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…Read More
Sarah Williams Wilson Pronouns: she/her/hers Sarah Wilson is an experienced leader of events, programs, and campaigns that advance organizations to new levels of success. Indicative of the range of her accomplishments, she has completed multi-million dollar fundraising campaigns for non-profit organizations, coordinated the relocation of an arts-based high school, and developed a comprehensive public relations and marketing plan for an information design practice. She joined the board to be part of an organization that has achieved significant success since its founding ten years…Read More
Sarah Kremer ReEnergize Pittsburgh Ambassador “I applied to the ReEnergize program because I thought it was an innovative way to help my community and support a global cause in a local way.” About Me. I'm from a small town called South Bend, Indiana. I moved to Pittsburgh a couple of years ago after I fell in love with it during a summer internship. Now I work at a print shop in Millvale doing graphic design and marketing. When I was 20, the…Read More
Samantha Comarnitsky [Former] ReEnergize Pittsburgh Ambassador Although Samantha's role as a formal ReEnergize Ambassador is over, she remains an involved and important participant in the program! “I am extremely excited about working with my neighbors to find little ways to make us all feel more comfortable in our homes!” About Me. I'm a Pittsburgh transplant, but I have been in the 'burgh for almost 8 years. I currently work with Pediatric Residents in training and enjoying helping train the doctors of our future.…Read More
Scott Smith Uptown Ambassador “Uptown has a rich and storied history. We are a dynamic and diverse community with a passion for improving our quality of life and the neighborhood." About Me. Originally from Robinson Township, I’ve lived in Uptown for the past two and a half years. I am a family man and recently quit my nine-to-five office job in order to spend more time with them. I am very environmentally conscious, and I make sure to show my support for many…Read More
Tom Mulholland Pronouns: he/him/his Tom first began working with Grounded through a fellowship with PULSE (Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience) in 2016. Tom is originally from a small town in upstate New York. He attended the State University of New York at Geneseo for his undergraduate degree, where he studied sociology and urban geography. Prior to joining the organization, Tom worked for the Thomas Merton Center and the East End Food Co-Op, doing outreach and communications. Since starting at Grounded, Tom has…Read More
Becca Simon pronouns: she/her/hers Becca was born and raised in Hillsboro, OR. She received her undergraduate degree in International Political Economy and Environmental Policy & Decision Making from the University of Puget Sound in 2019. Post undergrad, Becca served as a FoodCorps AmeriCorps Service Member in Ronan, MT doing nutrition, gardening, and food justice education with Kindergarten-5th grade students. After FoodCorps, Becca moved to Pittsburgh to serve as a Fellow with Repair the World Pittsburgh where she was committed to helping engage…Read More
Masoud Sayles Pronouns: he/him/his Masoud is a lifelong resident of the Pittsburgh Area. A graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Geobiology, Masoud passionately pursues his interest in permaculture design. Prior to joining Grounded, Masoud worked joyfully alongside gardeners at his local community garden, as well as finding employment propagating plants for a local neighborhood nursery. During this time, he worked alongside members of his community in creating various gardens and on trash cleanups, engendering within him an interest in…Read More
Laier-Rayshon Smith Laier is a Pittsburgh native, growing up right here in Larimer. He graduated from Point Park University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. His increased interest in urban planning and community development is what led him to GTECH. Before coming to GTECH, Laier was a Coro Fellow in Public Affairs. During the fellowship, he worked in the Department of Innovation & Performance, City of Pittsburgh assisting in the development of the Pittsburgh's new website. The group of Coro…Read More
A|E Works JoAnn Rizzo, Laura Cherock, Michael Cherock, Mary McCarty and Safiya Hodari AE Works is creating a world where everyone is relevant. They do this by engaging with communities through the craft of architecture and engineering. Their product is buildings, spaces, and systems. Designed by people for people, while working to improve the collective world. They are architects, engineers, designers, and creators coming together to leave something better.Read More
Ruby Velasco Pronouns: she/her/hers Ruby grew up in Santa Ana, California – a vibrant but underinvested community in drastically segregated Orange County. She is passionate about equity, inclusivity, and being an active member of your community. In the past, she was an assistant volunteer coordinator at The Frida Cinema, an independent arthouse theater, a camp counselor in Eastern Kentucky, and a VISTA at PCRG doing capacity building in Allegheny County. Her professional experience is in community development, resource building, and coalition management. …Read More
Lilli Kashef Hamadani Lilli is joining GTECH as a Policy and Research Intern for the summer of 2017. She has completed the first year of her Master of Public Policy and Management program at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College. With a background in Political Science and Anthropology from San Francisco State University and a strong affinity for environmental restoration, she is excited to apply her knowledge to environmental and community issues. Before moving to Pittsburgh, Lilli worked in a multitude of organizations ranging…Read More