Alumni Profile: Kate Glaser, B.A. '10

Kate Glaser studied broadcast communications at Buffalo State. She is the director of marketing and public affairs for Mercy Flight Western New York.

Kate Glaser, B.A. ’10, has always wanted to use her voice to be an advocate for others. She studied broadcast journalism at Buffalo State College, which paved the way for her work in newsrooms and at well-known nonprofits in Western New York.

Glaser, who is director of marketing and public affairs for Mercy Flight Western New York, was hired into a fast-paced media position for YNN (new Spectrum News) right after graduation.

“I have always had a passion for journalism and giving a voice to the voiceless,” said Glaser, who started working full-time at WIVB Channel 4 as a producer while she was a student at Buffalo State. “Broadcast journalism and reporting have helped me witness and tell different stories throughout our community.”

During her nearly three years at YNN, Glaser was a behind-the-scenes production assistant; reported breaking community stories for Genesee, Wyoming, and Orleans counties; and covered the morning news for the Buffalo and Rochester markets as a live breaking reporter. As a young journalist, Glaser was exposed to front-line stories about organizations impacting Western New York.

One organization, in particular, left a lasting impression.

“I covered a story about a family who received a wish from Make-A-Wish,” Glaser said. “I was moved by its mission and commitment to bringing joy during the most difficult times. I knew I had to get involved with the organization some how.”

Glaser began volunteering for Make-A-Wish by lending her story-telling expertise to create content for their online and social media platforms. After several years in a 24/7 newsroom environment, she was ready for a change of professional pace when a public relations position opened up at Make-A-Wish.

“I was so invested in the organization from volunteering that when I saw this opportunity I knew I had to go for it,” said Glaser, who was hired as a media relations and marketing manager in 2013.

“I collaborated with companies and organizations to provide donations and help fulfill local wishes for children … Working for an organization like Make-A-Wish shows you how much good there is in our community,” said Glaser, who managed all brand communications and media inquiries for the Make-A-Wish chapter (which spans 23 counties across the state).

While Glaser has found herself on both sides of the story throughout her career, she said helping others is what drives her work.

Last May, she joined Mercy Flight, which is a non-profit provider of emergency air/ground transportation and medical care to hospitals for critical conditions for patients of all ages, including pediatric patients.

“Mercy Flight provides unparalleled care and response to support critically ill and injured patients,” said Glaser, oversees its brand strategy, marketing, and media relations efforts. She also is a media spokesperson for emergency response reports and news stories.

Her experiences at Make-A-Wish and Mercy Flight have exposed Glaser to a great amount of suffering—and hope.

“My career has allowed me to contribute to transformative experiences and life-changing services for families. Non-profits like these help people cope in unimaginable situations and can make a difference in many ways,” she said.

Glaser said Buffalo State was the ideal place to establish the professional-personal connections that she still values today.

“I was fortunate to find a strong support system and guidance from my peers and professors,” she said. “Everyone who I graduated with from Buffalo State has found success on different paths, and we are still there to support and push one another.”

Glaser believes that being driven by an organization’s purpose is key.

“Meaningful work, to me, has always stemmed from helping others—it’s what drives me. When it comes to career transitions, it’s important to follow your heart and find a place where you feel compelled by the mission,” she said.

Posted: December 2017