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
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
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…Read More
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…Read More
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,…Read More
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!…Read More
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…Read More
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…Read More
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…Read More
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 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