Exciting news! Say Yes Buffalo is launching a new podcast. &#34;The Future Starts Here&#34;, hosted by our Say Yes Little Scholars Communications Specialist,Madeline Little, will take viewers and listeners behind the scenes to explore the amazing programs Say Yes Buffalo has to offer. The podcast features in-depth interviews with Say Yes Buffalo staff and community partners, who share insights on the organization&#39;s programs and the impact they&#39;re having on the community. The show will also explore the amazing company culture of Say Yes and talk about some of the career opportunities with us.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/15/20/c20608fd-2301-4c35-a83a-4b23c9c22438_uture_starts_here_feat._crystal_peoples_stokes.mp3

Crystal Peoples-Stokes joins The Future Starts Here podcast to reflect on her illustrious career and the impact of Say Yes Buffalo. Hear firsthand insights on leadership, community uplift, and preparing the next generation for success.• The pivotal moments that led Crystal Peoples-Stokes into public service• Major changes in policy and criminal justice reform over her career• The origins and impact of Say Yes Buffalo and community schools• Barriers young people face in leadership and how to overcome them• What legacy means to Crystal Peoples-Stokes and her vision for Buffalo’s future

Crystal Peoples-Stokes on Legacy, Leadership, and Say Yes Buffalo’s Impact on Education

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/5/12/19/016ff7df-fb45-4d87-9628-51accb2be20d_future_starts_here_feat._m_t_bank.mp3

Join us as we sit down with India Walker and Elizabeth Ramirez from M&amp;T Bank to discuss financial education, community impact, and career journeys. This episode dives into how M&amp;T partners with Say Yes Buffalo and goes beyond traditional banking to make a real difference.• India Walker shares her non-traditional path from teller to Senior Branch Manager while balancing school.• Elizabeth Ramirez discusses bringing a community-minded approach from Brooklyn to Buffalo and her transition from non-profit to banking.• The importance of financial literacy programs like Money Mentors and how they reach all ages in the community.• Insights on mentorship, accessibility, and creating inclusive spaces within banking.• M&amp;T Bank&#39;s active role in community events like Juneteenth, volunteer initiatives, and collaborative projects with Say Yes Buffalo.Tune in to hear how partnership and community engagement drive success, both for individuals and organizations.

Ep. 14 - Future Starts Here: M&T Bank Leaders Share Financial Education and Community Stories

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/2/10/19/6aa89755-3c14-4150-ad07-306ce60b5c53_the_future_starts_here_-_sylvia_lane.mp3

Join Maddie as she interviews Sylvia Lane, the newly appointed Senior Director of School Based Services at Say Yes Buffalo. Dive into the vital programs helping Buffalo Public Schools&#39; students and families.<ul><li>Discover Sylvia Lane&#39;s journey from psychology to senior director.</li><li>Understand the roles of Family Support Specialists and their impact.</li><li>Explore the collaboration with Buffalo Public Schools to address student needs.</li><li>Learn about the holistic approach and the importance of community partnerships.</li><li>Hear about the challenges and successes in addressing housing and mental health issues.</li></ul>

Ep. 13 - Exploring School Based Services and Preventive Work with Sylvia Lane

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/10/31/18/781fd41f-2960-480e-8904-d76bc641c729_audio_-_future_starts_here_feat._che_campbell.mp3

In this episode of the Future Starts Here podcast, Maddie sits down with Chantele Campbell, Chief Health Equity Officer at Best Self Behavioral Health. Chantelle shares her inspiring journey and insights into equity work and her role on the Say Yes board. The two discuss:• Chantele Campbell’s career journey from City Honors to Chief Health Equity Officer.• The impact of diversity in Buffalo Public Schools.• Transitioning from City Honors to Canisius College under the McGowan Scholarship.• Defining and implementing equity in professional roles.• Details about Chantele&#39;s podcast and community for women in leadership, The C Suite Mama.

