WNY SCHOLARS
FOUNDATION
Our Mission
Dedicated to fostering academic excellence and opportunity, our 501(c)(3) non-profit is committed to empowering the youth of Western New York. Through scholarship programs tailored for students pursuing education in public high schools and college, we aim to break down barriers to learning and cultivate a community where every young person has the chance to thrive. By investing in their futures, we not only support individual aspirations but also contribute to the growth and prosperity of our region.
Board of Directors
Justin MacFarland is the President of the WNY Scholars Foundation, a Western New York nonprofit dedicated to helping local students pursue their educational and career goals.
A lifelong advocate for the Western New York community, Justin is passionate about creating opportunities for students and investing in the next generation of local leaders. Through the WNY Scholars Foundation, he is helping build scholarship programs that recognize outstanding students at area high schools while working to expand the Foundation’s reach and impact throughout the region.
Justin works for Toshiba Business Solutions and is actively involved in several Western New York business and community organizations. His involvement in local businesses, schools, youth programs, and community events has given him a strong connection to the people and organizations that make Western New York special.
Justin believes that meaningful change starts locally — by giving people opportunities, building strong communities, and helping young people see what is possible for their future.
Justin MacFarland
PRESIDENT
Colleen Burke
SECRETARY
Jessica Martinez
TREASURER
I’m an Insurance Broker with Emerling, Floss, Murphy. I believe business is about more than policies, premiums, and transactions—it’s about people.
For more than 9 years, I’ve helped businesses navigate their insurance needs with a focus on building long-term relationships, providing honest advice, and making insurance easier to understand.
But what matters most to me extends beyond the office. I believe strongly in service above self and giving back to the communities that have given so much to me. I’m fortunate to serve on local boards like the Ken-Ton Rotary and the WNY Scholars
Foundation.
Whether I’m helping a business protect what they’ve built or supporting a local nonprofit, my goal is the same: leave people and the community better than I found them.
Insurance is what I do.
Service is how I do it.
Giving back is why it matters.
Alex Fursman
Emerling, Floss. Murphy