Physicians, financial advisers, a borough manager, an artist and so many more make up this year’s class of 40 Under 40. And beyond just their day jobs, each of these local professionals is working to make the world a better place. Our photo shoot was held at the historical Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall in Munhall, founded by Andrew Carnegie
in 1898.
By Lauren Davidson, Virginia Linn, Kristina Martin, Jesseca Muslin, Maddy Perry and Ruby Siefken
Photos by Laura Petrilla | Hair by John Vella Salon
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Bridget Barrett (39)
"There’s so many amazing organizations and people in Pittsburgh doing amazing things, but if you don’t have anybody who knows who they are and how to find them, then people just get lost in the shuffle."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Bilal Afolabi (31)
"I love hearing people’s stories and where they want to go, getting creative and creating blueprints for them to follow."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Blessy Bellamy (31)
"My mission is to be an advocate for creating a more equitable and more just and open society that respects and takes into account all people, particularly those whose experiences are not always taken into consideration."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Carrie Benson (39)
"I feel a calling to be doing this work, on this specific campus, to create an environment where people can really focus on what they came here to do."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Joleen Brantle (29)
"I want people to think of me as someone who really worked to pour herself into the betterment of her neighbor."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Dwight Boddorf (37)
"I’ve always enjoyed being a public servant and giving back to the community something that’s tangible."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Dr. Eloho Ufomata Campbell (37)
"I want to see a future where we can have increased access to health care — not just access but good quality, equitable care."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Takara Canty (39)
"I don’t want a pretty picture; I want who you are."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Melanie Claxton (39)
"I just want to be able to know that I left the world slightly better off than how I found it."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Jeremy Carter (34)
"I’m really dedicated to this work. This is my life’s calling. And grateful, I am really grateful for all of the opportunities Pittsburgh has afforded me."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Joslyne Counselman (32)
"I enjoy finding efficiencies in my life where I can blend something that’s really exciting and gives me joy and motivation for impact."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Sharnay Hearn Davis (35)
"I want to be able to say, ‘Someone came to me with a problem and this is how I was able to support them.’"
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: James Dudt (39)
"I love being a business leader because you get to touch so many different aspects of construction but also the people, leadership side."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Donal Donovan (34)
"I hope to leave the people that worked with me a lasting connection to their own bodies and the empowerment to know that they can exist."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Jackson Elizondo (32)
"Everywhere I’ve gone I’ve felt like the best way to make a place your home is to get involved in the community."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Johnathan Garlow (39)
"The reward comes whenever we do well as a company, seeing my team members flourish."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Shinora Grayson (37)
"If everyone does what’s right, the world might be a better place where everyone gets what they need."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Meesha Gerhart (38)
"The more we invest in women entrepreneurs, the better our overall economy will be."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Megan Harris (36)
"I don’t think my goals have any parameters, nor have they ever. I feel very lucky to have experienced everything I have, and I’m very open to whatever the universe wants to bring me next."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Erica LaMar Motley (39)
"I like to be that kind of quiet storm that you don’t necessarily see but you just feel their presence."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Quinntarra Morant (38)
"I’ve always said that where much is given, much is required."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Prince Matthews (32)
"People are my passion — so anything I can do to put a smile on someone’s face, that puts a smile on my face."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Jon Mosholder (37)
"What drives me is just coming here to work and being able to communicate with all of my employees in the same way that I communicate as a deaf person."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Channing L. Moreland (37)
"Mental health is important at every stage of one’s development, and it’s something that I didn’t get chances to talk about as a child."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Sophia Ogiso (39)
"Every day presents a new challenge in terms of the work that I’m doing, the people that I’m working with and learning from … that is constantly inspiring me."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Leah Nicolich-Henkin (34)
"I see myself as trying to do my part to advance a safer, healthier, better functioning city and community.
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Emeka Onwugbenu (39)
"Pittsburgh has provided an opportunity for me to grow professionally. Pittsburgh has become home for me … The city is not perfect but is welcoming … I’m fortunate to have been presented with opportunities."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Tricia O'Reilly (39)
"I think mentorship is important, no matter who you are."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Paul Purdy (39)
"I care a lot about the people around me. I want to see them succeed, see them not hurt, or see them figure out their potential."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Ashley Pesi (30)
"Pittsburgh built me. Growing up in the city, I attended public schools. I think back to my time in high school and where I was ... I realize the person I have become; the growth I was able to achieve in Pittsburgh is amazing."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Lindsey Ramsey (35)
"I was so inspired and so enthralled with the work of early childhood at that point because the work was made exciting for us."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Carsen Ruperto (37)
"I’m really motivated by inspired action. So when I say that, I mean my purpose is to inspire others to their greatest heights."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Allison Sizemore (39)
"I am always focused on a desire to help people and make things that are complex as simple as possible."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Darla Sherlock (32)
"Every family in our area should feel valued, loved and supported, and to help that, I think that you can start with the littlest. You can start with the babies."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Sally Stadelman (33)
"I have always really enjoyed serving constituents, serving the community through helping people navigate local government. I have seen the difference that it makes when someone is able to, when we work together to remove barriers."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Dr. Orquidia Torres (38)
"Part of the reason I came to Pittsburgh the first time and returned a second time was that having mentorship and support were key for me to come here and stay here."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Dr. Leonard Weiss (39)
"I hope that I can change the life of one individual or perhaps an entire neighborhood."
2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Dr. Ruchika Vij (38)
"I have had a lifetime of really, really good teachers, and I feel very passionate about giving that back."
