William Generett Jr. serves as the vice president for civic engagement and external relations at Duquesne University. In this role, he provides leadership in support of the University's mission of service and its commitment to the city of Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania and the nation.

Generett facilitates and develops relationships with local and national community organizations, governments and civic organizations, strengthening the University's partnerships with its neighbors. Through the newly formed Office of Civic Engagement and External Relations, he oversees the University's government affairs function and its Center for Engaged Teaching and Research, which works to advance community-engaged research, teaching and scholarship.

Generett most recently served as the inaugural president and chief executive officer of Urban Innovation21, a unique public-private partnership. Under his leadership, Urban Innovation21 was recognized nationally and internationally for its work to connect Pittsburgh's underserved communities and their residents to the greater metropolitan Pittsburgh region's growing innovation economy. Generett has worked in various capacities as a nonprofit executive, entrepreneur and attorney. He is a very active member of the community where he serves through several nonprofit boards and advisory committees.

In 2014, Generett was appointed by President Barack Obama to the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. A Pittsburgh native, Generett earned his J.D. from Emory University School of Law and is a Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude graduate of Morehouse College. In 2016, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Carlow University.

PUM: What is the significance of celebrating Black History month, especially during a time in our country where we are experiencing unprecedented challenges in our country related to race relations?

Bill: Black history is America’s history. There are so many things that African Americans have contributed to this nation and this world and it is vital that all people understand those contributions. Too often the contributions of African Americans are misunderstood and sadly minimized. This causes way too many people to misunderstand the important role that Black people have played in making this nation the great country it is today. If more people understand the role of Black people in making America what it is today, race relations would be more positive and the treatment of Black people would be better. That is why Black history month is important.

In your role as Vice President of Civic Engagement and External Relations how are you helping Duquesne University “engage” with the community? 

Bill: At Duquesne, service is more than something we do. It's a core part of our identity. We believe that equity and opportunity begins at home and so we work to create it. The practice of civic engagement—the exchange of resources between Duquesne and its surrounding communities and partners —has been central to our mission since the University's founding in 1878. Today, that tradition is alive and well—and reaching more people than ever before.

The Office of Civic Engagement and External Relations connects the University and its partners across five areas of impact:

• Growth and Innovation• Health and Wellness• Education• Individual Empowerment• Volunteerism

Tell us more about your role, in providing leadership in support of the University's mission of service and its commitment to the city of Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania and the nation. 

I oversee the University’s Office of Civic Engagement and External Relations (OCEER), which I played a key role in launching when I was hired in September of 2017. OCEER oversees the Office of Community Engagement (OCE), which oversees the Center for Community-Engaged Teaching and Research (CETR) and student volunteerism efforts. Through OCE, students and faculty create partnerships that provide meaningful opportunities for learning together, conducting research, and addressing community concerns. CETR also provides oversight over student volunteerism efforts, knowing how important volunteerism to expanding students’ horizions. OCEER also oversees the University’s government affairs and lobbying function as well as the University’s Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations (OCFR). OCFR, oversees the University’s relationship and engagement with the Pittsburgh region’s corporate partners and the University’s local and national philanthropic fundraising efforts.

PUM: With the pandemic looming how are you virtually being able to connect overall with students and the broader communities? What impact has this had on your role?

Bill: Although the University suspended most of its in-person community engagement activities due to the pandemic, our office did engage in a few in-person activities. These activities included supporting the Center for Integrative Health’s work to administer COVID-19 testing with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) located in underserved communities throughout the City of Pittsburgh. Here is a link to a video that highlights that work. The team transferred as much of its in-person community engagement activities as possible to virtual platforms. Leading up to what has been recognized as the most contentious election in modern day history, we provided students with a wide array of nonpartisan activities that allowed for the opportunity to constructively engage in the election process. Our office spearheaded the “Duquesne Votes Coalition,” a coalition of members representing students, faculty, and staff, ranging from student government, student life, academic affairs, community engagement, mission & identity, the library, the Center for Teaching Excellence, Global Engagement, and athletics. Key successes of this coalition included, but were not limited to, working with athletics on a “Why I Vote” testimonial initiative to encourage full voter participation for all eligible athletes and athletic staff, as well as helping residence life assist COVID-19 positive and quarantined students participate in the election.

