On this episode of What’s Next? we sit down with Tom Ulbrich, President and CEO of Goodwill of Western New York, to discuss the region’s evolving workforce needs, the barriers many job seekers face, and the progress his team is driving across the community. We also speak with author Megan Gorman about her latest book, All the President’s Money, which unpacks the complicated and often overlooked legacy of President Millard Fillmore. Together, these conversations explore leadership, opportunity, and the stories that continue to shape Western New York.

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we reflect on the life of Ely S. Parker, Tonawanda Seneca leader, engineer, and Civil War officer who helped draft the surrender at Appomattox.

On this episode of What’s Next?, we return to the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) for part two of our tour. Contributor Ekua Mends-Aidoo explores how BCAT continues to empower youth and adults through creativity, mentorship, and opportunity. We hear from high school senior Lillyan Goines, who shares how she discovered a new passion in digital media, and Teira Newell, a former student who’s now an instructor guiding the next generation. Giselle Akal, an adult learner in BCAT’s IT Pathway Program, reflects on balancing work, school, and family, while Senior Program Director Charisma DuBois offers insight into how BCAT fosters growth and career exploration through the arts and technology.

On this episode of What’s Next?, we explore how cooperative businesses are driving change in Western New York. Jay Moran speaks with Andrew Delmonte, Executive Director of Cooperation Buffalo, and Terra Dumas of Farmer Pirates Compost. Together, they discuss how shared ownership and democratic decision-making can build stronger, more sustainable communities and how co-ops like Farmer Pirates are turning waste into opportunity.

On this episode of What’s Next we explore leadership and opportunity in Buffalo’s education landscape. Jennifer Mecozzi, a candidate for re-election to the Buffalo School Board’s West District, speaks with Jay Moran about her experience on the board, the challenges of governance, and her commitment to improving student outcomes. Then we visit the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology with President and CEO Gina Burkhardt, whose team provides free academic and technical programs that help youth and adults achieve lasting success, with every high school senior earning college admission and most adult learners securing employment.

On this episode of What’s Next?, we focus on advocacy and community support for those facing trauma and health challenges in Western New York. We sit down with Judy Torres, Director of Domestic Violence Services at Hispanic United of Buffalo, and Sharon Sanford of the Sadie Strong Project.

On this episode of What’s Next?, licensed clinical social worker Carolyn Kirkwood shares her path from foster parent to therapist, and how her work at Kirkwood Therapy is helping break generational cycles through culturally informed care.

On this episode of What’s Next?, we explore how literacy and storytelling are shaping stronger, more connected communities as we are joined by Tara Schafer of Literacy Buffalo Niagara, Randall Hoak from Erie County Senior Services, and Phil Davis and Monique Cunningham of FBE Productions.

Today we spotlight two local efforts driving community wellness in Buffalo: Clean Mobility Buffalo’s East Side Forward: Full Charge Ahead with Kim LaVare, and Food is Medicine Symposium with Beth Machnica and Purnima Mohan.

Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, Executive Director of the International Institute of Buffalo, joins Jay Moran to discuss how national policy shapes refugee resettlement and what it means for families arriving in Western New York.

Today on What’s Next? we hear from Dr. Allana M. Krolikowski, the new CEO of Jericho Road Community Health Center, on her vision for advancing health equity in Buffalo. We also celebrate Niagara Pride’s fifth anniversary and preview Storytelling With Courage.

On today’s episode of What’s Next? we hear from Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, Executive Director of the International Institute of Buffalo, about how the Presidential Determination is shaping refugee resettlement and the impact on local agencies. Later, host Naila Ansari Catilo sits down with Leighton Jones from Our Action City Buffalo and Jon Torrey, professor at Buffalo State University, to talk about the effects of a recent bill on local communities.

Today, we return to the fields with Providence Farm Collective to see how they’re moving forward and staying strong after recent funding cuts. Then, we speak with Andrew Delmonte from Cooperation Buffalo and Terra Dumas, co-founder of Farmer Pirates Composte. And later, Carolyn Kirkwood of Kirkwood Therapy joins us.

On today’s show, we reflect on the 10th anniversary of the Tribute Garden at Isle View Park, a space created to honor victims of intimate partner violence and to bring awareness to the issue across our community.

On this episode of What’s Next? We hear from Dr. Jennifer Roberts, a Buffalo native and University of Maryland professor, then team visits Providence Farm Collective for a tour of their site. And we close with Duncan Kirkwood, Director of the Center for Resiliency.

Today we sit down with filmmaker Stephen Rosenthal and actor Stephen McKinley Henderson to discuss their new documentary, It Is Up to Us. The film explores the impact of racism on society and why a deep understanding of history is essential for our future.

On today’s show we speak with Maria Ta, the new Executive Director of Ujima Theater, Della Moore and her work with the African American Center for Cultural Development, and we speak with Latino filmmaker Rocco Anastasio.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, What’s Next? spotlights leaders shaping the future of Buffalo. Today we sit down with Buffalo School Board candidate Talia Rodriguez. She shares her vision for educational equity, with a focus on multilingual learners and students with neurological differences.

On today’s What’s Next? we mark a major milestone with People Against Human Trafficking of Western New York. Executive Director Julie Palmer joins Jay Moran to reflect on ten years of fighting exploitation and to share details about their upcoming Gala on September 25. Then we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a visit to El Batey.

On this episode, we’re switching things up! Jay Moran sits down with Executive Producer Charles Gilbert to talk about what’s new on What’s Next?