Never A Spectator: A Civic Engagement Forum

 

Never a Spectator

Date: Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Time: 4:00-7:30 PM
Location: University Club - Ballroom B
Keynote: Why Being Mission Driven Matters with Majestic Lane, Chief Equity Officer, Allegheny Conference on Community Development - Watch Recording
 

Why Attend

students attending 2022 Never a Spectator

The Never a Spectator Civic Engagement Forum is a unique opportunity for Pitt students to network with some of the region’s most prominent leaders, including leaders from government and politics, foundation executives, and nonprofit and business leaders. Students join these visionaries and mentors for an evening and dinner reception devoted to sharing a vision for public service, inspiring action, and developing the pipeline of leadership needed to foster sustainable growth and regional transformation as Pittsburgh continues to evolve as one of America’s premier cities. 
 
During the event, students learn about the incredible legacy of Elsie Hillman and engage in small group discussions with their community mentors from the nonprofit, business, and government sectors to learn how they can jumpstart their own community involvement and make a positive impact. 

Benefits

  • Connect and grow relationships with established regional leaders
  • Learn how you can make a difference by getting involved with civic engagement programs at Pitt
  • Earn Outside the Classroom Curriculum (OCC) credit - Leadership Development

Eligibility

All University of Pittsburgh students pursuing any major or degree are welcome to register and attend. 

2023 Keynote Speaker

Majestic LaneMajestic Lane

Chief Equity Officer - Allegheny Conference on Community Development 

Majestic Lane has over 20 years of experience as a nonprofit executive, municipal leader, and social entrepreneur.  Majestic is the Chief Equity Officer for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. In this role, Majestic leads the Conference’s efforts to advance economic equity and inclusion for the ten-county region of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Prior to his leadership at the conference, Majestic served as Deputy Chief of Staff and the inaugural Chief Equity Officer in the City of Pittsburgh’s office of Mayor William Peduto where he established the city of Pittsburgh’s first Office of Equity and led the Peduto administration's focus on opportunity for all residents of the City of Pittsburgh in Education, Workforce Development, Safe & Healthy Communities and Digital Inclusion.

Majestic has also served as a director on several boards including the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, Partner4Work & Repair the World. Connect on LinkedIn
 

2023 Community Mentors

Mentors are being added weekly. Check back soon for our complete list of this year's participants.

Samantha BalbierSamantha Balbier

Director | The University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics (IOP) and Elsie Hillman Civic Forum

Samantha became the Director of the Institute of Politics (IOP) and the Elsie Hillman Civic Forum in early 2019. Prior to joining the IOP, she worked on a range of public policy issues facing the nonprofit sector as the Executive Director of the Forbes Funds’ Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership (GPNP), a coalition of over 450 organizations from Southwestern Pennsylvania. There, she worked with regional leaders to advocate on behalf of the sector to address federal and state issues such as charitable tax status, healthcare reform, overtime rules, tax reform, behavioral health, state performance-based budgeting, and the then-upcoming 2020 US Census. She has a breadth of knowledge in issue-based policy, especially in the fields of pediatric environmental health, green building design, early childhood education, and human services. Over the past twenty years, she has filled a range of roles including working in philanthropy as program staff at the Heinz Endowments, as an Executive Director of an environmental health nonprofit, and as a special consultant to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning, where she launched a statewide initiative that engaged five state departments. 

Her policy analysis and program development activities reflect the importance of strategically engaging content experts with elected and government officials and have resulted in Pennsylvania being awarded the Excellence in Environmental Protection of Children from the Children’s Environmental Health Network in 2014, as well as the Innovation in Education Award for the 2016 GPNP Behavioral Health Public Policy Cohort awarded by Mental Health America. 

Samantha holds bachelor’s degrees in Business and Social Work from Mercyhurst University. She received her master’s in Social Work with an emphasis in Public Policy and Community Organizing from Pitt in 1998. Samantha received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work in 2018. She is incredibly grateful to the University and her former graduate school advisor, the late Dr. Morton Coleman, Founder of the Institute of Politics, who guided her toward this career in public policy. Connect on LinkedIn

 

Donminika Brown

Acting Chief Financial Officer | Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT)