PUM: During this historical Presidential election, U.S. Senator Kamala Harris emerges as the Vice President of the United States, and the first African American & Indian woman to hold this position, as we celebrate Black History Month, what significance does this have for future generations?

Bill: Vice President Harris is inspiring a generation of African American and Asian women who now know they can reach their full potential. If you don’t see people like yourself in the high-ranking positions, often you don’t believe those positions are for you or are attainable. Your horizon has a limit when it should really expand. As the first woman Vice President and the first African American and Asian VP, she is inspiring and for generations to come will inspire women and men throughout the country to reach for bigger goals—something we try to do here at Duquesne every day. 

PUM: Reflecting on history, who inspired you to become the leader you are today?

Bill: I have a lot of role models but the two that have had the most influence on me are my mother Mona Generett, PhD. and my late father Dr. William Generett. My mom has always been heavily engaged in the community and even in retirement she continues to be. In her last role before retirement she served as the VP of Community Development at Dollar Bank. Although she launched a lot of different programs that helped people through the region, she is most known for launching “Mortgages for Moms.” Mortgages for Moms is still in existence today and has helped thousands of women purchase homes. In retirement, my mom is the Chair of the Board of Directors of Community College of Allegheny County. My father was an Obstetrician Gynecologist and worked to make sure women of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds had access to high quality health care. Service is in my blood because of my parents.

Sara Oliver Carter is the Chief Diversity Officer at Duquesne Light Company (DLC), a next generation energy company that delivers safe and reliable electricity to more than a half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania.  She collaborates directly with the executive team to build out the Company’s diversity and inclusion strategy and the associated initiatives with a strong focus on talent acquisition, culture, community partnerships and workplace inclusion and belonging.

Prior to joining DLC in 2019, Sara was the Senior Director of Talent, Diversity and Inclusion for Pennsylvania State University. In this role, she was primarily accountable for leading and creating the talent management, talent acquisition, diversity, and inclusion framework throughout the University system with the goal of attracting, developing and retaining high potential diverse talent. 

Prior to her time at Penn State, Sara was with Highmark for 18 years in a variety of human resources positions culminating in the role of Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion.  

Sara is a results-oriented human resources professional with more than 20 years of business operations and human resource management experience. During her career, she has held a variety of positions in corporate staffing, employee relations and operations while serving as a member of various community boards. 

Sara has a passion for diversity and inclusion and knows diversity is integral to sustainable business excellence in the Pittsburgh area. She realizes diversity is critical to the success of the region, and is committed to supporting the attraction and retention of talent through innovative diversity and inclusion efforts in both the workplace and community. 

Sara has a bachelor’s degree in business communication and a master’s of science degree in professional leadership from Carlow University. 

PUM: What is the significance of celebrating Black History Month, especially during a time in our country where we are experiencing unprecedented challenges related to race relations?

Sarah:  Every year, I get pleasure and find great significance in celebrating Black History Month. This year’s theme is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.” It remains a time to reflect on and celebrate the history and important achievements made by members of the Black community and social justice movements, while acknowledging there’s still important work to be done to make all opportunities just, fair and equitable. This year, it’s even more important for us to make time for reflection and action not only during Black History Month, but all throughout the year. We have a real opportunity to continue driving social change to create a more equitable and inclusive world. 

It’s also a chance for us to work together and identify solutions to openly address and end systemic racism. At Duquesne Light Company (DLC), we’re celebrating Black History Month by growing inclusion, advancing belonging, and engaging in various celebrations that acknowledge the contributions of the Black community. This includes a Martin Luther King Jr. employee challenge and a panel discussion with African American community leaders engaged in candid conversations, all led by our recently launched African American Business Employee Resource Group (BERG).

PUM:  You are the first chief diversity officer at Duquesne Light. Since your appointment in July 2019, tell us more about your priorities and focus.