Ep. 12 - Mentorship and Impact: Chantele Campbell Discusses Her Journey and Role in Health Equity

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/10/31/18/c0bb004e-5d45-4de7-bc49-d4008aed7e0f_udio_-_future_starts_here_feat._johanna_caplan.mp3

Join Maddie as she interviews Johanna Caplan, the Education Manager for Career Wise Greater Buffalo and Say Yes Buffalo, about their impactful internship program. Discover the keys to a successful internship experience and the invaluable support Say Yes Buffalo offers.* Paid internships and school credits: Understanding the balance* Evolution and significance of the Say Yes Buffalo internship program* Key support provided to interns: Resume reviews and interview preparation* Employer partnerships and how they foster career growth* Essential tips for succeeding in internships: Trust in yourself and your voiceDon’t miss out—watch the full episode to get all the insights!

Ep. 11 - The Future Starts Here: Johanna Caplan on Empowering Students through Internships

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/10/31/17/2590b08a-03e0-47b9-9a01-ad7934bdc2b6_audio_-_future_starts_here_feat._yolanda.mp3

Unlock the secrets to scholarship success with Yolanda and Maddie in this insightful episode! Learn about the incredible support and resources available to help you thrive in college.🔹 Importance of scholarships in providing access and opportunities for higher education.🔹 Comprehensive support from the Say Yes Buffalo program, including mentoring and internships.🔹 Upcoming college kickoff event details and what students can expect.🔹 Financial literacy tips and the significance of budgeting and saving.🔹 Scholarship eligibility, application tips, and the appeal process.Don&#39;t forget to follow us on social media and visit our website for more updates!

Ep. 10 - Navigating Scholarships and Financial Aid | The Future Starts Here Podcast feat. Yolanda Gatewood

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/2/20/21/0a280c17-0407-48c1-a7f5-9cd1dd7c6552__starts_here_podcast_feat._gellennia_smallwood.mp3

On the episode, Maddie sits down with Gellenia Smallwood, Senior Director for Early Childhood Education at Say Yes Buffalo. Gellenia talks about her career in early childhood education, how it lead her to conceptualize Say Yes&#39; Little Scholars program and the future of the program. Follow us on social media at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzppJgEFkfs2tCyoUgMMu8w" rel="nofollow">@sayyesbuffalo</a> across all platforms and visit us online at www.sayyesbuffalo.org.

Episode 9 feat. Gellenia Smallwood | The Future Starts Here Podcast

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/1/5/4/c47b7e74-3e56-4ffc-bb03-b781a98b51cb_3-11-11_2F00da571d-9248-8a1f-2750-04f7ac5c792f.mp3

For our first ever live podcast, Maddie sat down with two of our community partners, Michael Ball from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, and Darnell Haywood from Bank on Buffalo at our annual Say Yes Forever Fall Breakfast. The two talk about why supporting education important for the overall well-being of the community, how healthy communities contribute to the success of students, Say Yes&#39; long term sustainability and so much more.

For our first ever live podcast, Maddie sat down with two of our community partners, Michael Ball from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, and Darnell Haywood from Bank on Buffalo at our annual Say Yes Forever Fall Breakfast. 

The two talk about why supporting education important for the overall well-being of the community, how healthy communities contribute to the success of students, Say Yes&#39; long term sustainability and so much more.

LIVE from the 2023 Say Yes Forever Fall Breakfast | The Future Starts Here Podcast

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/1/5/4/bd398a69-e759-4102-b769-ef9ab999c735__2F2023-10-29_2F357745001-44100-2-00afedcc9865.m4a

On the episode, Maddie sits down with Executive Director of Most Valuable Parents, Mia Ayers-Goss and her son Rafeal Suarez. They speak about the work MVP is doing in the community, as well as their work around raising awareness about Autism Awareness. 

Follow us on social media at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzppJgEFkfs2tCyoUgMMu8w" rel="nofollow">@sayyesbuffalo</a> across all platforms and visit us online at www.sayyesbuffalo.org.

Episode 7 feat. MVP (Most Valuable Parents) | The Future Starts Here Podcast

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/1/5/4/71a318ad-6d17-4555-a685-f87d07bd1897_2F2023-10-29_2F357744828-44100-2-b29e8b7ca0d31.m4a

On the episode, Maddie sits down with Say Yes Buffalo&#39;s Senior Director of the Boys and Men of Color Initiative, Daniel Robertson. The two discuss Daniel&#39;s recent promotion and his vision for the next phase of the BMoC program. 

