Lt. Governor and Ag Secretary lead Pittsburgh roundtable on regional food security challenges in wake of cancelled USDA contract.

Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed $8 million food assistance increase, plus championed initiatives to tackle root causes of food insecurity, including raising the minimum wage and cutting costs for Pennsylvanians.

Duquesne, PA – In the wake of Governor Josh Shapiro’s appeal of USDA’s decision to cancel $13 million in funding to Pennsylvania under the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program, Lt. Governor Austin Davis and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding led a roundtable at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Today’s discussion brought food bank leaders, farmers, and stakeholders together to explore the region’s challenges that would be exacerbated by federal funding cuts. In contrast, the group discussed the positive impact proposed increases and initiatives in Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget would have on Pennsylvania food banks, the regional food system, and area farmers.

“Investing in Pennsylvania farmers and helping them do what they do best -- feed people -- is an investment in our future,” said Lt. Governor Davis. “That’s why the Shapiro-Davis Administration has pushed for more investments to support agriculture – while supporting Pennsylvania families, students and seniors. These are proven programs that work. They’re the definition of win-win — farmers get paid to produce food. Folks in need can eat fresh, healthy food.”

Last month, the USDA abruptly canceled Pennsylvania’s agreement with the federal government under the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program. The agreement would have provided $13 million in federal funding over the next three years for food banks statewide to purchase food from 189 Pennsylvania farms.

According to Feeding America, more than one in eight Pennsylvanians struggle with hunger. At a time when food banks are seeing record-high demand due to high costs and our farmers are facing some of the toughest market conditions in decades — we need to be supporting Pennsylvania farmers and families, not making it harder for them

to get by. Pennsylvania is one of the only states in the nation that uses LFPA funds to exclusively support in-state farmers, ensuring federal dollars stay in-state and go directly to Pennsylvania farmers.

USDA’s decision would result in the three food banks serving the Pittsburgh region losing an estimated $2.5 million. That’s more than 2.96 million pounds of food, and nearly 2.5 million meals. Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank would lose 11% of its food-purchasing budget. Westmoreland Food Bank would lose 18% of theirs.

“With the bipartisan support of the General Assembly and the overwhelming generosity of Pennsylvania farmers, we have built successful programs to tackle food insecurity and put healthy, nutritious, local food on the tables of families across Pennsylvania,” said Secretary Redding. “We simply can’t afford to turn back time and undermine the progress we have made together for Pennsylvania families and farms.”

Governor Josh Shapiro proposed increases of $4 million to the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System and $4 million to the State Food Purchase Program, both programs connect low-income Pennsylvanians with healthy, local food through 14 food banks across the state. These proposed increases would bring the total for these programs to $34.6 million. The Governor is also championing initiatives that reduce food insecurity by tackling its root causes, including raising the minimum wage and cutting costs for Pennsylvanians.

“Our charitable food network fills an invaluable role in our communities through the work they do every day to help so no one has to go hungry, no matter their circumstances,” said Human Services Deputy Secretary Hoa Pham. “Other anti-hunger programs like our Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program work symbiotically with our charitable food network, and any changes on either side of this partnership risk access to food for many who rely on these systems. Pennsylvanians cannot afford the personal and community-level risk of more people going hungry.”

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank distributes an estimated 48 million meals in southwestern PA annually, engaging more than 8,300 volunteers and 1,000 partnerships and programs in its network. The agency is a critical partner in food assistance efforts distributing fresh, Pennsylvania-grown produce, dairy, and protein to families and individuals throughout the region.

“Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is seeing record numbers of people seeking food assistance, including many working families who are reaching out for the first time,” said Food Bank President and CEO Lisa Scales. “We could not do this work without our partnerships with farmers, food pantries, community volunteers, and government agencies at all levels. The proposed increase of $8 million in the state budget will go a long way towards helping us provide much needed food into the community. Thank you to Governor Shapiro, Lt. Governor Davis, and Secretary Redding for prioritizing funding that supports both farmers and families."

Harvest Valley Farms, a fourth-generation vegetable farm in Butler County, donates surplus produce to area food banks through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture program pays to process, package and transport donated products from Pennsylvania farms to food banks, connecting low-income families with healthy, locally produced food. Art King, one of the farm’s co-owners joined the Lt. Governor and Sec. Redding and food bank managers in emphasizing the importance of the funding to area farmers.

Agriculture is a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy, with over 53,000 farms generating $132.5 billion annually and supporting 600,000 jobs. Governor Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy places agriculture at the forefront, recognizing it as essential to the Commonwealth’s growth.

Since taking office, he has prioritized funding to strengthen the industry and enhance Pennsylvania’s national agricultural reputation. The Governor’s investments, including the creation of the nation’s first Agricultural Innovation Grant and the revival of the Fresh Food Financing Initiative, are key to ensuring a stable, sustainable food system in Pennsylvania and supporting Pennsylvania’s farmers.

Catching up with Cassandra Cooper, Manager of Diversity and Inclusion for First National Bank, the largest subsidiary of F.N.B. Corporation.  We salute Ms. Cooper a Diversity Champion and her efforts to advance DEI initiatives.

PUM: It is Women's History Month. Tell us in your role as Manager of Diversity and Inclusion at FNB, and particularly for you as a Black woman in this position, what is the significance of this holiday that celebrates women all over the world. 

It is very meaningful for me to be able to celebrate Women’s History Month, not only as a Black woman, but as the Diversity & Inclusion Manager at FNB. Being part of a company that is committed to inclusion for all and providing the opportunities for women to grow, develop and thrive in their careers is exciting. I believe I’m an example of that commitment, so it’s great that I can contribute to the organization’s continued success and play a role in fostering a culture that enables everyone in our Company and community, regardless of background, to have an equal opportunity to succeed.

PUM: Tell us more about your journey to work in the field of diversity and inclusion. How did your educational background and professional experience help to prepare you for this position? 

Shortly after graduating from Duquesne University with both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, I became an adjunct professor there and was asked to update a class called Valuing a Multicultural Workforce. Researching and creating the content for that course afforded me the opportunity to provide insights to my students — and even myself — about the importance of establishing diversity and inclusion in an organization and how that infrastructure creates a lasting sense of belonging for stakeholders. I have been fortunate to continue sharing that lesson with organizations of all sizes, locally and nationally. 

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to join FNB last year, and I have been very impressed by leadership’s dedication to promoting inclusion and equality within our Company and through our product offerings and community commitment. Of course, my prior experience informs my current role, where I work with our leadership team, Diversity Council and lines of business to assist with the development and execution of our internal and customer- and community-facing diversity and inclusion strategies. I also collaborate with departments throughout the Company to emphasize diversity as a key consideration in the development of products, services, initiatives and programs.