Donminika was hired as PRT's deputy chief financial officer in July 2023 and is currently serving as the acting chief financial officer. Her responsibilities include overseeing financial planning and budgets, as well as capital programs and grants. Donminika has strong roots in Pittsburgh, having attended Pittsburgh Public Schools, the Community College of Allegheny County, and the University of Pittsburgh. She received her Masters degree in the Science of Accounting from the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. Prior to joining PRT, Donminika worked at Primary Care Health Services, where she was the financial controller and chief financial officer. Donminika serves as the Board Treasurer for POWER; a non-profit organization that provides drug and alcohol recovery services primarily to women, and Flourishing Communities, a non-profit that aims to mitigate barriers to food and mental, spiritual and physical health. Connect on LinkedIn

 

Lance ChimkaLance Chimka

Economic Development Director | Allegheny County

Lance Chimka became Director of Allegheny County Economic Development in 2018.  As director, he leads the county agency responsible for business expansion, community development, planning, real estate development and affordable housing projects for the county.

Mr. Chimka previously worked within the PA Department of Community and Economic Development where he was Regional Director of the Governor’s Action Team and directed the state response for business attraction and expansion activities. As Regional Director, Lance led the team focused on removing barriers to development, investment and job growth in the 11-county southwestern Pennsylvania region by providing market and real estate intelligence, project financing and development facilitation to a wide array of clients.

With economic and community development experience at federal, state and local levels, Lance brings a broad range of experience to the role. Prior to working with the state, he led community development programs, commercial lending, business attraction and expansion activities for Allegheny County Economic Development.

Lance holds a BS in business administration and finance from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and an MS in public policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.  He is also certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional and served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Turkmenistan.

Lance is a proud Pittsburgh native and lives in the Deutschtown section of Pittsburgh’s Northside. Connect on LinkedIn

 

John DennyJohn Denny
Founder and Principal | Denny Civic Solutions

John Denny has spent a career transforming ideas into action. From his days as one of the youngest people in the United States to manage a statewide presidential campaign, to his work building an organization that aids at risk-youth and nonprofits, John and his team create results.

At Denny Civic Solutions, John works to create positive change by managing civic campaigns and engineering public policy. With decades of hands-on expertise, he knows how to foster an idea from inception to execution. And with his experience as a former national political campaign manager; special assistant to the late community and political leader Elsie Hillman; and director of community relations for the Hillman Company, he thoroughly understands how to create a message, target its focus, and move audiences on an initiative, idea, or piece of legislation.

A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College, John has honed his skills through a unique combination of professional endeavors, ranging from corporate communications to grant making in the Pittsburgh foundation and nonprofit communities. With a trifecta of expertise from corporate, political, and nonprofit work, John understands the needs, strengths and challenges each party brings to the table and can balance those needs toward positive outcomes. In addition, he understands local and statewide government because he has lived it. From that experience, John brings the understanding of the public sector to the forefront in assisting clients and helping them achieve their objectives. Connect on LinkedIn

 

James DoyleJames E. Doyle

Program Officer | The Grable Foundation

James Doyle is a Program Officer at The Grable Foundation supporting grantmaking activities for youth-serving organizations across the Greater Pittsburgh region.  Previously, he served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Environmental Charter School and as the Executive Director of Higher Achievement Pittsburgh.

James is also active in the Pittsburgh community as a member of the Remake Learning Council and a Board Committee Member for the Jefferson Regional Foundation.  James has been recognized locally as a the 2017 MLK Distinguished Coro Center for Civic Leadership Award winner and as a 2018 Pittsburgh Magazine 40 Under 40 award recipient, recognized statewide as a 2015 Afterschool Champion by the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN), and recognized nationally as a 2017 National Afterschool Association Next Generation of Afterschool award winner.  In 2020, James completed a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree at the University of Pittsburgh with a concentration in Out-of-School Learning. Connect on LinkedIn

 

Jamilah DucarJamilah Ducar

Executive Director - The Engaged Campus, University of Pittsburgh

Jamilah Ducar began her career in higher education at the University of Pittsburgh in 2017 after a 10 year career as a human services practitioner and nonprofit consultant. Now the Executive Director of the Engaged Campus, she enables Pitt to be an engaged campus and anchor institution by ensuring Pitt is a visible and responsive collaborator within its local communities. To accomplish this, Ducar leads the University’s community affairs functions and supports infrastructure that enables world-class community engagement practice. Jamilah serves the institution as chair of both the Community Engaged Scholarship Forum and the staff Engagement Community of Practice in partnership with the Office of the Provost. She serves the field nationally as chair of the Place Based Justice Network and as an advisor of Weave: The Social Fabric Project of The Aspen Institute. Jamilah received a Doctor of Education degree as part of the inaugural Urban Education cohort at the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Public Management from Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Duquesne University. Connect on LinkedIn

