Gwendolyn Bork

Gwendolyn Bork is a leader in business and as well as in her community. She is an independent financial advisor, impact strategist, non-profit founder, published author of her autobiography, Walking the Fine Line, recording artist, “The Red Revolution,” public speaker and public policy advocate.

Since 2018, Ms. Bork has owned and operated Queen City Collaborative as a consultant to business owners and non-profit organizations. She provides guidance on legacy building through social and cultural impact strategies, leadership training and development. She is a graduate of the University at Buffalo Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and UPenn for Social Impact Strategy.

As founder and President of FOCUS – For Our Community Unity & Support – the Lancaster/ Depew New York Addiction Prevention Coalition, Ms. Bork serves as the Project Coordinator to prevent and reduce substance use among youth through community collaboration and youth empowerment. The Coalition works with 12 sectors, including youth, parents, businesses, law enforcement, government, schools, and healthcare providers, to carry out its mission using data-driven, evidence-based environmental strategies under the direction of the White House Office of Drug Control Policy and the CDC. FOCUS received federal, State, and county recognition this past year for starting the area’s first Youth Addiction Prevention Foundation.

Ms. Bork is a New York State Board Certified Addiction Recovery Coach and Trainer, providing the addiction recovery community with support, resources and services.

She is an active member of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, President of the WNY National Academy Foundation, which teaches students financial literacy and life skills, and has served on the Advisory Board for the Depew High School Academy of Finance since 2018.

Ms. Bork is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including the Regional 2021 WNY Chemical Dependency Consortium “Community Achievement Gold Key Award” for her work in addiction, the National 2021 “Catalyst Award Honorable Mention” by Invest in Others for her community work as a financial advisor, the 2020 “Ambassador of Inspiration Award,” the 2019 “Agent of Change Award” by the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, and the 2018 “Business First 40 Under 40 Young Leader Award,” presented by Buffalo Business First.