Theme: Thrive

Life in the 21st century is increasingly hectic, and even keeping up with the latest technology can sometimes be overwhelming and stressful. Add in our work, family, community, and social commitments, and many of us find that we struggle just to make it through each day. While we are grateful to keep our heads above water, we often admire people, communities, and organizations that are doing far more than just getting by. We look to those who flourish and prosper through perseverance, innovation, creativity, and sometimes plain old elbow grease for the inspiration that we, too, can rise to challenges and thrive in our own environments.

Point Park University will live-stream the event on Friday, March 26, 2021, from 9 a.m. to Noon.

Point Park University
201 Wood Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222
United States

Allison Hritz

Senior Secondary Social Studies Education Major, Point Park University

Allison Hritz is a senior Secondary Social Studies Education major at Point Park University. She is a ministry leader for the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO), an ambassador for the Smile Project, and representative for More Love Letters. Each of these organizations are dedicated to spreading positivity and kindness. Hritz has been active in community programs and outreach since high school, including participation in organizations such as The Rotary Foundation, American Red Cross, Teen Institute, Light of Life Rescue Mission, and others. Currently, Hritz is a student-teacher at Perry Traditional Academy and commits her time to service, leadership initiatives, ministry, music, and letter writing.

Autumn Redcross

ALC Court Watch Founding Director, Abolitionist Law Center

Autumn Redcross began her search for other forms of justice after experiencing a jury trial to determine the events and guilt of those involved with the death of her younger brother. With an indelible impression of those days in court, Autumn began carving her path to make transformative change in the criminal courts system. In tandem with her eldest child’s enrollment in college, Autumn returned to school, earning a Master’s Degree in Professional Leadership and a Doctorate in Philosophy of Communication and Rhetoric from Duquesne University. The following year Autumn joined Abolitionist Law Center (ALC) as the founding Director of ALC Court Watch.

Jazmiere Bates

CEO and Fur Kid Designer, Kin of Duncan

As an only child, Jazmiere Bates began to think of her dog Kindrick as more like a brother than a pet. She loved to dress him up in outfits to match her own fashion. They received so much attention when they went out for walks that she could barely make it down the street without someone asking about their ensembles. After discovering that Jazmiere had Dyslexia, her mom invested in a vinyl cutter to enhance her spelling skills. The vinyl cutter generates words with a mirror image allowing Jazmiere to print her vocab words backwards allowing her to translate easily to ace quizzes. Crafty Jazmiere began to utilize the tool to make their matching outfits even more attractive. Other pet owners expressed interest in her dog apparel and Kin of Duncan was born. Kin of Duncan caters to what Jazmiere calls “fur kids” and she creates matching pet gear to allow pets to match with their favorite human.

Lindsey Ramsey

Early Childhood Advocate, Regional Public Policy Coordinator at Trying Together

Lindsey Ramsey began her career after entering a Child Development Associate program sponsored through Point Park University. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Instructional Studies with a Dual Minor in Education and Psychology from Point Park and then went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in their school of Public Administration. Through her vast experience as an educator, early childhood provider, and advocate, Lindsey is driven to inform the public on the importance of investments in high quality early learning initiatives that support educators, children, and families. In her role as Regional Public Policy Coordinator for Trying Together she serves 10 counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania, elevating the voice of the early childhood field through advocacy.

Sharnay Hearn Davis

Founder of The #SistersLiftingasWeClimb Network

Sharnay is the founder of the #SistersLiftingasWeClimb Network. She has committed her life’s work to creating equitable opportunities for all citizens, with a keen focus on addressing the issues of poverty in resilient and under-resourced communities. Sharnay has been widely recognized for her work. In 2020, Sharnay received the ATHENA Young Professional Award from the Pittsburgh Technology Council and was selected as a national BMe Vanguard Fellow. In 2012 she became a One Young World Ambassador representing the USA abroad. She is a doctoral candidate in the Educational Leadership program at Duquesne University.

Vijeta Pai

Creator and Writer, Cloud Demystified

Vijeta Pai is a literature graduate, technical storyteller, program manager, and creator of Cloud Demystified. She is combining her passions for technology and storytelling to creatively demystify complex technical concepts for people of different ages and backgrounds. Creative writing provides her with the fuel to look after her spirited toddler. She loves writing poetry, playing musical instruments, learning about emerging technologies, and teaching. She has given talks, paper presentations, and workshops for various developer groups, college students, technology enthusiasts, business professionals, and seniors across the world. A storyteller and technology enthusiast by heart, she wants to use her experience to grow, give back to the profession, and make technology accessible, fast, scalable, and reliable.