14. Chris T. Murphy, 36
Realtor

As a real-estate agent and owner of RE/MAX Select Realty, Chris Murphy is a broker of the American Dream. "The real-estate business is problem-solving," he says. "A good real-estate agent isn't out there selling somebody. A good real-estate agent is finding creative ways that both the buyer and seller win."

Murphy also has many years of service to local, state and national associations for real estate agents, including the Realtors-Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh (RAMP). "Most people aren't aware that the largest focus of the association is to protect the private property rights of Pittsburgh residents," Murphy says. One example: preventing the need for new owners to re-apply for occupancy permits. Many older homes would not pass, and updating them to today's building codes would be costly. "We're trying to fight legislation...that would affect those residents very negatively," he says. "I was very honored to be [RAMP's] president in 2003, the youngest president in their 93 year history."

15. Ben Cook, 30
Mentor for sexual-minority teens

On the job as a child advocate or in his volunteer role with youth programs at the Pittsburgh Gay and Lesbian Community Center, Ben Cook feels his greatest contribution to this region is being out regarding his sexual orientation. "It's valuable for gay and lesbian kids to see that it is possible to be out at work, out to your family, and it doesn't need to look like it does on television," he says.

As director of the community center's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) youth program, Cook spends every Friday night with kids who are sexual minorities. He runs educational programs and provides a safe place for these kids or for those questioning their sexuality. "Most of our kids come every week; we know them, and they know us. We're a stable part of their lives."

Professionally, Cook works for KidsVoice, a nonprofit agency that assists children in the juvenile-justice system. Cook helps young clients who are often in court due to abuse or neglect. "We gather as much information as we can...so when we go into court, we can represent their best interests," he says.

16. Chelsa Wagner, 30
State House representative

Chelsa Wagner is the youngest woman in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives; her district comprises parts of the North Side, West End, Mount Washington and South Hills. "I had frustrations with what I saw in my community - which is Beechview - when I moved back," Wagner says, noting she left for college and moved around a bit before coming home. "I never told myself that someone in this position can do everything to make a change, but I think it all certainly contributes."

Issues Wagner is tackling include campaign-finance reform, redistricting, restructuring the Port Authority board and problems associated with absentee landlords. "For the most part, we don't have many young people shaping policy. I think we need to get more young people voting so we have elected officials, and we hold their feet to the fire in terms of issues that are important to young people," she says.

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