StoryGrowing WNY Program Kickoff

StoryGrowing WNY 2026 starts with a free event that’s open to all organizations interested in applying. A panel discussion will explore how courageous storytelling can transform nonprofit organizations into proactive champions of their mission. Learn what's possible when you take control of your organization’s narrative and drive meaningful social change on your own terms.

Panel Members

• Ekua Mends-Aidoo, President of Clementine Gold Group (moderator)
• Jillian Hanesworth, Poet Laureate Emeritus of Buffalo
• Dina Thompson, Executive Director and a founding member of Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition
• Jomo Akono, Board of Directors Vice President, Juneteenth Festival, Inc.
• Megan McNally, Executive Director of The Foundry
• Wil Green, Assistant Dean of Outreach and Community Engagement at the University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education (activity facilitator)

Be sure to register early! Attendance is mandatory if you plan to apply to StoryGrowing WNY 2026. This event will be capped at 200 attendees. Due to the limited capacity, we ask that each organization send no more than two (2) representatives

StoryGrowing 2026 is made possible by the John R. Oishei Foundation and the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York.

Host or Publisher Riveter Design