With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Marie brings a powerful perspective that bridges both field and administrative roles. As the founder of Soteria Occupational Safety and Training (est. March 2025), she leads comprehensive safety and compliance efforts, ranging from regulatory guidance and policy development to training, education, and organizational management.

Erkin Özay, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Architecture at the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning, delivers a witty and thought-provoking exploration of one of architecture’s most overlooked building types: the shed. Focusing on the often-criticized annex buildings scattered across UB’s South Campus, Erkin reframes these modest, one-story “temporary” structures, not as failures of design, but as quietly resilient and deeply instructive spaces.

Adam Roma, Buffalo-based community leader and sales representative with Principal Financial Group, shares the story behind one of the city’s most beloved traditions, the Taste of Buffalo. As Chair of the 2026 festival, Adam offers an inside look at how this nationally recognized event, now the largest two-day food festival in the country, has grown from humble beginnings into a cornerstone of Buffalo’s summer season.

Erica Grohol, Landscape Designer at Wendel Companies, closes out the evening with a thoughtful exploration of the spaces we often overlook, the in-between. Focusing on a courtyard transformation at Buffalo Public School 99, Erica highlights how residual spaces, when approached with intention, can become some of the most dynamic and meaningful environments in our cities

Aubrey Hlavaty, President and Lead Designer of Copper & Cotton, shares the story behind her journey from accounting professional to designer of thoughtfully curated, breathtaking interiors. What began as a natural passion for home projects evolved into a full-service design studio rooted in balance, pairing the strength and patina of copper with the softness and warmth of cotton to create spaces that feel both refined and deeply personal.

Gary Bowles, founder of Buffalo Plastering and Buffalo Architectural Casting, shares a lifetime dedicated to preserving the artistry and craftsmanship of historic plasterwork. With over 50 years in the trade, Gary’s career began as an apprentice, where he developed a deep appreciation for the skill, precision, and beauty of traditional plastering, an art form that is increasingly rare today.

Kyle Ciminelli, President of Newmark Ciminelli, shares a compelling vision for the future of downtown Buffalo, one rooted in connection, investment, and long-term commitment to place. Drawing from a family legacy that began in 1981, Kyle reflects on the evolution of his firm and his own journey back to Buffalo, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in the city he calls home.

Manuel Rivera, Project Manager at LaBella Associates, shares the story behind the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Center, a transformative project rooted in community, culture, and personal connection. Located in Buffalo’s West Side neighborhood, the project is more than a building, it’s a reflection of the people, history, and lived experiences that define the area .