Erie's 40 Under 40 Class of 2026

• Wuji Ahmad
• Nadia Asif
• Emily Bahm
• Emerson Bannon Cutri
• Kyle Blackmer
• Shannon Brown Stewart
• Spencer Cadden
• Gabrielle Catrabone
• Dana Dickerson
• Kathryn "Kat" DiVittorio
• DeAngelo Dixon
• Sharnae "Shar" Dunston
• Tiffany Frits
• Philip Fromyer
• Kimberleigh Haslett
• Jillian Heschke
• Hillary Hoffman
• Lauren Holler Sala
• Alyssa Johnson
• Erin Kerner
• Jessica Mando
• Christopher Mansour
• Bill Moon III
• Carlos Mora
• Kylie Morris
• Lori Radder Spicer
• Maftuna Rakhimova
• Nicole Rupp
• Nick Samsel
• Michelle Schrimper
• Jamie R. Schumacher
• Averie Shaughnessy-Comfort
• Holley Short
• Jess Simmons
• Neel Singh
• Brenton Song
• Bobby J. Sulecki
• Jaslyne Walter
• Kristen Weibel
• Olivia Wickline

As a refugee from Eritrea, Wuji Ahmad has dedicated her time to supporting New Americans in Erie. Ahmad came to the U.S. at just 8 years old and worked hard at East High School, graduating in the top five of her class. She went on to graduate with a B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Slippery Rock University and is currently pursuing an MBA in Marketing.

Her passion for helping refugees like herself shines in her work as the coordinator of New American Affairs – she ensures refugees and immigrants have a voice in Erie. She oversees the Mayor's New American Council, where more than 20 designated organizational and community members representing Erie's various immigrant communities address needs and concerns, provide advocacy, and ensure civic engagement.

Not only that, Ahmad is a key player in keeping Erie's Welcoming City certification, implementing changes needed to aim for a higher welcoming designation and standards.

"As a refugee, joining Mayor Devlin's administration and working daily with other immigrants and refugees is truly a full-circle moment; I am humbled and honored," she says. "Especially in an uncertain climate and rapid changes in federal immigration laws, at least we're doing our part in making sure all Erie residents are treated with dignity and belonging."

Though she plans on staying in Erie for the foreseeable future, Ahmad also sees herself living abroad, as she is an avid traveler and speaks three languages: English, Arabic, and a tribal Eritrean language called Tigre. She has visited and worked in Poland, Malta, Egypt, and Thailand. A dream of hers is to one day open a restaurant with international dishes from different cultures.

Whether she is working with New American communities in Erie or traveling internationally, Ahmad uses her position to lift up others and raise awareness. "As a refugee whose family was displaced due to political instability, war, and dictatorship, it is of high importance for me to use my voice and platform to speak against any form of injustice or oppression – whether it's local or international. If it's an issue against humanity, it is our duty to be humane and speak up," she says. – AS

The children of today will grow up and become the adults of tomorrow, and pediatric hospitalist Nadia Asif realized that truth when she herself wasn't much older than a kid. "I was sure of the path I wanted to take to help others early on… so I started shadowing physicians through a regional internship program at the age of 15, graduated high school at 16, and started medical school at age 18," she shared, adding that she started practicing at AHN Saint Vincent directly after finishing her pediatric residency, when she was just 26.

The Kent State and Northeast Ohio Medical University grad, who attended high school in New Fairfield, Connecticut, and who is also currently an adjunct clinical assistant professor in pediatrics at LECOM, is on a mission to "improve the lives of all children and their families in Erie by continuously improving how we take care of children in the hospital," Asif said. In so doing, according to her nominator, she is keeping Erie kids in Erie, instead of sending them out to a Pittsburgh hospital, and all the disruption associated with that.

In addition to her passion for helping hospitalized children, Asif enjoys spending time with family, trying new foods, exploring new parks and cities, and playing video games. She is a lifelong learner, who believes one should continuously seek out information. Obviously, she practices what she preaches, having traveled to Austin, Texas to attend a pediatric point-of-care ultrasound workshop, in the hopes of bringing that technology and those techniques back to Erie.

"Children are our future," she insisted. "In order for Erie to be a better place, the children must be able to thrive." And she is certainly doing her part to ensure that is so. – CS

As operations specialist at Knox Law, Emily Bahm jokingly describes herself as "basically our office's Elle Woods for operations." While she leaves the legal work to the attorneys, her role, as she puts it, is "organizing chaos," encompassing nearly everything from project management and streamlining policies to improving workplace culture.

"My favorite part of my job is being able to make meaningful changes for my colleagues," Bahm explained. "I do my best every day to make our office not only a great place to work, but somewhere you genuinely want to spend your days."

A North East native and Mercyhurst Prep graduate, Bahm went on to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music, graduating with concentrations in music business management, arts administration, and stage management. In Boston, she worked as a stage manager with the SpeakEasy Stage Company, the Huntington Theatre, and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, alongside artists including Billy Porter, Kathy Bates, Rachel Dratch, David Harbour, and Jesse Eisenberg.

Today, Bahm channels those experiences into the local arts community, volunteering with the Erie Playhouse as a stage manager and mentor. She is passionate about showing young people that there are many ways to participate in the performing arts beyond performing on stage. She is also a vocalist for area churches and LGBTQIA+-centered religious events, in addition to volunteering with the Erie Humane Society.

Outside of work and volunteering, Bahm can be found enjoying Erie's live music scene, exploring local breweries, crafting, belting out karaoke tunes, or spoiling her Jellicle cat, Asparagus. Currently house hunting, Bahm plans to continue building both her life and community in Erie for years to come.

"My goal for Erie is for young adults to believe that our city is thriving and that there is so much opportunity to build a life for yourself here." –NW

When it comes to activism, Emerson Bannon Cutri is all about taking initiative. Someone strong in their values, Cutri, 27, is active in local politics and deploys policy and research to turn those values into action. They are an urban planner for Erie County's Parks and Recreation department and part of the active transportation planning effort to improve conditions for people walking and biking, while also conducting a bikeshare feasibility study, understanding that connectivity and transportation lead to economic mobility.

They are also the leader and founder of Erie Research Team (find that work on the Portside Erie Substack), are on the board of the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail Alliance, are the founder of the Erie Game Design Collaborative, and are a member of Erie County United.

Their work is described as quiet but consistent, mining fields of facts and information that promote the need for equality then mobilizing young leaders to bring that work to fruition, whether that's a public developer model for housing affordability or cooperatives for economic development.

"Both my work in urban planning and activism are about making Erie a more livable and vibrant place for everyone," Cutri said. "We are facing major challenges as a country and as a city right now, but these are human problems with human solutions."

In their spare time, they explore regional culture through baseball games, punk shows, festivals, and being outdoors. They enjoy playing and designing tabletop games and are a big fan of cryptids and folklore.

Currently, Cutri is reading the Wizard of Oz novels, of which there are over 40, and enjoys the art of storytelling even further, through comics and animation like Adventure Time and Popeye. – CF

As property manager for the Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Network (SSJNN), Kyle Blackmer is improving life for Erieites in multiple ways. On any given day, he may be managing homes and commercial properties, mentoring prospective homeowners, organizing neighborhood cleanups, installing security systems, or helping bring public art and community gardens to life.

"I've always been someone who likes to fix things," Blackmer explained. "Not just properties or neighborhoods, but problems that hold people and communities back."

