Meet Our 2026 Nominees

Dr. Cortasia Solomon-Carter	Elizabeth Ball	Hy-Deia Elwadi
Dr. Cortasia Solomon-Carter is the Director of Government for the Buffalo Common Council and a community leader and advocate in Buffalo, New York, with over 30 years of experience supporting neighborhoods, block clubs, and local organizations. She specializes in civic engagement, community organizing, financial empowerment, and building strategic partnerships that create measurable impact. Dr. Solomon-Carter brings extensive experience coordinating citywide initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and large-scale community programs. She brings budget awareness, resource allocation, compliance accountability, and stakeholder engagement, supporting long-term sustainability and trust in the organizations she serves. She is currently leading the third annual 2026 Buffalo Common Council Money Mastery Series, a financial empowerment initiative focused on financial fitness, homeownership, credit building, banking access, and long-term wealth strategies for families across Buffalo. Her work is guided by transparency, accountability, and equitable access to opportunity. She holds a doctorate in Philosophy and Divinity and a Master of Science degree, she is committed to ethical leadership, sound governance, and empowering individuals and families to build lasting financial security.	With nearly three decades of experience in the publishing industry, Elizabeth has held diverse roles such as Operations’ Workforce Planning and Training, Quality Control, Direct to Consumer, and Retail Channel Marketing. Currently, she serves as Senior Director of Customer Service at HarperCollins Publishers, where her lifelong passion for books continues to be a dream fulfilled. A graduate of Canisius College, Elizabeth is committed to sustainability as a certified Carbonaut, actively advocating for environmental stewardship through reducing, reusing, and recycling. She seeks innovative ways to foster greener practices both personally and professionally. Elizabeth believes in a philosophy of “Give to Gain”: advocating mentorship for young Leaders, supporting local food pantries, blood donation, and championing small businesses. She believes in using her resources and talents to support others whenever possible. Residing in Cheektowaga with her husband, two daughters, and two rescue dogs, Elizabeth enjoys traveling, exploring farmers markets, and discovering new restaurants. A member of her Credit Union for over 25 years, Elizabeth joined the GNCU Advisory Board in 2024.	Hy-Deia Elwadi, also known as Deia, is a versatile community leader, public relations professional, spoken word artist, public speaker, and marketing innovator from Rochester, N.Y. With a passion for creativity and purpose, she seamlessly blends her art with impactful community leadership. She uses her dynamic personality and skillset to connect with others. Hy-Deia combines her passion for communication with a strong academic foundation, holding a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from SUNY Brockport. Hy-Deia is an Ubuntu advocate and has competed with Buffalo's National Slam Team, "Pure Ink Poetry," using her personal experiences and societal taboos to spark conversations. Hy-Deia has been volunteering with GNCU’s Advisory Committee and Board of Directors for two years! You may recognize her from last year’s ballot, where she was filling a mid-year vacancy. She is now running for her first full term!

Note: All members eligible to vote may also make nominations for Board of Director vacancies by petition signed by 100 members. Petitions must be submitted at least 40 days before the Annual Meeting.

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