Talisa King currently serves as the Live Well Erie Project Coordinator and the 2025 Afterschool Alliance Ambassador of the Year. With over 24 years of dedicated service to the Western New York Community, she brings deep expertise in youth programming, nonprofit leadership, and advocacy for underserved and at-risk populations. Talisa holds degrees in Community and Human Services and Business Management, blending compassionate insight with strategic acumen to drive meaningful change.

As a Senior Fellow for the Institute for Nonprofit Practice, Talisa equips nonprofit leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks to make mission-driven decisions that prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Her transformative leadership continues to inspire substantial change within organizations and communities.

She is the only certified Arthritis Foundation Connect Facilitator in Western New York, providing local support and hosting inclusive events for individuals living with arthritis. In May 2018, Talisa launched the Arthritis Support Network–Buffalo, a community-based initiative formally recognized by the City of Buffalo—Mayor Byron Brown proclaimed May 12, 2018, as “Arthritis Support Network Day” in her honor. Since June 2022, she has served as the National African American Facilitator for Arthritis Foundation support groups, offering culturally responsive programming and outreach nationwide. As Chair of the Walk to Cure Arthritis Buffalo, Talisa has mobilized over 400 walkers and raised more than $100,000 for arthritis research and support.

Talisa also leads as Chairperson of the Buffalo Black Achiever Scholarship Fund, supporting graduating seniors of color from Buffalo Public and Charter Schools. Her leadership ensures equitable access to scholarship opportunities and celebrates academic excellence within the community.

She also serves on the board of the Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station Coalition, helping to preserve the legacy and cultural significance of the Historic Michigan Street Baptist Church, a cornerstone of Buffalo’s African American heritage and a vital site on the Underground Railroad.

Her civic impact has been recognized by New York State Assemblywoman Monica Wallace, who named her a Woman of Distinction in Civic Engagement. She is also the proud recipient of the Mary Talbert Civic Engagement Award (Community Changemaker) and the Black Achievers in Industry Award, honors that reflect her unwavering dedication to equity, empowerment, and community transformation.