 

Julie EvansJulie Evans

Founder & Owner | Silver Moon Strategies

Julie Evans is an awarded consultant and trainer with over 25 years of experience. The bulk of her early career was spent at Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR), where she rose from program director to director of prevention services. Developing impactful strategies, working alongside passionate people, and learning the intricate stories of survivors nurtured Julie's passion for this work and helped her move through a path that led to pioneer change in her own way. Julie works to ensure that children safely experience joyful relationships with adults, that employees fulfill their career potential without being stifled by sexual harassment, and that high school and college students go to class and make friends without worrying about or experiencing sexual violence.

Connect on LinkedIn

 

Trisha GadsonDr. Trisha Gadson

Chief Executive Officer | Jefferson Regional Foundation

Dr. Trisha Gadson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Jefferson Regional Foundation. She is a community and equity centered philanthropist. Her experience includes successful leadership of a respected human service organization that experienced significant growth and increased impact within the Greater Pittsburgh region. She is a dynamic leader who elevates thinking and conversations about equity and justice as a means of impacting policy and practice that transforms communities. Dr. Gadson holds a Ph.D. in community engagement from Point Park University, a Master of Science in professional leadership from Carlow University, and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Syracuse University. She also holds a national certification as a Bullying Prevention Program Trainer & Consultant as well as a Leadership Credential for Strength Based Family Workers from Temple University. In addition, Dr. Gadson is a recognized diversity and inclusion facilitator. She holds a Fostering Inclusion and Diversity Certificate from Yale School of Management. Dr. Gadson received the Women of Excellence Award from the New Pittsburgh Courier; the Women of Influence Award from the Pittsburgh Business Times; and the Equity & Leadership Award from the African American Strategic Partnership. Dr. Gadson was also a finalist for the 2022 Pittsburgh ATHENA Award. Connect on LinkedIn

 

Chris HeckChristopher C. Heck

President & CEO | Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce

Christopher (Chris) Heck has had a career working with companies at senior executive levels in the Pittsburgh association management arena specifically within the economic development, technology, energy, manufacturing, and financial services sectors.

Chris currently serves as president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce. Recently Chris has been the catalyst in forming the Airport Area Corporate Partnership advocating for the growth and viability of economic development within the airport area.

A graduate of Florida Atlantic University, he received his B.A. in Business Administration and Management. A former petty officer in the USCG Reserves, Chris has enjoyed successful employment opportunities with The Pittsburgh Technology Council, Marsh USA, K&L Gates, LLP, 5/3 Bank and the SMC Business Councils.

Within the local community Chris has held a variety of board positions with non-profit organizations and local municipalities including:

Allegheny County Airport Authority Foundation – Board Chair (current)
Mount Lebanon Economic Development Committee and Mt Lebanon Partnership – Board Member (current)
Robert Morris University Arts and Humanities Advisory Board (current)
Pittsburgh Technical College – Education Advisory Committee (current)
Rosedale Technical College – Strategic Advisory Board (current)
Mount Lebanon Sports Authority – Board Member 2016-2018
Board Member, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh 2005-2010
2nd Class Petty Officer (retired), United States Coast Guard Reserves 

Connect on LinkedIn

 

Ron IdokoRon Idoko

Associate Director of the Center on Race and Social Problems, Founding Director of the Racial Equity Consciousness Institute, and Research Assistant Professor | University of Pittsburgh

As Associate Director, Ron Idoko leads the Center’s day-to-day operations and strategic and programmatic initiatives with a focus on research, education, and praxis to advance positive social change. Ron founded and directs the Racial Equity Consciousness Institute, an expansive engagement platform that guides learners & teachers through the critical systems thinking racial equity consciousness framework—via immersive resource modules that integrate narrative guides, videos, activities, articles, reflection prompts, discussion forums, and more—to support learners & teachers in analyzing the complexity and pervasiveness of racism, and reflecting on what they can do, personally and collectively, to catalyze antiracist initiatives, communities, and cultures.

Prior to joining the School of Social Work, Ron worked in the University’s Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI), where he exercised strategic and programmatic leadership to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion as institutional components of social and academic engagement at the University. Ron is an instructor in the Public Service program at Pitt, facilitating courses that address challenges and opportunities for social equity advancement in the public sector.

