Uncrowned Community Builders

Brenda W. McDuffie has been serving as President and CEO of the Buffalo Urban League, Inc. since October 1998. The Buffalo Urban League is committed to insuring that African Americans, minorities, and disadvantaged individuals have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. In her position with the Urban League, Mrs. McDuffie's energy and talent is dedicated to making real, positive changes in the lives of people in the Western New York community.

From 1994 to 1998, she was the Executive Director for the Buffalo and Erie County Private Industry Council, Inc. (PIC). In this capacity, she had the very challenging task of working with individuals and businesses to ensure that there was a high quality workforce to allow economic bases to grow. While at the PIC, Mrs. McDuffie served as President of the New York State Association of Employment and Training Professionals (NYATEP) where she also co-chaired and was a member of the steering committee. The committee produced the recommendations for New York State's future Workforce Development System.

She received her undergraduate degree from Buffalo State College, and earned a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Development from the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Management. Mrs. McDuffie started her career as a paralegal aide for Neighborhood Legal Services. She worked for the City of Buffalo Human Resources Department as Senior Manpower Coordinator and later served as Director of Planning at the Private Industry Council where she became Executive Director in 1994.

She currently serves on several Boards of Directors. She is immediate past President of Leadership Buffalo, Secretary for Independent Health Association, member of the Board of Directors for Western New York Foundation, Buffalo State College, the newly created Greater Buffalo Savings Bank, Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau, and is on the Trustee Council for Kaleida Health Systems.

She has received numerous awards and recognitions including The Buffalo News Citizen of the Year; the NAACP Community Service award; Business First's Forty Under 40 award; and the United Way's Volunteer of the Year.

Mrs. McDuffie, her husband Gerald, and three children: Geralinda, Myllissa, and Gerald, reside in Buffalo. She and her family realize that all things are possible through God. They worship at the Elim Christian Fellowship.