Sarah:  Since I started at DLC, my focus has been on partnering with our leadership and engaging our employees to make our workplace inclusive and reflective of all communities. Overall, we’re striving to grow a culture that’s based on respect and dignity, where all voices are heard and valued. We serve a diverse group of people at DLC, so the best way to support our customers is to understand their needs and support them in all that we do. In this light, becoming more diverse and equitable and creating a sense of inclusion and diversity is not only the right thing to do, it’s a DLC business imperative. Last year, in the face of a pandemic and social unrest, we didn’t step back from our efforts. Instead, we doubled down and we’re continuing on this path. We’ve introduced a companywide diversity strategy, started a candid conversation platform, and launched BERGs supporting our employees who identify as African Americans, women and/or veterans.

We plan to launch more BERGs in the future, which are voluntary, employee-led groups that help support our workplace belonging and innovation efforts through engagement, networking, leadership, volunteerism and special initiatives. As a company, we’re also prioritizing diversity in our new procurement strategy by building relationships with diverse suppliers and making it easier for diverse vendors to do business with us. At DLC, these efforts aren’t limited to one area of the company. We’re working hard to make them a part of all we do so we can serve our customers exceptionally well. 

PUM:   As a trailblazer in Human Resources, employee engagement, and diversity and inclusion, how do you see your role in efforts to especially enhance diversity at Duquesne Light?

Sarah: It is my role to support the business through employee engagement and by establishing the fundamentals of an inclusive workplace culture. I do this by working with company leaders, employees, customers and community partners so that DLC can be viewed as an employer of choice. When we are intentional about inclusion, we not only attract diverse talent, we also make it easier to retain, develop and promote that talent. Diversity follows inclusion, so it’s critical that we continue sustaining a culture of belonging, inclusion and respect. 

PUM: What is the value diversity and inclusion bring to a company? Why does it matter?

Sarah: DLC is committed to serving its diverse customer base. Bringing various viewpoints and backgrounds to the table makes us stronger, smarter and more effective for our customers. It’s critical that we reflect the communities we serve. When we do that, we’re better equipped to give our customers the best service possible. As a business, diversity also makes us more competitive. Our industry isn’t known for being pioneers in this space and has seen a significant underrepresentation of people of color and women, but we’re looking to change that. When we commit to attracting and retaining a wide range of talent, we give ourselves a greater opportunity to succeed.

It’s important that we continue finding new ways to connect diverse students to STEM education, skills and resources to pursue energy and utility careers. We must also continue updating and advancing our policies, resources and culture to support the growing diversity in our company and across the industry. These critical efforts promote innovation, lead to better decision making and increase employee involvement and engagement. DLC is working diligently to foster a workplace where employees feel energized and empowered to deliver exceptional service to our customers in the neighborhoods we serve.

PUM: Reflecting on history, who inspired you to become the leader you are today?

Sarah: My mother, Sara Marshall. She refused to accept mediocre and demanded excellence, yet she tempered that expectation with love, empathy and grace. She used active listening to guide, advise and gently probe and push when necessary. Her thought was any failure was an opportunity to “do it better next time,” and grow through each and every challenge. She continues to serve as my personal role model of faith, fortitude and courage. She is my best friend.

 Lisa Edmonds, a Pittsburgh native, is the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer for the county's Department of Equity and Inclusion. Lisa provides assistance to minority and women businesses that are interested in contracting opportunities and certification. Lisa is involved with various organizations such as the Southwestern Pennsylvania Engineering Outreach (SPEO) and the MWDBE Governmental Committee that also assist minority and women businesses. 

In 2014, Lisa received her Certified Compliance Administrator (CCA) and in 2016, her Master Compliance Administrator (MCA) certifications from the American Contract Compliance Association (ACCA). Previously, Lisa was a Project Engineer for URS Construction Services and served as an MBE/WBE Technical Assistance Specialist for the City of Pittsburgh in the Office of the Mayor. Lisa earned her B.S. in Electrical Engineering at Hampton University in Virginia.

PUM: What is the significance of celebrating Black History month, especially during a time in our country where we are experiencing unprecedented challenges in our country related to race relations?