A graduate of Northwestern Senior High School, Blackmer found himself repeatedly drawn to Little Italy and Erie's east side throughout his 20s and early 30s. Today, much of his work centers on strengthening those neighborhoods through revitalization efforts, neighborhood watch groups, beautification projects, and home ownership counseling.

Blackmer is known to be someone who is constantly trying to find ways to improve Erie. Through his involvement with farmers markets, property development, and securing grants for murals and public spaces, he's making a tangible difference in specific communities.

"Whether it's sharing knowledge from my own life experiences, mentoring aspiring homeowners, helping improve a neighborhood, or simply taking the time to talk with someone who needs guidance, I believe real change starts by meeting people where they are," Blackmer stated.

Through the SSJNN's Genesis Program, Blackmer assists families with home ownership. The program provides 12 to 36 months of mentoring services, helping to establish financial literacy, budgeting, and credit-building for new Erie homeowners.

A father of five, he's an avid outdoorsman who spends what free time he has hunting, fishing, and catching live local music. Blackmer is active with the Albion Sportsman's Club Trout Raceway and Nursery, helping to raise trout for local streams.

"At the end of the day, I want to be someone people can depend on to show up, lend a hand, or lead the charge," he said. "Whatever is needed to help create opportunities for people and neighborhoods to grow and thrive." – NW

Shannon Brown Stewart has dedicated her career to improving mental health access, suicide prevention, and community wellness throughout Erie. As a licensed professional counselor and clinical director of OpenedEyes Counseling and Mental Wellness, she has become a respected voice in behavioral health, serving the community through both clinical work and systems-level advocacy.

Originally from Amherst, New York, Stewart is an avid Buffalo Bills fan, graduating from Amherst High School and earning her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gannon University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Justice from SUNY Oswego. Her ability to lead while remaining grounded, empathetic, and community-focused has awarded her a Mercy Center for Women's 2025 Women Making History designation as well as a Federal Executive Board Excellence in Government Gold Award for efforts in Diversity, Equity, Equality, Inclusion and Access in 2022. Stewart is also actively involved with the nonprofits Big Brothers Big Sisters and Erie City Moms, co-leading a monthly "moms night out" group focusing on motherhood, mental health, and well-being.

Stewart says she is enjoying "the work from home mom life," and has recently reached 6,000 supporters across her social media accounts (@downtownshannonbrown on TikTok and Instagram) where she posts relatable, educational, entertaining content related to parenthood, adulthood, and mental health. She likes to stay active mentally and physically, and in her free time enjoys spending time with family and friends, working on puzzles, reading, walking, rollerblading, doing yoga, and lifting weights. – AVS

Spencer Cadden is a man of many interests. The Iroquois High School grad studied history at both Slippery Rock University and the University of Pittsburgh, and is currently completing his final year of law school at the University of Dayton, clerking at McDonald Illig right here in Erie. While continuing law school, he is also serving as township manager for Lawrence Park. In this role, he's responsible for carrying out and fulfilling the priorities and goals of the township's elected officials along with coordinating public works including sewer, roads, parks, playgrounds, and community activities. In addition, he creates and presents the township budget, handles public communications, pursues grants and initiatives to improve Lawrence Park, and works directly with staff, neighboring communities, and regional partners to solve local problems. As Cadden puts it, he does everything in his power to improve his community, from infrastructure planning to township transparency.

"I am proud of stepping into local government leadership at a time when small municipalities face serious challenges: aging infrastructure, tight budgets, and the need to modernize without losing their identity and their history," he explains. "I want to do whatever I can to help my home reach its potential. If I can help one small part of our region have a government that is more transparent, more practical, more honest, and more useful to its people, I will count that as a success." But, he adds, there's always more to do.

In his spare time, he's part of numerous boards and committees. He is a certified PIAA football official. He has acted in several shows at the Erie Playhouse (he even taught high school theater for a few years). He enjoys baking, cars, motorcycles, and collecting rare coins and books. He's also passionate about creative writing, whether it's short fiction or for his long-running Dungeons & Dragons campaign.

His most important role though is as husband to Jennifer, a physical education teacher at Iroquois Elementary, and father to their 7-year-old son Allen. "They are my whole world," Cadden says. "I hold my family above everything else and, honestly, I would rather watch my son do endless handstands or go for a swim in the lake with him than anything else." His perfect moment? Sitting together as a family around a campfire and making s'mores. – JB

Building connections can be a driving force behind an engaged and active community. For Gabrielle Catrabone, that's something she can put into practice daily. As director of constituent engagement and special events at Cathedral Prep, she's become a vital link between the organization and its alumni and supporters. By coordinating initiatives such as alumni weekends and large-scale fundraising events, she's creating an active dialogue and helping the school system thrive.

Working collaboratively with leadership teams at Cathedral Prep and Mother Teresa Academy, she has overseen a range of events, including the Legacy Gala, the Rambler Golf Classic, the Athletics Hall of Fame celebrations, and donor stewardship experiences.

An Erie native and McDowell graduate, Catrabone earned her degree in finance from Mercyhurst University. Her early professional experiences in banking led to roles at Erie Insurance, the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, and Gannon University before joining Cathedral Prep.

"I've learned that strong communities are built the same way, one person, one relationship, and one act of commitment at a time," Catrabone explained.

Beyond her work with Cathedral Prep, Catrabone has been active in local athletics and youth development. A former Mercyhurst Laker midfielder, she has coached at virtually every level, including youth soccer, Villa Maria Academy, Penn State Behrend, and Mercyhurst University. She also previously served on the board of the Erie Youth Soccer Association.

Her commitment to service extends to volunteering with the Erie Humane Society, being a member of St. Patrick Church, and helping with local events such as the Flagship City Comedy Festival. She was part of the Chamber's Erie Ambassador program and a graduate of the Jefferson Educational Society's Civic Leadership Academy.

Outside of work, Catrabone can often be found exploring Presque Isle, hiking at Asbury Woods or Wintergreen Gorge, biking Erie County trails, or spending time with her son and beloved dog, Freddy. Baseball games at Scott Park are also a regular part of family life.

Catrabone said that she has come "to realize that meaning in both career and community isn't found in a single grand achievement, but in the daily choice to contribute, connect, and serve others." – NW

In a world where costs are ever-increasing, Dana Dickerson is working to make home ownership possible. The 38-year-old realtor for Agresti Real Estate is an Erie native who bought her first home in 2013, opening a door of possibilities. Since then, she has purchased 18 properties and is the landlord of 11 currently.

She has done over $17 million in sales since becoming a realtor in 2021 and was named Best Black Realtor by Erie's Black Wall Street and Business Woman of the Year in 2024 by Her Power Inc. She is secretary of the Erie Land Bank board and works to get first-time homebuyers grants to offset upfront costs. Dickerson also hosts fix-and-flip classes to educate people on how to make their dream homes possible.

She initially went to cosmetology school thinking she would be a hairdresser for the rest of her life, but now she's on the path to getting her broker's license with the goal of opening her own brokerage one day, living by the motto "Be a Doer."

"Never be afraid to take that leap of faith because it can be the best decision you'll ever make," she said. "I strongly believe the people of Erie need to learn financial freedom and have the chance to own some real estate."

Outside of work, she spends time with her four children and they love to travel, fish, boat, swim, ride bikes, and play board games. She also loves to hang out with family and friends, brunching and laughing. – CF

Kat DiVittorio refuses to take "no" for an answer – when she sees an idea, she is determined to make it happen. At 37, the assistant director of the Corry Higher Education Council and executive director of the DiVittorio Center for Autism, Kat is a Corry native with a passion for infusing her hometown with resources and leadership opportunities.

