[1][2][3] A BSU Presidential Scholar and Emens scholar,[4] Buffie earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in visual communications from Ball State University in 2008, with a concentration in photography and a minor in dance performance.

During her academic career she received numerous awards and honors.

After interning with Lois Greenfield and Macfadden Publications (publisher of Dance Magazine and Pointe), she began designing professionally for movmnt magazine.

The next year, she was crowned Miss Southeast New York,[6] and won the Miss New York 2010 title with the platform "Straight for Equality: Let's Talk".

[7] Buffie is the writer of a children's poem book called Babies, Biscuits, Bears, and Seashore Fun, and an active volunteer in New York's Safe Schools Program, which helps schools reduce bullying and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.