Lawrenceville Together Board Candidates

What years have you lived or worked in Lawrenceville?

2014-2026

If you are a resident, why did you move to Lawrenceville?

I work and live here. My family had a small business on Butler Street for many years.

Current job & employer?

Founder & President of my architecture firm.

Why do you want to be on the LT Board? What would you like to work on within the neighborhood?

I would love to work with other small businesses to share and learn with each other to have a more connected business community. I enjoy bringing people together.

What would you bring to the LT Board?

I’m an architect, and have started my own firm, as well as founded a 501c7 non profit. I am becoming quite good at pushing projects forward, either through red tape, or working with a group to find a common solution. It helps to be able to quickly design and create branding materials for projects or events.

Please list your volunteer, non-profit, or Board experience:

I am on the board of my Greek Orthodox church ‘festival committee’. For which this past year we grossed over 500k in a 3 day food festival.

I am the treasurer and VP of our master’s water polo club. Here in Pittsburgh, where I formed a 501c7 non profit group, and coordinate between the city Parks and Rec, and CMU to rent pool time and coordinate a group that we have grown from 12 members 3 years ago, to 75 members over this past summer.

How are you involved in the Lawrenceville community?

I am moderately involved in the community, and would like to be more. I walk up and down butler every day to work. And I know many of the business owners. I have been participating in the Cookie Tour for 2 years now which is a lot of work, but a lot of fun!

What makes Lawrenceville unique?

I believe the history of the neighborhood is what makes it special! When I was a teenager in the late 90s , I helped paint a few buildings on butler street when nobody wanted to be anywhere near Lawrenceville. I had the opportunity to see vacant buildings in a dark time with unlimited potential. I believe that started my interest in architecture!

Since then I’ve had the opportunity to help think, design, and develop some of the current vibrant community.

I think understanding the history of the neighborhood helps keep it alive while guiding us into the future.

One of LT’s core values is equity. What’s one idea you have for how LT should live out its commitment to equity?

I believe that community engagement is vital to a vibrant neighborhood. While it does take more work, it also provides space to keep members honest, and work together on projects that advance the values of the community at large. Without engagement, we have no say in the future.

What is one fun fact that others might be surprised to know about you?

I play water polo, which is an odd sport for this region.

What years have you lived or worked in Lawrenceville?

2012 to present

If you are a resident, why did you move to Lawrenceville?

I relocated back to Pittsburgh and wanted to be near to the city.

Current job & title?

Clinical Educator/Nurse IQVIA

Why do you want to be on the LT Board? What would you like to work on within the neighborhood?

I think that I can make a difference in the community. I have lived here for some time and it is a great place to be. I would like to build more of a community and connection within the neighborhoods.

What would you bring to the LT Board?

I bring a good amount of perspective as someone who has lived and worked in Lawrenceville. I am firm believer in connection and community and would like to put efforts towards creating that. I work as a spin instructor on the side and have built quite a community in that realm. I would like to extend those efforts to where I reside.

Please list your volunteer, non-profit, or Board experience:

None currently.

How are you involved in the Lawrenceville community?

I am involved with my neighbors and recently joined the local VFW in an effort to experience some community.

What makes Lawrenceville unique? Why?

I think Lawrenceville is unique because of its people. The city of Pittsburgh is a unique place but Lawrenceville specifically has so much to offer with new and old businesses as well as blue collar folks with a good mix of younger people too. I think there is a big opportunity to bring people together through events and PR.

One of LT’s core values is equity. What’s one idea you have for how LT should live out its commitment to equity?

Planning events where people have a safe space to feel seen and heard. Encouraging those same folks to get involved in the community.

What is one fun fact that others might be surprised to know about you?

I’ve never eaten a hamburger.

What years have you lived or worked in Lawrenceville?

2026

If you are a resident, why did you move here?

To start a new business venture and enjoy all that Lawrenceville offers.

Current job & employer?