He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and is currently an Ed. D. candidate in the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education. Connect on LinkedIn

 

Robert W. MercuriRep. Robert W. Mercuri

Pennsylvania House of Representatives - 28th Legislative District

Rob Mercuri serves the residents of the 28th District with the values instilled in him during his blue collar Western Pennsylvania upbringing, including integrity, hard work and transparency. 

As a veteran, husband, father of three and small business owner in Pine Township, Rob will focus on fiscal responsibility, energy expansion, educational choices and economic development through innovation, lower tax rates, less regulation and reduced barriers to opportunities. 

Rob has also worked to make progress across a number of legislative priorities including fiscal responsibility, responsible energy expansion, educational choices and effective and efficient government. In addition, he has focused much of his attention on improving the openness and accountability of government, expanding educational opportunities while respecting taxpayers, reducing the cost of health care, developing programs to keep our communities safe, prioritizing the upkeep of critical infrastructure and harnessing the potential of advanced energy economy for the benefit of residents and the future of our Commonwealth. 

In Oct. 2022, Rob was elected to serve on the Point Park University Board of Trustees. For the 2023-24 Legislative Session, Rep. Rob Mercuri serves on the House Finance, Education and Government Oversight committees. In addition, he will serve as vice chair of the House Republican Policy Committee. 

Before running for office, Rob attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and deployed to Baghdad as a member of an embedded military training unit. He returned home with a captain’s rank and a Bronze Star Medal. 

Rob earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and then worked for two major accounting firms. After being recruited by PNC, he rose to senior vice president in risk management and finance. He and his wife, Kelsey, own a pack and ship retail business in Pine Township. 

In service to his community, he has served as a member of the board of the YMCA, the United States Congressional Advisory Board and the American Corporate Partners, which is a nonprofit that helps connect veterans with careers after their military experience. 

Rob lives in Pine Township with his wife and their three school-age children where they are active in their faith community. Connect on LinkedIn

 

Delvina MorrowDelvina Lorraine Morrow

Vice President of Community Affairs and DEI | Pittsburgh Penguins

Delvina Lorraine Morrow, has provided leadership in strategic thinking and community development in the nonprofit sector, for-profit sector, life sciences, technology, and now sports. Delvina has dedicated her career to bringing people together, and advancing missions, as a community leader and executive.

Delvina serves as the Vice President of Community Affairs and DEI at the NHL hockey team, Pittsburgh Penguins. She is responsible for ideating and managing campaigns, initiatives, and special projects that benefit communities in the region and beyond. She is responsible for upholding the team's commitment to serving local communities, while also advancing causes of social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

She has worked on external projects and initiatives relating to the redevelopment of the former Civic Arena, and has worked to shape the culture of community engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and takes pride in being someone who leads with passion and unity at the forefront.

Morrow was recently named to The Hockey News 2022 List of 20 Women Making Black History in Hockey. Delvina has been featured by the NHL as one of the women leading the way towards a more diverse and inclusive game with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, ensuring that hockey is for everyone, and that representation is seen on and off the ice.

Delvina is a New York City native, and first generation college graduate, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, in Geneva NY. She currently resident in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her husband and is proud a mom to a young toddler, Parker. Connect on LinkedIn

 

Michelle Pagano-HeckMichelle Pagano-Heck

President & Owner | Nonprofit Talent

President and Owner of Nonprofit Talent, the Pittsburgh region’s leading nonprofit executive search firm, Michelle Pagano Heck works with the social sector to improve the capacity of organizations through transition management and executive recruitment. Mission-driven, Michelle listens to the needs of clients and works as a partner with organizations to fulfill their vision. 

Prior to launching Nonprofit Talent in 2013, Michelle was Senior Consultant with Dewey & Kaye. Previously, Michelle worked as the Executive Director of WQEDfm, Community Relations Director of WQED Multimedia, Director of Development for the Children’s Home, Director of Corporate Relations for the American Cancer Society, and various other positions of leadership in the nonprofit community. In addition to her background as a strategy consultant and talent recruiter, Michelle was the Assistant Director of Admissions for Allegheny College in Pennsylvania and a school counselor at St. Andrew’s School in Florida. 

A 2019 Pittsburgh Women of Influence Award recipient Michelle serves as an Alumni Board member of The College of Wooster, and is on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO). She is a 2021 “Women & Business” honoree of Pittsburgh Magazine.  She is a guest lecturer at The University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon and various associations and organizations. 

