Rocks of Unity
Alexa Zappia is the Founder and Director of Rocks of Unity - a philanthropic organization, geared towards individuals of all ages, which affirms diversity as a strength through kindness, acceptance, and unity. What started as a lesson plan during her student teaching training cycle to highlight the differences among students, faculty, and staff on her college's campus has now turned into a social movement reaching over 25 countries and 35 states. Additionally, Alexa has also established a branch of Rocks of Unity called Rocks of Unity Rock Stars. Through these endorsements, celebrities also decorate a rock to represent their identity in solidarity with the foundational values of the brand. Some of these participants include Hoda Kotb, James Taylor, Harry Connick Jr., Ryan Seacrest, Kelly Ripa, Ellen DeGeneres, Michael Bublé, Kristin Chenoweth, Andy Cohen, David Boreanaz, Theresa Caputo, and Shoshana Bean.
Megan McElfresh is a nationally recognized speaker, dedicated artisan, and community advocate with deep roots at the intersection of preservation trades, architectural glass art, and community service. Megan has spent her career championing initiatives that connect craftsmanship with community revitalization. Growing up in stained glass studios instilled in her a passion for hands-on creative trades education, while her relentless curiosity about glass as a material and her research into community economic systems drive her to build innovative, collaborative solutions that strengthen community connections. As the Executive Director of the Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA), she is committed to breaking down barriers to craftsmanship education, recognizing that our history is not merely a relic but a living, evolving story that must be nurtured through collaboration and inclusive innovation. Her studio focuses first and foremost on community-centered projects, specializing in complex public art initiatives that bring diverse groups together to create innovative solutions—often serving as the team communities turn to when facing their most challenging projects.
We Are One Buffalo, 2026
River rocks, oil paint, fused glass, Laticrete
Rocks of Unity is a Buffalo-founded educational initiative that celebrates diversity through interactive workshops where people of all backgrounds create personalized rocks expressing their identities, which are then transformed into permanent public art installations promoting kindness, inclusion, and unity over hate and intolerance. This installation reflects the spirit of Buffalo as the "City of Good Neighbors." Just as fans from every walk of life gather together for Bills games, concerts, and major events, Rocks of Unity demonstrates how diverse individuals can come together as one community. From a distance, the installation stands as one unified piece of art. Up close, each rock reveals the individuality and diversity of Bills fans all around the country that make up our community and fanbase.
Special Thanks to: Nicole Deneve, Brett Deneve, Tracie Zappia, Lowes (Transit Road location), Walmart (Hamburg, Lockport, Williamsville locations)