Past Cohorts
Women in Leadership XVII (2014)
Molly has extensive experience in the realm of nonprofit management, specifically in developing and implementing digital media marketing efforts in accordance with a nonprofit’s strategic plan and long-term goals. In addition to her strategic digital engagement skills, Molly also has a strong commitment to creating and maintaining healthy and innovative nonprofit management structures that are mission-driven. Molly has years of fund development and event planning experience, as well as an interest in advancing nonprofits’ use of emerging technology. Beginning in January 2015, Molly will be the Digital Marketing Coordinator for VisitPITTSBURGH, the official tourism promotion agency for Allegheny County dedicated to generating convention, trade show and leisure travel business for the Pittsburgh region.
A 2014 Coro Women In Leadership (WIL) graduate, Molly credits her time in WIL with her career coach as a major factor in helping her to develop and focus her personal and professional vision, and learn the value of negotiating. Please feel free to connect with Molly via LinkedIn or visit her website at www.mollyallwein.com.
Molly’s leadership in three words or less: Constantly evolving
Coached by: Tracy Fuller
Barbie Milagros Arroyo earned her Masters of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and a Bachelors of Science in Intelligence and National Security, minoring in Forensics. Her various opportunities in government relations and risk analysis allowed her to effectively lead simulation activities in New York City with the FBI Explorer Program, participate as a Forensic Intern with the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office, and engage in the Camp David 3 Road to Israeli Palestinian peace process in Washington, DC. In addition to her passion in emergency management planning, Barbie also speaks Spanish, Russian, and Arabic. Formerly from New York City, she now currently resides in the Summer Hill neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh and is now happy to call this city home.
Barbie’s leadership in three words or less: Passionate, Assertive, Diplomatic, Engaged
Coached by: Julie Galli
Marita received her Bachelors in Sociology from the University of Hawaii and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Currently Marita is the Executive Assistant to City Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess where she coordinates and facilitates multiple economic development initiatives as well as research and write public policy to empower low-moderate income communities.
Marita’s leadership in three words or less: Passionate, Collaborative
Coached by: Diane Bickford
Deborah holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services Administration, a minor in Psychology and a certification in Elementary Education from Chatham University. Deborah was elected to her local Braddock Borough Council and took office in January of 2014. As a member of council she holds the positions of chair of the personnel committee sit on the finance committee and in 2015 Deborah will spearhead the Jr. Council Program providing opportunities for youth in the Braddock area to serve on council. Deborah wants to encouraging local youth to get involved in the political process, as well as having them advocate to other young adults about the value and the power of their vote.
Most recently Deborah has been volunteering as a mentor with high school seniors at University Prep, in the Pittsburgh School District. This program is sponsored by the Urban League’s AAAT program; it provides support to students wanting to take advantage of the Pittsburgh Promise. The Pittsburgh Promise provides monetary support for student seeking post-secondary education. Deborah currently works for the Community College of Allegheny County, North Campus as an Employment Specialist.
What I learned: Women In Leadership (WIL) afforded me the opportunity to network with, meet and gain knowledge from many powerful women in the area. This interaction with these women gave the WIL cohort insights into the struggles and the successes of the women in their positions as; business owners, executives, board directors and in political offices. These women have paved the way for many young women and girls. The project, Our Voices, Our Stories, give you just a glimpse of some the women who shared their experiences with the WIL cohort. One woman I had the privilege of interviewing, Tina Doose, President of Braddock Borough Council, made a bold statement, “as women we can’t wait to be invited to the table, we have to invite ourselves and make our presence known.” I will continue to support the Women in Leadership program by sitting at tables, raising our voices and making our presence known.
Deborah’s leadership in three words or less: Service to others
Coached by: Monda Williams
Alethia was born and raised in Pittsburgh with a strong passion for helping others. Alethia has experience working with disadvantaged populations, including inmates and former offenders, foster children and families involved in the criminal and family court systems. Alethia currently works as a Job Developer for the Mon Valley Initiative and as Coordinator for the Southwestern PA Reentry Coalition (SPARC). She is also the founder of The Center for Successful Reentry (CSR), a non-profit organization to assist citizens who suffer the impact of former incarceration. Alethia aspires to change people’s lives through strong leadership in business, community development, strategic partnerships and service coordination.
