Colette Griffin Romano, EdM ‘74
Colette Griffin Romano, M.Ed. ’74 was a celebrated student and career trailblazer in her field of work and a lifelong advocate for people building a better workplace. She was born on January 14, 1951, in New Brunswick, NY, and raised in Towanda, PA. Colette’s early years set the foundation for a life marked by academic excellence, leadership, and service to others.
A graduate of St. Agnes School (1964) and Towanda Senior High School (1968), Colette continued her educational journey at Misericordia University, earning her B.A. in Sociology in 1972, graduating magna cum laude. Her undergraduate years were decorated with prestigious honors including a full tuition scholarship, induction into the Kappa Gamma Pi Honor Society and Sigma Phi Sigma National Society, a feature in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, and involvement in the student government and a member of the French club.
Colette pursued her graduate studies at the University at Buffalo, where she earned her Master of Education in 1974, again receiving a full tuition scholarship because of her hard work and dedication to the field. During her time at UB, she served as a Dormitory Director – an early reflection of her ability to guide, support, and uplift others.
Following her graduation from UB, Colette built an extraordinary 40‑year career in Human Resources and labor relations in Buffalo, NY. Entering the field at a time when it was heavily dominated by men, she quickly became well-known for her integrity, expertise, and commitment to building stronger, more equitable workplaces. Her career included leadership roles at top organizations including F.N. Burt Company, FedEx Corporation, the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo, and Child & Family Services of Erie County – where she was recognized as “Manager of the Year.”
Beyond her organizational leadership, Colette founded and operated Griffin Associates, a consulting firm serving clients across Western New York. She also contributed her insight as a regular columnist for Buffalo Business First and other periodicals. At the heart of all her accomplishments was Colette’s profound care for people.
Alongside her professional accomplishments, she found great joy in building a family with her husband, Tony, and in her roles as a mother of two, mother‑in‑law, and grandmother.
The Colette Griffin Romano Scholarship in the UB School of Management honors Colette’s unwavering dedication to education, mentorship, and the advancement of others, ensuring that her spirit of leadership and service will continue to impact future generations.