Uncrowned Community Builders

Elizabeth P. Caffee is the Director for Academic Talent Search at Canisius College, Buffalo, New York. In her role as Director she is instrumental in the outcome of program goals which target the area's urban school population. She oversees a team of counselors, tutors, and administrative staff to assure the highest standards of quality service is met for these schools.

In addition Ms. Caffee is instrumental in planning and coordinating Canisius College Annual black History Month program. The program has featured national artist and inspirational speakers such as; Munson Steed, prominent entrepreneur and motivational speaker and Jacob Latimore, actor and singer, Benjamin T. Jealous, former NAACP president, civil and human rights leader and venture capitalist, Aunjanue Ellis, award winning actress featured in "The Help" and "The Book of Negroes" Ona Brown, motivational and professional speaker and daughter of Les Brown, Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins, The Three Doctors, nationally known inspirational speakers and authors of "The Pact" , Hill Harper, award winning actor, best-selling author and philanthropist Jeff Johnson, investigative journalist, social activist, political commentator and author , Rev. Dr. CT Vivian, civil rights movement leader Touré, iconic journalist, culture critic and TV host. This year she will host Letitia James, first African American and female to be elected to New York State Attorney General as keynote speaker.

Mrs. Caffee holds a Master of Science degree in Student Personnel Administration and two bachelor degrees, one from Medaille College in Education/Non-Traditional Settings and one from Buffalo State College in Elementary Education/Reading. Previous to working at Canisius College, Mrs. Caffee served in various leadership roles at Trocaire College such as Director of Supportive Services for Vocational Programs and Director of Non-Traditional Occupations for Men. She also held positions as Academic Advisor for Bryant and Stratton College and Assistance Professor/Counselor at Erie Community College in Buffalo, New York.

Some of her noteworthy certifications include: Advance Tutor Trainer, Tutor program administrator, Certificate Program in Financial Management, University of Buffalo School of Management, Certified Advance Tutor Trainer, Certified Educational Coach, Certified Tutor Program Administrator, Certificate of Completion, Shifting Attitudes and the Controversial Issues Process, Certificate of Completion, Building Effective Relationships in a Diverse Workplace.

Ms. Caffee has also served on the Accreditation Team for Bachelor of Business Administration at Bryant & Stratton College and has completed extensive research on Race and Ethnic Groups in Higher Education as related to Retention and Inclusion.
Mrs. Caffee currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Jim Horne Golf Foundation, and previously the S.E.N.S.E.S. Foundation. She a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, The Links Incorporated, Niagara Falls Chapter and The Harriett Tubman 300's.

Three noteworthy awards she received were the S.E.N.S.E.S. Service Appreciation Award, SENSES It Takes A Village Award and Zeta of the Year Award.

Under her leadership the ATS team received the City of Buffalo Executive Proclamation two years in a row (2014 and 2015) for the significant and positive impact the program has made on students.

Mrs. Caffee has dedicated her career to helping the underserved population of western New York and in doing such enhanced the lives of many. Her professionalism was further developed through her volunteer work at Zion Dominion Global Ministries church where she served in many leadership capacities, including Director of External Affairs.

Mrs. Caffee has one son and resides in Lockport New York.