University at Buffalo School of Management

Spring 2025 Buffalo Business 25 only have stability until their bodies can't continue. So, I wanted to create a viable business, not just a fun place to teach dance." Slatt now employs a staff of 30 (23 part-timers, seven full-timers), several of whom have nearly 10 years with the business. She is also committed to promoting equitable access to dance education as the president of Perfect Point Foundation, a nonprofit that provides need-based scholarships for aspiring dancers in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Championing visual art When John Lapiana, BS '84, walks into the main entrance of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, he feels connected to his purpose. "Observing museumgoers or school groups exploring an exhibit really motivates me," he says. "It reminds me that I am helping our team create transformative experiences." The museum welcomes 140,000 visitors annually. As the newly appointed director, Lapiana brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked for the Smithsonian Institution — the world's largest museum, education and research complex — since 1998. His work promotes cross-cultural under- standing by showcasing a diverse range of traditional, modern and contemporary African art. One project he is particularly proud of is the Benin Bronzes exhibit, which displays cast-copper alloy and ivory works. The art was in the museum's collection for many years, but returned to Nigeria in 2022 as part of the Smithsonian's policy of ethical returns and shared stewardship of collections. "Ethically, it was wrong to keep the objects. Nigeria lent us back nine works and the exhibit allows us to explain how museums need to work with communities of origin," Lapiana says. "When I was a student, I never could have imagined my career would lead me to this point, and it is fulfilling to be shaping a more ethical future for museums and cultural institutions." Behind the music Brenda Turteltaub Feldstein, PMBA '06, is an award-winning creative director and founder of A Special Story, a video production company where she uses her MBA skills in her role as a documentarian. Feldstein has worked with Holocaust survivors, refugees and several nonprofit leaders — all who have meaningful stories to tell. "Businesses and organizations can strug- gle to connect with audiences," she says. "I am able to use science-backed storytelling techniques to create compel- ling films that raise awareness about important issues and inspire action." Her current project amplifies the reach of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, which is celebrating its 90th year. Feldstein is following the orchestra and its trailblazing conduc- tor, JoAnn Falletta, behind the scenes for the current season as she writes, directs and produces a documentary in partnership with Pan-Am films. And, her recent mini documentary about the orchestra's Mahler Resurrection Symphony and Falletta's 25-year anniversary was recently selected by the New York City Short Film Festival to be shown with 16 other films the festival is spotlighting for being visu- ally, politically and creatively daring. "Through storytelling, you create bridges and understanding between people," she says. "It is life-changing work." Lapiana Turteltaub Feldstein Dancers at Perfect Point Music and Dance perform choreography created by Kendra Slatt, BS '06. Art from the Benin Bronzes: Ambassadors of the Oba exhibit displayed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art. Photo: Brad Simpson "Through storytelling, you create bridges and understanding between people. It is life-changing work." Brenda Turteltaub Feldstein, PMBA '06 Creative Director and Founder A Special Story

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