Alethia’s leadership in three words or less: Passionate, Humble, Understanding
Coached by: Julie Galli
Amie has lived in Pittsburgh since 2003 and has an interest in how communities and neighborhoods are connected to one another. Amie has been in Real Estate for some years and is intrigued as to how different societal factors effect the value that are placed on bricks and mortar.
Amie’s leadership in three words or less: Bold, Brave & Honest
Coached by: Heidi Sadecky
Melody Carter-Frye
Melody is currently an Admissions Representative in post-secondary administration. A recent inductee into the Sigma Beta Delta, International Honor Society, Melody is interested in teaching, training and consulting, as well as leadership roles post-secondary administration. Her research interests include the areas of: Women, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education, and Organizational Leadership.
Melody holds a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh, a Masters of Arts from the University of Phoenix, and is currently completing a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership. Melody has a background and interests in the nonprofit sector and currently serves on a Board of Directors for Ward Home, a local nonprofit that services adjudicated and placement teens who are looking to gain the skills for independence.
Melody is also a married, mother of 3 who loves family time and travel.
Melody’s leadership in three words or less: Selflessness, Impact, Service
Coached by: Marissa Paine
Born in the Caribbean and residing in Pittsburgh, I am presently an Assistant Professor of Communication and Director of Public Speaking at the University of Pittsburgh, where I have taught and researched (rhetoric, communication, and philosophy; social controversy; and public deliberation) for more than five years. My research centers on the role of rhetoric in promoting public debate out of deep-seated disputes in civil society, and I have studied controversies around homosexuality, race and language, marriage, and immigration, all in US contexts. On the practical side, I am interested in public policy formation and advocacy on structural poverty and other socioeconomic issues, and working towards a deliberative democracy that prioritizes equal representation, mutual well-being, and shared proportionate sacrifice. Among other things, I derive immense pleasure, inspiration, and serenity from listening to and making music.
Lynn’s leadership in three words or less: Collaborative and focused
Haeshah is a communications professional with exceptional writing, editing, leadership, and organizational skills. Haeshah is also a One Young World (OYW) Ambassador, where she first attended in Pittsburgh, PA (2012) and again in Johannesburg, South Africa (2013).
Being apart of such a dynamic cohort of women, has been an extremely humbling experience. I was able to meet a group of diverse, helpful, and gracious women that I will cherish for a lifetime. From the start of this program, expanding my professional network was my main focus. The WIL cohort allowed me to build my network as well as make everlasting friendships. During the WIL program, I learned how to properly negotiate as a woman in the professional arena, which was very helpful for me. I have recently taken on the leadership role of board chair, for a local mentoring nonprofit organization for African American high school women, The Pearl Club.
Haeshah’s leadership in three words or less: Helpful, Creative, and Unique
Coached by: Diane Bickford
Brandi is a passion driven, honest and evolving women and leader. She works as a Teen Specialist at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh- Knoxville. Brandi is a native of the South Side of Pittsburgh and recent graduate from Clarion University of Pennsylvania where she earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology. From her college career Brandi left with a mission and an understanding of how our world can unfailingly thrive and survive, it starts with our youth! Youth are our leaders and the individuals who will form and execute leadership, policies and happiness. Brandi is committed to work diligently, give back to youth as well as communities. Brandi will make certain that adolescents receive sufficient amounts of opportunities to become their best.
What Brandi learned during the Women in Leadership Program: Through the program, I have learned an abundance of negotiation tactics that will help me produce win/win results for myself as well as for others. I acquired endurance and skills that allow me to actively listen and strategically respond, receiving all necessary facts and details to help create and implement engaging and prosperous plans of action. Through the Women in Leadership program, I have gained innovative and refurbished abilities and strategies that prepare me to effectively lead life changing student leadership initiatives as well as strategically network with stakeholders. I’ve also learned transferable skills that will help me navigate and succeed in both my professional and personal endeavors and adversities. Most importantly, the Women in Leadership program has prepared me to work alongside others, while at the same time accepting different work styles and personalities.
