Daphne Ross is the Chief Impact Officer for Say Yes Buffalo, responsible for fundraising & development, marketing communications and the management of external partnerships.
Daphne has been on the Say Yes Buffalo team for 9 years in various roles, including leading the rollout of the Buffalo College Success Network which created supports and services for Say Yes Buffalo scholars at SUNY Erie, Buffalo State, Villa Maria and Medaille to persist and complete their two and four-year degrees. She has also led the rollout of the CareerWise Greater Buffalo Modern Youth Apprenticeship Program that bridges the gap between local workforce demands and Buffalo students, providing pathways to family sustaining salaries that do not require a two- or four-year degree at entry. Additionally, Daphne has managed the organizations marketing and communications strategy since joining the organization in 2013, with the goal of increasing awareness and understanding of Say Yes Buffalo initiatives, services and supports.
Daphne is a lifelong Buffalo resident and was educated through the Buffalo Public School system, graduating from City Honors School. After high school, Daphne attended Canisius College earning a bachelor’s degree in Communications and St. Bonaventure University earning a masters degree in Integrated Marketing Communications.
Daphne is actively involved in the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she serves on several committees and initiatives. Additionally, Daphne is a Board Trustee of Villa Maria College and has served on the 5/14 Survivors Fund led by Tops Markets and the National Compassion Fund. As a former employee of the Jefferson Avenue Tops and a lifelong member of the Jefferson Avenue community, serving on the Survivors Committee has been one of her greatest honors in the wake of a horrific tragedy that shook our entire city.
Daphne lives in North Buffalo with her husband Kevin and their dog, Onyx. In her spare time, you can catch her cheering on the Buffalo Bills, traveling and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Contact Daphne at [email protected] or 716-247-5310, ext. 211.