CEO, Main St LLC

Why do you want to be on the LT Board? What would you like to work on within the neighborhood?

I want to serve my community and help make Lawrenceville a vibrant business center for new businesses and local residents. I am open to working on anything that the board feels best serves our community.

What would you bring to the LT Board?

I have 30 years of top tier corporate leadership in c-suite roles in Marketing and Leadership.

Please list your volunteer, non-profit, or Board experience:

I moved here in early 2026 from Chicago and served on several community boards including the Mayor’s Advisory Board for the 2nd largest economic city in IL, Naperville- Voted #1City in the US to live. I also served on the Naperville Economic Board for 16 years and 6 as Chairman. I have served on several charitable boards that support children with disabilities.

How are you involved in the Lawrenceville community?

I am just starting to get involved now as I just moved here from IL.

What makes Lawrenceville unique?

It has the best restaurants in Pittsburgh, a growing retail base, redevelopment of residential properties and also a proud local resident base.

One of LT’s core values is equity. What’s one idea you have for how LT should live out its commitment to equity?

I have been a strong leader in driving equity serving as a mentor in several organizations helping minority leaders and companies, board helping people with disabilities and diverse committees within the corporate world.

What is one fun fact that others might be surprised to know about you?

I am a gourmet chef as a hobby.

What years have you lived or worked in Lawrenceville?

Full-time 1 year, part-time 12 years.

If you are a resident, why did you move here?

I can’t lie – I originally came for the property values in 2012. When I had the opportunity to serve our country abroad, I kept my house here as an anchor. I stayed for the community, the walkability, and the great food, drinks, and music. In my advanced age, I’ve also gained a much deeper appreciation for our neighborhood’s history learning that my great uncle once owned a shop on Butler street. But really, it’s the people. I love my neighbors – whether they are lifelong residents or quarter-life residents like me. Today, I live here with my wife and dog. My brother and his family also moved here. For me Lawrenceville is home and family.

Current job & employer?

Current full-time MBA Student, looking for ways to contribute in Pittsburgh. Former Foreign Service Office with USAID.

Why do you want to be on the LT board? What would you like to work on within the neighborhood?

I want to be on the board to help keep Lawrenceville accessible, vibrant, and welcoming to everyone. My main priorities are protecting housing accessibility, supporting a diverse and thriving local business district, and working for street safety and mobility so we can move closer to being a truly walkable, car-optional city. I appreciate both the history and the new energy here, but I want to make sure our neighborhood doesn’t become a victim of its own success.

What would you bring to the LT board?

I’ve spent most of my adult life and career helping communities build the civic infrastructure to solve their own problems, via grants, local government, and coalition-building. For over 15 years with USAID, my work centered on grassroots democracy, conflict mitigation, and community development during times of significant change.

Now, as an MBA candidate, I’ve been refining those skills and updating my toolbox to focus on marketing and digital communications.

I am ready to roll up my sleeves for the neighborhood. Whether it involves organizing neighborhood events, fundraising door to door, facilitating tough community conversations, or simply being an energetic advocate for Lawrenceville, I want to put my background to work in my home town and chosen neighborhood

Please list your volunteer, non-profit, or Board experience:

Over the past year since returning to Pittsburgh full-time, I’ve jumped in headfirst to support local community initiatives and learn the issues facing our neighborhood and city.

Local in Lawrenceville – I am an active member of Lawrenceville Together, volunteering across neighborhood events and serving on the Lawrenceville Independence Day Fireworks Committee. You’ll find me at most LT events and I love to meet neighbors and learn about the issues facing our community.

Street Safety & Mobility Advocacy: I am actively involved with Better Streets Lawrenceville and BikePGH, assisting with events and advocating for safer transit and pedestrian infrastructure.

Grant Writing & Nonprofit Fundraising: Prior to my public service career, I worked directly in the nonprofit sector here in Pittsburgh where I wrote successful, competitive grant proposals. I understand how to translate community priorities into fundable, winning applications.

