Board of Directors_March 2023

About Us

We are a certified MWBE consulting firm in Erie County and our mission is to partner with mission-driven organizations tackling sustainability and capacity challenges to enhance the quality of life in our community. As a rust-belt city, Buffalo and the greater WNY region grapple with environmental injustice. Our vision is to foster resilient and justice-oriented organizations, led by passionate individuals, working collaboratively to create a safe, equitable, and sustainable community. Co-founded by Dr. Monica Miles and Dr. Kate Haq, we are researchers, educators, mothers, environmentalists, problem-solvers, and Buffalonians who are passionate about servicing underrepresented communities through nonprofit support and outreach.

Our Mission

Our mission is to partner with education, business, and nonprofit organizations addressing sustainability and capacity challenges, as well as learning and equity needs, to enhance the quality of life in Western New York.

mwbe

What We Do

Our experienced professionals are experts in the areas of non profit organizational management, small business management, and K-16 education. We analyze the needs of your organization, then research, design, and implement solutions for success and long-term sustainability.

Services for Nonprofit Organizations
  • Strategic planning for long-term organizational sustainability and prosperity
  • Strategic direction & policy-advocacy leadership, development of organizational by-laws, and a focus on Executive Director burnout prevention.
  • Fundraising & donor/funder development along with identifying alternative income streams, including grant funding (in 2023, MEL wrote grants for nearly $2M, securing $ .75 M in grant funding for our partner organizations)
  • Network development, advocacy & support for our partners
  • Equity and environment (climate culture) assessments and diversity, equity, and inclusion workshops
Education
  • Professional development for educators, including place-based educator workshops
  • MEL is an approved NYS CTLE sponsor
  • Prepackaged, copyrighted curriculums focused on the WNY environment
  • Curriculum auditing and design
  • Interdisciplinary unit development with vertical and horizontal alignment to standards
  • Equity and environment (climate culture) assessments and workshops
Higher Education
  • Strategic planning, assessment, and continuous improvement for colleges and universities
  • Regional and programmatic accreditation and quality assurance
  • Existing academic program review and new program development
Small Businesses
  • Small business planning, operations and funding
  • Business plans for start-up businesses, including financial analyses, forecasting, and budgeting
  • Human resources management and employee professional development

Meet Our Team

Monica

Monica Miles, PhD

Co-founder, President, and
Community Collaboration Coordinator

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Kate

Kate Haq, PhD

Co-founder, Vice President of Operations
and Curriculum Development

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Kareem

Kareem Haq

Executive Assistant

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Kushnood-Haq

Kushnood Haq, PhD

Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Business Development

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Helen Beckley-Forest

Web Designer

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