Heather Gacek

ReClaim Northside Ambassador “I would like to see Manchester develop a small town feel while within reach all of the amenities of city living. ” About Me. I am a civil engineer by day, working on water resources engineering projects. I am a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and since my time there, this city has remained one my favorite places on earth. Why did apply to be a ReClaim Ambassador? I applied to be a ReClaim Ambassador with the…

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Alandra Kahl

ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador "McKeesport is full of individuals working for their community." About Me. My hometown is Derry, PA. Currently I teach Engineering Design and Energy and the Environment at Penn State Greater Allegheny, where I am learning to program and build robots with my team. I'm so excited to give my students the opportunity to be involved in their community through the ReClaim project. What idea do you have a vacant land project in your neighborhood? A community gathering space. My…

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Ryan Sims

Google Ryan Sims spent 5 years working as a theatre carpenter before getting a Computer Science degree at University of Maryland and coming to work at Google. He lives in Highland Park with his wife, son and two cats.

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Brenna Martin-Shaffer

Rothschild Doyno Collaborative Brenna is an architect at Rothschild Doyno Collaborative where she seeks meaningful solutions to complex problems of the built environment. She believes that the most successful strategies for placemaking include transparent process, collective creativity, open dialogue and respect for every person's unique ability to enact positive change. As a northside resident she is a witness to the tremendous fortitude of the united neighborhood and is excited to contribute to sustainable urban strategies that will shape a vibrant…

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Jessica Petho

ReEnergize Pittsburgh Ambassador  “I applied to be a ReEnergize Ambassador because I wanted to help my community and the earth." About Me. I am a lifelong Hazelwood resident. I am who I am today because of my family and couldn't imagine being any different, because I love who I am. In addition to my human family, I also have two fur children. I enjoy the great outdoors whether it's my backyard, a forest or a garden under glass. I am…

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Leslie Boone

ReEnergize Pittsburgh Ambassador “I believe in participating in the full health of our neighborhood- spiritually, physically, economically, psychologically and environmentally." About Me. I was born in Homewood, although I have lived in Hazelwood for many years. I am a renaissance woman. I seek knowledge, whether it is learning a new language or a new instrument, or perfecting a new software program and then teaching it to someone. Day to day, you will find me leading bible study, photo journaling, prayer walking,…

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George Thomas

ReEnergize Pittsburgh Ambassador “ I want to be able to do outreach in my community. " About Me. My name is George Thomas, and I am lifelong Hazelwood resident. I'm a United States Army veteran, a graphic designer and a father of four. I am a graduate of AIP & Perry TA. I am very involved in my community, especially with Hazelwood Initiative, the Morningstar Baptist Church and the Greater Hazelwood Community Collaborative.  I also spend way too much time watching CNN!…

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Rhonda Sears

ReEnergize Pittsburgh Ambassador  “I want to educate my neighborhood on the importance of conserving energy. I want to help them find ways to improve the quality of life in their homes."  About Me. My name is Rhonda Sears. I have lived in Homewood for 35 years and I love to do whatever I can to help my community improve. I have two daughters and a son and two granddaughters. Some of my proudest moments include watching both my daughters go…

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Zinna Scott

ReEnergize Pittsburgh Ambassador  “We as a nation overuse our natural resources. We need to use wisely."  About Me. I have lived in Homewood for 42 years. I'm enjoying being retired, because it allows me to visit my grandchildren's school, catch new movies (I love going to the movies), read more, spend time with friends, and enjoy life and smell the roses. I exercise 3 days a week (which is more than when I worked), and I enjoy my activities at church. I volunteer…

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Tonisha Fawcett

ReEnergize Pittsburgh Ambassador “I am aware that there is a need for change in the way that we use resources, not just energy but many resources. Our lives have been built in such a way that we don't value them nearly as much as we should. ”  About Me. I am a resident of Pittsburgh's East End. I attend the Community College of Allegheny County with the hope of pursuing a degree in nursing. After I graduate I intend to practice homeopathic…

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Dr. Danielle Andrews-Brown

Pronouns: she/her/hers Dr. Andrews received her Ph.D. (Soil Science) in 2011 at The Pennsylvania State University.  She remained at Penn State as a post-doctoral scholar and research associate. Dr. Andrews came to the University of Pittsburgh in 2017 as a lecturer and the advisor and coordinator of the Environmental Studies program. For over 14 years, she has conducted lab and field scale research as it pertains to water and soil quality. Presently, specific research has focused on carbon, nitrogen and emerging…

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Mandy Sue Wolovich

ReEnergize Pittsburgh Ambassador “[Energy is] what activates people and living things -- the source of our life.” About Me. I'm originally from Curwensville, PA, but I’ve lived in Millvale for the past 5 years. I am an attorney turned stay-at-home parent. While I miss a lot about the working world, I would not trade my current job for anything. My two sons, Elijah (3) and Orion (5 mo.) are the best bosses one could ask for! When I get a…

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