Buffalo State president, alumnae, and others with ties to Buffalo State recognized among Business First’s Power 200 Women

Buffalo State University president Jennifer L. Burris, Ph.D., as well as several Buffalo State alumnae, were recently honored by Buffalo Business First, a Buffalo-based business journal, on its 2026 Power 200 Women list. This annual distinction recognizes the community's female leaders whose talent and influence fuel economic, social, and cultural growth throughout Western New York.

President Burris ranked 39th, making her one of the region's top female leaders. Also recognized were Jody Briandi, Buffalo State College Foundation board member; Linda Dobmeier, '71, chair of the Buffalo State University Council; Patricia Farrell, Buffalo State Council member; SUNY Trustee Eunice Lewin, whose long-standing ties to Buffalo State include the 2008 President's Distinguished Service Award for her chairmanship of the foundation galas; and Tracy Sawicki, '84, Buffalo State College Foundation board member and chair of the Foundation Development Committee.

The list also included an impressive number of Buffalo State alumnae:

LaVonne Ansari, '91

Sheila Brown, '83

Patricia Clabeaux, '72

Gayle Perry Denning, '88

Darby Fishkin, '94

Morgan Hardy, '03

Mary Jo Hunt, '78

Alice Jacobs, '16

Denise Jones, '88

Elizabeth Mauro, '92

Brenda McDuffie, '74

Brandye Merriweather, '04

Bernice Radle, '11

Shana Stegner, '14

Graphic by Business First.