The Young Professionals Board of Literacy Pittsburgh strives to support the mission and vision of Literacy Pittsburgh. In May, the YPB elected new officers: Hillary Holes, President; Bobby Finnegan, Vice President; and Izzy Zehner, Secretary.
In July, the YPB welcomed seven new members to the board. These individuals share the dedication and passion of working toward the mission of Literacy Pittsburgh. Many of these new members come from diverse backgrounds and work in different professions around the Pittsburgh area.
As we move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, the YPB is focusing on creating a positive environment that engages members in exciting activities that promote better lives through learning. The goal of YPB is to raise both funding and awareness for Literacy Pittsburgh’s students. Read more.
The YPB held a few virtual events in the midst of the pandemic, including a virtual trivia event at the beginning of 2021. This event brought together families and individuals for an hour of virtual fun. Even though we were not able to hold this event in person, it was still a huge success for the YPB and Literacy Pittsburgh. The YPB is working on planning some family friendly events during the fall of 2021. The YPB will also support Literacy Pittsburgh’s One Big Table event, slated to return in 2022. Whether big or small, these events will help the YPB work towards the group’s fundraising and awareness goals.
The Young Professionals Board of Literacy Pittsburgh
Hillary Holes, President
Hillary is currently the Director of Health Equity at the Healthcare Council of Western Pennsylvania. Hillary received her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. In her current role, Hillary works with marginalized communities to address health literacy and other social determinants of health barriers. Hillary serves on the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the Pennsylvania Health Summit (PAHS) planning committee, and the Young Leaders Council of Adagio Health. Hillary was recently recognized as one of the Pittsburgh Business Times 30 under 30 awardees for 2021. In her free time, enjoys reading and doing yoga.
Bobby Finnegan, Vice President
Bobby is a native Pittsburgher, and current resident of the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Bobby serves as the Senior Operations Manager of the Duolingo English Test and has been with the company since February of 2017. He possesses a B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations from Point Park University and an M.Ed. in School Counseling from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. In his spare time, he loves trying out new bars and restaurants in the Pittsburgh area with his husband and friends, playing with his two dogs and four cats, and hopes to someday be able to (safely) travel around the world again.
Izzy Zehner, Secretary
Izzy was born and raised in Pittsburgh and is a graduate of Winchester Thurston School. Izzy inherited her work ethic, understanding of customer service, and—most importantly—her sense of humor from her parents, who put her to work at their small business starting in the fourth grade. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Communication at Boston University, she returned home to Pittsburgh and is now a REALTOR® and multimillion-dollar producer with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. When she’s not showing houses and writing contracts, Izzy is a regular volunteer with Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, serving homeowners in and around Pittsburgh. Izzy spends most of her free time with her 16-year-old miniature Poodle, and also enjoys cooking, golfing, playing tennis, and touring Pittsburgh’s vibrant restaurant scene.
Alexandra Boyer, Associate Attorney with Tucker Arensberg, P.C.
Dustin Butoryak, Marketing & Outreach Assistant with Hello Neighbor
Abby Carpenter, Program Manager, Clinical-Community Connections at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Nicole Cerilli, Senior Analyst, Global Impact Citizenship at BNY Mellon
Elisabeth Clauss, Research Associate at Sellers Dorsey
Lizzy Crouse, Sales Operations Supervisor at UPB
Courtney Davenport, Senior Analyst at BNY Mellon
Susan Fanscali, Tutor at Community College of Allegheny County
Michael Latady, Linkage to Care Coordinator at Allies for Health & Wellbeing
Jannat Malik, Sub-inter at Daljit Singh and Associates
Joseph Pugar, CEO at Aruga Technologies, LLC
Emma Thompson, Administrative Assistant at UPMC
Mina Zarban, Student at Duquesne University
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Last year, Literacy Pittsburgh helped more than 4,000 individuals acquire the skills needed to reach their fullest potential in life and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