Brandi’s plans post- Women in Leadership Program: Brandi plans to continue leading our youth by being an accessible, positive and realistic model/advocate for education, life-skills and leadership development. In the very near future, Brandi is interested in obtaining lifelong leadership roles in post-secondary administration. Focusing on, student leadership and academic development, nondiscriminatory access to higher education, the high school to college transition; and college sustainability through diversification for disadvantaged students of color. In addition, Brandi is also interested in serving on boards of nonprofit organizations committed to education, social equity and empowerment of marginalized youth and women; and has already began this journey by becoming a new 2015 YWCA Young Leaders Board Member.
Brandi’s leadership in three words or less: Sophisticated, Responsive and Evolving
Coached by: Raquel Davila
Sally Joe Guzik is a graduate of Chatham University in Women’s Studies, Spanish & Latin American History. She is passionate about environmental and socio-economic issues specific to Pittsburgh and its redevelopment.
In the past, Sally worked within the environmental nonprofit and private sectors addressing the quality of life for residents, working to promote a healthy environment that is accessible to all city residents.
She is the co-director of Jam2Jam, the literary arts collective that hosts quarterly events and writing workshops. She volunteers as a doula, Spanish tutor, and database consultant. Women in Leadership inspired Sally to return to school and she is now working towards her Masters in Urban Planning and Redevelopment. Sally lives in Lawrenceville with her husband, writer TC Jones.
Sally Joe’s leadership in three words or less: Creative, Resourceful, Collaborative
Coached by: Julie Galli
Leah assists low-income, at-risk children and families in receiving resources, quality services, and programs that address human needs such as poverty, education, health, and employment. Leah worked on design, implementation, program planning, and coordinating of young and youth programs for non profits. Leah is an expert in measurement and outcomes data; to demonstrate successful programs. She spends her time as a consultant for program design, better practices, budgeting, staff development, and organizational structure in non profit management.
Leah’s leadership in three words or less: Supportive of others success.
Coached by: Heidi Sadecky
Cheryl Kleiman is a staff attorney at the Education Law Center, where she advocates to ensure all students have equal access to public education. Prior to joining ELC, Cheryl worked at the Center for Children & Youth Justice in Seattle where she provided free legal services to young adults aging out of foster care.
Cheryl received her law degree from the University of Washington, and has a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of Arizona. She is a board member at the National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh and an advisory council member with New Voices Pittsburgh.
She loves to grow, cook, and eat delicious food.
Cheryl’s leadership in three words or less: Supportive, Relationship-driven
Coached by: Amy Camp, Cycle Forward
Nikkilia “Nikki” Lu is 25 years old. Nikki is a public and political affairs professional. Most recently, Nikki managed the successful Pittsburgh City Council campaigns of Council members Dan Gilman and Deborah Gross before accepting her current position as the Western Pennsylvania Political Director for the Service Employees International Union, Local 32BJ. Nikki was named one of Political PA’s 30 Under 30 rising political stars of 2014.
Nikkilia’s leadership in three words or less: Deliberate, intuitive, collaborative.
Coached by: Raquel Davila
Emily currently works as a Program Officer with the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, where she serves as a member of the Education team helping to manage and coordinate the Council’s school programming, as well as provide development support. Prior to joining the Council, Emily worked at the Association of Public Television Stations in WashingtonD.C. assisting stations in their search for additional funding opportunities.
Emily holds a BA in Global Policy Studies from Chatham University and a Masters of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA).
Emily’s leadership in three words or less: Loyal. Enthusiastic. Passionate
Coached by: Heidi Sadecky
Kyshira S. Moffett, MBA is an HR Professional within the financial services industry. She is a graduate of Hampton University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree and MBA. Currently, Kyshira is a the Director of Membership of the National Black MBA Association, Professional Development Chair of the Urban League Young Professionals and a coach for high school girls within the Pearl Club. Earlier this fall, Kyshira named a 2014 Rising Star of Western Pennsylvania by Get Involved, Inc.
In her spare time, Kyshira author’s a blog for young professionals providing advice in regards to professional development. She has also facilitated several workshops for students, experienced professionals and community organizations on the topics such as Social Media Networking and Maximizing LinkedIn.
Kyshira is excited to announce that she will be pursuing an opportunity to serve as a member of the Younger Leader’s Board of the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh. She plans to utilize the tenants of Value Based Leadership, learned during her time in WIL, as she pursues this role.