Her family is at the heart of her work as her two biological children, Emily, 15, and Nicholas, 7, are on the autism spectrum, requiring drastically varied levels of support. When she struggled to find resources in rural Pennsylvania, she created the DiVittorio Center for Autism – an educational center for individuals on the spectrum and their families – and is now working to spread resource hubs to other rural counties.

Her "how can I make this better" mindset recently earned her recognition as the Nonprofit Partnership's Young Professional of the Year and one of Mercy Center's Women Making History. She is the vice president of the Autism Society of NWPA, treasurer for the Corry Chamber of Commerce, a Jefferson Educational Society Civic Leadership Academy and Raimy Fellowship graduate, an Impact Corry Connectivity Champion, a member of the Rotary Club of Erie, a Corry Area School Board Director, Uplift Corry Chair, Corry Emerging Leaders Fund co-chair, and an Athena cohort graduate.

"I believe wholeheartedly that my purpose of existence is to leave the world better and help and support as many creatures as possible, and with this in mind, I try to do it as often as possible," she said.

DiVittorio is also currently running for state representative in Pennsylvania's District 4. In her (limited) spare time, she is a beekeeper and enjoys going to the beach and spending time with her children, including her stepson James. – CF

Helping to make Erie a place where creativity and opportunity thrive takes passion and perseverance, and DeAngelo Dixon is certainly up to the task. As the acting operations manager for Community Access Media (CAM Erie), Dixon manages the day-to-day operations while also making waves in the independent film industry as the co-owner of Dreams Don't Die Entertainment, a media company that specializes in photography, film, content creation, and visual storytelling.

Dixon attended Central Tech High School in Erie and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Cinematography from Full Sail University. Leaving his impact on the community isn't just delegated to his work behind the camera. Dixon is creating his legacy – serving on the board of Career and Dreams, Inc., a nonprofit organization working to create and implement impactful, relevant, education and career readiness programs in the community. He is also an ambassador for Erie's Black Wall Street.

"My goal is to help build a stronger creative community that inspires people to believe bigger about what's possible in Erie and remind others that your dreams never die," Dixon said.

Dixon recently spent time focusing on another Pennsylvania city as he co-produced a documentary about the hit television show The Office and the influence it had on the city of Scranton. When he's not working on films and photography, you'll find him spending time with his five children (four of them girls) and his fiancé. – AVS

For Shar Dunston, community isn't just an idea – it's what drives her in every aspect of her work. As the community school director for Grover Cleveland, she is motivated every day to serve the children she works with and to help the community as a whole. "As cliche as it might sound, the children really are our future," Shar said. "I want to continue to pour into and uplift the next generation."

A graduate of East High School, Dunston went on to earn a bachelor's degree in social work from Edinboro, as well as her master's in education with a focus in educational psychology. Working as the community school director for Grover Cleveland, she's been instrumental in bringing in community partners to help host meaningful programs that help students and families learn life skills such as cooking, sewing, and emotional learning. She also helped the school become the first to partner with Infinite Love Yoga to host a morning yoga club for select grades, turning the club into an evening event during Mental Health Awareness month.

Through her work, Dunston also helps to organize after school programming and family engagement events, as well as helping families access needed resources and provide support to those in need. "This programming is so important, and I hope to be able to spread my passion for it throughout the community, so all students have access," she said.

Dunston's work has extended beyond the school walls to her role in the community. She served as the keynote speaker for the Women's United Campaign event, speaking on the United Way community school model and how it is being used at Grover Cleveland, giving insight into the programming and events as well as how they help families with non-academic barriers. She also sat on Nurturing Heart's Big Sister panel, talking with girls in the program about topics like self-confidence, purpose, and navigating girlhood.

"I love my city and I believe that it can be so much more, but someone needs to stay around and do the work," Dunston said. "I am ready to work!"

Outside of school, she can be found keeping up with her busy 10-year-old son, spending time in the water, going to the gym, or just enjoying the great outdoors. – AK

No matter where she's lived, Tiffany Frits has committed herself to bettering her community. At 37, she is an Erie native who always found herself drawn back to her roots and family, eventually returning after a 15-year hiatus in which she worked in all aspects of the athletics industry.

She spent time in sports business, sports media, and streaming – namely with The Walt Disney Company's ESPN and ESPN+ departments, where she led ESPN's Enabled Disabilities Affinity Group and hosted the first-ever Mothers of ESPN panel for employees with demanding careers experiencing postpartum anxiety and depression. She has also raised millions for cancer research, mentored veteran-owned small businesses, and facilitated business partnerships in premier events like the Kentucky Derby, UFC fights in Las Vegas, and Formula 1 racing.

She returned home to Erie to be with her mother and her grandfather, who was a disabled veteran, and is already embedded in the community.

She is the vice president of customer experience at Erie Insurance, an adjunct professor at Mercyhurst University in the Sports Business Management program, a fundraiser for Shriners Children's Hospital, a soccer coach, and an active volunteer.

"My hope is to slowly bring some of the perspectives and experiences I gained outside of Erie back to the community, especially by helping create opportunities and connections that may not exist here yet," Frits said.

She enjoys soaking up what Erie has to offer in the meantime, especially with her husband, Erik, and two daughters, Josie and Lina, plus their 6-year-old rescue pit bull Roxy. As someone with a background in dance, she also enjoys other art forms like music, painting, reading, and writing, and being outdoors. – CF

Philip Fromyer, graduate of Strong Vincent High School where he was second team all-state in soccer, is the manager of Samaritan Care for the Erie City Mission, helping those around Erie who are experiencing homelessness get back on their feet. "When the guys arrive, we immediately start working on a better future," he explains. "While we provide a warm, safe place for them to sleep and have meals, we also want to see them move on from the mission into a place they can call home." Along with helping secure housing, he works to provide employment opportunities, transportation, and caseworking.

He was part of the outreach team with Expert County Care Management, an experience he described as amazing, where they pushed into encampments around the area. "Watching the guys move on from the mission into their own place, there is no better feeling," he says. He works hard to make Erie a better place by serving people with "compassion, leadership, and purpose."

He's also a husband and father, married to the love of his life for nine years and raising two children, Stella and Miles. He coaches his son's sports teams and loves being a cheer dad for his daughter. As a family, they often travel together to her cheerleading competitions – which includes Walt Disney World this year, an extra special trip as it happens to fall during his son's birthday week. Family time is important to Fromyer, so in the summer you might find he and his family fishing on Lake Erie, going to Waldameer, or simply having a backyard fire.

In addition, he's the director of local nonprofit Energize Erie alongside Ejay Fyke, where they assist underserved youth through mentorship, community involvement, and programming that inspires confidence and growth. "I strive to be a positive role model and help young people realize their value and potential," he says, adding that he encourages children to believe in themselves.

"I try to make a difference each day by leading with service, compassion, and a commitment to improving the lives of others in Erie," says Fromyer. "I believe everyone deserves dignity, encouragement, and the opportunity to move forward in life." – JB

If you've ever needed a reminder to stop and smell the roses – or better yet, look at that painting or listen to that music – let Kimberleigh Haslett be the catalyst, as she is in so many other ways for the Erie community. The Warren, Pennsylvania native, who attended Lycoming College and emerged with bachelor's degrees in psychology, art history, and painting, and then ended up back near her hometown, currently serves as the development and marketing director for Erie Arts and Culture (EAC), a role about which she is most proud. "I am surrounded by talented, passionate people who care deeply about our community, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a team that makes such a meaningful impact," she said.

