Left to Right:
Jennifer Highfield | Community connector | 36
"I can make a referral or introduction and connect two people and that connection can make a big difference," says Jennifer Highfield. "The difference can be made one person at a time or help an entire organization." She makes connections and differences through her role in government and community affairs at Comcast, where she manages its investments in communities and nonprofits. She's a board member with Variety The Children's Charity and Consortium for Public Education, and a member of Ohio University Alumni Association and Leadership Pittsburgh.
Stephan Bontrager | Director of education and outreach, 91.3fm WYEP | 29
After five years on the air, Stephan Bontrager now works behind the scenes to take public radio to the public. He created WYEP FreeZone radio-journalism workshops, arming local high school and college students with microphones to tell stories. "We're showing them the importance of making their own media and using their own voices," he says. Bontrager is also an active volunteer for nonprofits including Attack Theatre, Celebrate Life/Celebrate Art and Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience (PULSE).
Renee Cox | Needle-exchange organizer | 32
Renee Cox is executive director of Prevention Point Pittsburgh, which provides intravenous-drug users with needle exchanges as well as condoms, overdose-prevention information, syringe disposal, crisis intervention and advocacy, as well as counseling, social-service and treatment referrals. The goal: reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and other blood-borne infections, and also to help clients overcome drug use. "I advocate for humane public-health policies locally and statewide, firmly rooted in science, that reduce the negative effects of drug use, both to the user and to the community," she says.
Brett Briley | Volunteer and nonprofit advocate | 37
At American Eagle Outfitters, Brett Briley represents his division as an AE Better World Advocate for the AE Foundation. He mobilizes colleagues to support organizations such as Jumpstart, the Student Conservation Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Outside of AE, he volunteers for Attack Theatre, Heinz History Center and Girls Hope. "Not every act of helping out is guaranteed to make life any better for anyone," he says. "But, you never know which ones will do more than you could ever guess."
Brett R. Randall | Executive leader | 39
Brett Randall is managing director of the commercial group at TRACO and a member of the boards of the Charity Randall Foundation and Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence at the Katz School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. He's chairman of the board of the Life'sWork of Western Pennsylvania. "My work with TRACO has preserved and grown jobs in the Western Pennsylvania community. For the beneficial future of our area, I also work to make companies and agencies better by guiding them in the correct direction," he says.
Left to Right:
Lina Dee Dostilio | Collegiate-volunteer coordinator | 30
As director of service learning at Duquesne University, Lina Dostilio connects students and faculty who want to apply what they're learning or teaching with communities who can benefit from their skills. She's also involved with National Student Partnerships - a nonprofit staffed by college volunteers who help low-income individuals - and a number of other local nonprofits. "I think I am helping them to reshape the way our college student population impacts the area for the time they are here and may also lead to some graduates making the region their home," she says.
Leigh Ann White | Community development, Carnegie | 36
Carnegie is a small community with a big advocate: Leigh White. As executive director of Carnegie Community Development Corp., she's focused on revitalizing and promoting the community. "From the incredible diversity of restaurants to the quaint feel of our historic Main Street, Carnegie is a unique hidden gem," she says. "So many people only know Carnegie as the community sitting between two major highways, which is a very small part of who we are. My job is to get you off the highway and into our town - you'll be so surprised to learn what is here!"
Jodi Lech | Cancer-survivor supporter | 34
Jodi Lech, Pharm.D., is an oncology clinical pharmacist with West Penn Allegheny Oncology Network. She also works on The Healing Journey program, organizing a day-long event for cancer patients and family members that celebrates life and survivorship. She is involved with the Burger King Cancer Caring Center and several other cancer support organizations, teaches at Duquesne University and frequently speaks to patients and professionals about cancer support. "A cancer diagnosis makes people feel very alone, and they need to know that there are many resources available to them and their family," she says.