Cynetra F.
DE&I Champion ■ Increasing access to opportunities for all by integrating Diversity & Inclusion into the fabric of technical business operations.
- Role
- Small Business Resource Coordinator at Erie County
- Location
- Buffalo, NY, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Cynetra F.
It’s 2023 and I know I’m not the only one tired of being “the only one.” The only woman, the only black professional, the only person with a different perspective. This frustration rings loudly across workforces. In my own various workplaces, I observed a pure lack of diverse representation among the leadership, but I realized that I am uniquely qualified to advance DE & I initiatives in technical operations, given my engineering background. Focused on being part of the solution…I’ve raised my hand (in nearly every role I’ve held) to implement programming and even launch recruiting efforts to start populating teams with more than just colorful difference, but also inviting veterans, physically disabled professionals, Native Americans, and members of the LGBTQ communities (among others…) to introduce new lines of thought, innovation, and better ways of serving customers and producing products. Brought DE & I awareness to the tech sector, spanning: Telecom, energy, R&D, and financial services. Recipient of the 2020 Black Achiever Award for Diversity and Inclusion work, establishing career pathways in partnership with NSBE, SHE, and HCBUs for the M&T brand. Influenced hiring and development opportunities through involvement in: Black Employee Experience, Anti-Racism Taskforce, Talent Acquisition Focus Groups, and the Technology DEI Taskforce (at M&T)Driven by the question…What is necessary to champion change in an organization? I dive deep into economic and social diversity across the spectrum, seeking out elements beyond gender and ethnicity. Even my graduate thesis centered around “Uncovering Diversity in Unfamiliar Places.”I love to learn, which is likely why I’m no stranger to school, but I do need my occasional quiet time, so taking a drive has become one of my favorite means of escape. I am a tenacious woman of color and an engineer who does the work to help others get where they desire to be through professional development opportunities, collaboration, and access to resources. Let’s connect! Cynetra (Sin-EE-Tra) 🧡 . .
Experience
Small Business Resource Coordinator
Feb 2024 — Present · Buffalo, NY, US
Connect entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas, provide resources, assist with the MWBE certification process, and promote entrepreneurial activities in Western New York.
Education
Daemen University
Master of Science - MS, Executive Leadership & Change - Business
2013 — 2015
Rochester Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science; Associates of Applied Science, Telecommunications Engineering Technology - Technical; Electrical Engineering Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology
Masters of Science, Professional Studies - General; Project Management
2008 — 2010
Rochester Institute of Technology
Master of Science (MS), Professional Studies & Technical Project Management
St. John Fisher University
Doctor of Education - EdD, Executive Leadership
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