YWCA GP in Action - February 2026
Curious about what else has been happening across our organization? This month, learn about our new STEM education offerings, how we marked the National Day of Racial Healing, a recent advocacy day with the Family Care Act Coalition, and more.
Dr. King’s Legacy in Stories
Volunteers from BNY joined our Propel Braddock Hills Early Learning classroom for a special read-aloud in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Volunteers read age-appropriate books that celebrate Dr. King’s legacy, focusing on themes of leadership, kindness, peace, and community. This opportunity offered a meaningful way to engage directly with young learners and support classroom activities that encourage curiosity, empathy, and understanding.
Among Community at the Unity Breakfast
As part of our co-sponsorship of the event, YWCA GP staff members attended the 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast, honoring Dr. King's life and work, at La Roche University. Attendees heard a keynote speech from Dr. Paul Spradley, enjoyed a vocal performance from La Roche students, and celebrated the winners of the event’s high school essay contest. The day also included service projects, such as creating cards of encouragement and celebration for families and a local nursing home, creating a unity banner through handprint art, and stuffing teddy bears to give to children at local hospitals. Read more about the Breakfast and see more photos here.
National Racial Day of Healing
YWCA GP honored the National Day of Racial Healing, which takes place annually on the Tuesday following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This day is used to openly discuss racial harm and advocate for actions that heal. Our Center for Race & Gender Equity staff tabled at the Westmoreland Museum with hundreds of families enjoying education, art, music, and a candle lighting ceremony.
CMU’s MLK Interfaith Breakfast
Every year, members of the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) community are invited to an informal breakfast with campus and community interfaith leaders, centering on fellowship and conversation about Dr. King’s legacy. This year, the breakfast featured YWCA GP CEO Dr. Angela Reynolds, who spoke about embracing Dr. King’s legacy of love. Participants were invited to consider how their personal values and spirituality serve as a foundation for interfaith community engagement, following the example of Dr. King.
PATHmakers Today, Engineers Tomorrow
Middle school students in our PATHmakers program, part of our Opportunity Pathways Programs (OPP), dove into the world of engineering and design. In preparation for an upcoming visit to CMU, students reviewed the engineering process by creating cork launchers, hydraulic Judo Robots, and replicas of the Space Needle.
New STEM Impact Educational Offerings
STEM Impact Initiative community partners were trained in a new unit, Racial Justice: Inclusivity, receiving the book, Young Changemakers Making a Difference by Stacy Bauer. Some partners participated in a STEM unit that places emphasis on careers, receiving the book, Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky. Learn more about OPP and how to apply to become a partner here.
Advocacy in Action
We joined fellow members of the Allegheny County Family Care Act Coalition at the Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh to meet with PA State Senator Devlin Robinson. Coalition members toured the facility and discussed the importance of the Family Care Act to the people each organization serves. YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization and does not support or endorse any candidates for public office.
Huntington Bank’s EITC Partnership
We are deeply appreciative for the continued support and partnership of Huntington Bank in helping the women and families we serve. Huntington Bank employees Kimberly Powell and Board Member Lorrie Henderson recently presented YWCA GP with a check through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, in support of our Opportunity Pathways Programs.