Published November 25, 2025
BY DANIELLE LEGARE
GSE students named 2025 Western New York Prosperity Fellows
Two students from the University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education have been selected as recipients of the prestigious Prentice Family Foundation’s Western New York Prosperity Fellowship for 2025.
Elnaz Amini, a master’s student in the higher education and student affairs EdM program, and Jahare Hudson, a PhD student in the counseling psychology and school psychology program, are among 33 UB students to be named Prosperity Fellows this year.
The fellowship, supported by the Prentice Family Foundation, is awarded to college and graduate students who demonstrate entrepreneurial drive and a commitment to strengthening the Western New York region. Fellows receive financial support of up to $25,000, a paid credit-bearing internship and access to a $2,000 enrichment fund for professional development.
In exchange, fellows commit to working in Western New York for at least two of the 10 years following graduation, contributing their knowledge, skills and leadership to the local community.
About GSE’s Prosperity Fellows
Elnaz Amini, a master’s student in the higher education and student affairs EdM program.
Elnaz Amini
Born and raised in Herat, Afghanistan, Amini immigrated to the U.S. with her family in 2016. A first-generation college student, she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from UB, where she was recognized as an Educational Opportunity Program Distinguished Scholar.
Her passion for higher education and leadership development grew through her work as a first-generation peer mentor, academic coach and student engagement ambassador. She now serves as a graduate assistant for leadership and development in UB’s Office of Student Engagement, and as a graduate assistant for the Western New York Sophomore Externship Experience Program.
Earlier this year, Amini received the Dorothy M. Haas Community Engagement Award, part of UB’s Pillars of Leadership awards, in recognition of her service and leadership on campus.
“Being part of the Western New York Prosperity Fellowship has been the highlight of my graduate journey. The fellowship community is inspiring and supportive, and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” said Amini.
“Through this transformative experience, I gain valuable professional development experiences and learn from business leaders and community changemakers across Western New York,” she added.
Jahare Hudson
Hudson, a Buffalo native, is pursuing his doctorate in counseling psychology with a research focus on the experiences of Black LGBTQ+ individuals. His dedication to advocacy and policy development builds on his leadership as a two-term president of the undergraduate student body at Canisius University, where he represented and amplified students' voices.
He is a member of several honor societies, including Omicron Delta Kappa, Alpha Sigma Nu, DiGamma, and Psi Chi. He holds affiliations with the American Psychological Association and the Society of Counseling Psychology.
Jahare Hudson, a PhD student in the counseling psychology and school psychology program.
“Being a Prosperity Fellow means that other people see, within me, the ability to do so many great things in this world for people. My purpose has always been to reinforce love within the world. Being a fellow means that others see this purpose through my ideas and believe in it, too,” said Hudson. “There is nothing more reaffirming, for me, than that other people can see what I see, to believe in me and my vision and purpose, and be willing to put themselves and their resources behind me, too. It is humbling, truly, and I could not be more grateful and blessed.”
Looking ahead, Hudson hopes to pursue an American Psychological Association Congressional Fellowship, working on Capitol Hill to help draft legislation and policies that support marginalized communities.
“My goals have always been to learn from those doing the necessary work: recognizing the harms of systemic oppressions and seeking to remedy those harms equitably. There are so many doing that work, from senators to community organizers, and this fellowship places me in proximity with other like-minded individuals,” he said.
Nathan J. Daun-Barnett, GSE associate professor and associate dean for faculty and student affairs, praised both students for their dedication to leadership and community impact.
“We are incredibly proud of Elnaz Almini and Jahare Hudson for being named Prosperity Fellows through UB’s Startup and Innovation Collaboratory (CoLab). Their commitment to advancing educational opportunities and student well-being, while making a real difference in Western New York, reflects the very best of the Graduate School of Education,” said Daun-Barnett. “Elnaz’s work in higher education and student affairs and Jahare’s scholarship in counseling and educational psychology demonstrate both academic excellence and a deep dedication to service. Their leadership will shape stronger, more equitable pathways for students and communities across our region. We are delighted to celebrate their accomplishments.”
Giving back
Since its founding in 2009, the Prentice Family Foundation’s Western New York Prosperity Fellowship has supported more than 400 students at UB and Canisius University. By blending financial support, real-world experience and a commitment to regional impact, the program empowers students to build careers that strengthen the local economy and community.
For Amini and Hudson, the fellowship represents both recognition of their accomplishments and an opportunity to further their commitment to Western New York.
“This fellowship has strengthened my commitment to contributing to Western New York economic growth and development, a region I am proud to call home,” said Amini.
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