Dena Stanley

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s Heroine Award goes to Dena Stanley, founder and Executive Director of Trans YOUniting and co-founder of the Pittsburgh Pride Group. Dena Stanley is a distinguished leader and advocate for transgender rights, recognized for her tireless dedication to the upliftment and empowerment of marginalized communities, particularly Black trans women. As the founder and Executive Director of Trans YOUniting, Dena has been a pivotal force in providing mutual aid, crisis housing, workforce development, and essential resources to TLGBQIA+ individuals across Pittsburgh. She has been instrumental in creating the QMNTY Center and YOUr Haven Shelters, which specifically serve trans, gender non-conforming, and non-binary folks. In 2020, Dena co-founded the Pittsburgh Pride Group, which has grown into the largest Pride festival in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 2024, Dena’s leadership achieved a historic milestone when First Lady Jill Biden attended Pittsburgh Pride—the first time a member of the White House First Family has ever attended a festival or a gay pride event, marking a significant moment in LGBTQ+ history.