International Advocacy. I am actively engaged in fundraising and volunteer advocacy supporting Ukraine, as well as initiatives assisting immigrants and refugees.

How are you involved in the Lawrenceville community?

Over the years, I’ve built a strong local network across Lawrenceville with my neighbors and local businesses. I’m an active member of Lawrenceville Together, regularly showing up to understand the key issues facing our community and pitching in hands-on at neighborhood events. I have become an evangelist for our neighborhood and I am constantly bringing friends and family to local businesses and events.

Serving on the board is the natural next step for me to translate that street-level engagement into meaningful leadership and helping ensure Lawrenceville continues to thrive while protecting what makes it so special.

What makes Lawrenceville unique?

Lawrenceville represents the best of Pittsburgh and its transformation. Its blend of old and new, innovation and tradition that ensures respect for all its residents. We have become a destination neighborhood, but we haven’t become too commercial or lost what makes us unique. And we have made efforts not to displace tradition.

One of my European friends describes Lawrenceville as Pittsburgh’s Berlin – cutting edge, free spirited and somehow a little gritty but still a place you want to raise a family and call home. That’s what I appreciate about our neighborhood, and I respect the roles that both Lawrenceville Corporation and Lawrenceville United have played in building it. I hope to contribute to those efforts as LT moves forward.

One of LT’s core values is equity. What’s one idea you have for how LT should live out its commitment to equity?

Ensuring that long-time residents continue to be part of the community and benefit from its growth is important. That includes ensuring that new development and business doesn’t put others out or undermine their stake in the neighborhood. Continuing with Lawrenceville’s commitment to inclusionary zoning and development is important as it ensuring that that community events and projects reflect the needs and interests of the entire community.

What is one fun fact that others might be surprised to know about you?

I am an aspiring musician and you might even see me perform in the neighborhood.

What years have you lived or worked in Lawrenceville?

I’ve owned a home since 2009.

If you are a resident, why did you move to Lawrenceville?

My husband and I bought a house in 2009.

Current job & employer?

Development Director, CYA (Catholic Youth Association of Pittsburgh) / Stephen Foster Community Center

Why do you want to be on the LT Board? What would you like to work on within the neighborhood?

I’d like to understand better the issues currently facing Lawrenceville residents and how to foster a sense of community, and to contribute my ideas and ability to work on projects and initiatives. As an employee of CYA, I’d also like to work to coordinate and communicate across Lawrenceville-based community groups. In addition, my daughter is eight years old, so topics relevant to families and kids are important to me.

What would you bring to the LT Board?

I have years of experience working for nonprofits as a staff member and volunteer, including on boards. My background is in fundraising and grant writing. I work for CYA (Stephen Foster Community Center), which includes a Meals on Wheels program, a senior center in Lawrenceville, and a childcare program for about 100 children (0-5). Having lived in Lawrenceville for over a decade, I have relationships with neighbors and local businesses, and I’ve seen the neighborhood change and evolve firsthand.

Please list your volunteer, non-profit, or Board experience:

I’ve worked for a number of nonprofits over the years, including Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation and CYA in Lawrenceville. I’ve volunteered for many nonprofits in different capacities over the years, including Tree Tenders a couple of times. I was a board member of Prevention Point Pittsburgh for several years and helped them develop their fundraising strategy. I’ve also taken part in various professional development opportuntities for nonprofits, including a board development program put on by the Bayer Center.

How are you involved in the Lawrenceville community?

I’ve been a resident and homeowner since 2009. I’ve organized a couple block parties for my street over the last few years. I work at CYA, which serves a lot of Lawrenceville residents. I have participated in various Lawrenceville United activities over the years, including attending community meetings and holiday parties. My daughter has gotten involved with activities and camps at the Boys & Girls Club.

What makes Lawrenceville unique?

