Eighth Annual Three Minute Thesis Competition

Executive Director, Explore Buffalo

Brad Hahn is the executive director of Explore Buffalo, Buffalo's leading nonprofit tour organization. As executive director, Brad is responsible for organizational leadership and strategy for Explore Buffalo's growing array of tours and educational programs.

During Brad's time as an executive director, Explore Buffalo has grown from an annual attendance of 6,000 in 2014 to more than 25,000 in 2019. Explore Buffalo has significantly expanded its presence across the region and has been included in travel profiles of Buffalo in national and global publications including the Wall Street Journal, the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, and many others. Today, Explore Buffalo has more than 200 volunteers who lead over 80 different walking, bike, bus and boat tours across our region, with more than 1,600 tours scheduled per year.

Brad was a Presidential Scholar at the University at Buffalo, receiving a degree in English, geography, and political science. Brad is on the selection committee for the Prosperity Fellowship at the University at Buffalo. Brad grew up in Williamsville and now lives in North Buffalo.

Sr. Director of Research and Development, ACV

Dr. Philip Schneider graduated with his PhD in electrical engineering from the University at Buffalo and now leads the research and development team as a senior director at tech unicorn company ACV.

His research has proven highly beneficial and innovative to the scientific and automotive community, as demonstrated by his 20+ publications and eight patents. His team was responsible for developing some of ACV's flagship technologies like the Virtual Life™, Audio Motor Profile (AMP), APEX, and continues to push the boundaries in the automotive and AI tech space. He currently sits on Western New York's Invention Convention Board and plays an active role in the region's start-up community.

Principal, Bellwether Advisors, LLC and Shainbrown Komin, PLLC

Danielle Shainbrown combines extensive real estate and commercial development experience together with legal expertise and strong business acumen. Through her experience as a commercial litigator and corporate attorney at Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham coupled with her decade-long tenure at McGuire Development Company, Danielle has developed a vast knowledge of real estate markets, property management, legal processes and business efficiencies. Her expertise spans all aspects of the real estate development industry from client consulting and project visioning to negotiating agreements and securing project financing. Danielle's comprehensive background allows her to anticipate trends and client needs before they emerge, and provide oversight and compliance reporting and development of corporate best practices. As a lifelong resident of Western New York, her thorough understanding of the real estate climate in the community places her on the cutting edge of real estate development and revitalization. 

Danielle is passionate about supporting the community and serves several local non-profit organizations. She is the immediate past chair of the ARC Erie County Board of Directors, Vice Chair of the YMCA Buffalo Niagara Board of Directors, Audit Committee Chair of the Buffalo Bills Foundation, and a board member of the UB Foundation. Danielle is also a member of the 2022 Dopkins Advisory Board. She is also a member of the Leadership Buffalo Class of 2011. Danielle is a proud recipient of the Buffalo Business First "40 Under 40" Awards (2012), Power 125 Women (2019), Power 150 Women (2020), Power 200 Women (2021) and Power 250 Women (2022) and a member of the Bar Association of Erie County.

CEO, Sadie's Foods and TV Host, WKBW Channel 7

Mercedes Wilson is a professional storyteller/television host who thrives in sharing the best stories with others. She has 14 years of experience in corporate and non-profit management and is a new force to be reckoned with in the food space. She previously hosted The Mercedes Wilson Show, co-hosting AM Buffalo (WKBW/ABC), and is currently the host of 7Life and Recipes for 7Life on WKBW (ABC Affiliate in Buffalo, NY). She is also the CEO of Sadie's Foods, a pickled relish sold in over 125 grocery stores in the northeast. After a battle with breast cancer in 2011, she started a non-profit organization called For Our Daughters Inc., which has served over 6,000 young women by teaching them how to advocate for their health and wellness.