Nicole Flaherty ReClaim Northside Ambassador “I wanted to contribute to my neighborhood in a positive way. If I could make something beautiful and/or functional for my neighborhood, that would be wonderful.” About Me. I am the Graphics Manager at a local vitamin company during the day and a full-time mother and wife in the evenings. I also do occasional photography work on the side and love pictures, both old and new. I have a beautiful 15-month daughter named Ella Dai and a great…Read More
Linda Wallen ReClaim Northside Ambassador/Mentor “Apathy is a huge challenge in our community and exciting projects are (I think) a way of budging people out of their busy inertia. Once something is changing for the better people seem to come out and take a look and get involved.” About Me I came to Pittsburgh by way of New Orleans and have been painting portraits for a living most of my life. The last few years I have also been teaching French and Spanish to…Read More
Cynthia Levy-Mendoza ReClaim Northside Ambassador “I think everyone deserves access to information. Knowledge is power and there are not enough people in our neighborhood who understand and realize that information and the application of information is powerful.” About Me. I am a family girl. I am a married mother of three crazy, intelligent and kind children. I love to garden, read and have good conversations. On a day-to-day basis I can be caught reading a good book, working around the house with…Read More
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…Read More
Matthew Yurkovich ReClaim Northside Ambassador “I love where I live and want to reclaim a vacant lot. The idea of ecological restoration is of great interest to me and I think greenspace is very important to a neighborhood's health.” About Me. I spend much of my time outdoors both in my professional and personal life. I enjoy fitness challenges, spending time with my dog, gardening, cooking, biking and reading. I love the Northside and am very excited to be in this program. I'm a member of…Read More
Mark Rawlings ReClaim Northside Ambassador “Pretty much everything you need is walking distance in Troy Hill, it's a very convenient place to live and there are great views all around!” About Me. I am a design engineer for Zero Fossil, an alternative energy company in Pittsburgh. Currently I am in charge of a small group at Carrie Furnace that is bringing alternative energy back to the National Historic Landmark. I own two side-by-side houses in Troy Hill and spend most of my free time working…Read More
Dorrie Smith ReClaim Northside Ambassador “Northsiders are generational. We leave, but, believe me, we either return (take me for example) or keep it in our hearts.” About Me. I'm a very active person who wishes I could add on another 6 hours to a day. I'm a Pennsylvania Realtor, Manager of a daycare center, a mother of a daughter, grandmother to 4 wonderful grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother of a 2 year old. Don't get me wrong, I love my great-grandchild, but I'm way…Read More
Bridget Little ReClaim Northside Ambassador “I see a lot of need in my community for cohesion and involvement for people inside the community and to those interested in perhaps becoming a part of it.” About Me. I would describe myself as an urbanista who enjoys traveling. I love hanging out in my small backyard with my friends and my dogs. I feel that there are SO MANY possibilities with the Northside. While there are a lot of people who feel a lot of…Read More
Riley Baker ReClaim Northside Ambassador “In my opinion, Spring Hill is a hidden gem on the North Side. It's quiet and friendly with a diverse makeup of working class, professionals, city employees, young, old, black and white. I am constantly astounded at the pool of interesting people such a small neighborhood has.” About Me. I work in the non-profit sector, for Pittsburgh Cares. As the director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, I spend my work days assisting older volunteers in…Read More
Angela Williams ReClaim Northside Ambassador “I hope that we can revitalize the existing community by engaging the residents to become a part of changes so they feel empowered to make positive things happen.” About Me I am a Northside homeowner and single mother of a 18-year-old FAME scholar at Sewickley Academy. I am employed full-time at Allegheny County Economic Development and am active in several community groups on the Northside. What would you like others to know about your neighborhood? Perry South…Read More
Doug Deckert ReClaim Northside Ambassador “I applied to be a ReClaim Ambassador to meet new people within our cohort and to stretch myself to reach out and meet my neighbors on my block. I love to make a difference in the beauty of my immediate environment.” About Me I moved to Observatory Hill in 2007 to be near my son, Wyatt. I have been a board member with Observatory Hill Inc. for almost a year now and am dedicated to beautifying the neighborhood. I…Read More
Ayanna Lee-Davis ReClaim Northside Ambassador “This neighborhood has great potential. There is a lot of diversity, innovative development and an abundance of people who are dedicated to making a difference and helping Pittsburgh as a whole become a more enjoyable and sustainable city.” About Me I am a native Northsider-- born in 1974 on Monterey Street. I am married to my best friend of 25 years and have two children (ages 22 and 19). I am an attorney in Downtown Pittsburgh with…Read More