In addition to her professional work, where she spearheads the marketing efforts for EAC, combining artistic talent, analytics, and ad campaign know-how, Haslett also serves on the board of CAFE (Cultures Arts Festivals and Events of Erie), as well as the Northwestern Pennsylvania chapter of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals). An active visual artist, she has painted murals in the Erie Zoo and participated in the Chalk Walk downtown.

But the most important things in her life are her family, including her husband and two kids, as well as encouraging others to take pleasure in the small, simple things, which for Haslett includes art. "Art reminds us that we are all human," she said. "Erie already has a vibrant and talented arts community, and I want to help ensure it continues to grow and thrive. A strong arts community doesn't just make Erie more beautiful – it makes it more connected, welcoming, resilient, and full of possibility." – CS

While the 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 surely consists of Erieites who were born here, raised here, and now living out their adult lives here, we simply cannot overlook the transplants, like Jillian Heschke, who has lived here since 2011 and whose contributions to our little tight-knit community have provided untold benefits for the people of this city. Heschke, who attended Ambridge Area High School, Pitt Johnstown, and LECOM's Bradenton, Florida campus for graduate school, and now lives in Waterford, is making a huge difference in one of the most crucial industries today: healthcare.

She is currently the director of operations at AHN Saint Vincent Hospital, a highly involved leadership position with a significant duty to "strengthen systems that protect patients and improve access to reliable, high-quality care," according to her nominator.

"Working in healthcare in Erie for the past 15 years has shown me both the strength of our community and the gaps we still need to fix," Heschke said. "Erie healthcare is filled with good people doing their best every day, and I hope as a healthcare leader to honor what is good, while [I] fight for what can be better."

In addition to her role at AHN, she also just completed her doctorate in healthcare, not only while working full-time, but also while raising three kids with her husband, and overseeing the care of her 15-acre hobby farm (with over 20 chickens). Ultimately, Heschke is here to stay in Erie, saying it shaped her passion for healthcare leadership and challenged her to grow, and she, in turn, has given so much back to its citizens. – CS

Since she was 6 years old, Hoffman knew she wanted to be a lawyer. "I loved watching Law and Order Special Victim's Unit with my Mom. I'd recite the intro during every episode. I thought they were absolute superheroes," she says. Years later in her 20s, she achieved her dream and joined the district attorney's office in 2018 after clerking for Judge John J. Trucilla and Judge William R. Cunningham. She specializes in prosecuting crimes of sexual violence against adults.

A large part of Hoffman's life and career is helping others feel heard. "Countless survivors fear no one will believe them. I am indescribably proud to represent these survivors in their fight for justice. I pride myself in having personal contact with each and every survivor in a case, so they always feel seen, understood, and safe," she says.

Family is very important to Hoffman. She spends the majority of her time outside of work with family and friends and their children. "I [devote] myself to making it to holidays, first days of school, soccer games, and watching them grow." Her family owns two bars, Bruce's Pub & Grub and Darcy's Pub & Grub. They host an annual fundraiser on July 4 at Darcy's to raise money for veterans.

Hoffman supports her family in other ways too, including volunteering for the Alzheimer's Association and participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer's, as her family has been greatly impacted by the disease. Her uncle was diagnosed in 2016 with early-onset Alzheimer's at just 53 years old and is taken care of by his oldest daughter Rylee. Rylee and Jack are currently embarking on the challenge to ride 100 miles during the month of June to raise money to support the full-time care.

When she's not working in the law office, she's working out – fitness is a huge part of her life as she enjoys going to the gym and doing anything outdoors, including embracing Erie's winters on her snowboard. – AS

Lauren Holler Sala, an Ohio native, met her husband Brendan in law school at Cleveland State University. She never planned to leave Cleveland ("Cleveland or nowhere was my anthem," she jokes), but then Brendan said he wanted to move back to his hometown of Erie to practice law with his father. That was, she felt, a noble justification. "I took another bar exam, moved for love, and the rest is history," she says. Now they have a daughter, Annie ("my biggest joy"), a cat, Clinton, and their recently purchased forever home in the Glenwood neighborhood.

Holler Sala now serves as a UniServ Representative for PSEA, a "dream job" where she is a frontline advocate and consultant for local education associations and their bargaining unit members, primarily teachers and school support personnel. Her region consists of Erie, Crawford, Venango, Forest, and Warren counties. She's described as a "passionate advocate for her clients."

"Every day I get to support our public education professionals … with respect to day-to-day employment matters, which translates to better learning environments for our students," she says. "We are living in a critical time in history right now when it comes to public education, collective bargaining rights, civil rights, and fair elections." She's honored to play a "small role" with her PSEA work to "ensure these shared values and rights remain for generations to come."

To say she's embraced Erie as her adoptive home is also an understatement. She is involved in numerous organizations around the county such as the Emerging Erie Fund and Erie Community Foundation. She co-chairs the Erie County Bar Association Attorneys and Kids Together program, helping students facing homelessness or housing insecurity. She is a board member of Erie Arts & Culture and, having studied dance theater during her undergraduate years, she works with Seiche Dance Collective as a dance artist and choreographer. She was also a cast member with the recent Tethered immersive theatrical experience.

"We are here to stay!" she says. As for her move to Erie? "Best decision of my life!" – JB

There is no place more magical than the public library – and making folks aware of all the magic the library holds is Alyssa Johnson's raison d'être as the communication and outreach coordinator for the Erie County Public Library.

Her duties range from simple to large-scale and all involve creation: from advertisements to full-on orchestration of major literacy events like the Summer Reading program, HistErie Week, the Winter Reading Challenge, and the Battle of the Books. Additionally, her work partners her with area schools to ensure that all students (especially those without access to a school library) get to know a little bit of that magic: by hosting tours and making school visits with the BookMobile. She spearheaded a pilot program which provides delivery services from the library to area public schools. She shares, "Pilot is my second favorite word used in my work, the first being 'free,' and I am perpetually dreaming up new ways to build literacy connections in our community."

Johnson is an Erie native who attended high school at Collegiate Academy before earning her B.S. in Financial Services from Edinboro University.

In addition to her literacy and programming work with the library, Johnson serves as a committee chair for the Lake Erie Lit Festival and is a graduate of the Jefferson Educational Society's Civic Leadership Academy.

Outside of her work, Johnson is a country girl at heart and enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and their many chickens, while working in her garden, making maple syrup, and attempting to do all the crafts with her kids.

Johnson has deep roots in the Erie area and plans on sticking around for the long haul, keeping literacy advocacy at the forefront. "I have a selfish interest in youth literacy and making pathways for our kids to develop a love of reading that can change their lives and improve their future. When we raise readers, we lift the whole community." – EP

If you can dream it, you can achieve it – and Erin Kerner is living proof of this. She's the founder and CEO of Eventio, an AI-native tech startup that's completely redesigning and paving the way for the future of event planning. "You can build anything from anywhere," Kerner said. "I want to give the young people in Erie a real example of what they can become."

An Erie native and Mercyhurst Prep grad, winner of back-to-back state championships in girls basketball, Kerner attended Quinnipiac University to earn her Bachelor's of Science in International Business and her MBA. She also excelled on that school's basketball team, proving she's been a winner all along. She broke into the luxury fashion business via an unpaid internship with Versace and went on to work with well-known names such as Valentino, MCM, and Louis Vuitton. In the decade-plus she spent in the fashion industry, Kerner saw incredible successes with multiple campaigns, collaborations, and events to her credit. But her hometown was calling, and along with it an idea.

