Gavin White Gavin grew up in Mars but is now thoroughly a Pittsburgher, graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with degrees in History and Architecture. He comes to GTECH by way of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and splits his time between the two organizations. Prior to working for the Parks, he designed sets for film, installations, performances and other events in collaboration with artists from all over the world. He is generally interested in spaces and places: How do they define us?…Read More
Walt Yager ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador What would you like others to know about your neighborhood? "Its gloried past as a foundation and stepping stone to return its image of pride, moral values, hard work and accomplishments." ABOUT ME. My hometown is McKeesport and I have lived there my whole life. I am married and have three grandchildren. Currently I do consulting and volunteer work for nonprofits in the area. I believe the biggest challenge that McKeesport faces is the blight, erosion, and loss…Read More
Sharon Soles ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador "We have hope. We can overcome our situation if more people would get involved." ABOUT ME My hometown is McKeesport, PA and I have lived there for 25 years. I worked for GNC in retail management for 14 years until I retired. I am married and have four grandchildren. I decided to get involved so that I can help reclaim the city that I love and assist community members working with vacant lots and properties. I am looking…Read More
Ian Brown Ian holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Affairs with a focus on environmental policy from the University at Albany:SUNY and a bachelor’s degree in Conservation Science from Muskingum University. Ian has multiple years of experience working in the government and nonprofit sectors in land use planning, community development and environmental education in cities throughout the country. Ian enjoys using his planning and policy background at GTECH. Working at GTECH provides Ian an opportunity to work on environmental topics…Read More
Shannon Bennett Shannon is an independent consultant that provides accounting services to Grounded Strategies. Prior to working with Grounded, she was the Operations Director for Construction Junction, a nonprofit organization that focuses on conservation through the reuse of building materials. She has a BA in Sociology from Hiram College and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh with an emphasis in Strategy and Entrepreneurship. Shannon lives in Wilkinsburg with her husband Jonathan and rescued Norwegian Elkhound mix Colby. She enjoys baking, traveling and…Read More
Kim Brownfield ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador "[Community means] to live together as one." ABOUT ME. My hometown is McKeesport, PA and I have lived here for the past 52 years. Currently I work at the University of Pittsburgh and am heavily involved in my church, Bethlehem Baptist Church. I want to see the city become more beautiful with my involvement. I am hoping that eventually new business will come to McKeesport to help it grow. For my project, I would like to implement playgrounds in my neighborhood.…Read More
Rhonda Moorer ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador "[I hope] to rebuild and [for McKeesport to] become a positive force in the Mon Valley." ABOUT ME. I am originally from McKeesport and have lived in the 4th Ward for five years. I have been married for 30 years and have one son. I am very involved in my church, Bethlehem Baptist Church. I hope to see McKeesport return to its glory days and hope to be a part of the rejuvenation of that glory. I believe…Read More
Hank Gostkowski ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador "There are still respectful neighbors who help each other when the need arises. From cutting several neighbors' grass, shoveling the walk ways without expecting anything, to hunting for a lost child or keeping watch out for others' homes when something does not look right." ABOUT ME. My hometown is Verona, PA but I have been living in McKeesport for the past 40 years. I am currently retired but work as a security guard at Renzie Park. For…Read More
Julie Fleckenstein Reclaim McKeesport Ambassador "I hope that we have a renaissance like the other neighborhoods in the Pittsburgh area. This is such a great place to raise a family." ABOUT ME. My hometown is McKeesport, PA. Currently I work for the City of McKeesport as a program assistant for the Youth CAST Leadership Network and also as adjunct faculty for the CCAC, teaching Professional and Academic Development and English Composition. WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE FOR A VACANT LOT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?…Read More
James Snow James arrived at GTECH shortly before he started the Master’s of Sustainability program at Chatham University in 2012. His educational career has focused on the systems of communities and how these can impact the overall health of our neighborhoods. Over the past several years, James has managed numerous project for GTECH including two ReClaim Neighborhood Scale Initiatives. James believes the residents of Pittsburgh region are resilient and doing amazing things in the places they live. Prior to his work at…Read More
Rochelle Williams ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador I am hoping to make a positive change in our city and to restore it to what I have heard it was like in the past. ABOUT ME. My hometown is Pittsburgh, PA, but for the past 12 years I have lived in the Myers Park (11th Ward) neighborhood of McKeesport. I married my husband, Phil, 20 years ago and have two awesome and bright children, Nayelle (16) and Nason (13). I currently work as an Administrative Assistant…Read More
Dana Jackson ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador “Our future is in their (younger generation) hands and we need to teach them ownership in their neighborhood and to help out with the elderly that need assistance with taking care of their property.” ABOUT ME. My hometown is McKeesport, PA. I am a mother of four children who keep me busy and make me proud everyday. I became an ambassador to make a difference in the community and influence others to do the same. I hope…Read More