William Strickland Jr. – Legacy Honoree
Long before Amazon thought to come here, before the shale gas boom, people were looking at
And because he is an artist, he brought an artist's perspective to the work - he built an educational center filled with art, sculpture, music and gardens for his students to learn in. No sterile hallways, no metal detectors - and for most, the education was free of charge. His model was driven by two thoughts: that poor people should be able to enjoy beautiful things, too; and that if they were they would respond in beautiful ways.
And, they have - in the thousands.
"What Bidwell does best is to change people's lives through dignity and respect," said
In the 50 years since Strickland first talked the late Sen.
Always one to give credit to others, Strickland said none of it would have been possible if he hadn't put people who shared his vision in charge and given them the freedom to implement it. People like the late
He added it also wouldn't have been possible without the support of people like Heinz and
"When I look back...to do this kind of thing, you have to have friends, and you have to live your life the right way," he said. "It's about getting outcomes for the kids, the students, and the adults - and never giving up. It's not magic. It's hard work."
Strickland's hard work has been recognized with numerous awards over the years including the 1996 MacArthur "Genius" Award for leadership and ingenuity in the arts, and the 2012 GOI Peace Award given annually by the
He has also earned that attention of the
FINANCE
Aldrich has a passion for equity and inclusion. His goal is to ensure underserved entrepreneurs have the capital and business acumen necessary for success. In
Aldrich also enjoys community service and has instructed financial literacy courses at area high schools and churches. He currently serves on the North Side Christian Health Center Board of Directors and has done so for the past seven years.
Aldrich received his BA in Economics from the
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Founder and Executive Director The Way Organization
Alton worked tirelessly in his community. That's where he noticed he was only reaching some of the youth on the
In 2018, Alton, the coaches and organization itself received a proclamation from the state and convened in
EDUCATION
Deputy Superintendent
Anderson is a visionary and always puts the academic growth and social well-being of all the students in
Before joining PPS, Anderson served in
ENTREPRENEUR
President and CEO
Since 2012, Ansari has trained young men to become barbers, both in his shop, and as a volunteer at
COMMUNITY SERVICE
As a program participant of
Lastly, Baker is devoted to his life partner,
PUBLIC SERVICE
Children, Youth, Families
In 2015, Bell was responsible for the day-today operations of a regional office, as a Clinical Manager. He had the task of ensuring every child was safe and secure in a loving and nurturing environment, as well as ensuring every family's voice was heard. Most recently, Bell was given the opportunity to lead the Father Engagement Program and assist with the recruiting and retention efforts within the agency. Bell has been credentialed by the Family Development Credentialing Program, a professional development course for frontline workers to learn and practice skills of strength-based family support. He was also selected to participate in the 2015-2016 class of the Leadership Fellows Program.
Bell's passion for children, youth and families continues to define who he is as a person: not only the mission of keeping children safe and families together, but also in promoting hope, respect, strength and empowerment.
ENTREPRENEUR
President/Founder Engineering Impact Initiative
Bey's fields of expertise are; mechanical engineering, environmental science, and services & stewardship (urban agriculture, hazardous waste operations & clean-up, including mold remediation). Through his love of learning, Bey has become an ever-improving adept student of science (study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation).
By his unique character, Bey expresses leadership among his peers and is honored among elders. Quotes that have guided his ambition to be the best sentient being he can be include: "Look up a word if you don't know it!;" "Research what you are into before you get into it!;" "Ye are Gods and are Children Of The Most High!;" and, "In order to be a God, you must be responsible for your surroundings!"
Bey is an alumnus of; The
The social, mental and spiritual traumas melinated people (Aborigine Autochthons, the original people of the soil of the Earth) have experienced from being colonized over the entire globe, has caused some to be less confident about certain approaches toward education and culture. The aforementioned motivates Bey to play his part to restore the passion for learning that was once had and that's been replaced with lust and greed.
Melanin is billions of years old and Bey is thankful to the
RELIGION
PASTOR
Pastor
Jubilee International Ministries
Pastor
He and his wife, Connie, co-founder of Jubilee International Ministries, live in
RELIGION
REV. DR. DARRYLT. CANADY
Senior Pastor
Reverend Dr.
Reverend
Reverend
Reverend
EDUCATION
Dr.
