Building Bridges: A Community Conversation with Cheryl McKissack Daniel

Building Bridges is a signature community conversation series presented by Intersect Buffalo. The series connects national trailblazers with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and residents to spark dialogue around innovation, entrepreneurship, and equitable development.

Each event is designed to bridge legacy, leadership, and local impact—creating space for ideas, inspiration, and real conversations that help move Buffalo’s East Side forward.

President & CEO, McKissack & McKissack

Cheryl McKissack Daniel is the President and CEO of McKissack & McKissack, the oldest minority- and woman-owned design and construction management firm in the United States, founded more than 120 years ago. Based in New York City, the firm manages billions of dollars in major infrastructure projects, including Penn Station, LaGuardia Airport, Harlem Hospital Center, and Columbia University.

A fifth-generation engineer and proud Howard University graduate, Cheryl represents legacy leadership, resilience, and Black excellence. Her personal journey and professional impact make her a powerful voice for communities focused on long-term, equitable growth.

Buffalo’s East Side stands at a critical intersection of history, opportunity, and revitalization. Through its Empowerment District, Intersect Buffalo is advancing equitable growth rooted in Entrepreneurship, Education, Equity, and Engagement, the four E’s that guide its mission.

Cheryl McKissack Daniel’s leadership aligns seamlessly with this work:

• Entrepreneurship: A living example of multi-generational business ownership and sustainability
• Equity: A Black woman leading one of the nation’s largest construction management firms
• Engagement: Providing direct access to inspiration, mentorship, and possibility for Buffalo residents

Mt. Olive Baptist Church Community Center | 877 E. Delavan Ave, Buffalo, NY 14215

Thursday, January 29th, 2026 | 6 PM – 8 PM

6:00 – 6:30 PM
Networking & Community Connections

6:30 – 7:30 PM
Community Conversation & Fireside Chat featuring Cheryl McKissack Daniel and Kyria Stephens, CEO of Intersect Buffalo, followed by audience Q&A

7:30 – 8:00 PM
Book Signing & Continued Networking

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Mt Olive Baptist Church, 701 East Delavan Avenue, Buffalo, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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