UB BEAM program hires executive director

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Monika McFoy, who formerly worked as an academic coach coordinator in the University at Buffalo Academic Resource Center, was named executive director of the Buffalo Engineering Awareness for Minorities (BEAM) program in the UB School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

BEAM is a cooperative educational enrichment program that prepares underrepresented students between the seventh and 12th grade for careers in science, engineering and technology.

In her new role, McFoy will coordinate BEAM’s various summer programs, student competitions and fundraising initiatives.

 “I joined BEAM because I have a passion for working with young people,” says McFoy. “As executive director of this program, I have an awesome opportunity to create positive change for the lives of young people in our community. My goal is to increase awareness about careers in engineering and other technical fields, particularly for young women and minorities, and eventually support them into careers of their own.”

McFoy’s previous positions include community programs manager for the Buffalo Museum of Science and graduate intern for both Medaille College’s TRIO program and the UB School of Management’s graduate programs office.

McFoy graduated from SUNY Buffalo State with a bachelor’s degree in English and is completing a master’s degree in higher education student affairs administration.

BEAM was founded in 1982 by the School of Engineering, Praxair, Omega Phi Phi Fraternity and the Buffalo Public Schools.