Lisa: As OUR country continues to experience challenges related to race, it is especially significant to celebrate Black History Month to showcase the many contributions that Blacks have made to the success of the country. The celebration serves as a reminder to all, recognizes the undisputable contributions, and inspires and nurtures confidence. While February is set aside as the month for nationally celebrating Black History, the hard work and commitment of Blacks continues daily in our stride for a nation that is indivisible. 

PUM: In your role as the chief equity and Inclusion officer for the county, how are you helping the county “engage” with the community and why is this important? 

Lisa: As chief equity and inclusion officer, it is important to help the county engage with the community to advance inclusivity and eliminate any barriers that may exclude or marginalize. Our team engages the community by providing information and instruction regarding available resources and opportunities by hosting an Annual Open House, advertising, providing presentations, networking and participating in various organization that have the same focus. 

PUM: With the pandemic how are you able to continue services for certified businesses?

Lisa: Due to the need for social distancing, the pandemic has changed our method but not our delivery of services. We are equipped to offer our services through a virtual platform. We continue to provide one-on-one certification counseling, presentations, document processing and to ensure that a good faith effort is conducted to provide opportunities for certified businesses. We also continue to provide information on how to do business with Allegheny County and provide information about available resources through Allegheny County and other entities. 

PUM: Tell us more about the process to become certified with the county, what recommendations do you have for persons interested in becoming certified.  

Lisa: Allegheny County provides disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) certification as a part of the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program (PA UCP). This certification is governed by the Federal Code of Regulations, Section 49 Part 26 (49CFR26)and each state has a UCP. The following will help firms determine whether they are eligible for DBE certification:

· United States citizens (or lawfully admitted permanent residents)

· Socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s) - women, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans, or other minorities found to be disadvantaged as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA)

· Business must be 51% owned by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s).

· A firm (including its affiliates) must be a small business as defined by SBA standards. It must not have annual gross receipts over $26.29million in the previous three fiscal years ($56.42 million for airport concessionaires in general with some exceptions).

· Personal Net Worth of less than $1.32 million. Items excluded from a person's net worth calculation include an individual's ownership interest in the applicant firm, and his or her equity in their primary residence. 

· Independence - The business must not be tied to another firm in such a way as to compromise its independence and control.

· Control - A disadvantaged owner seeking certification must possess the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the firm. The owner must also have an overall understanding of, and managerial and technical competence and experience directly related to, the type of business in which the firm is engaged.

Once a completed application, accompanied with all supporting documents, is received, an in-depth review and a site visit are conducted. Then, a certification determination is made. A certified firm is required to submit documentation annually to ensure the firm continues to meet the certification guidelines.

Certification aims to increase the participation of minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWDBEs) on contracts. Certification does not guarantee contracts/work. Therefore, certified firms should market their company and the services/products that they provide to prospective agencies and businesses for prospective opportunities. Government, corporations, not-for-profits, etc. have programs in place to include MWDBEs and many require firms to be certified as such. The certification process requires time and therefore it behooves firms to apply for certification in advance of needing it to count toward a program goal(s). It also behooves firms to evaluate their desired customers to ascertain which certifications are accepted since entities may require or accept different MWDBE certifications.  

PUM: As a trailblazer at the county, what will be your focus to support the county in the process of making it more of a diverse and inclusive environment?

Lisa: The focus is reviewing the current policies and procedures to evaluate the need for any changes, enhancements, and/or additions to ensure an equitable and inclusive environment. 

During this historical Presidential election, U.S. Senator Kamala Harris emerges as the the Vice President of the United States, and the first African American & Indian woman to hold this position. As we celebrate Black History Month, what significance does this have for future generations?

Kamala Harris being elected to serve as the Vice President of the United States continues to build on the evidence of Blacks playing a vital role in the success of this country. Also, it is significant in encouraging future generations to work hard and continue the fight for equity and inclusion. Black voices, contributions and lives matter and a seat at the table is warranted. 

PUM: Reflecting on history, who inspired you to become the leader you are today?

Lisa: The history of many known Blacks has made an impact on me. However, I would like to recognize some with whom I have had direct encounters. 