Michelle Lives in Mt. Lebanon, PA with her husband and daughter as well as Harley and Chloe, the rescue pups. Connect on LinkedIn

 

Kelly ProthoKelly Protho 

Director | Community Engagement Center - Hill District, University of Pittsburgh

Kelly Protho serves as the Director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Community Engagement Center in the Hill District. She leads her team to ensure that the Hill CEC’s programming aligns with Pitt’s neighborhood commitments, serving as the front door to the University.  Prior to joining Pitt Kelly was the Senior Applied Learning and Development Specialist within the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. Within this role she led the development of DHS’ Trauma Think Tank: a cross-system collaborative which promotes a trauma-informed approach. Some of the bi-monthly sessions included, racialized trauma, healing centered engagement, and collective trauma. She also facilitated Shifting the Lens: Practical Applications of Trauma-Informed Care: a training that explores the effects of traumatic stress and practical applications of trauma-informed care principles as they relate to client engagement, service planning, and workforce well-being. 

Kelly began her work in the field serving families through community prevention, advocacy, and education over 20 years ago. She held previous positions within Hill District community organizations with Macedonia Family and Community Enrichment Center Inc., where she focused on making a transformational impact with families through trauma informed practices specifically within underserved communities, and Hill House Senior Services, where she worked with the senior population through advocacy.  Kelly is an active member of MAD DADS of Greater Pittsburgh, MOMS Division, where she supports the initiative to develop community service projects that address the negative perceptions of today’s youth. Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hampton University. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, and her dog Mars. She enjoys traveling, live music, and eating good food. Connect on LinkedIn

 

 

Leigh Solomon PuglianoLeigh Solomon Pugliano

President & CEO | Equity | Impact Center

Leigh Solomon Pugliano is an entrepreneur, educator, musician, and experienced strategist whose expertise has supported and advanced entrepreneurs, creatives, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Leigh has provided organizational and leadership development support through consulting, strategic planning, coaching, and facilitation. For over a decade, Leigh served as Principal Consultant at Straightforward Consulting, centering equity and justice-based principles in strategies designed to achieve operational efficiency and effectiveness. She is dedicated to creating spaces for collective learning and collaboration– emphasizing transformative leadership, research, data-driven solutions, and community engagement.

Leigh's newest role is as President & CEO of the Equity | Impact Center (EIC), a nonprofit she founded during the pandemic committed to transforming leaders, organizations, and ecosystems to build an equitable society and improve the quality of life for marginalized people. The EIC specializes in delivering sustainable solutions that are equity-centered, impact-driven,  intentionally designed, and consistently responsive to the evolving needs of communities and individuals. The EIC stewards change initiatives by empowering solutions developed by diverse people with lived experience, critical skills, appropriate knowledge, expertise, and innovative perspectives. 

Leigh has received several awards and recognition for her work, including Pittsburgh Courier Fab 40, S&T Bank Women in Business, The World Affairs Council Illuminate Award, the YWCA Equity Award for Bridge Builder, and City & State Pennsylvania Impact 50. Leigh is originally from Guyana, South America, and resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband and three daughters. Connect on LinkedIn

 

 

Laura RuschakLaura Ruschak, M.S.

Alumni Affairs and Outreach Manager | Leadership Pittsburgh Inc.

Laura joined the Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. team in June 2023. As the Alumni Engagement and Outreach Manager for LPInc., Laura shapes the Alumni experience for a coalition of 3,500 Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. graduates across diverse industries, regions, and demographics, as well as spearheads external communications for Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. through digital storytelling.

Prior to her role at LPInc, Laura served as Director of The Women’s Leadership and Mentorship Program at Robert Morris University. As Director, Laura empowered students to thrive in spaces of leadership and to simultaneously lift while they climb. To do this, she connected students, mentors, and professionals with tools to succeed in their civic and professional lives, as well as simultaneously empowered students to identify and dismantle systemic barriers to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Laura’s work has included nonprofit leadership as well as strategic communications projects for Fortune 100 and 500 companies, startups, and NGOs. Laura is proud to have worked as Associate Director for Ripple Effect Images, a creative collective of National Geographic Photojournalists documenting the global power of women. As Associate Director, Laura managed a portfolio of twenty-six partner organizations in sixteen countries, leading documentary storytelling projects in Myanmar, Cambodia, Guatemala, and India that highlighted the urgency of investing in women leaders internationally. She fiercely believes in the power of storytelling to grow solidarity amongst leaders and historically marginalized communities.