"We're building something completely new and something that will change the way events are planned," said Kerner. Her company, Eventio, is helping individuals access the resources they need to bring any event to life. The business is made for anyone and everyone – from nonprofits to DIYers to professional event planners, Eventio connects people with the vendors, tools, and inspiration to make it all possible. "We're leveling the playing field for small vendors and making premium event experiences accessible to everyone," said Kerner.

Her choice to start her company back home in Erie was intentional. "There's no reason a world-class tech company cannot be built right here in Erie, and I plan to prove that," she said. "Doing this from Erie is so important – AI can be an equalizer for small communities to build products that have national and global appeal."

When she's not revolutionizing the event-planning industry, you can find Kerner cooking, enjoying basketball (more watching than playing these days), and renovating her 100-year-old house with her family. – AK

Some may look at the history of a place as something to leave behind if a community wants to move into the future – Jessica Mando believes that we should take interest in the past and its preservation, and that learning from it will help us grow both as individuals and as a community.

Growing up in Erie, Mando was interested in history from a young age and had dreams of becoming a librarian but never saw a direct path to the career. She earned her B.A. in English at Edinboro before deciding to obtain her master's in library science at Clarion, both of which prepared her for the archival work she now does at Gannon.

As the university's archivist and special collections librarian, Mando helps to organize and maintain histories of both Gannon and Erie, sharing them with students and the community as a whole. She has gone beyond the call of her work to enrich this collection by gathering oral histories from Erie residents who donate items from their personal archives – histories that would likely be lost to time without her important work.

Mando's work includes presenting to students at the university as well as outside groups, giving them new perspectives on something they may overlook. "I'm able to connect them with Erie's history and hopefully show them that they are part of a continuous, living story," she said. "I hope to inspire students to stay here after graduation and help our community thrive."

"Being an archivist isn't just about saving old files – we ensure that different voices, cultures, and historical context aren't lost to time and then provide access to those voices," Mando said. "Archives can be a springboard to engaging with the world around us."

When she's not doing deep-dives into the archives, you can find Mando spending time with her various groups and clubs (book, bocce, and tabletop RPG, to name a few), making people laugh, and fulfilling her domestic travel dream of eating ice cream out of tiny baseball caps at every MLB stadium (only 26 to go!). – AK

In today's technologically evolving world, cybersecurity is a hot topic of conversation, and no one understands this better than Christopher Mansour. Born and raised in Lebanon, he came to the U.S. to do graduate work in computer engineering and engineering at Villanova University (where he received both his master's and doctorate). He then found himself in Erie at Mercyhurst University, where he became a founding member of the Cybersecurity program (which has received national recognition since its inception) and now serves as an associate professor and the chair of the Computing and Information Science department.

"Seeing students succeed, enter the workforce, and make an impact in cybersecurity has been incredibly rewarding," he said. "I am also proud of my work in advancing cybersecurity education and awareness through research and public engagement." One of the proudest moments of his career so far was receiving a special letter of appreciation from the White House in 2024, which commended him for all his efforts.

Cybersecurity is more than just a career for Mansour; his nominator shared that "he gives selflessly of his time to educate the next generation of cybersecurity analysts," citing the cybersecurity workshop he started offering to youngsters in the area. He is also an avid Apple user (who has done the Lord's work in converting many friends and colleagues), serves on the board of CAM Erie, and enjoys reading and road trips.

Still, it all comes back to outreach for Mansour, who loves living in Erie. "My goal is to help Erie grow as a hub for innovation, education, and responsible technology," he stated. "I want to ensure people from all backgrounds have access to opportunities in technology and cybersecurity." – CS

When someone is in charge of media and content, taste matters. Bill Moon, production manager of WQLN PBS/NPR, has good taste. As a lifelong music lover, Moon has no problem diving into his interests and passing that understanding on to others, all while creating something wholly new.

Overseeing television and radio production at WQLN, Moon is contributing to the media landscape in Erie. He supervises live streaming, graphics, and web management for WQLN. This includes organizing the Sounds Around Town music series and other special events and broadcasts, such as the Erie Philharmonic's Come Home for the Holidays concert program, for which he received a Central Great Lakes Emmy Award nomination. Whether by spearheading original local programming or organizing community events, he's helping leverage public media's impact at a time when it matters most.

Hailing from Oil City, Moon graduated from PennWest Edinboro, where he earned his BFA in Media Arts with a concentration in film and video. After working for the family business – Moonlight Packaging – through college, he moved to Erie and soon began volunteering for WQLN. That led to a role as a production assistant and later his current post as production manager. Having been at WQLN for well over a decade, Moon has established himself as a distinctive voice in local media.

As co-host of Sonic Sounds with Erie Reader contributor Larry Wheaton, Moon is able to curate playlists and programming every Friday night over the airwaves. "The program showcases an eclectic mix of music spanning jam bands, blues, folk, jazz, psychedelia, Americana, and other genres, while highlighting both legendary and lesser-known artists," Moon explained.

He's a self-proclaimed Deadhead, Star Wars superfan, avid concert-goer, record collector, reader, and an ordained minister who has officiated weddings. He's helping keep Erie fresh and just a little bit weird.

"I believe public media is the connective tissue of a healthy community," Moon noted. "Being part of WQLN means I get to help keep Erie informed, engaged, and entertained every single day." – NW

Carlos Mora is an active member of the community, with a passion to support local leaders and protect civil liberties. Leading the Northwestern Rapid Response Network, an organization that trains citizens to be legal observers of ICE activity, is his primary occupation. He does this work through the Erie branch of Pennsylvania United, a grassroots organization designed to support working families in Western Pennsylvania with an ultimate goal to "build a strong foundation for progressive organizing, form lasting connections, and unite a multiracial working-class movement to drive change across the state."

Mora's values reflect his work and he believes that "we currently live in [chaotic] times, where politics, economics, and social issues are spiraling out of control. I believe that the solution for those problems relies on everyday people coming together and having difficult conversations. We need leadership, as well as solidarity and empathy. I live to serve this purpose. History is made of small acts of courage from normal people."

After moving to the U.S from Colombia, Mora got his B.A. in Political Science from Penn State Behrend. He is the first member of his family to attend and graduate college.

A point of pride for the tireless advocate is his involvement and success in the local 2025 election in which he campaigned for both County Executive Christina Vogel and Mayor Daria Devlin. "Democracy is an active exercise. We might not agree on everything, but we should work towards a system that allows us to disagree and come up with the best answers," he says.

When he's not assisting a campaign or training community members, Mora enjoys running and biking around the city when the weather is favorable and will vehemently defend the correctness of pineapple on pizza. – AS

Dr. Morris is an active member of the Erie community. While serving as a newly elected Millcreek Supervisor, she also contributes to the Erie County Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board, Human Relations Commission, Grace Church, Erie County Medical Society, Millcreek Dems, Erie Dems Executive Committee, Erie County United, and works part-time as a professor at LECOM. "I want to help shape the community I live in to become healthier and safer by making it an easy decision. Community infrastructure plays a major role in how we go about our daily lives – I want to make sure everyone has access to safe streets, sidewalks, healthy foods, and emergency services," she says.

Morris earned her MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and her D.O. from Des Moines University. "I love to learn. If being a professional student were a paid position I would do that! Almost every topic interests me."