Kyshira’s leadership in three words or less: Visionary. Collaborative. Authentic.
Coached by: Rebecca Lamperski
Margot Nikitas
Margot Nikitas is Associate General Counsel for the the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE), a progressive, member-run labor union. She is also co-coordinator of UE Young Activists, a leadership development program for union members 35 and under. During the WIL program, Margot grew a thicker skin and learned to take things less personally, which will she believes will make her a more effective leader. After completing the WIL program, Margot plans to continue to fight capitalist oppression to improve the lives of women in Southwestern PA.
Margot’s leadership in three words or less: Active, Creative, Determined
Coached by: Maria R. Stephenson
Amber Owens is a private practice attorney, who specializes in criminal, juvenile, and business transactions. She is a native of Pittsburgh and grew up in Homewood, East Hills, and Penn Hills neighborhoods. At a young age, Amber made a commitment to serve her community and advocating for the voiceless. After graduating from Taylor Allderdice High School, she set off to pursue a career as a legal advocate for the less fortunate and disenfranchised. Amber attended Spelman College (Atlanta, GA), Temple University (Philadelphia, PA), and Southern University Law Center (Baton Rouge, LA). Through her formal education and volunteer work, Amber has refined her vision and passions which has brought her back to her hometown ready to serve her community.
Amber’s leadership in three words or less: Examplary, Collective and Eccentric
Coached by: Diane Bickford
Erica currently works at the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh. As a Public Ally Alumnae, Erica is passionate about creating positive change in the lives of people and communities. Erica is particularly passionate about serving women and those in need (both nationally and internationally). Erica is principally interested in meeting other women who are interested in mobilizing Pittsburgh on various fronts, finding new ways to engage and grow Pittsburgh as a city, and educating herself as stakeholder to be a leader in the city she loves.
Erica’s leadership in three words or less: Communicate. Agree. Engage
Coached by: Shawn P. Meredith
Yvette has worked across the human services sector with youth and adults both in the US and internationally. Yvette’s professional training and work experience in research, film & video, mediation and motivational interviewing are useful in networking, event planning, collaborating with new and prospective partners, and facilitating community dialogue. Yvette places a high value on cultivating meaningful connections, simply because of the joy of doing it. Yvette is also passionate about tea, tea blending, tea parties and just about all things tea-related.
Yvette’s leadership in three words or less: People come first
Coached by: Julie Galli
Evaine is a LEED Associated Professional and registered Landscape Architect with a Masters in Public Policy and Management. Currently, Evaine works at Growth Through Energy & Community Health [GTECH] as the Director of Operations and Programming. GTECH is a non-profit that works to help communities take ownership of the challenges of growth and decline and turn them into opportunities to build capacity, make things happen and strengthen their community.
Evaine’s time at Coro is marked by growth within her organization, using the skills gained in civic leadership training to help navigate the balance of managing projects, people, and processes. Additionally, the women of the program have inspired, motivated, supported and celebrated Evaine’s journey this year and will continue to play a role in her personal and professional life moving forward.
Evaine’s leadership in three words or less: Commitment, Example setting
Coached by: Diane Bickford
Raised in Harrisburg, Susan moved to Pittsburgh to attend University of Pittsburgh in 1996. Eighteen years later Susan and her husband bought house in the East End and have made the Steel City their permanent home. An engineer by background, Susan now works in regulatory affairs for a small medical device start-up.
What excites Susan about doing the WIL Program: I’m looking forward to meeting other dynamic women in the Pittsburgh community, learning from them and sharing by experiences.
Susan’s leadership in three words or less: Problem solving
Coached by: Gwynedd Warren
Photos provided by Catherine M. DelBarba and Lauren Pearlman
2014 Subject-Matter Experts (SMEs)
Laura Randolph • Shawn Meredith • Aleigha Cavalier • Celeta Hickman • Phullis Comer • Chloe Valasquez • Terri Glueck • Catherine Trexler • Tia Baker • Betty Hill • Shanea Leonard • Lyndsey Sickler • Jessica McGuinness • Mary Gibbons • Michael David Battle • Rebecca Harris • Sabrina Saunders • Ruth Byrd-Smith • Melanie Harrington • Steffi Domike • Shirley Salmon-Davis • Fauna Solomon • Melanie Hildebrandt