FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2023 | 6PM
THE CONNECT CENTER
827 LINDEN WAY, EAST PITTSBURGH, PA 1112
827 LINDEN WAY, EAST PITTSBURGH, PA 1112
What would you do to make YOUR community a better place for single mothers, their children and anyone else you could positively impact?
During our S.O.A.R. Pitch Party, three When She Thrives Changememakers will have the opportunity to share with you their answers to this question.
Join us as we celebrate the incredible work they've been doing to become better advocates for themselves, their children and their community over the past nine months as part of The S.O.A.R. Cohort. Come dressed in your picture ready party wear ready to dance, eat and celebrate the change these ladies, and their children will make!
MEET THE 2023 CHANGEMAKERS
BETH BURTON
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MONAE LOWRY
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MARIAH TORRES
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Each Changemaker will have five minutes to present her pitch to our panel of judges to win funding to kickstart or build their community centered initiatives.
*1st Place - $1,500
*Runner Up - $1,000
MEET THE HOSTESS
Sondra Hunter
Tech Savvy Consultants, LLC, Founder and CEO of BGC a Pittsburgh based non-profit organization.
“Don’t think about you often being the only person of color in the room, or the only woman, because that is where you belong, so grow comfortable there".
- Sondra D. Hunter
Tech Savvy Consultants, LLC, Founder and CEO of BGC a Pittsburgh based non-profit organization.
“Don’t think about you often being the only person of color in the room, or the only woman, because that is where you belong, so grow comfortable there".
- Sondra D. Hunter
MEET THE JUDGES
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Marita Garrett
Public service and civic duty is Marita Garrett’s DNA. She was born into a family that firmly believed in exercising their civic duty and spirit of volunteerism. Her drive and commitment to serving under-resourced communities is palpable. In 2017, Marita created, Civically, Inc, a social enterprise that focuses on community development by promoting civic and social literacy to instill self-reliance. Initiatives include Free Store Wilkinsburg, Fresh Market, Civically Speaking, as well as initiatives for health literacy and education. In 2019, Civically, Inc. acquired the Hunter Building – the largest commercial building in downtown Wilkinsburg – to stabilize an anchor building and catalyze economic development in the Borough. Largely influential for the renewed interested in Wilkinsburg’s revitalization, she was awarded the Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence for Promoting Community & Economic Revitalization in 2020. |
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Monica Malik
Monica Malik is an accomplished and results-driven leader who is known for her strategic thinking, strong business acumen, and exceptional leadership skills. Currently serving as the Vice President of Public Affairs of Western Pennsylvania for Citizens, Monica is responsible for developing and executing the company's strategic communication plans, building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, and managing the company's reputation and brand. Monica has a proven track record of success in driving organizational change and creating a culture of innovation and collaboration. She is a serial entrepreneur, having owned a franchise restaurant, starting a consulting company, and creating businesses for others. She is the proud recipient of the 40 Under 40 in 2022. Monica holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a frequent speaker on many topics and has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations like the Goodwill of Southwest PA, Professional Women’s Network, the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the PWSA L.I.A.C.C, and Radiant Hall just to mention a few. |
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Ebony Pleasant
Ebony Pleasant is a SOAR 2022 Changemaker, Author of multiple books and journals, Mother of 3 and grandmother of 1. She is passionate about personal growth and working to make the community a better place. |