Prior to teaching,
RELIGION
BISHOP
Founder
Petra International Ministries
Revelator, visionary and groundbreaker are just a few words that describe
Worshipper is the one word that probably best describes
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Director of Public Safety UPMC Shadyside
Cole leads about 100 personnel consisting of police officers, security officers and contracted guards. He takes pride in several accomplishments that lend to bolstering a safer environment within and outside the campus. In October and April, he coordinates UPMC's participation of the
Cole is a graduate of
Cole is an active member of
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Executive Director Family & Friends Initiative
A sought-after workshop facilitator, Davenport emerged from his silence and is now empowering men and women of all ages to tear down their fagade and walk in true freedom.
Known for his all-encompassing outreach efforts and fine arts expertise, Davenport turned his passion for helping others thrive in spirit and soul into a recognized nonprofit organization, the Family & Friends Initiative. As the Executive Director of the Family & Friends Initiative, he empowers communities through local programming and national projects which focus on transforming lives through holistic ministry and promoting individual and family growth. Davenport is the author of the best-selling book, "Removing the Mask: Meeting the Real You," which was released in
Davenport serves as the Minister of Music at the historic
PUBLIC SERVICE
State Representative
Pennsylvania
Representative
Prior to serving in elective office,
In addition to his service in the
HEALTH
Sr. Vice President & Chief Medical Officer
Highmark Health Plan
For
He previously worked for
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
Collision Center Customer Relations Manager
P & W BMW
Donald "Donnie" Gray III was born and raised in
Donnie started at P & W BMW/Mini of
Gray has a big smile and an even bigger heart, he treats others exactly as he wants to be treated and that is one of the reasons he feels he's been so successful in his field. He treats his clients like family, he aims to let his light shine every day, and help all around him to reach their full potential.
Gray also has participated in programs such as the Community Intensive Supervision Program (CISP), a program for young juveniles, where he spoke about his personal story and how he got to where he is today. Gray also spends his time as the VP of New Business Development for Executive Valet, a renowned valet company in
On his free time, "Donnie" loves to spend time with his wife and family.
UNION ORGANIZER
Marketing Representative/Organizer Sheet Metal Workers Local 12
Greer also serves as a delegate on the
Lifestyle Solutions, a non-profit whose mission is to help the area youth who have been a victim of or witnessed a violent crime.
ENTERTAINMENT
AKIL ESOON' GRIFFIN
CEO
Griffin has placed great emphasis on teaching and mentoring youth. His work as a teaching artist in the
Evans,
MARKETING
CEO Promotional Push
With boldness in branding and filled with creativity, he has developed more and more opportunities to establish himself as a source of over 15 years of entrepreneurial endeavors. One can feel refreshed from his marketing, visual media, public relations and journalism background.
A man of communication and a huge personality has led him to Executive Director of
Hammonds is also a strategic partner at Urban Ad Networks and Urban Web Television, HES and 3rdlVision, which creates content for online, on-demand and streaming platforms.
He's the creator of Pald, a program created to end the connotation of violence throughout
Hammonds lives by the motto, "closer to success, further from failure."
HEALTH
Senior Manager of Mental Health Rehab & Recovery Services
Pittsburgh Mercy
After high school, Harris attended
After graduating from Iowa Western, Harris received a basketball scholarship to
He played basketball there for two years and became the first junior college transfer to graduate on time. He majored in criminal justice with a minor in business.
After graduating from
Harris received a master's degree in Organizational Leadership in 2003. In 2007, he began working at Pittsburgh Mercy, where his focus became the adult population.
As Harris now knows, "I have come to realize that true servanthood and service has no distinction. I know my purpose."
RELIGION
REV.
Senior Pastor
Reverend Dr.
He was educated in the
Recently, Rev. Dr. Harris was influential in the Get Out The Vote campaign in the
Reverend
Reverend
ENTERTAINMENT
Founder & Owner Pittsburgh Jazz Network
To say
His composer credits consist of over 300 original compositions including movie scores and soundtracks for plays written by
FINANCE
CF07 Treasurer
As
Hawkins is passionate about
Before joining
Hawkins served as deputy budget director at the
Before moving to
Hawkins is a
In his free time, Hawkins enjoys golfing, traveling, exercising, and cheering on the
HEALTH
President and CEO
Previously, Hayes served as president and COO of the Health Business for
Hayes was also president of
Prior to
Hayes holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from
EDUCATION
Dennis Henderson is a dynamic educator and advocate of social justice through education who has impacted the lives of youth and families for over 20 years. Throughout his career, Henderson is renowned for his grassroots approach to education and designing collaborative learning experiences with a variety of industry leaders to create programs that provide students and families exposure to educational, economic and personal growth opportunities within the region.
