Board of Directors
Jeffrey Platt, President
Jeff_Platt@embracewny.org
Dale J. Bauman, Interim Vice-President
Dale_Bauman@embracewny.org
Judy Dumitru, Treasurer
Judy_dumitru@embracewny.org
Jonvier Whittington, Secretary
jonvier.whitt@gmail.com
Jonvier Whittington is a Buffalo native and registered nurse with experience in psychiatry and geriatrics. Her primary work is that of a nursing professor to undergraduate students. Jonvier has been a volunteer for embrace WNY since 2018 and transitioned to the Board of Directors in 2021. She believes organizations such as embrace WNY are essential in today’s society because they provide opportunities for youth to find a sense of community and belonging.
Bryan Ball
Bryan_Ball@embracewny.org
Jose Luis Garcia II
garciaj78@gmail.com
Heather Gasiecki
Heather_Gasiecki@embracewny.org
Jeffrey Moyer
Jeffrey_Moyer@embracewny.org
Molly Ranahan
Molly_Ranahan@embracewny.org
Countess-Jai Richards
crichyrich6@gmail.com
CJ was born in Jamaica and raised in Brooklyn. She moved to Buffalo when she started at D’Youville College, where she earned her degree as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. CJ was a leader of the Alliance Club, the LGBTQ association at the college for several years. There she helped bring understanding, organize campus events, and support community service outreach. CJ has been a part of the embraceWNY community for almost 10 years. Starting as a volunteer, then becoming a member of the Buffalo Brunch Committee for the past several years before joining the Board this year, she has enjoyed meeting members of the LGBTQ+ community in Buffalo. CJ is currently working as a Physical Therapist where she aims to bring the best care while always trying to promote knowledge and understanding for the LGBTQ community. CJ recently married and she and her wife moved into their home together during the pandemic while she worked on the front lines with COVID patients. CJ looks forward to traveling again soon and expanding her family in the coming years, starting with rescuing a pup!
Harry Carter
hncarter84@gmail.com
Harry has always enjoyed the enriching and fulfilling experience of working in a team environment with professionals and others of diverse cultural backgrounds. Harry is a results-oriented administrator, motivated community educator and classroom teacher offering over 30 years of professional experience. He helped to develop, implement and facilitate student support groups, teacher training and parent/community workshops.
Harry has worked extensively with children from kindergarten to the collegiate level. He developed and implemented a required Drugs & Sports course for all students participating in a team sport, sports medicine or athletic training at Canisius College. Additionally he has worked with recovering adults through Jobs Training Partnership Act (JTPA) formerly Project Up-Grade. His experience as a vocational counselor with Project Up-Grade provided him an opportunity to collaborate with employers, unions and business leaders.
As an administrator and Drug Prevention Specialist Harry supervised, trained and scheduled a staff of Prevention Educators, Student Assistance/Prevention Counselors and agency support staff. As the Director of Programs he was involved with all aspects of agency management including: grant writing, development and implementation of agency mission and goals, as well as budget and personnel policies. Harry administered, reviewed and reported on grants with the Buffalo Public Schools, BOCES Non-Public Schools Consortium, the Erie County Department of Mental Health and the United Way of Buffalo. Under his supervision Harry’s teams created innovative support programs for youth, educators, employees and their families throughout Erie County.
On his creative side Harry enjoys drawing, painting, pottery and photography. He also worked as a jewelry designer for a company specializing in unique one of a kind designs before retiring.
Harry has served on the Buffalo Brunch Committee for the last several years as a committee member and co-chair before becoming a board member. He now looks forward to assisting embrace Western New York to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Johnny Qiu
johnnyqi@buffalo.edu
Johnny Qiu was born and raised in New York City. He moved to Buffalo, NY in 2015 to attend D’Youville College where he quickly became one of the active voices in advocating for on campus student services. Johnny started the Transfer Student Association, was president of the Student Government Association and served as the Alliance Club’s Communications Director. In 2019 he received his Bachelors of Science in Biology, Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Masters of Science in Anatomy. Johnny has been volunteering with embraceWNY since 2018 and has been active in raising funds and collecting donations for the Buffalo Brunch. Johnny is currently pursuing his MSW/JD at the University at Buffalo. Upon graduation he hopes to continue advocacy work and serve on coalition boards to advance policy reform. Johnny believes organizations like embraceWNY are vital in advancing opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals. Education is a powerful tool and embraceWNY can be part of that journey for all.