Lawrenceville is one of the few neighborhoods in Pittsburgh with a true main street that is directly bordered by residential housing. When I moved here, it was a real mix of lifelong residents, stakeholders who had been improving their homes and the neighborhoods for a decade or two, and newcomers. I know Lawrenceville Corporation/United worked hard to keep the majority of businesses and restaurants independent and locally owned. Community events over the years have been interesting and varied and keep evolving. We thought Art All Night was amazing and went on the Lville House Tours and garden tours most years. (Our house was actually on the tour one year!) Now we’ve enjoyed taking our eight-year-old to Open Streets and the kids’ holiday party.

One of LT’s core values is equity. What’s one idea you have for how LT should live out its commitment to equity?

I think LT should prioritize giving a voice to lifetime residents– what I think of as “old Lawrenceville”– who may feel left behind by the business development and gentrification. There’s sort of a bifurcation between residents with different levels of income and education, and how they see themselves as part of the community. I worry that the different groups may get lumped in together and averaged out, in terms of public funding and the kind of attention the neighborhood receives. I’m sure this is a challenging thing to balance. I also hope there are ways to make newer, typically higher income residents see themselves as invested in the neighborhood and community, even if they’re only expecting to stay a shorter amount of time.

What is one fun fact that others might be surprised to know about you?

I worked for nonprofits that allowed me to travel to Kenya and Haiti as part of my job!

What years have you lived or worked in Lawrenceville?

3

If you are a resident, why did you move to Lawrenceville?

Because I fell in love with the community after opening my business here, which I did because I loved the neighborhood. The support and community is unmatched as well as still having the quintessential Pittsburgh feel.

Current job & employer?

Wild Rose Hair Studio

Why do you want to be on the LT Board? What would you like to work on within the neighborhood?

To better support LT and the neighborhood, to continue to make our community an thriving and welcoming place.

What would you bring to the LT Board?

Network, business and resident (renter) perspective, business skills.

Please list your volunteer, non-profit, or Board experience:

LT BDAC and Membership Board experience, former member of Shadyside Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Community Development Corporation and Pittsburgh Fashion Week.

How are you involved in the Lawrenceville community?

Very! Live and work in the neighborhood.

What makes Lawrenceville unique?

The people and everything that you can find here! Lawrenceville contains the bustling business district, quiet streets, nature, walkability, and is welcoming to everyone!

One of LT’s core values is equity. What’s one idea you have for how LT should live out its commitment to equity?

Supporting the neighbors that have been here for generations but may not be able to afford to stay – while also making home ownership accessible to people of all incomes, background and race.

What is one fun fact that others might be surprised to know about you?

I got my cosmetology license at 17!

What years have you lived or worked in Lawrenceville?

2023-present

Current job & employer?

President of Dobra Tea

Why do you want to be on the LT Board? What would you like to work on within the neighborhood?

I would like to be on the board to advocate for businesses in the neighborhood, especially ones that don’t serve alcohol. I would like to help with improvements to the neighborhood that will positively affect both businesses and residents–including traffic, neighborhood festivals, and events. I’d also like to advocate for permit reform with the city, which has caused us, and many others, numerous delays and problems.

What would you bring to the LT Board?

I have been a small business owner in Squirrel Hill for 13 years, and I’ve spent the last three years opening our second location on Butler St. I am currently on the board of Uncover Squirrel Hill where I advocate for cafe-type businesses, attend regular neighborhood merchant meetings, and help with events like the Squirrel Hill Night Market. We are bringing our second tea room in Pittsburgh to Lawrenceville because we love the neighborhood, and we want to create an alcohol-free third space for people to come and socialize in the afternoon and evening.

Please list your volunteer, non-profit, or Board experience:

Board member of Uncover Squirrel Hill, past volunteer experience at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Global Links of Pittsburgh, and two other hospitals overseas.

How are you involved in the Lawrenceville community?

I am currently opening a business in the neighborhood, and I am looking to become an active participant. Personally, I attend events at Spirit and Belvederes when I can.

What makes Lawrenceville unique? Why?

