and problem-solving expertise to her role. Guided by her faith, she strives to treat everyone with love and care, inspiring others to believe in and achieve their dreams. Morgan is particularly inspired by Stephen Covey’s quote, “Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves,” as it reflects her commitment to coaching and empowering others to reach their full potential fueling her to continue being an inspirational leader in her own right.
Morgan is passionate about mentoring, supporting the unhoused, and championing organizations with a focus on cancer research and recovery efforts. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, movie nights with her husband, reading, walking, and shopping. She also finds joy in writing poetry and creating moments of inspiration for those around her.
Kendra Brim serves as the Vice President of Programs and Organizational Advancement at Leadership Buffalo. Her multifaceted role is deeply focused on fostering leadership development, community engagement, and organizational growth. Additionally, she oversees the design and execution of LB’s impactful programs that align with our mission. Kendra’s ultimate goal is to empower individuals with the skills, connections, and insights they need to drive positive change in their communities and professions.
With a passion for community engagement, Kendra brings a wealth of experience in community involvement that hones in her ability to build partnerships and drive initiatives that address critical community needs. She is inspired by the leadership quote, “if they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair" by Shirley Chisholm, which inspires her because it embodies resilience, self-advocacy, and inclusivity. It reminds us to take initiative and create opportunities when they aren't readily offered.
Kendra is deeply passionate about leadership development, community empowerment, and advancing equity and inclusion. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling the world, immersing myself in different cultures, and gaining new perspectives. She also cherishes time spent connecting with family and friends, exploring Buffalo's vibrant culture, and engaging in activities that celebrate the Greater Buffalo’s unique character.
Melissa Hall is the Director of Finance and Operations at Leadership Buffalo, where she is dedicated to sustaining and strengthening the organization’s mission of supporting personal and community development. With her role in finance and operations, Melissa values the opportunity to help LB thrive as a nonprofit while fostering meaningful relationships that enhance its impact. She is committed to building connections that support Leadership Buffalo’s vision and goals.
Melissa brings humor, resourcefulness, and a detail-oriented mindset to the team. She values collaboration and takes pride in sharing resources and fostering inclusive teamwork. Inspired by Maya Angelou’s quote, “You may not control the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them,” Melissa strives to stay true to herself and maintain positivity in the face of challenges.
Passionate about raising awareness for domestic violence, education, and criminal justice reform, Melissa is dedicated to making a difference both professionally and personally. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, exploring the outdoors through camping and hiking, and traveling whenever possible—always with a love for great food and adventure.
Jasmine Foster is the Program and Marketing Manager at Leadership Buffalo, where she combines her expertise in marketing, communications, and program development to create impactful experiences for participants and the community. With a career rooted in higher education and communications, Jasmine is passionate about fostering connections and building narratives that inspire action.
Dedicated to community action and engagement, she is committed to making a difference in the Buffalo community, with a particular focus on supporting vulnerable populations. Jasmine’s love for collecting and sharing stories drives her work, helping to amplify voices and highlight the value of meaningful connections. Her ultimate goal is to use her influence to bridge communication gaps to provide access to resources and opportunities help make our communities equitable for all.
“So go ahead. Fall down. The world looks different from the ground” by Oprah Winfrey is a leadership quote that inspires Jasmine to not be afraid to make mistakes and embrace challenges as positive learning experiences and opportunities to creatively problem solve. Outside of work, Jasmine loves spending time family and friends, hosting events, traveling, attending concerts, trying new foods, keeping up with current events and volunteering throughout Buffalo.
Rachel Hoffman is the Communication Specialist at Leadership Buffalo, where she combines communication strategy with administrative coordination to support the seamless execution of the organization’s initiatives. Driven by a passion for fostering connections and amplifying community impact, Rachel plays a vital role in cultivating the next generation of leaders in Buffalo.
With a strong foundation in communication and media, Rachel brings creativity, strategic thinking, and exceptional organizational skills to her work. She is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt’s quote, “Believe you can and you’re halfway there,” which reflects on the importance of the power of self-belief. It serves as a reminder that confidence and determination are keys to overcome challenges and achieve success.
Rachel is particularly passionate about leadership development and youth empowerment in the Buffalo community, focusing on equipping young people with critical reading, thinking, and media literacy skills to help them grow and lead. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, exploring popular culture through TV and movies, and spending quality time with friends and family.
