Kickstart Your Career: Alumni Career Panel and Networking Event
ALUMNI: Join us for an exciting career event designed just for you! Discover in-demand job skills and learn the secrets to professional branding from our accomplished alumni career panelists. Hear firsthand about their career journeys, gain valuable insights, and take your career to the next level.
Headshot Happy Hour
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 5:30–7:00 PM
Location: JVL Alumni & Visitor Center
Cost: $5 per person
Register now to secure your spot with the button below!
Here’s what’s in store:
- Alumni Career Panel: Get inspired by alumni who have successfully navigated the professional world. (speakers bios will be shared soon!)
- LinkedIn Station: Receive expert assistance in creating or improving your LinkedIn profile.
- Career Guidance: Meet Career Counselors from Career and Professional Education to get answers to your career questions.
- Professional Headshots: Snap a polished headshot with our professional Buffalo State photographer.
Enjoy delicious food and drinks while you connect and network! Beer and wine will be served to attendees 21+ with ID.
Don’t miss this chance to gain career clarity, sharpen your professional presence, and grow your network!
Michelle Sawyers has dedicated over 15 years to advocating for access and equity for limited-income and marginalized populations. As President and CEO of the YWCA of Western New York, she leads efforts to empower women and eliminate racism through education, workforce development, housing, and advocacy.
Previously, as Chief Program Officer at the Buffalo Urban League, Michelle oversaw housing services, community and economic development, workforce initiatives, and youth education. She also served as Dean of Student Support Services at Medaille College, managing grant-funded programs and the Say Yes to Education department. Passionate about representation in higher education, she has taught Interdisciplinary Studies and History as an adjunct professor.
Michelle has also worked in youth workforce development as Director of Operations for Hillside Work Scholarship Connection. She excels in strategic growth, stakeholder engagement, and innovation.
An active community leader, Michelle supports various nonprofits and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A Buffalo native, she graduated summa cum laude from Buffalo State University with a B.A. in History and an M.S. in Higher Education Student Affairs Administration.
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Marc Braun is an HR Business Partner in the manufacturing industry with over 8 years of experience. He’s reviewed tens of thousands of resumes, from entry-level to C-suite, and knows what it takes to stand out. Having navigated multiple job changes across industries, he brings real-world insight into career transitions and effective networking.
He graduated magna cum laude from Buffalo State University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. During his time there, he served as the president of Psi Chi, the international Honor Society in Psychology. He holds Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certifications and served as the Director of Certification for the Buffalo Niagara Human Resource Association (BNHRA) from 2017 - 2019. Passionate about mentoring, he helps others craft impactful resumes and leverage LinkedIn to grow their careers.
Outside of HR, he co-founded the Buffalo-based production company, Pan-American Film Division, working with brands like the NFL, NHL, and New Era. He’s also had short films featured at the Festival de Cannes and appeared in commercials, including the Stellar Roofing Super Bowl ad.
A proud father of two, including a newborn daughter, he enjoys golfing, snowboarding, hiking, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills. He lives by the philosophy of staying humble and resilient, learning from both successes and failures.