Lawrenceville is a beautiful neighborhood with charming, old row houses and live-in businesses. This character makes it a desirable place to be, especially with the homogenization of the suburbs. The people reflect the character of the space as well, with increasing diversity. The only place that I can think to compare it to is Brooklyn.

One of LT’s core values is equity. What’s one idea you have for how LT should live out its commitment to equity?

Increasing handicap accessibility would go a long way to increasing equity in Lawrenceville, especially in the older buildings. It can be done with the help and grace of the city (DOMI). I would advocate for DOMI to give some special considerations to businesses attempting ADA in the neighborhood, allowing them to compromise on some codes where it makes sense and still increases the accessibility of the space.

What is one fun fact that others might be surprised to know about you?

I lived in Haiti as a boy with my parents, and it had a core impact on me and my perspective on life.

What years have you lived or worked in Lawrenceville?

8+

If you are a resident, why did you move to Lawrenceville?

Loved the neighborhood, amenities, community, and bustling business district.

Current job & employer?

Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Children’s Musuem of Pittsburgh and MuseumLab

Why do you want to be on the LT Board? What would you like to work on within the neighborhood?

We are passionate about the community, events, neighbors, and special qualities of Lawrenceville that we want to make sure can be presereved and shared wtih all.

What would you bring to the LT Board?

I’ve got deep community building experience in Pittsburgh, including on working with organizations such at Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Pittsburgh Tomorrow, North Side / North Shore Chamber and more. I am a liaison to the board for the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, with experience in all aspects of that board and it’s meetings. I’ve been a marketer and communicator for over 25 years, and am a recent graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh.

Please list your volunteer, non-profit, or Board experience:

Various Penn State related organizations, point person for much of the partnership and non profit work at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

How are you involved in the Lawrenceville community?

We love Lawrenceville. From great walks with our dog, to weekly stops at the farmers markets, along with engaging with the local businesses, neighbors, and more – involved at the community level, looking for more interaction with this group and more.

What makes Lawrenceville unique?

There really isn’t enough room to write it all out. A special neighborhood, historically, and currently, with both pros and cons happening. Wild swings in population and income, as well as resources, give it a polarized effect at times. Great business, and a mix of houseing add to the fabric of the community.

One of LT’s core values is equity. What’s one idea you have for how LT should live out its commitment to equity?

It should be a major priority, threaded throughout all of the work that we do.

What is one fun fact that others might be surprised to know about you?

I am a 2 time Penn state graduate, for undergrad and grad school.

What years have you lived or worked in Lawrenceville?

I am returning to Lawrenceville after formerly living in the 8th Ward.

If you are a resident, why did you move to Lawrenceville?

The opportunity to live in Albion Upper Lawrenceville.

Current job & employer?

Self-employed.

Why do you want to be on the LT Board? What would you like to work on within the neighborhood?

Communications, research and advisory comments.

What would you bring to the LT Board?

Legal background and education. Communications skills from a mature perspective as a long term Pittsburgh East Ender returning to get involved in the networking and development of projects as assigned.

Please list your volunteer, non-profit, or Board experience:

Eagle Scout, degrees in teaching English, public administration and law. counselor for veterans assistance organization, consultant to boards on request. Friends of Danang doing civil development projects; schools, clinics and public works for villages and disabled.

How are you involved in the Lawrenceville community?

I am just returning to the area and new to Upper Lawrenceville.

What makes Lawrenceville unique?

The history of Arsenal and Lawrenceville gives me frequent opportunity to educate and aid new residents and business owners.

One of LT’s core values is equity. What’s one idea you have for how LT should live out its commitment to equity?

I need a more defined explanation of “equity” and the organization’s goals. Equity is a noble challenge, vague and slippery but noble.

What is one fun fact that others might be surprised to know about you?

Get to know me to understand my wit and fun facts. I work as a volunteer with veterans and incarcerated clients in the transition to “equity” and productive lives.