About Us

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A native Buffalonian, Tanya Staples is a force of nature, a dynamic and engaging person who gives her all to make this city stronger, smarter, and more inclusive. Tanya is the Senior Director of the Community School Initiative at Say Yes Buffalo, where she oversees strategies to strengthen our children’s academic success and enhance their college and career readiness. She is active in the community, giving of herself in support of local and national causes. Her previous professional positions consisted of; Director, Clarkson Center, CEO,  YWCA of WNY, Commissioner of Community Services and Recreational Programming, City of Buffalo, and Vice President and Director of Community Affairs at Buffalo Promise Neighborhood In partnership with M&T Bank. Tanya Staples has demonstrated expertise in Community Organizing, Strategic Planning, Facilitator/Trainer-Leadership Development, Board Governance, Capacity Building, Program Development, Fundraising, Event Planning, Grant Writing, and Workforce Development.