Women & Business Honoree: Leah Friedman

Leah Friedman

RYAN SHAZIER FUND FOR SPINAL REHABILITATION

“Leadership isn’t about titles – it’s about serving others.” 

Leah Friedman spent more than 16 years using sports as a vehicle for philanthropy before her career brought her back to Pittsburgh. The Point Breeze resident and former University of Pittsburgh tennis player joined the Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation as deputy executive director in February 2024 and became executive director later that year. For Friedman, the move was an opportunity to bring years of experience back to her hometown.

“I lead with people first,” Friedman said. “Every employee, donor, volunteer and family we serve deserves to be seen, valued and respected.”

Established in 2020 following Ryan Shazier’s 2017 spinal cord injury, the fund provides financial assistance, caregiver support, rehabilitation resources and community programming for people living with spinal cord injuries. Friedman oversees strategic leadership, fundraising, organizational growth, financial stewardship and partnerships while working with the board and staff to advance the organization’s mission.

“Leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about serving others, earning trust and creating a culture where people can do their very best work,” she said.

Sports have provided a consistent thread throughout Friedman’s career. During her time with the USTA, she helped bring tennis opportunities to thousands of underserved young people across the country. She now serves on the USTA Middle States Board of Directors. She also counts collaborating with Kobe Bryant among her influential career experiences, particularly observing his approach to accountability, preparation and attention to detail.

“My career has allowed me to be part of nationally recognized organizations, major sporting events and unforgettable moments — but the greatest highlight will always be knowing that the work I do helps people believe in what’s possible,” Friedman said.

That philosophy shapes her vision for the Ryan Shazier Fund, which aims to eventually have a presence in every NFL city. Friedman also intends to keep learning and developing as a leader while helping others do the same.

Her advice to women in business is equally direct: “Be yourself. Authenticity, she believes, allows women to lead in their own voices rather than conform to someone else’s expectations. It echoes advice her father gave her as a young tennis player: “Do your talking on the court.” For Friedman, preparation, effort and actions remain the measure.