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The first BNP Empower management training cohort celebrated its graduation on Oct. 9 at BNP @ the cobblestone.

The eight-month program equipped current, new and emerging managers with the skills and confidence to lead teams and manage effectively. Led by experts from the University at Buffalo’s Center for Leadership and Global Impact, the program covered topics and skills that benefited all managers across industries and company size, structured in a collaborative learning environment that fostered growth. Monthly sessions provided participants with practical tools and actionable insights to elevate their leadership impact right away.

Cohort #1 included 29 graduates from these 23 organizations: 43North, American Red Cross, Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Elderwood, Erie County IDA, ECMC, Excelsior Orthopaedics, Forest Lawn Cemetery & Crematory Group, Independent Health, Lippes Mathias LLP, National Fuel, New York Power Authority, NFTA, NOCO, Northwest Bank, Safetec of America, Seneca Gaming Corporation, Tapecon, Inc., TechBuffalo, Tops Friendly Markets, Wendel and Zenger Group.

BNP Empower's second cohort starts in March 2026. Click here to learn more →

What BNP Empower graduates had to say:

Laura Dawidowicz
Director of Client Relations
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo

"The networking aspect was another highlight. It’s rare to be in a room with so many like-minded professionals from completely different industries. Everyone was there with the same goal – to grow, to learn, to become better leaders. Hearing about challenges and perspectives from sectors like transportation, healthcare, finance and procurement was eye-opening. I’ve worked in the nonprofit world for a long time, so it was refreshing to see how others approach similar situations in their fields."

Janessa Santos
Business Development Specialist
Lippes Mathias LLP

"This program has influenced my work in so many small but meaningful ways. I’m much more intentional about my word choice, how I present myself and even how I write my emails. It’s made me more self-aware overall.

Rachel Maloney
Manager, Bus and Special Service Operations
NFTA

"One of the biggest benefits for me was the chance to step back from the daily grind and reflect on how I interact with others – my team, my colleagues and my organization as a whole. There were several sessions that made an immediate impact, especially one on influential leadership. That class gave me great tools to make sure I’m truly valuing every member of my team and giving them space to fully participate in their work."

Tori Robinson
Creative & Brand Manager
Safetec of America

"The session that stood out the most for me was about leading with voice. I really enjoyed that one because it offered practical techniques for working with your team – especially from a leadership perspective. I’ve been in leadership roles, but I don’t have a formal business background or leadership training. So a lot of what I learned in that session helped me put names and processes to things I was already trying to do intuitively. It also gave me new tools and approaches to lead more effectively."

Cameron Smith
Finance & Operations Director
TechBuffalo

"I think Empower is best suited for professionals who are on the cusp of a new step in their career – whether that’s taking on more responsibility, transitioning into a new role or just looking for clarity and growth. The program really gives you space to reflect, evaluate how you’ve handled situations in the past and think about how to improve going forward. It also gives you a network of peers you can reach out to for advice and perspective."