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Carlisle Lipke, 2021 BN360 Spotlight Professional

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October 1, 2021

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is pleased to present the 2022 BN360 Spotlight Professionals.

Each year, BN360 highlights up-and-coming young professionals who strive for professional growth and development, care for their community, and are passionate about the future of the Buffalo Niagara region.

Carlisle Lipke  |  Client Relationship Consultant | Dale Carnegie of Western NY

In June of 2021, Carlisle Lipke joined Dale Carnegie of Western NY as a Client Relationship Consultant. Since 2007, Carlisle has served as Director of the Kenny Awards in partnership with Shea​’s Performing Arts Center. The Kennys have provided musical theatre educational opportunities to over 22,000 students and infused $135,000 in grants into high school musical programs, investing in the future of art​s education in Western NY. Carlisle uses her Dale Carnegie human relations principles daily to keep the Kenny vision alive. Her focus is to help organizations and individuals have transformational experiences so they can achieve their visions.

Carlisle is committed to a wide variety of causes in the Buffalo Niagara region, ranging from education, arts, criminal justice and ecology/environmental issues. Her latest success was the unveiling of the Peaceprints mural in downtown Buffalo. In all of her endeavors, Carlisle helps organizations relate their current ​and future projects to their overall vision. Carlisle uses her Dale Carnegie values to encourage individuals and organizations to reach their full potential.

First Job: 

I grew up riding horses, so my first job was cleaning stalls on the weekend. I learned that even though it was a tough job, I was contributing to the team, and that’s what was really important.

Greatest Professional Win:

My greatest achievement has been the growth of the Kenny Awards. For the past 14 years, it has been the greatest joy of my life to support and celebrate high school musical theatre talent in Western New York.

Best Piece of Professional Advice:

Get out there and volunteer! There are plenty of networking events, fundraisers, and random happenings to choose from.
You NEVER KNOW who you’re going to meet and how they’re going to change your life.

Community Engagement:

I am honored to serve as a Leadership Buffalo Class Chair representing class 2020. I serve on two special project committees; the newly revealed Peaceprints mural, and the WNY Raptor and Wildlife new structure.

I serve on the Board of Directors for O’Connell and Company, the Buffalo Prep Collective and Celebration Committee, the Association for Fundraising Professionals Education ​and Conference Committee​s.

Thoughts on Living and Working in Buffalo Niagara:

In the words of the great Marv Levy, “Where else would you rather be than right here, right now?”

Buffalo has it all: dozens of culturally diverse neighborhoods to explore, an endless supply of dynamic events, and it is an explosive time of growth. We have a rich history and a strong vision for the future. This is such an exciting time for Buffalo! We’re poised to retain AND attract the BEST professional talent to help Buffalo continue to grow. We have some of the best companies in the world HERE in Buffalo, supporting their employees and the communities in which they live.

While I enjoy traveling, there is nothing like coming home to Buffalo.

On Being a BN360 Spotlight Professional:

I am honored to be selected. With so many incredible young professionals in Western New York, there is a long list to choose from. It makes me want to keep working harder!

2020 Takeaway:

I learned how to actively listen. So many of us listen to respond, and not to understand. When you’re talking to someone, stay present, if it’s a 1-1 with your boss, or a conversation with your partner about plans for the weekend. It makes a difference!

The Pandemic’s Career Impact:

The pause provided by recent events has allowed me to continue building my skills, and ultimately start a whole new career with Dale Carnegie Western NY. By taking the time to examine my personal and professional goals, I found my new path forward!

Top 5 Favorites: 

  • Favorite MuralThe new Peaceprints Mural
  • Best Buffalo-Niagara Hidden Gem: The incredible architectural details. It’s not hidden, but often overlooked.
  • Go-to Buffalo FoodBar-Bill wings and Chef’s Spaghetti Parm
  • Best Buffalo Activity/Hobby: Experiencing fantastic theatre at Shea’s
  • Place you would take someone new to Buffalo:​ Bar Bill for wings

Connect with CarlisleLinkedIn |  Email: carlisle.lipke@dalecarnegie.com  |  Phone: 716-598-0137

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