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Whereas, Founded by the Honorable Ralph P. Watson, "Classic Events!" Public Relations and Marketing connects entrepreneurs with community stakeholders and elected officials, cultivating relationships to drive our local economy and community development including the 3rd Annual "Ladies Who Network," which salutes Pittsburgh leaders various sectors; and,
Whereas, Donna M. Baxter is the CEO and Founder of SOUL PIT MEDIA, President of National Association of Women's Business Owners, she promotes the Soulful Side of our region and empowers minority entrepreneurs with technology; encouraging people to "Get online or Get left behind." Donna is a Digital Consultant, Web and graphic Designer, and Small Business Speaker who prides herself on her work with area youth; and,
Whereas, Sheila R. Beasley has, for 20 years, improved the lives of children and families, as a leader of the Community Voices group, she provides a platform for families to be heard on state and local issues from Allegheny County Family Support Centers, and through her work has impacted over 30 local communities and enriched the lives of many; and,
Whereas, Assistant Chief of Police Maurita J. Bryant has served in a supervisory capacity for more than 16 years. After rising through the ranks from patrol to criminal investigations and beyond, Assistant Chief Bryant currently oversees the operations branch of the bureau, including its six police zones; and,
Whereas, Terina J. Hicks, a baker since age 14, has turned her creativity into a venture called CobblerWorld, LLC. She is recognized for her work in the community and she is a contributing writer for the Soul Pitt Quarterly; and,
Whereas, Nancy Patton-Mils, Ph.D., Chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee. And seated on the Democratic state Committee and first term on the Democratic National committee. Nancy completed her undergraduate work at Chatham University and her Ph.D. in Communications and Rhetoric at Duquesne University. Currently, Nancy Mills is Managing Partner of Roselea Farm, a historic landmark in Pittsburgh. She is involved with numerous causes and organizations serving on boards and commissions; and,
Whereas, Candi Castleberry-Singleton's dedication to the Pittsburgh region has led her to serve on numerous boards. She is the Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at UPMC, overseeing employee engagement and community initiatives. An international speaker, teacher, mentor. An adjunct professor at Carnegie Mellon University, she maintains a steadfast commitment to helping women negotiate the politics of modern corporate culture; and,
Whereas, Bev Smith has a mantra of "Stand up, Be counted and Get Involved." The Queen of Talk has used her platform to advocate on behalf of Women and People of Color. Throughout the years, "The Bev Smith Show" has raised money for victims of poverty and natural disasters. Previously a CNN anchor and a guest panelist for ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC and FOX News, Ms. Smith now hosts the nationally syndicated "Bev Smith Show" as well as a local weekly show dedicated to Pittsburgh issues called "Pittsburgh Voices" with Bev Smith; and,
Whereas, Sonya Toler is the Public Information Officer for the City of Pittsburgh. A mass communications professional with extensive freelance experience, she has held key positions such as: Writer for The New Pittsburgh Courier and Pittsburgh Business-Times, Managing Editor for the Pittsburgh International Airport Magazine, Allegheny County Conference on Economic Development, and Executive Director for the Governor's Advisory Committee on African-American Affairs under Governor Ed Rendell; and,
Whereas, Amelia Williams is a Domestic violence advocate and President of the Ring of Hope Campaign, which raises awareness for survivors of DV. She spearheads community outreach efforts and serves as a public speaker and expert educator for the organization, with her empowering message of "From Victim to Survivor: Rebuilding Lives after Domestic Violence."
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby acknowledges Ladies who Network honorees as pillars of our community; and,
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council hereby declares Friday, April 24, 2015, "Ladies Who Network Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.