Rob is a 2017 graduate of The College of Wooster, where he studied psychology. After graduating, he completed two years of AmeriCorps, serving with nonprofit organizations in both Pittsburgh and Akron, Ohio. Most recently, he completed his master’s in clinical mental health counseling at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and worked for an education nonprofit in Durham, North Carolina where he helped teenagers and young adults attain their GED. With a passion for helping young people succeed, Rob is excited to join The Promise team at Carrick to help students reach their goals and make the most of their potential.
Brett graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After graduation, she wanted to give back to her hometown community and joined City Year Greater Philadelphia where she tutored and mentored elementary students for two years and found a passion for working for mission-driven organizations. Brett has worked in various roles in education, finance, and development departments over ten years including La Salle University as Graduation Coordinator before joining The Promise.
Janay graduated from Pittsburgh Perry High School in 2008 and is proud to have been a member of the first graduating class to receive The Promise scholarship. She went on to study business management and social service administration at Chatham University, graduating in 2012. Building on her lifelong interest in urban youth and the non-profit sector, Janay joined The Pittsburgh Promise in 2013 to help make postsecondary education more accessible for PPS graduates. Janay is a co-founder of The Pittsburgh Promise Alumni group, Promise Legacy.
Lauren comes to The Promise with a background in communications, strategic planning, and grassroots development. Lauren is driven by the pursuit of economic and social justice. Previously, Lauren led legislative, electoral, and advocacy campaigns for SEIU, the country’s second-largest labor union, and worked as a consultant for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s sustainable funding initiative. Lauren graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in business and French.
Saleem is a passionate advocate for children and for the City of Pittsburgh. An ordained Presbyterian minister, he has devoted his life to serving the people of his community through outreach and education programs. In 1985, Saleem founded The Pittsburgh Project, a community development organization that provided free home renovations to hundreds of vulnerable seniors each year and deployed thousands of youth in meaningful volunteer community service. Saleem led The Project until 2008, when he became the founding executive director of The Pittsburgh Promise. He is the pastor emeritus of Mosaic Community Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh. He also serves on the boards of The Buhl Foundation, The Hear Foundation, Pittsburgh Scholar House, and UPMC.
Katina is a certified administrative professional who has worked in the public and private sectors for over 25 years in the fields of finance, administration, and social services. Katina obtained her undergraduate education in human services at Geneva College. To further her focus on advocacy, strength based counseling, and intensive group therapy, she attained continued education and training from 2014-2015 in trauma and abuse counseling at The Allender Center, Seattle School of Theology & Psychology.
Kristin graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Service and a certificate in nonprofit management. She has an extensive background in fundraising and communications and was previously the Manager of Annual Giving at Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania. She joined The Promise as the Development Administrative Assistant in 2016 and in December 2019 took the position of Communications Manager.
The University of Pittsburgh was the source of both of Julie’s degrees: a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Rhetoric, and a Master’s in Public Policy and Management from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. After a 20-year career in higher education, she joined The Pittsburgh Promise in 2012 because of its mission and the ability to work closely with young people. As a complement to her work at The Promise, Julie tutors adults through the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council.
Lyndsey graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a sociology degree. She began her career in the nonprofit education field working in a therapeutic setting at Wesley Spectrum Highland School, assisting students with mental and emotional disabilities. After spending time in Eastern Europe as a volunteer with the United States Peace Corps, Lyndsey returned to her work with Pittsburgh students and youths. Prior to joining The Promise, she coordinated a College and Career Readiness Program for Pittsburgh Public School students at the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation.