PUM: What programs and services does FNB have in place to help in promoting equality and empowering women? How are you developing initiatives and creating opportunities that support inclusion at FNB? 

FNB is committed to offering customers innovative products and services that benefit our communities and give our clients tools to achieve their financial goals. For example, our eStore® both educates individuals about which of our offerings may be best for their situation and creates easy access for all to apply for and open new accounts, including loans and credit solutions. 

Coupled with our products and services, we also focus on the importance of financial literacy to empower individuals and families. By educating and supporting diverse communities through a range of programs and resources, we help to close the wealth gap and eliminate economic disparities. Throughout our footprint, we also prioritize investments and community partnerships that foster job growth, affordable housing and overall social and economic development.

Close to home, our new headquarters, FNB Financial Center, is set to revamp Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District and kickstart a long-awaited redevelopment. Many are familiar with the story of how the predominantly Black neighborhood was upended decades ago, but the economic benefits of this project have the potential to usher in a new era of revitalization and economic expansion. Along with millions in local investments, the project also requires at least 30% minority-owned and 15% women-owned business participation in contracting. These requirements ensure that individuals representing all members of the community will bring this transformative project to life and be able to take part in its economic benefits.

PUM: A 2019 study by the Gender Equity Commission ranked Pittsburgh as one of the worst in the country for Black women, citing unemployment rates, high poverty rates, birth defect rates and death rates, including death by suicide, among other parameters. What are your thoughts about how we can improve conditions for Black women in this region? 

The Pittsburgh Inequality Across Race and Gender Report factored heavily in my work in the past, where I focused on educating audiences about our region’s health disparities and how we can work to overcome them. Today, my focus is on addressing the economic disparities that exist, but there is definitely a correlation between economic wellbeing and health. Therefore, when we promote and achieve economic equality, we have a stronger overall community more able to meet its potential.

Currently, our city does not compare well with others of its size when it comes to outcomes for Black women, so it is clear that organizations from every industry must be concerned about how to support this population and create an environment that nurtures success — just as they should for all women and all people. Ultimately, when today’s Black women can see that they are valued members of their organizations and communities, it will positively impact the generations to come.

Learn More about  Diversity and Inclusion at FNB

After a competitive selection process, 21 talented leaders have been tapped to participate in the 2025 cohort of the Executive Leadership Academy (ELA), the seventh cohort of The Advanced Leadership Institute’s (TALI) flagship executive program. This transformative program, which addresses the unique challenges Black professionals face in the workplace, aims to educate, develop, connect, and position senior-level managers and executives with higher-level career aspirations for executive advancement. With course content delivered by the faculty at Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business, ELA participants benefit from a world-class executive education, executive coaching, executive mentorship, and peer networking.

The TALI alumni network includes 255 Black leaders from Pittsburgh and beyond, with 155 graduates of the Executive Leadership Academy (ELA), along with alumni from the Emerging Leaders Program and the National Executive Leadership Academy. Since its founding, TALI has focused on empowering Black leaders to drive personal growth, positive business results for their organization, and broader community impact. This mission is reflected in the success of our alumni: 100% of the 2024 ELA cohort agreed that the program enhanced their ability to contribute to their organization’s success, and that they have been able to apply knowledge and skills from the program to their professional roles. Additionally, 90% of the 2024 ELA cohort believe that the program positively impacted their career growth. These outcomes demonstrate TALI’s enduring impact on leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and community transformation.

“As we start a new year, I am proud to announce and celebrate this seventh cohort of the Executive Leadership Academy, a huge milestone for TALI” says Evan Frazier, President and CEO, The Advanced Leadership Institute. “I have seen first-hand how this program provides individuals with transformative experiences both personally and professionally, and I look forward to seeing the success and positive outcomes for this impressive group of leaders.”

“It has been our pleasure to provide academic support for The Advanced Leadership Institute over the last several years in its effort to position diverse leaders for executive advancement,” says Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou, Dean, Richard P. Simmons Professor of Finance, Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business. “We welcome the 2025 Executive Leadership Academy cohort and look forward to equipping them with advanced strategies for continued career success.”

On January 24th, the TALI and CMU families will welcome the new cohort at the 2025 Executive Leadership Academy Kick-Off Program and Reception. John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, will deliver the keynote address, while representatives from TALI and CMU will offer additional remarks.

Congratulations to the 2025 Executive Leadership Academy Cohort:

Mike Belgrove – Chief Human Resources Officer, Life’sWork of Western PA

Kwame Burroughs – Senior Director, Medicare Business Development Group, UPMC Health Plan

Kiel Chapman – Production Manager, PPG

Lauren DeDomenic – Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy and Partnerships, Office of Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato

Sherlyn Harrison – Managing Director of Programs and Operations, Pittsburgh Scholar House

Kashif Henderson – Executive Director, Neighborhood Learning Alliance

Tinisha Hunt – Chief Executive Officer, Macedonia FACE

Ja-Neen Jones – Chief Executive Officer, TRAC Services for Families

Denise McGill-Delaney – Chief Operating Officer, Gwen’s Girls

Tere McKinney-Bundy – Associate General Counsel, Labor and Employment, Form Energy

Jaques Moye – Attorney at Law, Clark Hill | PLDIC Scholar 

TaJane Nolen – Director, Product Management, American Eagle Outfitters

Sierra Parm – Operations Director, A. Philip Randolph Institute

Kendra Ross – Head of Social Impact, Duolingo

Gizelle Sherwood – Director of Undergraduate Studies and Laboratories, Teaching Professor in Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University

Jada Shirriel – Chief Executive Officer, Healthy Start, Inc.

Sylvia Smith – Director, Contract Management & Operations, Highmark

Juel Smith – Associate Dean of Science and Executive Director of Homewood-Brushton Center, Community College of Allegheny County

Tony Thompson – Counsel, Dollar Bank, FSB

Yalanda Wells – Commercial Banker, Bank of America

Latasha Wilson-Batch – Executive Director, Best of the Batch Foundation

About The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI)

The mission of The Advanced Leadership Institute is to cultivate Black executive leadership to strengthen companies, institutions, and communities. It is facilitated through an educational partnership with Carnegie Mellon University and is supported by major corporations and foundations in the Pittsburgh region, including Lead Founding Underwriters: BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Richard King Mellon Foundation; Founding Underwriter: Highmark Foundation; Excellence Partners: Eden Hall Foundation and Henry L. Hillman Foundation; Lead Contributors: Highmark and The Heinz Endowments; Presenting Sponsors: Giant Eagle, Highmark Health, PNC, and UPMC; Gold Sponsors: American Eagle Outfitters, Bank of America, Buchanan, CNX, Covestro, Dollar Bank, Duolingo, Duquesne Light Company, FedEx Corporation, Koppers, PPG, and Wabtec; and Silver Sponsors and Bronze Sponsors, which can be found on TALI’s website.

