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The 24th annual program recognizes achievement and service in the Pittsburgh region. 

For many of the honorees selected as members of our 2022 40 Under 40 class, striving to improve diversity, equity and inclusivity in our region is a strong focus of their work.

As disruptions caused by the pandemic recede, our honorees are seeking to restore stability — but with a new mission to improve outreach.

There’s State Rep. Jessica Benham, who is the first openly autistic and first and only out bisexual person in the Pennsylvania Legislature. Carmen Bruce focuses on recruiting veterans, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community and people with disabilities for jobs at PNC. William Clark has a similar role at Deloitte Consulting. Joseph Hall, the relatively new executive director of the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, is striving to create a home for experimentation, community dialogue and collective action rooted in the liberation of Black and queer people.

2024 40 Under 40 Honoree: Rohit Acharya (38)

"There’s a lot of people who are doing really good stuff out there but, ‘How do you make it more efficient?’ is kind of where I saw the intersection of my skill set and what was needed."

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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."
Categories: 40 Under 40