Follow us on social media at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzppJgEFkfs2tCyoUgMMu8w" rel="nofollow">@sayyesbuffalo</a> across all platforms and visit us online at www.sayyesbuffalo.org.

Episode 6 feat. Daniel Robertson | The Future Starts Here Podcast

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/1/5/4/0d90ce9d-acb1-4a6b-af97-a09ca4cb2900_3-10-29_2Fc4e62dca-3b94-a4b4-1e2d-2e4dd0be651b.mp3

On this episode, Maddie sits down with Director of Workforce Development, Stephanie Peete. Stephanie speaks about DEI in the workplace, getting mentorship from our CEO, the vision for the youth apprenticeship program and more. 

Follow us on social media at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzppJgEFkfs2tCyoUgMMu8w" rel="nofollow">@sayyesbuffalo</a> across all platforms and visit us online at www.sayyesbuffalo.org.

Episode 5 feat. Stephanie Peete | The Future Starts Here Podcast

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/1/5/4/24b2f6d5-e5a8-4b14-b6d6-65538bfff8e0_2F2023-10-29_2F357744365-44100-2-ffe1baad351ba.m4a

On the episode, Maddie sits down with Say Yes Buffalo&#39;s Chief Impact Officer, Daphne Ross. The two discuss Daphne&#39;s roles with Say Yes over the years, the importance of pouring into the next generation of talent, her vision for Say Yes over the next five years and so much more. 

Follow us on social media at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzppJgEFkfs2tCyoUgMMu8w" rel="nofollow">@sayyesbuffalo</a> across all platforms and visit us online at www.sayyesbuffalo.org.

Episode 4 feat. Daphne Ross | The Future Starts Here Podcast

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/1/5/4/6a555e5a-de31-4555-8e8a-52289c7ee0c8_2F2023-10-29_2F357744244-44100-2-19d07fb9a2b77.m4a

On this episode, Maddie sits down with Senior Director of the Boys and Men of Color Initiative at Say Yes, Tommy McClam. Tommy talks about the impact the Breaking Barriers program has on young men of color in Buffalo and his plans following his impending retirement. 

Follow us on social media at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzppJgEFkfs2tCyoUgMMu8w" rel="nofollow">@sayyesbuffalo</a> across all platforms and visit us online at www.sayyesbuffalo.org.

Episode 3 feat. Tommy McClam | The Future Starts Here Podcast

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/1/5/4/2e4a92e1-094e-4f08-8b80-a0ce6a4f3766_23-4-19_2F9e05bd7e-8a6a-9b51-d04b-aea437d42a02.mp3

Recently, Say Yes Buffalo was ranked the top employer in Buffalo and Western New York by the Buffalo News and Top Work Places. On this episode, Maddie sits down with our Director of Human Resources, Collin Gehl, to talk about what drives the company culture at Say Yes, as well as his journey with the company.
 
Follow us on social media at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzppJgEFkfs2tCyoUgMMu8w" rel="nofollow">@sayyesbuffalo</a> across all platforms and visit us online at www.sayyesbuffalo.org.

Episode 2 feat. Collin Gehl | The Future Starts Here Podcast

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/1/5/4/aaf19eda-f111-4c5f-bb3b-1704201ef94d_023-4-8_2F1ba2812b-facc-badb-4185-db3f48125918.mp3

On this premiere episode, our host, Madeline Little, sits down with David Rust, Chief Executive Officer of Say Yes Buffalo. Dave speaks about Say Yes Buffalo&#39;s growth over the last 10 years, why company culture is important, his vision for the next 10 years, and so much more. 

Follow us on social media at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzppJgEFkfs2tCyoUgMMu8w" rel="nofollow">@sayyesbuffalo</a> across all platforms and visit us online at www.sayyesbuffalo.org.

Episode 1 featuring David Rust | The Future Starts Here Podcast

Exciting news! Say Yes Buffalo is launching a new podcast. "The Future Starts Here", hosted by our Say Yes Little Scholars Communications Specialist,Madeline Little, will take viewers and listeners behind the scenes to explore the amazing programs Say Yes Buffalo has to offer.

The podcast features in-depth interviews with Say Yes Buffalo staff and community partners, who share insights on the organization's programs and the impact they're having on the community. The show will also explore the amazing company culture of Say Yes and talk about some of the career opportunities with us. 