In my personal life, I often reflect on my mother, Mary Fuller (deceased) with her strong Christian faith and guidance instructing me to lift my head up, to speak up, and to speak out. I recall the many times that she shared her interjections and advocation for Black students to be educated and treated fairly. She prayed for and assisted many people in the schools and in her community. She taught me to have a heart and mind that has concern for others. 

In my professional life, there have been many who have inspired me. Following is a non-exhaustive list: 

Sylvester Cureton (Pap) – The director of the Arlington Heights YMCA displayed and required a commitment to educating and serving the Arlington Heights community during my tenure as an employee. 

Jeffrey Thomas – Administrator for the City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprise who hired me and always displayed his commitment to inclusion and opportunity. 

Arletta Williams – The executive director of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) where she demonstrates her commitment to ensuring an equitable and inclusive environment. 

Ruth Byrd-Smith – My predecessor who shared her knowledge, vast experiences, guidance and direction.

M Gayle Moss – The chair of the MWDBE Advisory Committee and former President of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the NAACP who has spent a significant number of years fighting for the inclusion and advancement of Blacks.

Below, in the photo gallery, images from various Open Houses hosted by Ms. Edmonds department, scroll through the photos. 

PUM caught up with Rainier Sky Beckham, a six grade student at Shady Side Academy Middle School. Rainier Sky is active in the Black Student Union, and plays basketball and runs cross country. Rainier Sky is also looking forward to the track season at SSA in the Spring and in the meantime she is very interested in world affairs and what is happening with African American youth nationwide. 

PUM: As we prepare to celebrate Black History Month, what are your thoughts about this historic occasion?

Rainier Sky: I think that African Americans need to be recognized more world wide, during this time it is great that Vice President Kamala Harris was elected but we need to continue celebrating long after Black History Month our many achievements. I think this is a great time to reflect, and celebrate all those heroes that came before us, especially those individuals blazing a trail for future generations. During Black History month, I plan to read more books by African American authors, and at school,  our Black Student Union committee is working on an online assembly to share more information about Black History. I think Black History is so important because so many people are not aware of our contributions to the United States and the world. I hope that more people take the time during this month to understand more about our culture, discover something new and celebrate our achievements. Black History should be shared and celebrated by everyone.       

PUM: With the Black Lives Matter Movement, and the fight for equal rights taking place in the streets now, what are your concerns?

Rainier Sky:  The Black Lives Matter Movement is important because many of the people participating  in the protests are trying to improve the lives of African Americans in this society, and because of the BLM protests many of the participants (black and white) are really just focused on making our communities better and a safer world. I protested when George Floyd, a black man, was killed by a white cop, and I felt the pain and anger over his death. That was unjustified. The injustice happening in America needs to be recognized and laws need to be passed to protect all Americans. These movements are important to bring about awareness when there is especially discrimination and racism that is real. 

PUM: Thinking about Black History, what African American figures do you admire? 

Rainier Sky: Recently, I was inspired by Amanda Gorman, the youngest poet ever to perform at a presidential inauguration. When she recited her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the inauguration, her poem made me feel like there is more good in the world than what we saw with the riots at the U.S. Capitol.  I was inspired by how Amanda spoke with confidence and held her head high as a young  African American girl, like me.  

I am also inspired by Rosa Parks, she is the reason we can sit on buses where we want, and that took a lot of courage for her during dangerous times, to say, I am not going to move right now. That small gesture ignited a major movement of equality. 

I am always encouraged to do well, especially when I think about former President Barack Obama, who shows us young people that you can achieve your dreams as an African American. Watching President Obama I see greatness and a dedication to responsibility. Having a first African American President helps me realize everything is possible with hard work and determination. President Obama set the bar so high! I hope one day to be able to live in a society where people are not treated unfairly based on the color of their skin, words from Dr. Martin Luther King which rings true today. 

PUM: What is your hope for America? 

Rainier Sky: My hope for America is that we can all come together as one united community, put aside our differences, treat others with respect so people are not discriminated against. As I continue through school, I hope to participate in community events, and I hope to launch a summer reading program that provides books to poor children who don't have the money to buy books. I especially think when school is out for the summer, this is a great time to continue to read. So in the future I dream about creating a non-profit (Rainier Reads) to help poor kids understand the value of reading.