When asked about Buffalo’s best asset for tackling its social, economic and political issues, Karen Christie ’79 HHS points to people. “The energy and creativity of the volunteers and staff involved in human services locally is outstanding,” she explains. With exposure to a wide range of Buffalo based non-profit organizations, Christie knows the invaluable role people can make in the community.

 

After earning her degree in Health and Human Services from Medaille, Christie worked with a series of small non-profits. “I became frustrated with the need for systemic change in the service delivery system, especially for elders. I went to the University at Buffalo and got my Master’s in Public Affairs, and went to work for the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County,” says Christie. During her 25-year tenure, she designed programs, raised funds, managed internal operations and human resources, and helped to plan a strategy for the organization.

“My time at (the United Way) was energizing because despite a long tenure I was always doing new and challenging things,” Christie offers.

In late 2008, Christie made the move to the Buffalo Urban League’s headquarters as Vice President for Resource and Organization Development. She transferred her experience immediately into increasing the League’s unrestricted revenue to reduce dependence on government grants, updating the strategic plan and enhancing internal operations.

As with most non-profits, the League faces a challenge of finding sufficient resources to meet the needs of today’s families and individuals.

If given an unlimited amount of money, but only one week, to change Buffalo for the better, Christie says readily, “I would set up an unlimited endowment to provide local charities with a source of unrestricted funding for collaboration. They could create and enhance programs to improve the service delivery system so that it changes lives for more people and ensures a better community for everyone.” That’s a dream that mirrors Christie’s description of what the Buffalo Urban League works to provide: ensuring that each person has equal opportunity.