In 2019, Laura thru-hiked all 2,192 miles of the Appalachian Trail, becoming one of only 20,000 people to do so in the world. She hopes to inspire leaders to follow their passion down their own unique path. In 2023, she earned her Master’s in Organizational Leadership with a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Robert Morris University, and enjoys continuing her education through professional development groups and learning opportunities in the Pittsburgh region. Connect on LinkedIn

 

Abigail SalisburyRep. Abigail Salisbury

Pennsylvania House of Representatives | 34th Legislative District

Abigail Salisbury was elected to the House in 2023 to represent the 34th Legislative District in Allegheny County.

Salisbury was born in Conneaut, Ohio, and her family later moved to a suburb of Erie, PA. She graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 2004 and earned a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 2007. She also graduated from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh in 2013.

Earlier in her career, Salisbury worked on human rights and microfinance issues in Kosovo, Senegal, and Ethiopia. Salisbury went on to serve as the executive director of JURIST.org and to teach First Amendment law at the University of Pittsburgh, later establishing her own reduced-cost law practice for nonprofits and small businesses in Swissvale. She served on Swissvale Borough Council for five years, spending two years as council president.

Key issues for Salisbury include updating infrastructure, standing up for human rights for all citizens, fostering small business development, supporting public schools, and preserving the environment.

Salisbury resides with her husband in Swissvale. Connect on LinkedIn

 

Trupti SarodeTrupti Sarode

Director of Innovation and Strategy | Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), University of Pittsburgh

Trupti works as the Director of Innovation and Strategy at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), University of Pittsburgh. In this role, she works to advance initiatives that support innovation in public and international affairs education, research, and engagement.  Her efforts include designing, implementing, and evaluating new practices and programmatic efforts, including related to building strategies for local to global engagement, supporting curriculum innovation, promoting research partnerships, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Trupti has a breadth of knowledge and experience in evaluation, human services, and international development. Previously, she worked as a Learning and Evaluation Manager at the Future Services Institute – an applied research and engagement center at the University of Minnesota where she led evaluation and innovation projects in partnership with local human services nonprofits, counties, and the Dept of Human Services.

Originally from India, Trupti holds a Master of Development Practice (International Development) degree from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. A dentist by training, Trupti found her passion for public policy and international development while working at a foreign policy think-tank in Mumbai, India. Connect on LinkedIn

 

Andréa StanfordAndréa Stanford

Director, Pittsburgh Regional Manager | Bank of New York Mellon

As Pittsburgh Regional Manager, Andréa oversees employee engagement, communications, and government affairs for BNY Mellon’s Pittsburgh Regional campus, the firm’s largest employee base in North America. She strengthens BNY Mellon’s community affairs in the Greater Pittsburgh region by leading employee volunteerism efforts, cultivating academic partnerships and advancing talent recruitment strategies.

Previously, Andréa served Allegheny County as Assistant County Manager. During her tenure, she worked across federal, state and local government to lead major initiatives, including Pennsylvania’s preparation for the 2020 Census.

Prior to her work in the public sector, Andréa managed digital strategy at PNC Financial Services, Inc. and media relations at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Andréa is actively engaged with non-profit organizations in the local community and is currently on the board of directors for the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce. Outside of Pittsburgh, Andréa serves on the Alumnae Association Board for Sacred Heart Greenwich, an independent, all-girls college-preparatory school in Connecticut.

Andréa is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Master of Public Policy and Management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration. She is also a graduate of the Executive Leadership Academy, offered by Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. Connect on LinkedIn

 

Erika StrassburgerErika Strassburger

Member | Pittsburgh City Council - 8th District

Erika Strassburger is a member of Pittsburgh City Council, proudly serving the residents of the City’s 8th District. She is the first woman elected to this seat. Before her election, Erika served as Chief of Staff for her predecessor, former-Councilman Dan Gilman. Prior to that, she worked for nearly a decade advocating for a clean environment and a sustainable energy future at the state and federal levels.

On Council, Erika has been an outspoken advocate for policies promoting clean water and air, equitable and diverse communities, safe and complete streets, and transparent and responsive government. She is passionate about offering new ways for her constituents to be informed & involved in city government.

Erika graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in International Relations. She lives with her family in Squirrel Hill. Connect on LinkedIn

 

Richard TaylorRichard W. Taylor, Esq.

