Daphne Ross (Daff-knee)

About

Daphne Ross serves as Chief Operating Officer of Say Yes Buffalo, where she provides executive leadership across the organization’s programs, strategic initiatives and regional expansion efforts. Working closely with the CEO, Daphne helps shape organizational strategy and leads the translation of strategic priorities into action, with a focus on strengthening systems, developing leaders and advancing measurable outcomes for students, families and the broader community.

In her role, Daphne oversees Say Yes Buffalo’s programmatic portfolio, leads the implementation and growth of Say Yes Niagara Falls, and facilitates the Say Yes Buffalo Operating Committee, a cross-sector body of community leaders working collectively to improve educational and economic outcomes throughout the region. She also plays a key role in organizational planning, leadership development, partnership strategy and efforts to strengthen alignment and accountability across the organization.

Throughout her tenure at Say Yes Buffalo, Daphne has held various leadership roles and helped shape initiatives spanning postsecondary access and success, workforce development, scholarships, community partnerships and collective impact. Her leadership is grounded in a commitment to creating stronger, more equitable systems that expand opportunity and economic mobility for young people and families.

A lifelong Buffalo resident and graduate of Buffalo Public Schools, Daphne’s connection to the community she serves is deeply personal. Her own experiences growing up and attending public schools in Buffalo inform her commitment to ensuring that young people throughout the region have access to the opportunities, resources and support they need to thrive.

Daphne currently serves on the boards of Leadership Buffalo and Villa Maria College and is an active member of the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she continues her commitment to service, leadership and community engagement. She has been recognized for her professional and community leadership, including being named to Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under 40 and Power 200 Women.

What draws you to work at Say Yes?

The mission and the impact higher education had on my own life!

Hobbies & Passions

Traveling
Cheering on the Buffalo Bills