Changemakers of Niagara: Ken Colella

By: Alize Rosado

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – Niagara University prides itself on its Vincentian mission and having students who embrace this message both academically and spiritually. Ken Colella, a senior at NU, embraces these values and was able to turn a class project into an opportunity that led him to becoming a board member at a non-profit organization.

So how exactly did a school project turn into a leadership opportunity? Colella became involved with Niagara Heritage Hope and Service through his Principles of Management class at NU. In this class students acted as a consulting group and worked with a local organization. After the class ended, Colella stayed in contact with Historic Holy Trinity and was asked if he would be interested in doing the bookkeeping for the organization. Eventually he was asked to take on the role of Treasurer and became the youngest board member at the organization.

Part of Colella’s responsibilities include bookkeeping and tracking the financials for the organization. Alongside that he works with other board members to help keep the church running. After graduation Colella aspires to manage his own company.

“Being involved with this organization has given me more experience in working with a professional non-profit along with allowing me to see what the Niagara Falls community is actually like and how we can service their needs” said Colella. From this opportunity, Colella has not only gained leadership experience but helped serve the Vincentian mission as well.

“We are in line with the Vincentian mission because we aim to educate and help people within the community” said Colella. “We operate a thrift store on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well as work with youth groups and offer space to groups or organizations who need a place to meet.”

Niagara Heritage of Hope and Service, also known as Historic Holy Trinity, is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2008. Located at 1419 Falls Street, their mission is to make a positive difference in the local and visiting community by providing educational services, professional support, social opportunities and spiritual support and instruction.

Historic Holy Trinity is always looking for student volunteers. If students or clubs are interested in volunteering Historic Holy Trinity can be reached at 716-299-0799 or info@historicht.org.