About the Coalition

Diane R. Bessel is currently employed as Senior Product Manager-Income at the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. She provides leadership around several community initiatives including access to income supports, free tax preparation, and asset building for low income individuals and families. She has a wide range of professional interests including service planning, evaluation, and policy advocacy. Diane holds a Masters of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University and is certified in Nonprofit Management from the Mandel Center. She also holds a Doctorate in Sociology from the University at Buffalo where she teaches research methods, statistics, community social work, and a variety of other courses.

Nicole Juzdowski serves as Program Manager-Creating Assets, Savings & Hope (CASH) at the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. She assists in recruiting, organizing, and promoting the one-on-one volunteer financial mentoring program to individuals and families in the community as well as coordinating other CASH programs. Nicole is also interested in policy & advocacy efforts in many issue areas, training, and volunteer work in the community.  Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a minor in Psychology from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.

Justin Moscati currently serves as CASH’s Community Engagement Coordinator and is an Americorps VISTA Member. He works with CASH’S Financial Education and Free Tax Preparation Committees and is involved in the recruitment of CASH members, volunteers, and clients.  Justin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and minors in Government and Philosophy from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY. Following his year of service, he plans to attend law school. 

Katie Lyons is a Advanced Standing student in the University at Buffalo School of Social Work. She has been instrumental in the development of CASH's community education and awareness efforts including the use of the Missouri Community Action Organization's Poverty Simulation here in Erie County. Katie also plays an active role in CASH's Communications Committee. She hopes to continue to work in the community after finishing her graduate work.

Bonnie Oliver is a first-year student in the UB School of Social Work. She is involved with CASH's Asset Building Committee and is working with a team of community members to develop a financial education curriculum for persons with special needs.