2026 40 Under 40 Honoree: Kenise Batts (39)
“Challenges are inevitable; however, if you view setbacks as lessons instead of losses, that adversity will help shape you into the next leader that Pittsburgh needs.”
PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA
Kenise Batts
Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services The Preferred Realty
Helping Pittsburghers find homes, supporting mothers and ministering inside the Allegheny County Jail are expressions of Kenise Batts’ purpose here on earth.
A Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Batts earned President’s Circle recognition while building a practice centered on trust and homeownership. Her work extends far beyond real estate, though.
Drawing on her lived experiences, Batts serves on the Community Advisory Board for First Steps & Beyond, advocating for maternal and infant health and amplifying the needs of single Black mothers. For more than a decade, Batts has also volunteered at the county jail through Living Way Christian Fellowship, offering incarcerated people faith, encouragement and support.
A Pittsburgh-area native and Carlow University biology graduate, she credits personal experiences with deepening her resilience and empathy. Inspired by her own son, Batts hopes to build a future where families can own homes, mothers can receive support and adversity can be a training ground for leadership.