Henderson has designed and implemented a variety of programs focusing on entrepreneurship, law-related education, sustainability, STEM, and outdoor recreation. His work as an educator has been recognized nationally and internationally, and for the past four years, he has served as a lead , administrator at
Henderson is currently leading a
In 2013, Henderson was involved in an unjust arrest in which his civil rights were violated. Within his settlement, Henderson worked with the
With the support of his wife, Monica, and his daughters,
As a proud
CORPORATE
Prior to joining Mylan, Holt spent two years as a middle school science teacher in the
Born in
Master of Arts in Teaching degree from the
In addition to his works with Mylan, Holt serves as a musician and director of several gospel choirs in the
Holt is also the music director for the
In his spare time, Holt enjoys playing the organ and piano, writing music, watching football and basketball, working in church and also spending time with the family.
Holt is the eldest son of
His favorite scripture is Ecclesiastes 3:1: "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (KJV)
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Founder & President No Hero Left Behind
Returning home he had difficulty reintegrating into society and like many other veterans resulted in homelessness. Howze used to be one out of four homeless Americans who is a combat veteran. Today, he is using his misfortune in life to minister and empower others, leading to a better world of service and better chance at life. His organization, No Hero Left Behind (NHLB), was started to reduce veteran suicide and end veteran homelessness. In the
RELIGION
REV.
Senior Pastor
Revrerend James E. Hunt has mentored many, especially men, in a number of ways. As a high school English teacher, he academically challenged teens to be their best in the classroom and also on the nationally-ranked Gateway Forensic Team, which he coached. In Penn Hills,
As a pastor,
Reverend Hunt has excelled as educator, community advocate and pastor. His pastorate at
In addition to being the founder and Board President of
He received his bachelor's degree from
ENTREPRENEUR
Owner/Operator
With a business philosophy built on teamwork, he encourages his staff to adopt the same model and best practice with clients, which has resulted in the establishment of
Jefferson's passion for hair care began at the ripe age of 12. By age 15, he began mastering the barbering craft, by combining his creative and artistic abilities. Shortly after graduating from high school, Jefferson attended the
Jefferson currently manages a team of 16 dynamic individuals. Together they create breathtaking hair designs that attract people from across the country to receive such customized hair care services from natural twists and braid styles, to press and flat iron designs, to one-of-a-kind hair color creations. Jefferson and his team, which includes his wife, Karmyn, have participated in numerous photoshoots in
Jefferson has been an active member of
Jefferson and Karmyn have worked side-by-side along this entire 30-year business journey and share multiple benefits in the beauty industry and in life, as they share the most glorifying accomplishment of raising two phenomenal children, Te'Sia and Anthony.
HEALTH
Priest in Charge
The Rev.
A 1997 graduate of
Certification from the
Reverend Johnson is a proud father to
EDUCATION
CEO
As CEO of the
Jones holds a bachelor's degree and MBA from
Jones has an outstanding commitment to students, the community, and his reputable character.
CORPORATE
President & CEO
Brothers and Sisters Emerging
Jones is a co-founder of the
Since graduating from
Jones has been a recipient of the following awards: American Red Cross Educator Award;
COMMUNITY SERVICE
He is happily married to his wife of 27 years, Dearea Lawhorn. They have one adult daughter, Taeziah Lawhorn. Lawhom's hobbies include watching movies and sports, fishing, bowling, golfing, and traveling.
EDUCATION
Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion & Student Advancement
Mallory also provides oversight and leads university initiatives in the following areas: community outreach, corporate engagement and minority alumni outreach.
Active in the community, Mallory serves on the Board of Directors for the
Mallory is also the co-founder of the
Mallory earned both a B.A. in Public Policy Analysis and M.S. in Business Management from
Mallory is the proud father of two girls (Kate and Brooke), a son (
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Business Development Specialist
He joined WCDC in 2015 to coordinate the small business program and assist with their Green Clean and Safe initiatives. He is also certified to teach the CORE FOUR business planning platform and has trained over 100 people in the area of entrepreneur and small business ownership. In addition, Manker owns his own credit repair business.