For information about The Advanced Leadership Institute, visit www.taliinstitute.org

Divine Restoration Outreach Ministries (DROM) is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a new Community Resource and Recreation Center, located at 938 Chestnut Street, Duquesne PA. This milestone marks a significant step forward in our mission to serve and uplift our community through holistic programs and services.

The newly purchased facility will serve as a hub for community engagement, providing a safe and inclusive space for individuals and families to access vital resources, recreational activities, and spiritual support. With over 19,500 square feet of space, the center will house a variety of amenities, including:
Educational Programs: Workshops, tutoring, and career development initiatives to empower individuals of all ages.

Recreational Activities: Sports leagues, fitness classes, and youth enrichment programs to promote health and well-being.

Resource Services: Food pantry, and counseling services for those in need, senior citizen programming, and programming for new and expecting mothers.

Event Space: Areas available for community gatherings, celebrations, and special events.

“This center represents a beacon of hope and restoration for our community,” said Board Chair Eric Ewell of DROM & Senior Pastor of Divine Restoration Church. “We are committed to creating a space where every individual feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.”

Nonprofit CDFI Capital Good Fund is announcing the expansion of affordable solar financing options for low-to-moderate-income (LMI) families through the launch of the Pennsylvania BRIGHT solar lease pilot. One-hundred LMI homeowners in southwestern Pennsylvania will be able to realize the benefits of solar and battery backup systems without the hassle of ownership. With a BRIGHT lease, the average family stands to save 20% on energy costs every month, net of the lease payment. According to a new report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), low-income households in Pittsburgh pay 16% of their household income on their energy bills, which is considered to be a severe energy burden. 

“Increased access to renewable energy is essential to easing the disproportionate energy burden working families carry,” says Capital Good Fund founder and CEO Andy Posner. “Until now, those that stand to benefit most from the bill savings and reliability of solar and battery storage have been least able to afford it. We are so thrilled to bring to the Commonwealth a product that will lower energy bills, protect against power outages, improve air quality, and create good-paying, local jobs.” Pennsylvania is the second state to benefit from this program, which was successfully launched in Georgia last fall. 

Pennsylvania BRIGHT will serve homeowners in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. To be eligible, the homeowner’s gross annual income must be less than $100,000 or reside in a disadvantaged census tract as identified by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, linked here. These income and geographic limits allow the program to focus on homeowners who have the most to gain from solar energy and the least ability to finance initial costs. 

“Because it is a lease program, there is no upfront cost and families do not pay to install or maintain the panels,” says Alexis McCarthy, Pennsylvania BRIGHT Program Director. The program is possible because the Inflation Reduction Act allows nonprofits to reduce the cost of solar panels for LMI homeowners using tax credits.

The program will work with highly vetted local solar EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) organizations. “EIS Solar is thrilled to be the lead installer for the Pennsylvania BRIGHT pilot program,” said Ian Smith, Director of Residential Consultations at EIS Solar.  “For too long, the benefits of solar have been enjoyed by people who could afford to make a large upfront investment. Programs like this remove those barriers to entry while also providing a reliable source of installations so that we can continue to hire and grow sustainably.” At the time of launch, other local installers include Envinity, Elysium Solar Energy, and Green Rack Solar.

The launch of Pennsylvania BRIGHT is made possible thanks to generous financial support, including $500,000 from The Heinz Endowments and $500,000 from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation. “We are happy to support Capital Good Fund’s BRIGHT solar program in southwestern Pennsylvania because we believe all should have access to the health, environmental, and financial benefits of solar energy,” said Rob Stephany, senior program director of community & economic development at The Heinz Endowments. “Assisting low-to-moderate income households through the funding and installation of solar and battery storage systems will help move the needle of equitable access in the right direction.”

The Pittsburgh Foundation contributed a $150,000 impact loan to Pennsylvania BRIGHT. “This solar lease program is a vital step in providing low-income families with access to solar power, helping them reduce utility costs,” said Michael Yonas, Vice President of Community Partnerships and Learning at the Pittsburgh Foundation. “It aligns with The Pittsburgh Foundation's mission to empower communities and foster economic resilience. By breaking down barriers to renewable energy, we can create a more equitable future while supporting families in achieving financial stability.”

Pennsylvania BRIGHT also received a program-related investment from the BQuest Foundation. “We are delighted to support Capital Good Fund as they bring their successful Georgia BRIGHT program to Pennsylvania families,” said Kathlyn Mead, Chief Impact Officer of the BQuest Foundation. 

The program is getting additional support from local community groups through the Pennsylvania BRIGHT SEOP (Solar Energy Outreach Partner) initiative, including Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light. “We are excited to be partnering with the Pennsylvania BRIGHT program as it launches here in the Keystone State,” said Executive Director Katie Ruth. “As a network of people of faith and conscience, we believe that furthering equitable access to renewable energy technologies that support community resiliency and climate action is crucial. We are glad to be involved in this new program that supports these outcomes in frontline communities and are eager to see programming like this expand."

For more on this program, visit PennsylvaniaBRIGHT.org or fill out our inquiry form to get started. 

Capital Good Fund | www.goodfund.us

The Heinz Endowments | https://www.heinz.org/

Henry L. Hillman Foundation | https://henrylhillmanfoundation.org/

Pittsburgh Foundation | https://pittsburghfoundation.org/

Pennsylvania small business owners come from all walks of life. And no matter what they look like, where they come from, who they love, or who they pray to, they are valued in Pennsylvania. That’s why we offer many resources for minority-owned businesses to help them build a bright future for themselves, their families, and their communities. To continue to see our small businesses grow, we’ve compiled a list of the go-to resources available to minority business owners across the commonwealth. Whether it’s helping them become certified as a small diverse business, apply for funding, find business mentors, or contract with government agencies, Pennsylvania is committed to helping minority business owners succeed. 

The Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop is the first stop for many individuals seeking information about how to turn their entrepreneurial ideas into a new business. The experts at Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop provide customized assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small businesses and offer access to a vast toolbox of services and resources, including those focused on small diverse businesses. 

The Entrepreneur’s Guide is a free publication that guides a small business owner through the process of starting and growing a business in Pennsylvania that includes expert information about writing a business plan, registering a business, receiving funding, and more. View it online or download your copy on the PA Business One-Stop Shop website.

The Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Authority (PMBDA) is a low-interest loan program designed to stimulate the creation, retention and expansion of minority-owned businesses and create jobs in Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants are for-profit business enterprises owned and controlled by one or more socially or economically disadvantaged persons who are residents of the Commonwealth. 

The Pennsylvania SBDC network is the only statewide, nationally-accredited program that provides high-quality one-on-one consulting, training, and information resources to empower new and existing businesses — including resources specifically for minority-owned businesses. The SBDC partners with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), DCED, and 15 universities and colleges across the state to provide budding entrepreneurs and small business owners the tools they need to thrive. The SBDC’s Diverse Business Owners page also offers resources for funding programs, training, and federal contracting opportunities for current or budding minority entrepreneurs.

To be eligible for the various programs and resources available to small diverse businesses, you must first be registered and legally operating within Pennsylvania and be verified as a small diverse business. Eligible small businesses must hold certifications as diverse businesses with one of the Pennsylvania Department of General Services’ approved third-party certification entities. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of General Services website to view a full list of third-party certifiers and learn more about becoming a certified small diverse business. For more general information on becoming a supplier or vendor for state government, visit our Government Contracting page.

In addition to small diverse business certification in Pennsylvania, you might want to explore the federal resources available to small, disadvantaged businesses. Qualifying businesses that meet the federal standards for small, disadvantaged businesses through the Small Business Administration (SBA) have access to a suite of additional federal programs and assistance. To learn more about acquiring this classification for your business, visit SBA’s website.

An agency of the United States Department of Commerce, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) promotes the growth and global competitiveness of minority-owned-and-operated businesses while focusing on job creation for minority business entrepreneurs. MBDA’s team of business advisors offers capital and financial management access, business consulting, contract and market access, and global business development services.

To learn more about the funding programs and resources available to small businesses, visit our PA Business One-Stop Shop website, follow our social media channels (X, Facebook, and LinkedIn).

Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Executive Deputy Secretary Bill Trusky today joined local officials for a ribbon cutting and job fair at the newly relocated PA CareerLink® Allegheny East to celebrate the opening of a location where Pennsylvania workers can boost their job skills and connect with local employers eager to fill vacancies in high-demand fields like information technology, human resources, healthcare and more.

PA CareerLink® Allegheny East is administered by Partner4Work, a local workforce development board that connects job seekers with career opportunities and helps employers find and retain skilled workers. The new location at 300 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 800, in

Pittsburgh is part of Pennsylvania’s network of 62 offices embedded in local communities and staffed with professionals who help workers find, obtain, and maintain family-sustaining employment. For employers, PA CareerLink® connects businesses directly with the skilled talent they need to fill critical positions in trades and emerging industries.

“Governor Shapiro has said from day one of this Administration that our number one goal is to create real opportunity and real freedom for Pennsylvanians and their families – and that includes the opportunity to succeed in a well-paying, family-sustaining job,” said Executive Deputy Secretary Trusky. “That’s why we’re working hard with our partners across the Commonwealth – like our friends at Partner4Work – to help lessen and ultimately remove the barriers to employment that so many Pennsylvanians face. PA CareerLink® locations are vital community resources that offer help at every step of the job-seeking process – and it’s all free!”

Today’s event in Pittsburgh was part of a series of job fairs hosted by PA CareerLink® locations across Pennsylvania to educate Pennsylvanians about the many career paths and opportunities available, as well as highlight the free services offered at PA CareerLink® centers to help Pennsylvanians land that next job.

Since the start of his Administration, Governor Josh Shapiro has been focused on creating real opportunities for hardworking Pennsylvanians to obtain well-paying jobs. The Shapiro Administration values skills-based hiring, where every career path is treated with respect, regardless of whether it requires a college degree. In July, Governor Shapiro signed the 2024- 25 budget into law that will increase Pennsylvania’s Career and Technical Education investment by $30 million and expand funding for registered apprenticeship programs by $2 million to fill much-needed nursing positions across the Commonwealth.

The Shapiro Administration has also prioritized projects statewide that prepare Pennsylvania workers for family-sustaining jobs in the Commonwealth’s most dynamic industries through L&I’s Industry Partnership program, which encourages partnerships among businesses in various sectors to address education and training, identify economic development needs, coordinate regional support teams, and pool community resources. In February, the Shapiro Administration announced $4.2 million in Industry Partnership grants for projects

statewide – including $250,000 to Partner4Work for its P4W Construction Industry Partnership to boost diversity within union ranks, expand pre-apprenticeship training, and build a pipeline of next-generation talent.

"This job center fills a critical need in Allegheny County, where there are almost two open jobs per unemployed worker. The services are delivered with integrity, and people can feel good about themselves and their opportunities when they walk in the door" said Rob Cherry, CEO of Partner4Work. "The new PA CareerLink® Allegheny East location continues our commitment to creating bright, welcoming spaces that empower individuals and provide the resources they need to build successful careers."

PA CareerLink® prepares Pennsylvanians to meet the needs of businesses and matches employers with qualified, skilled candidates. Individuals can register for career and training services, search for job postings and upload their resumes to make themselves visible and available to thousands of employers.

Some of the free career-building and other services provided include: • Resume building/posting/submitting workshops

• Mock interviews
• Job search and training assistance
• Adult education classes and workshops
• Career fairs
• Referral services to partners
  For more information on Pennsylvania CareerLink®, visit pacareerlink.pa.gov. For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, please visit the website or follow L&I on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

More Information: https://www.dli.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Pittsburgh Scholar House Secures $2.5 Million in Grants from Henry L. Hillman Foundation and Richard King Mellon Foundation for Downtown Affordable Housing Conversion

 Pittsburgh Scholar House (PSH) announced that it has secured $2.5 million in grant funding for Downtown affordable housing conversion: $1.5 million from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation, and $1 million from the Richard King Mellon Foundation.

PSH is partnering with developer Beacon Communities to convert the empty building located at 120 Cecil Way in Downtown Pittsburgh into 94 units of mixed-income affordable housing, 47 of which will be dedicated to PSH Scholars and their families.

PSH is dedicated to improving the quality of life for single parents and their children through post-secondary education and comprehensive supportive services, including housing. PSH’s Wayfinders Program is specifically tailored to mitigate barriers that would otherwise impede degree completion by providing stable and affordable housing matched with on-site support services.

“Pittsburgh Scholar House is incredibly grateful to the Henry L. Hillman and Richard King Mellon Foundations for their generous support,” said Dr. Diamonte Walker, CEO of PSH. “This collaboration with Beacon Communities marks a significant step toward providing affordable housing in Downtown Pittsburgh. It not only revitalizes our city’s economic landscape but also offers hard working families a firm foundation for a promising future.”

