Juweria Dahir

About Juweria Dahir

Juweria Dahir is a leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, and governance, respected for delivering a consistent creative vision grounded in data-driven decision-making. She has a proven track record of designing and managing large-scale transformation initiatives across public, nonprofit, and private sectors, including within a multi-million-dollar economic development corporation.Juweria is the founder of JD Vertex, a consulting firm that helps organizations make sense of their data, tell clear and compelling stories, and demonstrate real impact through data storytelling and evaluation.She currently serves as a Relationship Manager and Key4Women Business Advisor at KeyBank, where she advances financial equity across WNY by expanding access to capital, credit, and financial education for low- and moderate-income individuals and communities.Previously, Juweria served as the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC), where she led a culture of creativity and forward-thinking across four strategic pillars: health and well-being, innovation, district development, and transportation. She oversaw programs, teams, and the strategic direction of innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives focused on economic equity, small business empowerment, and inclusive growth through the IC Success Business Accelerator.Juweria is deeply committed to community engagement and excels at connecting institutions, donors, and stakeholders with mission-driven impact. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Business and Entrepreneurship at Daemen University.Earlier in her career, Juweria spent six years in government as a City Planner and External Affairs Manager for the City of Buffalo, advancing urban policy, workforce development, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives.Juweria holds a Master’s degree from the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning and has received numerous honors, including the Buffalo Business First IDEA Award, ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, LISC Community Builder Award, and Business First 30 Under 30.In addition to her professional roles, Juweria leads H.E.A.L. International and co-founded SheConnects, initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, economic development, youth enrichment, and supporting female founders across nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Fluent in four languages, she is passionate about building equitable systems and lasting impact in Buffalo and beyond.

Experience

1. Founder and CEO

   Jd Vertex

   Apr 2024 — Present

   Our mission is to help entrepreneurs and community organizations transform data into compelling, funder-ready narratives- Provides program evaluation, data visualization, and impact storytelling services tailored to nonprofit and small business clients- Supports urban planning and economic development projects through strategic consulting, policy design, and inclusive community engagement- Specializes in working with immigrant, refugee, and BIPOC communities to ensure equitable representation and outcomes in data-driven decision-making- Partners with clients to identify KPIs, track outcomes, and turn raw data into strategy and story.

Education

• University of Maryland Global Campus

  Research, GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE USE AND ABUSE OF WEIGHT-LOSS SUBSTANCES

  2015 — 2015

• Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College

  A Levels

  2008 — 2010

• University at Buffalo

  School of Architecture and Planning

  2013 — 2018

Skills

• Management
• Microsoft Excel
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Office
• Public Speaking
• Microsoft Word
• Leadership
• Research
• Teamwork
• Customer Service
• Project Management