Buffalo State Gender Equity Practices Recognized by WNY Women’s Foundation

Being diverse and inclusive is part of Buffalo State University's identity. What's more, the university consistently engages in ongoing efforts to improve its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices.

In recognition of this work, the WNY Women's Foundation (WNYWF) recently awarded Buffalo State the ALL IN POWER Seal, a designation that emphasizes the institution's commitment to gender equity. The award, which stands for Positioning Our Women for Every Role, was presented to Lisa Fronckowiak, Buffalo State's interim chief diversity officer, at the WNYWF's annual Women's Leadership Summit in late May.

"When thinking about DEI, people often automatically think about race and ethnicity-not necessarily gender," Fronckowiak said. "Buffalo State recognizes that a person has many identities. To discount somebody's gender identity in favor or race or ethnicity is not really recognizing the whole person. Being awarded the POWER Seal is important because it really matches our mission, vision, and what our institution is about."

"Organizations with the POWER Seal have taken purposeful investments in gender equity," said Sydney Flanagan, ALL IN coordinator. "They've gone through an intensive program that requires them to change policy and explain the sustainability of the work they're doing. We're really proud of them."

Lisa Fronckowiak (left) and Siobhan Smith, chair of the WNYWF Women in Leadership committee.

Buffalo State recently completed the WNYWF's two-year ALL IN program, a data-driven initiative that takes steps to move women and gender minorities into leadership positions and improve company culture. ALL IN begins with an evaluation of current practices based on 30 unique metrics. During the program, the WNYWF helps participants identify actionable steps toward measurable improvement.

"It was good to take stock of all the good things we're already doing," Fronckowiak said. "There are things we do every day, but we don't think about them. Being in a cohort with other companies helped us gain perspective on how much we really do to support gender equity. It was eye-opening."

One major change resulting from Buffalo State's participation in ALL IN was the move toward gender-neutral and gender-inclusive language, including creating a guide to gender-inclusive language. "It seems small, but it makes a big impact," Fronckowiak said. "I have other institutions and companies asking me, 'How can we do that?'"

"These changes often impact and benefit all employees-not just women," Flanagan added. "The program takes an intersectional approach to issues impacting women, but that doesn't mean it can be someone's entire DEI strategy. It should be part of a larger conversation, which is one thousand percent the case for Buffalo State."

Though Buffalo State's participation in the program has concluded, the university will maintain a close relationship with the WNYWF (one that began years ago with former Buffalo State president Katherine Conway-Turner serving on the WNYWF's board) and participate in post-program learning and development events.

"Thinking of ways to go above and beyond is really important," Fronckowiak said. "We want to constantly set the bar higher and be even better."

About the WNY Women's Foundation
Grounded in data, the WNY Women's Foundation drives economic solutions to advance gender equity and move Western New York forward. The organization believes that collaboratively tackling issues that women struggle with is the best way to catalyze change. Located in Buffalo, New York, the WNY Women's Foundation bases its work on four pillars-advocacy, voice, leadership, and economic empowerment-creating opportunities for each woman to thrive. Each year, participants in WNYWF's ALL IN program can apply for the POWER Seal in honor of the commitment they've made to gender equity in the workplace.

Photo and logo courtesy of WNYWF.