Meet Our Staff

Economic Development Director

Lou Hall

Lou is originally from Honeoye Falls, NY and came to Buffalo for college in 2021. He graduated from the University at Buffalo in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science, specializing in public administration and international relations. Before joining WEDI, he interned at the Erie County Executive’s office, where he researched issue areas and provided support for County objectives. He currently lives in Tonawanda, and enjoys being with his family, cooking and reading. Lou was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in February and August of 2024.

Best Advice He Ever Received: “Full speed or nothing” - Metallica

West Side Bazaar Program Coordinator

Lisa Eodice

Lisa is originally from Niagara Falls, NY, and has lived on Buffalo’s West Side for the past four years. She graduated from the University at Buffalo in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology, with a pre-med distinction and a minor in public health. Before joining WEDI, Lisa worked in hospitality where she gained extensive experience in restaurant and event management. Most recently, she organized events and managed front-of-house operations at Thin Man Brewery.

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys reading, live music and concerts, spending time by the water and hosting charcuterie nights with friends. She lives with her five cats—Slater, Bean, Cheeto, LeBron, and Carmelo—now that her son has moved out.

Best Advice She Ever Received: “Be true to yourself and never stop learning.”

Loan Program Manager

Diane Lopes

Diane was born in the coastal area of Northeast Brazil, and moved to Western New York in 2022 as her husband is from Buffalo. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the College of Ipojuca and MBA in Financial Management and Banking from Uninassau. Diane has a decade of experience in the financial sector and most recently, she was a managing partner for a bank correspondent specializing in personal loans. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting and currently she is learning how to make jewelry and keychains using resin. She also loves coffee and baking Brazilian desserts. She resides in Tonawanda with her husband and their orange cat. Diane was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in September 2024.

Best advice she’s ever received: People are afraid of changes. I'm afraid that the things never going to change - Chico Buarque

Community Engagement Coordinator

Antionette McClain

Antionette was born and raised in Buffalo and is currently working on receiving her bachelor’s degree in communication. Prior to WEDI, she worked for Massachusetts Avenue Project, and she is currently a member of the board of directors for Gerard Place, and the Tool Library. She also volunteers for both organizations. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and listening to music. She also loves to travel and experience different cultures. She lives in Buffalo with her husband and their son.

Best advice she’s ever received: Work hard and stay humble.

Events and Catering Manager

Mike Moretti

Originally from central New York, Mike came to Buffalo for graduate school and returned for the music industry. He earned his bachelor’s arts degree from St. Bonaventure in Journalism and Mass Communications and his master’s of science in higher education administration from Buffalo State University. Prior to WEDI, he was the Operations Manager for the Buffalo State University Student Union, the Event Coordinator for University of Northern Iowa, and an Assistant Director for the Campus Center at the University of Albany. In his spare time, he works closely coordinating Buffalo’s music industry and owns a music blog. Mike was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in May 2025.

Best advice he’s received: Buy bitcoin.

Partnership Manage

Purnima Mohan

Purnima has lived in Buffalo for 15 years. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Food & Fermentation Technology from the University of Mumbai, India. Prior to WEDI, she worked for Rich Products and Coca Cola India. Purnima has volunteered with numerous nonprofits and serves as the co-president of her PTSA Council. In her free time she enjoys arts and crafts, singing, dancing, cooking, photography, and volunteering. She lives in Amherst with her husband and son. Purnima was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in January 2022 and September 2023.

Best Advice She Ever Received: When the going gets tough the tough get going!

Underwriter

Sreeja Muppidi

Sreeja's journey to Western New York began with a visit to Niagara Falls and a few years later, she returned to the area to pursue her undergraduate studies at SUNY University at Buffalo where she received he bachelor’s in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. Prior to joining WEDI, she worked as financial analysis intern at Ram International and as a finance student assistant at the University of Buffalo’s Chief Information Officer department. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, working out, and reading the news.

Operations Manager

Maggie Rapp

Maggie was born and raised in Hamburg, NY. She graduated from SUNY Geneseo with bachelor’s degrees in Anthropology and Geography. After graduating from college, she worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA for Grassroots Gardens WNY. Maggie also worked as a farm manager at 5 Loaves Farm and as Operations Director at a small native landscaping company prior to joining WEDI. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, being outside, and hanging out with her baby boy.

Best Advice She’s Ever Received: Actions speak louder than words.

Senior Relationship Manager

Esperance Rwigamba

Esperance moved to Buffalo as a refugee in 2005 and considers it her home. She holds an associate degree in Business Administration from Erie Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Medaille College, and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Buffalo State College. Prior to working at WEDI, Esperance provided services to people with mental health issues and their families. In her free time she enjoys traveling and spending time with family. She lives with her husband and four children. Esperance was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in May 2022.

Best Advice She Ever Received: “My parents advised me to ‘Never give up.’ This helped me achieve my goal of completing my studies even though I had to learn English and computers, along with a new culture.”

Bar Manager

Ron Griffin

Ron has lived most of his life in Buffalo. He has a bachelor's degree in web page development from the University of Phoenix but has been bartending since 1998 and loves the social aspect of being a bartender. Ron is also the owner of Buffalo Bartenders a mobile bartending service throughout WNY.

The best advice he's ever received is "have big dreams but make sure your grind is bigger than those dreams".

Bartender

Angel Thammasithikoun

Angel came to Buffalo as she has relatives that live here. She attended the University at Buffalo where she majored in Graphic Design. Prior to WEDI, she worked as a server and she also did volunteer work in high school. In her spare time, she enjoys playing games and hanging out with friends.

Best advice she’s ever received: Don't compare yourself to others and treat others how you want to be treated.