Not Just Hard Work, but Heart Work
Darrell Buckingham, MBA ā25 is passionate about Central New York. A self-described native son, Buckingham grew up on Syracuseās South Side, cultivating an appreciation for everything that makes the region special ā its culture, its natural beauty and, most importantly, its people. Buckinghamās lived experience taught him how critical it is to provide individuals with the opportunity to build the lives of their choosing. That understanding now serves as the centerpiece of his professional life.
Buckingham is the senior program officer for the Central New York Community Foundation (CNYCF). As such, he supports a range of initiatives that enhance quality of life and advance social, economic and environmental justice throughout the area. He oversees partnerships designed to promote early childhood education and literacy, combat lead poisoning, and develop the workforce. In addition, he also leads the Black Equity and Excellence fund, which provides financial support to community-based projects that uplift and serve Black communities in Central New York.
Itās not just hard work. Itās heart work.ā
Whatās more, it is work that Buckingham and his colleagues are undertaking as the community is on the precipice of incredible change. The impending construction of Micronās new semiconductor fabrication facility in Clay and replacement of I-81 with a new community grid will shape the areaās landscape ā and bring an influx of people to the region. They will also provide community leaders with the chance to evaluate things that might not have been done correctly in the past and to learn from them.
āI canāt help but to be excited about whatās next,ā Buckingham says. āThis is a time for us to come together.ā
This is a season of transition, not just for Central New York, but for Buckingham personally, as he recently graduated from Le Moyneās program. Over the course of his time in the Heights, he found that the Collegeās mission, vision and values closely aligned with his work at the CNYCF. His graduate studies also provided him with what he called a āpersonal and professional tuneupā that will help him to continue to grow in his work.
āIt is not my job to have all of the answers,ā he says. āHowever, it is my responsibility to care for others, and to do everything I can to form alliances to address the areaās challenges and maximize its opportunities. My experience at Le Moyne will help me to do that.ā
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Darrell’s story is part of a series about students in Le Moyneās Master of Business Administration program. An MBA from Le Moyne offers you flexibility, proven outcomes, and real support for your goals.
