Join the 2025 WNY Service Learning Coalition Summit for a day of learning with presentations from faculty, staff, community partners, and students on service-learning and community engagement best practices. Register now for this free event using this form.
The WNY Service Learning Coalition Summit: Healthy Communities will take place on the University at Buffalo’s South Campus from 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM on Friday, November 21, 2025 in the Harriman Ballroom (see map–more information on parking down below). Check-in and breakfast will begin at 8:30 AM with the program starting at 9:00 AM (see agenda below).
This year’s Healthy Communities keynote will be given by Dr. LaVonne Ansari, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director at the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc.
This event is sponsored by the University at Buffalo’s Office of Inclusive Excellence and the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Office of Faculty Affairs, with support from the School of Public Health and Health Professions and Office of Student Engagement. With thanks and appreciation to the WNYSLC Steering Committee members and organizations.
FREE PARKING INFORMATION:
On the day of the Summit, attendees may park in the Sherman Lot (only) without a parking pass. Accessible parking spaces are available in the Diefendorf Loop; however, note that a pass/meter payment will be required to park in lots other than Sherman.
The Harriman Hall ballroom is on the first floor of Harriman Hall. For a barrier-free entry, use the Harriman Hall main entrance.
More information about getting around UB, including using public transportation, can be found on the UB Public Transportation webpage.
AGENDA:
8:30-9:00 Registration and Breakfast
9:00-9:15 Welcome Remarks from WNYSLC Co-Chairs
9:15-9:45 UB Seneca-Babcock Community Health Panel
- Dr. Jessica Kruger (Clinical Associate Professor, UB Department of Community Health and Health Behavior)
- Brian Pilarski (Executive Director, Seneca-Babcock Community Association, Inc.)
- Mia Mychajliw, (Public Health student, UB)
Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Foster (Assistant Director of Global Health Initiatives & Academic Operations, UB School of Public Health and Health Professions)
9:45-10:15: Niagara University College of Nursing Community Impact Panel
- Dr. Christine Nelson-Tuttle (Associate Professor, Niagara University College of Nursing)
- Kristina (Tia) Sinsabaugh (Faculty Fellow, Niagara University College of Nursing)
Moderator: Rhonda Bivins-Talley (Executive Director, Niagara University Levesque Institute for Civic Engagement)
10:15-10:30 Break
10:30-11:00 Student Experience
- Katherine Casazza, UB STEM Ambassador (Biochemistry PhD student, UB Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences)
- Annika Easaw, SUNY Washington Intern with EducateUS (Philosophy, Politics & Econ student; Global Gender Studies student; UB)
- Valerie Juang, Active Citizen Micro credential participant with East Side Parkways Coalition (Advanced Graduate Certificate in Public Health student, UB)
- Isaiah Jones, Community Advocate (Pre-law student, Niagara University)
Moderator
Moderator: Rachel DiDomizio (Associate Director, UB Community & Civic Engagement)
11:00-12:00 Table Talk Discussions
12:00-1:00 Lunch and Networking
1:00-1:45 Keynote Address: Dr. LaVonne Ansari, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc.
1:45-2:00 Closing Remarks from WNYSL Coalition Co-Chairs
Western New York Service Learning Coalition 