Morris is a perfect example of living a life she felt called to live. The Pennsylvania native didn't have a career background in politics before she launched her campaign to help improve and be a voice in her local community. She recently changed careers from being a family medicine physician with special interest in addiction medicine. However she is "most proud of the work I put into becoming an elected official. I did not have a political background or a large support team but I was motivated to try and make improvements in the community and worked hard to get into my current position," Morris says. She plans to return to medicine in 2028 when Millcreek transitions to a council-manager form of government.

When she's not working in municipal government, she enjoys spending time with a menagerie of pets: eight dogs and three cats to be exact. She enjoys reading, biking, playing board games, and traveling (although her schedule doesn't allow for much of that these days). – AS

As chief of staff for the city under Mayor Daria Devlin, Spicer wears many hats. On any given day, she might be working with city departments, elected officials, or community members to navigate challenges, improve how we serve the public, and turn ideas into action. "At its core, my job is about helping create the conditions for Erie to thrive by fostering collaboration, supporting innovation, and building strong relationships," Spicer says.

After graduating from Collegiate Academy, she moved to Illinois to earn her bachelor's in mathematics and sociology. She then became a licensed massage therapist and lived in Chicago before moving back to Erie in 2023.

Since then, Spicer has immersed herself in many organizations and groups throughout the city, including the Erie Bike Co-op, Groundwork Erie, Friday Morning Beach Club, and local urban agriculture initiatives. "Community building has been a consistent thread throughout my life," she says.

Spirituality and ecology are a large, less visible part of Spicer's life. "As a graduate of the Living School at the Center for Action and Contemplation, I've spent years exploring questions of meaning, belonging, and the 'understory' of things: the relationships, culture, values, and connections that shape how people, organizations, and communities grow and thrive," she says. Spicer is also involved with the Erie Spiritual Coalition and helps organize Wild Church gatherings that invite people to connect with one another, the natural world, and the sacred.

She calls grief one of her most important teachers after her husband passed away last year. "Grief has become a trusted companion, reminding me that love and loss are inseparable. In many ways, it has made me more alive to the fullness of being human and more committed to creating spaces where we don't have to hide our sorrow from one another." – AS

Career changes can be intimidating. Going from aerospace engineering to running a Turkish bakery in Downtown Erie? That's a giant leap few people would even consider.

For Maftuna Rakhimova, it was simply a small step.

Before opening the Bakery on 5th in Downtown Erie, Rakhimova built a career in aerospace engineering, developing the precision, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail required in one of the world's most demanding industries. But even while working in engineering, she found herself drawn to a different kind of creativity.

During her days as an engineer, she spent her free time visiting coffee shops and small bakeries in New York City and Connecticut. Eventually, she realized that she could combine her analytical mindset with her entrepreneurial ambitions by opening a small business.

That decision brought her to Erie, where the Bakery on 5th has quickly established itself as both a culinary destination and a community gathering place, introducing many Erieites to authentic Turkish pastries and coffee. Rakhimova remains committed to preserving that authenticity, sourcing baklava directly from Turkey and working with Turkish suppliers to obtain traditional ingredients used throughout the bakery's menu.

The bakery has become a downtown staple, attracting everyone from curious first-time visitors to devoted regulars. One particularly memorable guest was former President Bill Clinton, who stopped in and praised both the bakery and its coffee.

Outside of work, Rakhimova enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, traveling, reading, skiing, and playing tennis.

In a twist that surprises many customers, Rakhimova readily admits that she isn't the bakery's chief baker.

"I don't actually know how to bake," she laughed. "I have a wonderful team that makes these beautiful and delicious pastries."

"As a bakery owner in Erie," Rakhimova explained, "I aspire to make the city better by creating a warm, inviting community hub where people can connect over delicious, locally sourced treats and by actively supporting local charities and events." – NW

Nicole Rupp's focus is on making life in Erie better for everyone, especially for those with disabilities. Rupp, 38, is a special education teacher in Millcreek Township School District, Unified Track and Field Coach through the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, and co-director of the Erie Adaptive Sailing experience, which offers disabled individuals of all types the opportunity to enjoy Lake Erie on the water.

Her inclusive approach to community enables all people to enjoy the area, saying, "There is a place for everyone in Erie!"

She is an Erie native and volunteers with the Bayfront Maritime Center, contributes to major fundraisers like the Cardboard Boat Regatta and Ales for Sails, and recently joined the Woman's Club of Erie as an active volunteer. She's also an integral volunteer of the Sarah's Great Giveaway event for the Sarah Reed Children's Center.

She also helps moderate the "Things To Do in Erie" Facebook group to spread awareness about what all Erie has to offer.

In 2014, Rupp earned the Annie Sullivan award from the Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit (IU5), which is presented to a professional who showcases exceptional work with disabled students, as the award is named after Helen Keller's teacher.

She enjoys exploring things to do in the area, even when others are complaining about the weather. She can be found watching documentaries with her two cats — Benson and Elliot — named after SVU detectives, and loves reading, exercise, and going on adventures. – CF

Nick Samsel is living proof that young entrepreneurs don't have to leave Erie to succeed. He has been growing his businesses 814 Digital and 814 Aerial Productions over the past six years to include a small team of employees. Samsel and his team actively serve over 15 major business clients in Erie and the surrounding areas, providing marketing, web design, social media, and advertising management services. His business has been recognized and supported through the Emerging Erie Fund of the Erie Community Foundation, a program designed to "empower emerging leaders to create a lasting impact in their community through collective giving."

A graduate of Fairview High School with a bachelor's degree from Gannon University in marketing and supply chain management, Samsel chooses to keep his talent local and has created a company that serves and promotes others in the region so they can do the same. You may have seen his production work for Erie Apparel and Erie Fitness Academy.

"It is my personal mission to help Erie's small businesses grow through marketing that showcases who they are and turns that attention into real revenue," said Samsel.

When he's not working you'll find him enjoying a round of golf, exercising, traveling to new places, and spending time with his wife Emily, and dog Rosie. Rosie may also be considered a part of his entrepreneurial journey as he rescued her on the side of the road as he was on his way to a shoot in 2024. – AVS

Not many can say they've turned their passion into their purpose, but Michelle Schrimper has done just that – when an opening arose for a client and community relations specialist with PNC, Michelle was able to take her passion for the community she lives in and turn it into a career and the purpose that drives her every day.

A graduate of Collegiate Academy, Schrimper earned her B.A. in Hospitality & Event Management from Mercyhurst University. After starting at PNC in 2021, she grew into various roles until being promoted to her current position in 2024 thanks to her performance and dedication. "When I stepped into this role, I prioritized re-establishing PNC's presence in the community," she said. "I want to use my passion for Erie to help foster a positive environment where people are proud to call this community home."

In 2025, those efforts paid off with a 179 percent increase in employee volunteerism across the market, which included collaboration with 14 organizations, participation in 37 local events, and engagement of more than 130 employees. Through PNC's main philanthropic initiative, PNC Grow Up Great – which focuses on children from birth to age 5 – Schrimper has been able to foster relationships between PNC and local organizations, including the Erie School District and the Childhood Development Centers of Erie County.

She also helped initiate the partnership with the Erie Cancer Wellness Center to sponsor the holiday photo session with families of those using the facility, a cause that is near to Schrimper's heart after losing her father to cancer. "You realize you never have enough pictures with the ones who matter to you," she said.

Schrimper's community involvement isn't just to fill a quota for her employer – outside of the office, she's active within the community through her volunteerism, donation drives, and at special events, while also sitting on the board of the Mercy Center for Women. As one of her nominators said, she "always leads with heart and purpose," something very apparent in all that she does.