He has a passion for helping people in the area of entrepreneurship and financial literacy with the understanding that both can be keys to a better future. In his current position, he consults with individuals in all stages of business; from start-ups to existing business owners in the areas of marketing, cash flow and operations.
Manker was bom in
Manker currently serves on two boards:
MEDIA
BROTHER
Sunday Gospel Radio Host, "Morning Inspiration" WAMO 100.1/107.3 FM
During his 25-plus year career, the voice has been the same but the mission has changed. The Lord took over
He is the son of Ercell and the late
COMMUNITY SERVICE
First Vice President Pittsburgh NAACP Branch
Miott has been a member of the
Board the entire 50 years and the past 40 years as the Pastor's Steward. Not to mention, a member of the Laymen's Organization for 40 years and local president for 16 years. He was
Miott has welcomed hundreds into the
CUSTODIAL ENGINEER/COMMUNITY SERVICE
Director of
Mitchell's non-profit affiliations include the
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Porter graduated from
Porter lives in
EDUCATION
Counselor
At an early age,
Phillips started at the
Phillips lettered in and was co-captain of the Penn Hills Boys Track Team.
At
After earning his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, he served as a Case Manager for Allegheny Intermediate Unit's Teen ELECT Program. Phillips continued with athletics as the Girls Outdoor Assistant Track Coach where he coached their team's 4x100 relay to a storied second-place finish at the PIAA State Championship in 2006.
Phillips earned a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from
Phillips has volunteered on the Board of Directors for Healthy Home Resources,
Phillips currently resides in
EDUCATION
Lecturer, Advisor & Curriculum Coordinator,
Sharif, a native of
In addition to his artistic work, Sharif also has continued a strong legacy of community and youth service in
Along with his work with youth, Sharif is a board member of several organizations, including: Schenley Heights Community Development Program, and S.E.E.D. (
Sharif is very grateful for all the knowledge and work of the many people that have poured into him - all of his family and friends; mentors
EDUCATION
Founder and Director,
In
Beyond the
CORPORATE
ADAM
Walker is an accomplished business executive with over 20 years of packaging expertise serving technology, automotive, beverage, and other industries. Prior to acquiring
Currently, Walker serves on the Board of Directors of the
EDUCATION
Principal,
From 2012 to 2015,
ENTREPRENEUR
Agency Owner, Lincoln Heritage Insurance Hiring Manager,
His Agency has personnel in
Warden had his beginnings in
Today, nine years later, Warden continues to move in an upward direction. In order to get what you want, he says, "You have to see it, believe you can attain it and then go after it with passion and enthusiasm."
Warden's agency has done over
Warden believes that collaborating with others is a key ingredient to his agency's growth and development. Warden says helping to inspire, grow, teach and motivate others is the key to success.
EDUCATION
Assistant Director of
Weir is known for creating interactive programs that engage his audience and invite them to be active participants in their own success and leadership capacity.
Weir's background is in education. His graduate work is in leadership; specifically, Educational Leadership, and is currently earning his second master's in Business Administration. He has 10 years teaching in a public-school system, most recently in the
Weir serves on several community and state committees and task forces. His philanthropic efforts have touched the likes of
Cancer,
PUBLIC SERVICE
Director, Employee Relations/
Wells began lis career at
Wells has been a vital member of the "Spirit of King" Award Ceremony Planning Committee for 21 years.
Wells graduated from
Wells is the husband of Dr.
EDUCATION
Assistant Head of School
Williams has been a proud member of
SOCIAL SERVICE
Program Coordinator,
He is the director of
In addition, Williams is a Program Coordinator at the
Williams facilitates bi-annual workshops on the opioid crisis. These informative gatherings bring together elected officials, first responded, university experts and community members. Williams volunteers on the Board of Directors for the
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Chief
The son of an Army Veteran, Chief
Chief Wooten is also a training officer/instructor, certified to train new officers in the field in most law enforcement requirements. Some of his commendations include: Mon Valley Initiative Award (Volunteer of the Year), Eastern Borough NAACP Unit 2301 Award (Those That Make A Difference),
Program seeks volunteers to help others navigate Medicare
Nanoparticle Characterization System
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