The 120 Cecil Way project involves the adaptive reuse and historic preservation of a decommissioned steam plant into approximately 94 new affordable housing units, with one-, two-, and three-bedroom units targeting households with incomes ranging from 20% – 80% of the Area Median Income, and a portion assisted with Section 8 rental subsidies.

“We are excited to partner with Pittsburgh Scholar House on this transformative project,” said Michael Polite, senior vice president and partner at Beacon Communities. “Our collaboration is one more step along the path to create not just affordable housing, but a supportive community that empowers families. 120 Cecil Way addresses critical housing needs while preserving the historic character of the building. This project underscores our commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods and providing stability and opportunity for families in Pittsburgh.”

The 47 apartments for Scholars and their families included in this project are part of the more than 100 affordable units PSH is working to bring online by 2028 with various development partnerships throughout the City of Pittsburgh.

“Pittsburgh Scholar House is making an investment in Downtown while PSH Scholars make an investment in their futures,” said Lisa Johns, vice president, Finance at the Henry L. Hillman Foundation. “This project brings eager students and their families to a supportive environment where they don’t have to worry about housing or supportive services and can focus on continuing their education. The Henry L. Hillman Foundation has been a longtime champion of investing in big ideas and new models that can change the way people grow and thrive in southwestern Pennsylvania. I can’t think of a better example of that than this innovative project here in the heart of the city.”

PHS seeks to invest a total of $3 million into the project and is actively pursuing $500,000 from other funding sources to close the gap on this goal. The commitment is contingent upon Beacon Communities securing both historic and low-income housing tax credits. If awarded tax credits, Beacon Communities anticipates a groundbreaking in fall 2025, with an 18-month renovation period.

A new chapter is beginning for 21 impressive graduates of The Advanced Leadership Institute’s (TALI) Executive Leadership Academy. On July 19th, TALI and its academic partner, Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business (CMU), will celebrate this milestone alongside the graduates with a ceremony at Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business. The event will feature a keynote address by TALI Advisory Board Member Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, SVP/Chief Clinical Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network, special remarks from Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, and fellowship with distinguished TALI and CMU stakeholders. The Executive Leadership Academy is an executive education program uniquely designed to address the challenges faced by Black professionals and help senior-level managers and executives advance in their careers.

“I continue to be amazed by the exceptional leaders who have come through the Executive Leadership Academy, and this year is no exception. I am extremely impressed by this year’s graduates, and I look forward to watching them continue doing great things to enhance Pittsburgh’s corporate and civic communities. Congratulations to all the 2024 graduates!”  — Evan Frazier, President and CEO, The Advanced Leadership Institute.

“At Carnegie Mellon University, we are proud of our ongoing commitment to fostering leadership growth through the Executive Leadership Academy. Congratulations to these accomplished individuals who have completed this year’s program.” — Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou, dean and Richard P. Simmons Professor of Finance, Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business.

Congratulations to the graduates:

John (Mamadou) Bah- Procurement Global Finance Director, PPG

Godfrey Bethea- Vice President of Equity, People, and Culture, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

Lyasha Bishop-Gaines- Executive Director, The Early Excellence Project

Donminika Brown- Chief Financial Officer, Pittsburgh Regional Transit

Brandon Grinage- SVP Regional Manager, PNC

Donny Hamilton- Gateway Project Manager, Federal Railroad Administration

Alyssa Ford Heywood- Director, Performance Management, Pittsburgh Public Schools

Joyce Howard- Business Development Manager, Innovation Works

Jason Jones- Vice President of Community Development, Dollar Bank

Rick Mason- Executive Director, The Pittsburgh Project

Danielle Mundekis- Director of Inclusion, Eckert Seamans

Michael Nelson- Senior Manager of Corporate Security, Duquesne Light Company

Onome Oghifobibi- Assistant Professor and Director of Community Engagement, Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Nicole Rhodes- Associate Legal Counsel, University of Pittsburgh

Kelly Russell- Assistant Director/Labor Compliance Officer, City of Pittsburgh

Tammy Sadler- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Manager, Highmark Health/AHN

Tiffinnie Severin- Director, Enterprise Strategy, Highmark

LaShana Stokes- Chief of Staff, UPMC

Rachel Williams- Director, Content Program Management, Duolingo

Shani Yeldell- Community Relations Manager—Mentorship Academy, CNX

Michael Young- Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Associate Professor of Mathematical Science, Carnegie Mellon University

About The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI)

The mission of The Advanced Leadership Institute is to cultivate Black executive leadership to strengthen companies, institutions, and communities. It is facilitated through an educational partnership with Carnegie Mellon University and is supported by major corporations and foundations in the Pittsburgh region, including Lead Founding Underwriters: BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Richard King Mellon Foundation; Founding Underwriters: Highmark Foundation; Excellence Partners: Eden Hall Foundation and Henry L. Hillman Foundation; Lead Contributors: Highmark and The Heinz Endowments; Presenting Sponsors: Giant Eagle, Highmark Health, PNC, and UPMC. Gold Sponsors: American Eagle Outfitters, Bank of America, Buchanan, CNX, Covestro, Dollar Bank, Duquesne Light Company, FedEx Corporation, FHLBank Pittsburgh, Golub Capital, Koppers, PPG, and Wabtec Corporation; Silver Sponsors: Pittsburgh Legal Diversity and Inclusion Coalition; and Bronze Sponsors, which can be found here.

Today, MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving announced Catapult Greater Pittsburgh as one of the Yield Giving Open Call’s awardees working with people and in places experiencing the greatest need in the United States.

Catapult received $1 million, which will go toward our daily operations and range of entrepreneurial, homeownership, and asset building programs dedicated to ensuring systematically disenfranchised communities can meaningfully achieve economic justice and lead dignified and equitable lives.

In March 2023, Yield Giving launched an Open Call for community-led, community-focused organizations whose explicit purpose is to enable individuals and families to achieve substantive improvement in their well-being through foundational resources.

“We are ecstatic to be awarded this incredible gift. It’s not only a huge gift to our organization but to our entire community. Every nonprofit organization dreams of having unrestricted funding to create and expand existing programming, and invest in the development and implementation of new programs and services. This is a blessing, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
– Catapult Executive Director, Tammy Thompson

The Open Call received 6,353 applications and initially planned for 250 awards of $1 million each. In the fall of 2023, organizations top-rated by their peers advanced to a second round of review by an external Evaluation Panel recruited for experience relevant to this cause and underwent a final round of due diligence. In light of the incredible work of these organizations, as judged by their peers and external panelists, the donor team decided to expand the awardee pool and the award amount.

