Robert G. Wilmers Integrity Prize Given to Charter School On The Eastside

Sometimes, when you're surrounded by greatness, you forget just how extraordinary the people around you really are. As a proud board member of Persistence Preparatory Academy (PPA), I recently received an email celebrating our founder, Joelle Formato, for receiving another award.

My first thought? That's just Joelle being Joelle! Another accomplishment, another reason to celebrate her because people get to see what we already know!

But then I reread the email from our board chair. And that's when it hit me. This wasn't just another award. This was BIG!

Joelle Formato:The Robert G. Wilmers Integrity Prize

Joelle was named one of three recipients of the prestigious Robert G. Wilmers Integrity Prize, an honor recognizing individuals whose leadership, integrity, and commitment to service create meaningful change.

Named after the late M&T Bank chairman and CEO Robert G. Wilmers, the prize celebrates people who lead with character and make a lasting difference.

According to our board chair, this year's three honorees were selected from approximately 600 applicants across 29 states. The awards were presented by Governor Kathy Hochul, M&T Bank CEO René Jones, and renowned attorney H. Rodgin Cohen.

Now that's something worth celebrating! But here's what makes this recognition even more special to me.

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of honoring Joelle as one of my Talented Ten at my annual The Go Getta Mix & Mingle, an event dedicated to celebrating women who are doing the work, making an impact, and creating opportunities for others.

Joelle represents exactly what that recognition is about.

In 2018, she founded Persistence Preparatory Academy, a tuition-free public charter school on Buffalo's East Side. What began with 95 scholars in kindergarten and first grade has grown into a K–8 institution serving approximately 500 students.

Located at 378 Urban Street, Persistence Prep provides rigorous academics, leadership development, and college preparation beginning in kindergarten. Its mission is rooted in a belief I wholeheartedly support: An excellent education is a civil right.

Beyond academics, the school offers enrichment in music, art, dance, STEAM, and physical education while emphasizing community, respect, grit, enthusiasm, justice, and persistence.

And to think, all of this started with a vision. What I admire most about Joelle is her ability to dream BIG, execute, and somehow make it all look effortless. She's not chasing the spotlight. She's focused on the work and the scholars whose futures are being shaped every day.

As a board member, witnessing that commitment firsthand is a privilege. I'm incredibly proud of Joelle, our scholars, our educators, and everyone helping move this mission forward.

Because true leadership isn't measured by how many awards you receive, but by how many lives you impact along the way.

Congratulations, Joelle! Keep being Joelle.

The impact speaks for itself.

Learn more about Persistence Preparatory Academy at www.persistenceprep.org.