When she's not working or volunteering, Schrimper enjoys supporting local sports teams, cooking, working on home projects, and spending time with her husband, Carson, as well as their family and friends. – AK

Taking specialized skills from a work environment and applying them in the public space is no small feat, but Jamie Schumacher does so in ways that widely benefit our community. As an attorney and partner with MacDonald Illig, her work consists mainly of litigation that includes commercial, employment, estates and trusts, and medical malpractice. Outside of the court room, she translates this legal expertise into a valuable resource for the community.

Growing up in Erie, Schumacher attended Gannon University for her B.A. in Political Science before earning her J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. She serves on multiple boards across the county, including the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN), Erie Art Museum, Early Connections, and most notably as the President of the Erie County Bar Association (ECBA). In many of these positions, she has helped the organizations in creating or updating bylaws, reviewing internal policy, and offering a legal perspective and input on matters within the organizations. With ECBA, she helps focus on filling gaps where legal needs are not being met within the community.

"I am a strong believer in Erie," Schumacher said. "I hope that my work within the legal community can not only assist Erie's residents in improving what is already a great place to call home, but also encourage professionals to return home or consider Erie as their preferred place to grow a career and raise their families."

Encouraging those professionals is also a part of what Schumacher does at MacDonald Illig. As chair of the firm's Recruitment Committee, she oversees all attorney, law student, and undergraduate internship applications as well as mentoring many interns and new full-time attorneys. She's also informally mentored a number of young professionals new to Erie through her work with ECBA. "I aim to help strengthen our community fabric, and to create a community that everyone can be proud of," she said.

Outside of work, she enjoys teaching dance at Long's School of Dance and spending time with her wife and daughter, traveling together outside of Erie, or enjoying local favorites like Sara's, Presque Isle, and Waldameer. – AK

If you've ever visited the Presque Isle Lighthouse, you've, quite literally, walked in the footsteps of Averie Shaughnessy-Comfort. The Monroeville native and Gateway Senior High School graduate studied English at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe before earning her master's in museum studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program at SUNY Oneonta. The knowledge she gained there has been essential in her executive director role where she oversees operations and programming involving the Presque Isle Lighthouse, Erie Land Lighthouse, and North Pier Light.

Along with her executive director duties, she is also Friends of the Chorus Chair for the Erie Philharmonic Chorus. She sings soprano for the main chorus and chamber group. In addition, she is a general operating grant and project grant reviewer for the New Jersey Historical Commission and serves on the board of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums as the Pennsylvania Representative. She and her husband have four fur-babies and spend time together cooking, gardening, hiking, visiting museums, and trying out new places to eat. She loves reading science fiction, playing video games like Mass Effect and Fallout, and crocheting anything "from hats to goofy creatures."

"I love when I see people get interested in history – and their local history, especially," she says. One of her proudest moments was when she inspired an attendee of a recent presentation, who said "that her intern would want to be someone like me when she grew up," she says. "That's my greatest accomplishment."

Shaughnessy-Comfort always leads with kindness. "I aspire to be as kind as possible and take a moment to understand and consider the experiences of others," she says. "I truly believe that the more we continue to learn more about each other, the better Erie will be."

Arriving in Erie from the southwestern part of the state, she says that she talks up the city every chance she gets. "It has so much character and so much unique history to offer," she says. "I may be from Pittsburgh, but I see Erie as my home." – JB

The avian residents and visitors to Erie are fortunate that we now have Holley Short in our midst. Short is a somewhat recent transplant to Erie from Florida, where she grew up and attended school, earning her B.S. in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation alongside a minor in zoology from the University of Florida. While in Florida, she helped to reinvigorate the St. Petersburg Audubon Society, serving as president. The position of executive director for our own Erie Bird Observatory (EBO) brought Short (along with her husband and their two black labs, Jack and Harry) to our area. "Working with birds as a career has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I want to continue sharing that passion with others, and I am so excited to do so with the Erie community," Short shares. "Birds are such an easy way for us to really start noticing the beauty of the natural world, whether it's in our own neighborhood in the middle of the city or in a beautiful state park like Presque Isle."

In addition to her role at the EBO, she also serves as the board secretary of the Regional Science Consortium, truly linking the ecological conservation of birds to that of our overall environmental health.

When she's not birding or playing a rousing game of Wingspan, she can be found hanging with her two new rescue kitties, at her Horror Book Club at Werner Books, watching horror films, thrifting, or gardening.

Overall, Short wants to help bring people together through birding and nature, "Birding connects us with each other and the world around us." She continues, "We have many ways for the community to get involved – seeing science in action at our bird banding station at Presque Isle and through free bird walks around Erie. We're really starting to activate our volunteer programs, so people can become directly involved in conservation efforts locally." – EP

Art is a side effect of life as it is lived by Jess Simmons, who dedicates most of her time to "figuring out how to get teenagers excited about making weird, ambitious stuff" in her role as arts program supervisor at the Erie Center for Arts and Technology (ECAT). Overseeing the art instruction programs for both adults and teenagers at the east Erie creativity hub, Simmons makes sure that everyone who wants to learn about an art medium has that opportunity. The free teen arts program is one particularly fantastic resource, as it employs a slate of working artists in Erie to share their skills, inspirations, and techniques with kids in their teen years, as they're just starting to figure out and create their place in the world.

Additionally, Simmons is a talented ceramicist and is an instructor at Erie ClaySpace in the PACA building, where she also has a private ceramics studio. "I've built a career that balances making, teaching, and running programs without any of the three completely falling apart, which feels like its own kind of achievement. I've gotten to learn from and work alongside some really remarkable artists over the years both locally and nationally. I don't take that for granted."

When she is not balancing those three worlds, Simmons enjoys walking with her dogs, thrifting, and being outdoors (skiing, kayaking, and traveling). She is a self-proclaimed pyromaniac – in the most legal and art-centered way possible – she once traveled across the country and stayed awake for 36 hours to tend a giant, wood-fired kiln… and called it a vacation.

Overall, the quintessence of Simmons's life is making things. She shares, "In both my studio work and my work with students, I'm trying to create spaces where people feel connected, capable, and excited to make things in a world that spends a lot of time telling us to just consume them instead." – EP

Growing up exploring the shores, wetlands, forests, and wildlife of Presque Isle eventually led Neel Singh back to Erie – and to help lead the fight to make sure our natural environment is a legislative and conservatory priority. Singh has deep family roots in Erie; he was born in the San Diego area of California and attended college at the Montana State University – where he graduated three semesters early at the age of 20 with degrees in political science and statistics. Now, in his role with PennFuture, an organization whose mission is to "lead the fight for an equitable, job-creating state economy by advancing clean air, pure water, and climate change solutions through legal advocacy, policy engagement, and empowering all Pennsylvanians," Singh's days are spent "meeting with local advocates and Erieites who are passionate about the environment and finding methods to connect their concerns to elected officials across the state."

Unsurprisingly, when Singh is not working hard for environmental justice, he enjoys being outdoors – birding (his favorite birds are vultures – you should ask him about them sometime) and hiking, but also watching baseball, hanging out with his pet tarantula, Scooter, and competing with his crack trivia team, Ctrl+Alt+Defeat.

Singh feels proud to be back in Erie and fighting to protect what makes our area so special. He shares, "I want to thank the community that helped raise me by making sure that our forests and our teal lakeshores are protected, as well as making sure every Erieite has access to clean water and healthy clean air."

