Uncrowned Community Builders

Dawn is a graduate of the Public Policy and Urban Studies Program at the University at Buffalo where she earned a BA in 1990. She attended the University at Buffalo Micro MBA Program in 1997 and the Harvard Business School Club of Buffalo, Executive Development Program in 1998. In 1999 Dawn enrolled in University at Buffalo, Executive MBA Program. This intensive program selected 36 top executives from the area for a 22-month educational experience.

Dawn E. Sanders is currently employed by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a Community Builder. In this position Ms. Sanders works with municipalities and communities on a myriad of housing and economic development and grant programs provided by HUD. Prior to the HUD position, Buffalo City Mayor Anthony Masiello appointed Ms. Sanders to head the Office of Citizen Participation and Information (OCPI) in February 1998. This office was responsible for oversight of the review process for federally funded Community Development Block Grants. In addition, Ms. Sanders' responsibilities included: monitoring and contract compliance of the city's Community Based Organizations and building a comprehensive easy to use application for all of the federally funded programs offered by the City of Buffalo.

Ms. Sander's resume also includes positions as Executive Director of the Office of Urban Initiative, Inc., where she worked to assist minority and women owned business in securing contracts through the County of Erie. As the Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York's Buffalo Regional Office, she worked to improve and advocate for change concerning the environment, health care and the electoral process.

Ms. Sanders received the 40 Under Forty Award from Business First in 1997. The same year the Southern Christian Leadership Conference also recognized her with an award for Outstanding Community Service. In July 1998 she was the WBLK radio Professional of the Month. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. awarded her the Blazing New Trails in Government Award in February 1999.

Ms. Sanders is active in the community. She is the president of Gamma Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; a Board member of the National Conference for Community and Justice; past board member of Gethsemane Foundation; and a member of Grassroots, Inc. She is also the first Democratic Party, African American female Zone and Ward Leader.