“We are excited that our partnership with Yield Giving has resonated with so many organizations,” said Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change. “In a world teeming with potential and talent, the Open Call has given us an opportunity to identify, uplift, and empower transformative organizations that often remain unseen.”

Visit the Lever for Change website for more information on the Yield Giving Open Call and other initiatives.

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Established in 2021, the Greenwood Plan is a Pittsburgh based non-profit focused on supporting the communal health of Black communities. The mission of the organization is to advance economic justice for Black communities by bridging people and knowledge networks, redirecting resources, and supporting the unique needs of Black businesses.

• To foster the vitality of Black-owned businesses through supporting efforts to initiate, sustain, and grow within the local economy and beyond; 
• To create a network for regional Black business owners to connect with peers and organizations to stimulate growth and leverage opportunities; 
• To serve as a catalyst for connecting partners, resources, and initiatives to Black entrepreneurs, professionals, gig workers, and creatives, advocating for elimination of barriers. 
• To launch signature events that support economic visibility for Black businesses such as the successful projects Greenwood Week, Black Restaurant Week and industry summits in emerging growth areas. 
• To champion our coworking space as a supporting resource for business incubation and expansion.

Through culturally competent programming such as The Black Business Conference: Greenwood Week, Black Restaurant Week, and industry specific summits (real estate, tech, arts, etc.), Greenwood Plan focuses on intentional resource redirection, economic justice, business growth and sustainment, and socioeconomic guidance. Within these processes, the project aims to:

• Support and educate Black-owned businesses to start, sustain, and/or grow within the local economy and beyond;
• Create a network for and comprised of local business owners to connect with peers and organizations;
• Advocate for and eliminate barriers for Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and artists;
• Encourage self advocacy around economics and entrepreneurship;
• Support and train larger organizations on initiatives and working with Black-owned businesses equitably;
• Enrich the lives of Black entrepreneurs with health and wellness programming with local consultancy; and
• Engage and encourage businesses in industries of the future.

Learn more about the Greenwood Plan

The Corporate Equity & Inclusion Roundtable (CEIR) and the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) are working with local government, corporate, and business leaders to help the Pittsburgh region achieve the highest levels of diversity in employment and contractual opportunities possible.

One of the best ways to reach this goal is through identifying local employment and training opportunities (at all levels) and sharing this information with the community to highlight those businesses, corporations, government institutions, training facilities and institutions who are working to make the difference.

To this end the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) and the Corporate Equity & Inclusion Roundtable Working Group (CEIR) are proud to announce the expansion of our B-PEP/CEIR Job & Training Site to include the numerous opportunities for employment, skills development, and professional partnerships throughout the Pittsburgh Region. Our hope is that this site will be the “GO TO” website for African Americans seeking job and/or training opportunities in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County and beyond.

B-PEP and CEIR are making it simple: If you are looking for a job, we are gathering thousands of job opportunities across a variety of sectors right here in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. You are just a click away from opportunities from entry level to executive level. These include:

Highmark Health:

One of the largest employers in the region

UPMC Careers:

Another major employer in Allegheny County and Pennsylvania

Allegheny County Careers and City of Pittsburgh Careers:

Learn what jobs are available for you right now in our local government arenas

Vibrant Pittsburgh:

A locally focused job board with thousands of available jobs across multiple sectors,

and

PA Career Link:

Thousands of state government jobs available right now across the commonwealth.

If you are looking to gain skills, switch careers, or just build your resume, we are collecting all those opportunities as well to make it as easy as possible. These include:

Builder’s Guild of Western PA:
Western Pennsylvania Operating Engineers Bidwell Training Center
Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh CCAC Workforce Development

CCAC Community Education Imagine Pittsburgh
Literacy Pittsburgh Partner4Work

Energy Innovation Center

Trade Institute of Pittsburgh

And our professional partners,

The Black Political Empowerment Project and the Corporate Equity & Inclusion Roundtable encourage all businesses and employers to become a part of this new initiative. See the website for details at www.b-pep.net/jobs or call us at 412-212-8775. Once again, our hope is that the B-PEP/CEIR JOB & TRAINING WEBSITE will soon become the ‘GO TO’ website for African Americans seeking job and/or training opportunities in the Pittsburgh Region. We are asking all of our community partners to share the website on their social platforms.

Governor Shapiro signed an Executive Order to increase opportunities for small and small diverse businesses to secure contracts with the Commonwealth and secured historic budget funding for historically disadvantaged businesses for the first time ever.

During his first year in office, Governor Josh Shapiro and his Administration have gotten stuff done by opening up the doors of opportunities for Pennsylvanians, delivering on a campaign promise to increase opportunities for small and small diverse businesses to compete for state contracts and make the Commonwealth procurement process more accessible.

The Shapiro Administration also secured $20 million of state funding in the 2023-24 budget for small minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses across the Commonwealth for the first time ever. That money will be driven out to small diverse businesses in order to help them grow, create jobs, and build generational wealth in communities too often left behind.

As Governor Shapiro said in his first budget address, “I want every Pennsylvanian to know that our Commonwealth values what you bring to the table, and we will take an active role in breaking down the barriers to progress and partnering with you. We’ll provide long-overdue funding for women and minority-owned businesses across this Commonwealth, to support their growth and open new doors of opportunity.”

Read more about the Shapiro Administration’s work to open doors of opportunity below.

Opening Up New Doors to New Opportunities for Small and Small Diverse Businesses by Improving State Procurement Practices

• In September, Governor Shapirosigned Executive Order 2023-18 to increase opportunities for small and small diverse businesses to compete for state contracts, make the Commonwealth procurement process more accessible, and take actionable steps to help small businesses and small diverse businesses grow, succeed, and create good-paying jobs.
• The Executive Order directs the Department of General Services (DGS), under the leadership of Secretary Reggie McNeil, to lead and coordinate efforts with agencies to increase their total operational spend and participation in the Commonwealth’s Small Business Reserve (SBR) program, foster more competitive procurement, and increase the amount of money that goes into the hands of small and small diverse businesses.
• As a result of the Executive Order, DGS Secretary McNeil is updating the Commonwealth’s definition of a small business by raising the revenue limit from $38.5 million to $47 million, ensuring more small businesses can qualify.
• Established by the Executive Order, the Pennsylvania Advisory Council for Inclusive Procurement (PACIP) – chaired by Lieutenant Governor Davis – will also work to advise Commonwealth agencies on ways to make state contracting opportunities more inclusive.

