Uncrowned Community Builders

Elizabeth, the fourth sibling of eleven children, was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She began her formal education in the Buffalo Public Schools. Elizabeth received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1972; a Masters of Science in Elementary Education in 1988, and Post-Masters Certification in School Administration and Supervision in 1993. All three degrees were received from the State University of New York College at Buffalo.

From 1972-1975, Elizabeth was program coordinator of the Child Development Program at St. Augustine Center. Through her dedication and commitment to children, she developed lessons and activities for infants and children form the age of six weeks to the age of five years old. Her lessons and activities were used as a starting foundation for years to come at the Center. She also taught GED instructions to young adults in Niagara Falls and at St. Annââ?¬â?¢s in the city of Buffalo through the CAO program.

Elizabeth began teaching for the Buffalo Board of Education in 1975. After twenty years as a classroom teacher, Team Leader, Mentor, cooperating teacher for numerous student teachers and program coordinator of School #31, she was appointed Assistant Principal at Campus East Magnet School in 1995. As assistant principal Elizabeth was a person ââ?¬Å?on the moveââ?¬. Her abilities exemplified the best of the best, a person who was as dedicated as she was practical.

From 1998 until her retirement on January 1, 2005, Elizabeth was Principal of Campus West Magnet School. As principal she knew the meaning of the phrase, ââ?¬Å?the buck stops hereââ?¬. During her tenure as principal, her accomplishments have spoken more loudly than any praise one could hope to give. She was a woman of foresight, integrity and knowledge, who took daily responsibility for the learning of all her students. She was instrumental in initiating the first Black History Program to be held at Campus Wet. She was a staunch advocate and supporter of the African American curriculum resource center at Campus West, which provided resources and activities for teachers throughout the District.

Before retirement her community involvement and participation included membership in the Buffalo Teachersââ?¬â?¢ Federation, the Buffalo Elementary Principals Association, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the Western New York Women in Administration, the National Alliance of Black School Educators (MABSE) and the Metro Buffalo Alliance of Black School Educators (MBABSE).

Elizabeth, a member of St. John Baptist Church, serves on the Bereavement Ministry. She believes that serving others during their time of grief is her path to ââ?¬Å?self healingââ?¬. She is a member and 1st Vice President of the Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club (MBTCCC), who shares in her belief, in the importance of community involvement. MBTCCC is an affiliate of the National Association of Colored Womenââ?¬â?¢s clubs, Inc., Northeast Federation of Womenââ?¬â?¢s clubs, Empire State Federation of Womenââ?¬â?¢s Clubs, Inc., and Buffalo Region of Federation Womenââ?¬â?¢s Clubs, Inc. Elizabeth is also a member of the Buffalo Retired Administrators Association (BRAA) and a life member of the New York State Retired Teachers Association (NYSTRA) and Buffalo Retired Teachers Association (BRTA).

Elizabeth has received numerous awards and honors including; the Magnet Schools of America Award for a School of Merit, Certificate of Appreciation and Recognition of Participation in the summer Principals Academy, NYED, Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service and Devotion ââ?¬â?? Gethsemane Baptist Church, 1998. She received the Recognition of Personal Achievement an Professional Distinction ââ?¬â?? Anthony M. Masiello, Mayor of City of Buffalo, 2005 and a Proclamation in Honor of Thirty years of dedicated service to the children of Buffalo, New York, Byron W. Brown, New York State Senate, 60th district, 2005.

She is known as ââ?¬Å?have luggage will travelââ?¬. Her travels have crossed the United States of America from the east to the west coast and Hawaii, most of the Caribbean Islands, (if not all), Puerto Rico and Mexico. Her travels to Europe include Italy, Greece, Yugoslavia and Switzerland. When sheââ?¬â?¢s not traveling, she enjoys a wide range of activities including, playing ââ?¬Å?bid whistââ?¬, solving crossword puzzles and her favorite pastime is playing billiards.

Elizabeth is the mother of three children, eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She believes in family and her motto is, ââ?¬Å?Never leave family behind. When you get tired of pulling, get behind and push.ââ?¬ Elizabeth is the sister of Uncrowned Queen, Gladys Jean Diji.