At TalentRise, we’re committed to recruiting and developing people-centered leaders who can make a meaningful impact. This mission was powerfully demonstrated when our President, Pete Petrella, participated as a key panelist in the inaugural “Voices of Vision” event, a collaborative initiative between Aleron Group and The Buffalo News focused on cultivating the next generation of community leadership in Buffalo.
Championing Buffalo’s Unique Strengths
The event, held at the Burchfield Penney Art Center on March 20, brought together over 100 community stakeholders to discuss the future of leadership in our region. As a lifelong Buffalonian who has lived, learned, and worked here his entire life, Pete offered valuable insights on what makes our city special.
“There’s a lot of uniqueness to our community,” Pete emphasized during the panel. “We have architectural beauty; we have a rich history of industry and entrepreneurship. Then there’s the people of Buffalo. There are generations of people with grit and determination that you don’t see anywhere else. We need to find ways to leverage that uniqueness. If we do that, we’ve created a competitive advantage other cities don’t have.”
Bridging Generations of Leadership
As Pete steps into deeper leadership roles within the community, he recognizes the importance of learning from established leaders while bringing fresh perspectives to the table.
“From a community perspective, it’s crucial to learn more about how established leaders preserved the cultural and historical identity of Buffalo while at the same time fostering progress,” Pete shares. “Buffalo has such a rich industrial and architectural legacy, and longstanding leaders have invaluable lessons to offer on resilience during times of economic hardship. Combining their wisdom with a more inclusive approach to solving modern challenges is essential for the city’s growth.”
Addressing Buffalo’s Most Pressing Challenges
When asked about the regional challenges he’s most passionate about addressing, Pete doesn’t hesitate to identify inequality as a primary concern.
“The City of Buffalo has been marked by racial and economic inequalities, with certain neighborhoods experiencing decades of systemic disinvestment and segregation. By prioritizing affordable housing, educational opportunities, and targeted neighborhood investments, we can create a more vibrant city that provides meaningful pathways for all residents to thrive.”
This commitment to inclusive growth aligns perfectly with TalentRise’s mission of developing leaders who understand the importance of people-centered approaches.
The Value of Community Stewardship
For Pete, community involvement isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s an obligation.
“There are so many assets here, and there’s an obligation and responsibility for those who live in the community to support them,” he explains. “We have one of the richest not-for-profit communities in the entire country, and there are other assets like 43North, a vibrant art and cultural scene, and two professional sports teams that a lot of other communities would really love to have. These assets create a culture that is rich in resources and make this community one of the best places to live, work, and play within the entire state.”
A Call to Action for Emerging Leaders
Pete offers straightforward advice for those looking to become more involved: “Just reach out. Buffalo is renowned for its warm, welcoming spirit, where neighbors genuinely care about one another. But some feel hesitant to get involved. Buffalo offers countless ways to contribute – whether through volunteering time, providing resources, or joining local initiatives. This community operates on a ‘give before you get’ philosophy, and those who take that initial step often discover unexpected personal fulfillment and connection.”
A Collaborative Vision
The Voices of Vision initiative itself was sparked by Scott Stenclik, President and CEO of Aleron Group (TalentRise’s parent company), who brought the idea to The Buffalo News as a way to look at future leadership in Buffalo and find ways to collaborate as a community.
“We need to have leaders who will fight for this city’s rightful relevance in the future,” Scott noted during the panel, reinforcing the commitment that both TalentRise and Aleron have to our region’s success.
The conversation will continue at the second Voices of Vision event, planned for May 1 at the Burchfield Penney Art Center. The community is invited to share feedback, questions, or ideas at the Voices of Vision website.