Securing State Funding for the Historically Disadvantaged Business Program for the First Time in Commonwealth History

• While campaigning, Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Davis promised to put sustainable state funding into the Historically Disadvantaged Business Program to support women and minority-owned businesses across the Commonwealth.
• For the first time ever in the 2023-24 budget, Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Davis secured $20 million in state funding for the Historically Disadvantaged Business Program – making good on their promise to deliver real results for historically disadvantaged businesses.
• On average, disadvantaged businesses have less access to capital, are three times more likely to be denied loans, are more likely to pay a higher interest rate, and are more likely to receive lower loan amounts than non-minority owned firms – and this historic budget funding will open up the doors of opportunity for small minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses.

Making Government Work for All: Helping Small Businesses Receive Payment Faster and Reducing the Small Business Certification Time

• Under the Shapiro Administration, DGS made significant strides to support small and small diverse businesses by:
• Reducing the time it takes to certify a small business by 33 percent. Prior to the Shapiro Administration, it took businesses 15 days to become certified – but with updated improvements, DGS reduced the certification time to 10 days.
• Implementing a prompt pay policy that requires prime contractors to pay small and small diverse business and veteran-owned business  subcontractors faster for non-construction goods and services provided to the Commonwealth under state contracts within 10 days of receipt of payment from the Commonwealth.
• Bringing small, small diverse, and veteran-owned businesses together to give them a better understanding of Commonwealth procurement opportunities, available resources to capital, and how the Shapiro-Davis Administration is working to make state contracting easier for them at DGS’ first-ever Small Business Empowerment Summit.

Governor Josh Shapiro signed an Executive Order building on the steps his Administration has already taken to expand the doors of opportunity for all Pennsylvanians that will increase opportunities for small and small diverse businesses to compete for state business, spur economic growth and create good-paying jobs, and make the Commonwealth procurement process more accessible.

Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Davis heard from small business and small diverse business owners about the need for more support from government and promised to reform procurement practices – and now their Administration is taking concrete steps to fulfill that promise.

Read what Pennsylvania leaders are saying about Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order:   

• President and CEO of the Enterprise Center Della Clark: “Opening the doors wider to lift up small and diverse businesses requires institutional buy-in at all levels. We view this Executive Order as the first step to combining contracts, capital, and expertise to intentionally grow small and diverse led businesses across the Commonwealth. Thank you to the Shapiro-Davis Administration for their leadership in driving change.”
• Congressman Dwight Evans: “It’s absolutely my pleasure to add my voice to the Governor’s leadership on this issue. This is not a new issue to any of you – this is an issue I worked on when I was in the legislature. The Governor is just demonstrating the kind of leadership that he’s shown all of us what it means to work together and the message of opportunity.”
• Senator Vincent Hughes: “You all have heard the substance of the Governor and his two Cabinet Secretaries about what we’re signing today [August 5]. In many respects, this is about following through with a commitment. In many respects, this is about bold leadership. Before he was Governor, we sat in several quiet rooms for extended periods of time. We talked about this very issue. We talked about the power of the administrator to make sure that when we talk about diversity, it actually happens. Here we have Governor Shapiro making another step in bold leadership. He’s coming back and delivering on those conversations that we had.”
• Representative Rick Krajewski: “Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Davis have come to Philly countless times to see the vibrant, diverse economy that we’re building here. They’ve already made good on their promises by securing over $20 million in funding for the Historically Disadvantaged Business Program for small minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses and by reducing the wait time it takes a certified small business and with this executive order. We will be creating more equitable processes by creating checks and balances that will ensure that funds go to the businesses that needed the most. There are so many state opportunities in our Commonwealth. I’m grateful to Governor Shapiro and our department Secretaries for making it easier for me to facilitate those connections.”
• Representative Donna Bullock: “Looking forward to working with Governor Shapiro to create more opportunities for small diverse businesses in PA.”
• Independence Business Alliance: “The IBA was proud to be on hand at the Enterprise Center in West Philadelphia for the signing of an Executive Order by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro that opens the door wider for small businesses to compete for state contracts. Under this executive order the state will raise the revenue limit for small businesses to qualify for state contracts to $47 million, up from $38.5 million that it has been held at since 2018. Shapiro also is calling on the General Assembly to change the definition of a small business as one that has up to 500 employees, instead of the current 100 employee cap.”
• The Tactile Group CEO Marc Coleman: “Improving the ability to do business with the state, I’m really encouraged to see. We’ve been trying to do work with the state for years. There’s been barriers in the way. [Governor Shapiro has] removed some of them.”

 The Pennsylvania Senate unanimously confirmed Secretary Reggie McNeil to serve as Pennsylvania’s 11th Secretary of the Department of General Services (DGS). With 27 years of service to our nation and public schools, McNeil joins the Commonwealth after a 22-career as a naval officer in the United States Civil Engineer Corps. Secretary McNeil most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer of The School District of Philadelphia – the eighth-largest school district in the nation.

Under Secretary McNeil’s leadership in the Shapiro Administration, since February, DGS has cut the time it takes to certify a small business by 33%, conducted Supplier Search workshops aimed at educating small minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses on available contracting opportunities, and implemented several improvements to the programs and policies administered by the agency’s Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities to improve the quality of the overall experience of small, diverse, and veteran businesses looking to do business with the Commonwealth. Secretary McNeil’s priorities for DGS include identifying ways to further improve and streamline the Commonwealth’s procurement system and rightsizing the Commonwealth’s owned and leased real estate portfolio to better respond to the future needs of the state’s workforce.

Avis Williams has always loved to cook and share her culinary talents with friends and family. Now, anyone can enjoy the delicious comfort food she prepares by visiting Hilda’s Soul Food Kitchen in Homestead. The restaurant specializes in Southern hospitality and cooking that will “bring back memories of your grandmother’s kitchen” and “bring the South to Pittsburgh.” Opening the restaurant in July fulfilled a 10-year dream for Williams, who named the restaurant in honor of her mother.

After working in accounting and banking for many years, Williams prayed about making the change, and then “God started opening doors.” Although she previously helped to run a catering business, she had no professional training, so she decided to go back to school to learn how to manage a restaurant. Williams is graduating from CCAC’s Hospitality Operations Management program this year. Through the program, she learned every aspect of restaurant management—from maintaining food in the right order in the refrigerator, to becoming ServSafe certified, which is the industry standard in food safety training and is administered by the U.S. National Restaurant Association.

 “CCAC was a tremendous help,” said Williams. “Every class that I took was so beneficial. The whole setup of the program is exactly what someone needs if they’re looking to manage a restaurant.”

Although she was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Williams acquired a love of Southern cooking through her husband and other family members who are from the South. Hilda’s is definitely “filling a niche” by offering daily specials, such as meatloaf and gravy with rice and Southern creamed peas, BBQ ribs with mac ’n cheese and greens, smothered pork chops with two sides, or blackened salmon or chicken tossed salads. Fridays are fish FRYdays with crabcakes, salmon cakes and shrimp étouffée, and every Saturday features a Southern breakfast buffet. Patrons can also sample Southern specialties such as boiled peanuts and pimento cheese.