He adds that when it comes to standing up to climate change, it takes a village of organizations to make it happen: "The environmental community in Erie isn't just any one individual. And none of the successes we've had would have been possible without the foundation laid by groups like the Benedictine Sisters, Pennsylvania Lake Erie Watershed Association, Presque Isle Audubon, Erie Bird Observatory, LEAF, Groundwork Erie, S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie, and so many more." – EP

Originally from Honolulu, Dr. Song has embraced Erie with open, welcoming, and supportive arms.

Coming to our area to attend LECOM as a medical student, Song found a home in that same medical community as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, while also serving as program director for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Assistant Program, the director for the General Psychiatry Residency, and as medical director at Corry Counseling of LECOM Health. Through his work in Corry, Song is fulfilling a personal goal to extend outreach to rural and underserved communities. Being a psychiatrist, especially to children and youth, is extremely important and impactful for our community's future. He shares, "Helping people understand that they are not alone and that they can get help for their mental health is something that I work towards every day. It is important to me to meet each person where they are at and provide an environment of respect, understanding, and to help them feel heard."

Through his role as director of LECOM's psychiatry residency program, he is also helping to train the next generation of mental health professionals, imparting that prioritization of care for underserved communities. His nominators, the psychiatry residents at LECOM, feel strongly about his leadership, sharing that "his tireless pursuit of education and compassion is inspiring."

When he is not teaching, treating, or leading his area of medicine, Dr. Song expresses his creativity through cooking. He also enjoys watching baseball, staying active outdoors or at the gym, spending time with his family and girlfriend, and "trying to convince my dogs that they do not run the house."

Song shares, "I do my best to serve the Erie community that has been so welcoming since I came here. Being from Hawaii, I try to bring some of the 'aloha' spirit to Erie and maintain a sense of compassion, kindness, and understanding." – EP

Bobby J. Sulecki is a Harborcreek High School graduate who has been researching the city's Polish history since he was a teenager. In the ninth grade, he was featured in the Erie Times-News for an exhibit he curated for the Watson-Curtze Mansion. Since then, he's earned numerous accolades and awards including the Public History Award from the Hagen History Center.

For over a decade, he's curated the Erie Polonia History Project. He's the historian of the former St. Hedwig Parish. Just this past year, he had a popular exhibit on local Polish history on display at the Hagen History Center. "There is so much history lost and so much history hidden in plain sight, that this inspires me to continue my work," he says, adding that he loves Erie.

He's a member of St. Stanislaus Church, Hagen History Center, Polish-American Historical Association, Polish Falcons of America Nest 610, and the Society of Holy Trinity. He's also a member of the International Polka Association. A dream is to get into broadcasting with a Polish/polka radio program. As a self-described news junkie who loves the history of radio and television broadcasting, he also hopes to work in the media someday.

Born with cerebral palsy, accessibility in public and historical buildings is also important to Sulecki. "Since I could not do many things my peers did in school or activities, I spent my time learning and researching history and reading," he says. While he acknowledges health-related and physical limitations, he wants people to see and accept him for more than his disability. He enjoys collecting records, going to museums, reflecting and praying, coffee talks, and simply listening to people's stories. His chihuahua and best friend, Atticus, passed away in March, but he hopes to adopt another soon. He deeply cherishes friendships and appreciates a good sense of humor. Although he may come off as serious, he says, he has a great sense of humor and a big heart. Those who know him highlight his intelligence, humor, resiliency, and charm.

"I want to live in a world where intelligence, empathy and compassion are valued, where people are accepted regardless of their religion or nationality, where we can all learn from each other instead of being divided," Sulecki says. – JB

Jaslyne Walter has been described by her peers as a leader who blazes trails without starting fires – finding ways to move people, ideas, and organizations forward. As the IT Talent Pipeline Program owner at Erie Insurance, she oversees "new to IT" and early career development programming, but also the enterprise IT talent pipeline strategy, which aligns early-career programs and partnerships to long-term technology workforce needs.

"I try to make Erie better by showing up where I can actually make an impact. Professionally, I focus on building strong teams, supporting growth in others, and helping people operate more effectively. I believe small, consistent efforts matter because they add up over time – emphasis on consistency," said Walter. But more than an IT specialist, Walter finds meaning in the connections she makes with people, "I think being a safe space for the chaos of life is the other side I pride myself in – my team, peers, and friends know that they can come to me with anything. This world is crazy, work is stressful, and life is overwhelming. I'm not a therapist but I will always listen."

Originally from North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Walter attended Norwin High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies at Mercyhurst University along with her Master of Science in Information Technology and Data Analytics. She serves as the board president of Meals on Wheels Erie, vice chair of Junior Achievement of Western PA (Erie), and the co-chair of Erie Insurance's Asian Pacific Affinity Network.

Walter enjoys spending time outside collecting beach glass, gardening, and playing in the water on LEAF Market Saturdays with her husband (Richard) and their 5-year-old son (Rhys). They also frequent SeaWolves games and local restaurants. In the winter you can catch her with a glass of red, reading or doing word searches. – AVS

Dance often doesn't get quite the recognition of the other arts, but Kristen Weibel has been working to change that for over a decade. The Fairview native, who attended Villa Maria Academy before earning her B.A. in Dance Studies with a business cognate and theatre minor from the University of Akron, then a Master of Education in Dance Education from Point Park University, found her way to Erie in 2014, and has been leaving her indelible mark on the dance community – and the arts community at large – ever since.

She hit the ground running with the Erie Dance Consortium, which went quiet after 2021, but is currently in the process of a rebrand as DANCE Erie, and she has dedicated much time and effort over the last seven years into the Seiche Dance Collective, a nonprofit dance company which she co-founded with four other women. Additionally, Weibel is a board member for the Erie Contemporary Ballet Theater, whose mission is to encourage the "general public to experience the art of dance and recognize that it is rich in tradition and inspires creativity, growth, self-expression, and discipline," she said.

The avid traveler, who once did a grand tour of Italy, then stopped in Germany to visit a friend from high school, and enjoyed what she called "probably one of the best adventures" she ever has been a part of, is also the dance director at Collegiate Academy and is incredibly proud of her achievements in that role. "Building a thriving dance program takes more than great choreography – it takes vision, community, and exposure to the world beyond the studio," she explained. And so, Weibel has connected her students to countless opportunities to witness and take part in the wider world of dance, because, as her nominator put it, it is one of her core beliefs that "arts education is a right, not a privilege." – CS

With genuine care for families, Olivia Wickline has helped to position the expERIEnce Children's Museum as more than a place to visit, but as a trusted and inclusive community resource. Starting her career as an intern in 2019, she now leads the museum's presence at community events, festivals, and collaborative initiatives, helping the organization meet families where they are while strengthening connections across Erie.

Wickline graduated from Riverside High School in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Penn State Behrend and had a "porch graduation" in Pittsburgh during the pandemic in 2020. "Moving here gave me a unique perspective on the heart and character that Erie has. As someone who wasn't born and raised here, I think I notice the little things people who've lived here forever might overlook like the strong sense of community and the true amount of creativity that exists in so many spaces and people," she said.

Beyond the museum, Wickine actively works with the Community Health Council and the Jefferson Educational Society. As an alumna of the Jefferson Civic Leadership Academy Class of 2024, Wickline has gone on to serve as the think tank's publications layout designer. Outside of work you can find Wickline sewing, working on pennant banners and quilts, hanging out with her cat and dog, Judy and Keno, and restoring her 1930s Tudor-style home. – AVS