Clockwise from Left:
Genevieve Hajnik Ogrodnik | Accountant and volunteer | 27
At the H.J. Heinz Co., Genevieve Ogrodnik works in the tax department. She initiated and led the company's holiday gift drive, collecting hundreds of presents for the Family Links Holiday Campaign. And she's also the director of Western Pennsylvania's Young Mensans, helping high-IQ students excel academically and socially. "I am happy and proud to be able to give back to the Pittsburgh community that has given so much to me. Each one of us has talents and can make an impact," she says.
Dennis W. Lejeck | Entrepreneur and security specialist | 38
As co-founder and president of Black Knight Security, Dennis Lejeck and his staff specialize in the security of high-rise and high-occupancy buildings, ready for everything from bomb threats to medical emergencies. Lejeck and many of his 50 local employees are veterans of military service. His focus on his employees sets his business apart. "My treatment of security as a career option instead of a minimum-wage job has created higher standards for BKS security officers and is why BKS is setting the standard for corporate security," he says.
Deval Reshma Paranjpe | Ophthalmologist | 32
Deval Reshma Paranjpe, M.D., F.A.C.S., is an ophthalmologist at Allegheny General Hospital. She's a spokesperson for preventing eye injuries, actively involved in the Allegheny County Medical Society and co-wrote an article on a new approach to treating alkali/chemical eye burns. "We often take our vision for granted until it is threatened," she says. "Then it's all we can think about. I love working in this field, which fights to restore and preserve sight - and hope - through continuous surgical and medical innovation." She volunteers for the Junior League of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Symphony Association.
Santosh Perla | Catalyst for Indian professionals | 28
On the job at Vivisimo, sales engineer Santosh Perla helps companies manage ever-growing electronic-information repositories - increasing productivity through better organization. But his passion is NetIP - Network of Indian Professionals. Perla was recognized as "Best Small Chapter President" nationally, and his chapter also won national recognition. "Pittsburgh's diversity is much more evident with the increased and active participation of the region's South Asian population. Built upon professional, political, cultural and community service, NetIP Pittsburgh has created events that link people, forge friendships, inspire activism and give back to the community," he says.
Left to Right:
Charles Chapman | Minister | 24
As one of the co-founders and community-outreach coordinator of The L.I.V.I.N.G. (an acronym for "love initiated ventures investing in neglected groups") Ministry, Charles Chapman brings messages of faith to Pittsburgh's homeless men. He forges relationships with shelters and homeless individuals, conducts Bible studies and other outreach events, and raises money. His organization will soon open a halfway house to support men as they learn job skills. "I have dedicated my life to offering hope to the homeless, [empowering them] to make a positive impact in their personal lives, families and communities," he says.
Susan Shin | Attorney and volunteer | 32
At United States Steel Corp., Susan Shin practices in the international group of the law department and also supports the company's diversity initiatives. She's a charter member of the Asian Attorney Committee for the Allegheny County Bar Association and volunteers for Christian Legal Aid. Outside work, she's an active volunteer, board member and advocate for Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity. "For me, economic development at the family level is the key to a city's success. When you raise the families, you are raising the building blocks of the community," she says.
J.J. Richardson | Nonprofit leader | 34
J.J. Richardson supports local nonprofits that improve the quality of life in Pittsburgh. He served as vice president of the PUMP board and also led the planning of the ImPAct Conference, a gathering of young professionals. He's on the boards of Pittsburgh Cares and Venture Outdoors. And he's a Young Professional Committee member for Big Brothers Big Sisters, where he serves as a mentor to a 12-year-old "little brother," John. "I definitely hope to continue to increase involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters," he says. "That's an organization I'm really excited about right now."
Kevin Acklin | Neighborhood activist and lawyer | 32
Kevin Acklin is an associate with law firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, where he practices corporate law and coordinates the firm's pro-bono representation of domestic-violence victims. Acklin is also co-founder and executive director of RenewPitttsburgh. There, he tackles clean-up and community-based projects in city neighborhoods. One highlight: working to revitalize the childhood home of the late literary lion August Wilson in the Hill District. "Our primary goal is to light a spark in neighborhoods across the city for residents to take an active role in renewing their community," he says.
Vivien Luk | Community builder | 25
At The Forbes Funds, Vivien Luk is a program officer, helping nonprofits work smarter, more efficiently and collectively. She co-founded PGH Party for a Purpose, where she organizes quarterly parties at unique venues featuring local musicians. All proceeds - more than $10,000 so far - go to nonprofits. Luk also co-produced the annual Market Square water-balloon fight. "It's really all about having a good time while utilizing a great community space or recognizing a great nonprofit organization and other community partners in the process," she says.