Customers have responded enthusiastically to the new restaurant, which is currently open for takeout and delivery. The restaurant has limited seating, and Williams plans to offer indoor dining in the future when health concerns about COVID–19 have lessened.

Hilda’s Soul Food Kitchen, located at 514 E. 8th Ave., Homestead, is open Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a Saturday breakfast buffet from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information or to place an order, call 412.462.4220.

Source: CCAC

Visit ccac.edu to learn more.

The Pittsburgh chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy had been inactive for several years.

Several employees from Duquesne Light Company (DLC) have brought back the Pittsburgh chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) and celebrated the re-establishment by hosting a networking event Downtown on September 28.

AABE – Pittsburgh had a strong foothold in the Steel City in the 80s and 90s. Included were Black employees and entrepreneurs from various energy-related companies or suppliers. Membership dwindled in the early 2000s, ultimately resulting in the disbandment of the chapter. Several attempts since then failed to gain sustained traction, with the most recent efforts coming in 2017.

The “Reclamation and Networking” event was held at Emerald City, a Black-owned multi-purpose space on Smithfield Street. AABE – Pittsburgh’s efforts to restore the group were praised by Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey’s office, and state Rep. Aerion Abney presented the group with a proclamation on behalf of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus.

Around 40 people attended the event, which featured opening remarks from Duquesne Light Holdings President and CEO Kevin Walker; a chat with Victor Roque, who is believed to be the first Black leader of a utility in western Pennsylvania; and a keynote address from La’Meshia Whittington, CEO of an energy consulting firm and professor at North Carolina State University. 

Whittington’s talk highlighted the need to celebrate Black excellence in energy, from innovators like Lewis Latimer and George Washington Carver, to contemporary leaders like Roque and Walker, all while keeping in mind the importance of accessibility and equity in the energy space for Black and low-income individuals and communities. Following the keynote, the speakers joined a brief interactive Q&A panel discussion with the guests.

Other organizations involved included EQT, Burns & McDonnell, Range Resources, Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Dominion Energy and CRBE Group, Inc.

Anyone interested in joining AABE-Pittsburgh is encouraged to contact chapter President Deo Alexander at dalexander@duqlight.com or Secretary Samson Horne at shorne@duqlight.com.

The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) is pleased to announce the receipt of a $1 Million Grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. The grant, which was recently approved, will help TALI to continue moving forward its mission to prepare Black leaders for executive advancement. While TALI recently announced its national expansion plans, the new funds will support TALI’s operations in the Pittsburgh region. 

According to Evan Frazier, President and CEO of The Advanced Leadership Institute, “It has always been our vision to create a sustainable model that addresses an important need to promote Black leadership diversity. This tremendous contribution comes at a pivotal time and will help to anchor our work in the Pittsburgh region.” Frazier also added, “We are truly grateful to the Richard King Mellon Foundation for this grant and their strategic investments in TALI at critical times over the years.”

The Foundation continues to demonstrate their support and confidence in the work done at the Institute. In 2018, the Foundation provided TALI with a $100,000 grant to pilot its flagship program, The Executive Leadership Academy. In 2020, it bolstered its support with a $1 Million Grant and now it is doing it again with another $1 Million to support TALI’s operations in the Pittsburgh region. This ongoing support has helped TALI continue to grow as it works to advance the presence of Black professionals in executive leadership roles.

“Supporting diverse leadership has been an ongoing focus for us,” said Richard King Mellon Foundation Director Sam Reiman. “That's why we seeded TALI with its first six-figure grant in 2018 and a $1 Million Grant in 2020. And now, we are making another large grant of $1 million, in hopes that TALI can continue to build on and generate even greater private-sector enthusiasm for the critical work they are doing in Pittsburgh. TALI has enjoyed noteworthy support already, from corporate leaders such as BNY Mellon, Highmark, PNC and UPMC. But even more private-sector partners are essential for the Institute to achieve its full potential."

The Advanced Leadership Institute operates three leadership programs delivered in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business, including:

·  The Executive Leadership Academy (ELA) – Its flagship program targeting the Pittsburgh region; ELA is a seven-month, world-class executive education program that prepares Black senior-level managers for executive advancement.

·  The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) – ELP prepares Black professionals to transition from an early manager or individual contributor to broader leadership roles.

·  The new National Executive Leadership Academy – Modeled after Pittsburgh’s ELA program, this national program is for Black executives and mid-level managers from across the country who have higher level career aspirations.

For more information about each program, visit taliinstitute.org.

 Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas have a variety of Black-owned businesses ranging from restaurants to jewelers that reflect the soul and strength of their communities. Pitt’s Office of Engagement and Community Affairs, which works with dozens of local organizations and leaders to build bridges between the University and the community, suggested 10 Black-owned businesses for Pittsburghers to check out during Black History Month. Read on, and you might just find your new favorite bakery or boutique.

Wild Rise Bakery is a gluten-free establishment featuring cakes, pastries and breads. Find the baked goods at the East End Food Co-op and in various restaurants and cafes around Pittsburgh or preorder for pick-up at the Lawrenceville Farmers Market and Bloomfield Saturday Market.

Based in East Liberty, Royally Fit is a holistic health and wellness company putting 100% of its profits toward its Community Wellness Program, which provides health programming for free in neighborhoods that need it the most.

Lelia’s Natural Care is an online boutique based in Pittsburgh with all-natural products to improve the skin and enhance the overall health of clients.

Based in Oakland, Uzima advocates for mental health and well-being through nutrition and offers a variety of healthy açaí bowls, smoothies and juices.

Boss Girl Collection LLC is beauty boutique with stores in Penn Hills and the Hill District selling lashes, lip gloss and lip scrubs. Products are also available online.

Molly’s World Boutique in the Hill District puts the "fun" in functional fashion, designing clothing clients love.

Since 1946, Homewood-based Dorsey’s Record Shop has provided analog to digital transfers, computer repair, upgrades and software installation services. Of course, the shop also sells records spanning genres like R&B, hip-hop, jazz and gospel.

Knotzland in Wilkinsburg reuses textile discards to create bowties and accessories.

Find candles, clothing, pet accessories, beauty products and haircare and more at Gallery on Centre in the Hill District.

Ujamaa Collective is a nonprofit organization that aims to advance Africana women by providing a fair trade marketplace. It operates a boutique in the Hill District and also puts on pop-up events and other arts and entrepreneur programming.