Lou Jean Fleron

Lou Jean Fleron is former director of Cornell University ILR Buffalo Co-Lab, a collaborative research, teaching, and public knowledge center for progressive economic development in Greater Buffalo. Co-Lab initiatives include student-engaged learning through High Road Fellowships and Careers in Public Service; the interactive digital library, researchers network, and workshops of Buffalo Commons; the technical and analytical economic geography resource of Data for Equitable Economic Development and Sustainability (Good DEEDS for Greater Buffalo); and the visiting activist scholar exchange between Buffalo and the campus in Ithaca.

Lou Jean is also co-founder and current board chair of Partnership for the Public Good, a community-based think-tank with over 290 affiliated partners that works closely with Buffalo Co-Lab to give the nonprofit community and citizens a stronger voice in public policy. She was the first chair of the City of Buffalo Living Wage Commission.