Orlando Dickson, J.D., is a father, a Chicago-native, and an adjunct professor at Medaille College. Orlando experienced homelessness and poverty in his youth but managed to succeed with the help of family and government programs. To “pay it forward,” Orlando joined the U.S. Army for nine years, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. After his service, Orlando attended law school at the University at Buffalo and dedicated himself to public advocacy work once becoming an Open Buffalo Emerging Leader in 2017. Orlando is active in multiple community roles: a community health worker, a senior member of the Buffalo Police Advisory Board, a board director for Housing Opportunities Made Equal, and a group leader for the Breaking Barriers program. As the Civic Educator, Orlando’s Mission is to educate our partners, community groups, residents, and underrepresented young adults about active self-government, advocacy, public policy construction, and how local government works.