CEO | ImbuTec

Richard W. Taylor is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He received his undergraduate business degree, cum laude, from Georgetown University, and his Juris Doctorate degree, cum laude, from Tulane Law School, with a certificate in environmental law. He was actively involved in national political affairs for a number of years and served as a campaign advisor to several Congressional candidates across the country, as well as to President Bill Clinton. After receiving his law degree, Mr. Taylor served as a law clerk to the Honorable James L. Dennis on the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Mr. Taylor also worked as a federal and state governmental affairs representative for Pittsburgh-based Consolidated Natural Gas Company (CNG), and subsequently served as corporate legal counsel and Director of Knowledge Management. He later served as CEO of Macedonia Development Corporation, an affiliate of the Macedonia Baptist Church of Pittsburgh, where he led housing development and other revitalization efforts in Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District community. Currently, he is CEO of ImbuTec, a Pittsburgh-based electrical and general construction firm serving commercial, governmental, and institutional customers.

Mr. Taylor is active in service to the community as he currently serves on the boards of the Pittsburgh Foundation, Macedonia Development Corporation, the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Politics, and the National Health Equity Advisory Panel for the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Association. Previously, he served on the boards of the Port Authority of Allegheny County, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, as a member and secretary of the board for the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, treasurer of the Homer S. Brown Law Association, as a member of the Board of Elders for Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh, and as a member of the Shale Gas Roundtable. Connect on LinkedIn

 

 


Felicity WilliamsFelicity A. Williams, Esq.

Deputy Chief of Staff | Office of the Mayor of Pittsburgh

Felicity A. Williams, Esq. is a racial and economic justice advocate, passionate about politics and community equity. In January 2022, she accepted the 61st Mayor of Pittsburgh’s appointment to become his Deputy Chief of Staff. In her role, she oversees the Mayor's Office teams on communications, workforce development and youth, neighborhood services, business diversity, immigrant and refugee affairs, and financial empowerment; leads special initiatives focused on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, access; tech and innovation; and tourism; assists Chief of Staff on intergovernmental affairs and corporate/institutional relationships; and manages board and commission appointments.

Prior to her current role, Felicity led economic development programs, drove effective and strategic communications, shaped regional equitable development policy, and served as Special Assistant to the President and CEO at the Hill CDC where she frequently represented the organization with different stakeholders, business partners, elected officials, media, committees, funders, and other entities. She also worked to increase Black voter engagement and turnout through a campaign for eight counties in Western, Pennsylvania, contributed to the development of a policy agenda for Black Pittsburgh, been published on issues impacting the Black community, and engaged in both successful electoral and issue campaigns from criminal justice reform working with the ACLU of Pennsylvania to education reform.

Felicity holds a B.A. from Washington and Jefferson College where she double-majored in Economics and International Studies with a Concentration in East Asia, and minored in French, as well as a J.D. from William & Mary School of Law. While at William & Mary, Felicity focused her legal studies on corporate, finance, election, and government related areas of the law and served as the Vice President of the Election Law Society and a member of the Bill of Rights Journal. Immediately following law school, Felicity worked as a consultant in the Washington, D.C. metro area for several Department of Defense government contractors, an investment fund, and a national business valuations firm.

Felicity is admitted to both the Pennsylvania and Virginia bars. She has also been recognized as a 2021 Pittsburgh Magazine and PUMP 40 Under 40 Awardee, Top 50 Woman Leader of Pennsylvania in 2022 by Women We Admire, and a Power of Diversity: Women 100 in 2022 by City & State PA. Connect on LinkedIn

Driving Change Through Public Service and Social Entrepreneurism

On November 11, 2022, over 100 students and mentors joined the Elsie Forum to talk with each other about how to drive change through public service and social entrepreneurism. Our keynote speaker, 412 Food Rescue CEO and Co-Founder, Leah Lizarondo presented Taking Big Leaps One Step at a Time. Click here to watch her presentation.

Graduating from Being a Spectator to Being Spectacular

On March 11, 2021, over 100 students and mentors joined the Elsie Forum to talk with each other about advocacy and activism. Our keynote speaker, Emmai Alaquiva, talked about graduating from being a spectator to being spectacular.

These were his five steps on how to go from being a spectator to being spectacular:

  1. Knowledge of Self
  2. Establish your Attributes
  3. Discover the Possibility
  4. Allyship & Advocacy
  5. Activate your Actions

In case you missed the event, check out Emmai's powerful keynote below.