The Dream Team
Brandon Rodgers
Brandon Rodgers
Brandon Rodgers
Board of Directors
Cathryn Calhoun, Chair
Cathryn Calhoun is currently the Ticketing Operations and Patron Services Manager at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center where she is head of the volunteer program, all ticketing operations, manages guest services and patron services staff, and assists with educational programming. Cathryn holds a BA in Psychology, MA in Organizational Leadership, and is currently pursing her doctorate in Education with a specialization in Organizational Leadership. She currently sits on the Board of Directors with the Point Park University Alumni Association and volunteers with multiple organizations. Cathryn is a Zumba Fitness Instructor, Community Ambassador with Healthy Ride Pittsburgh, and is a mentor to both high school and college age women. She is happy to be a part of the YEA Board!
Carla Knight, Vice Chair
Carla Knight is an English Language Arts (ELA) teacher at Manchester Academic Charter School. She co-facilitates the Cultural Literacy class, a collaboration between traditional History, Social Studies and ELA classes. Knight enjoys giving her students an opportunity to connect with the world through reading, writing for expression, and speaking for change. She motivates her students by encouraging them to “use your pen as your tool, change the world with your words.”
Knight is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications. Aside from teaching, Knight enjoys reading and volunteering for community programs.
Leon Harrison Sr., Treasurer
Leon M. Harrison Sr. is originally from a Farrell Pa, and now resides in Pittsburgh. He holds his Bachelors degree in Speech and Communications Studies, Masters in Leadership, and currently is completing his course work for his Ph.D in Community Engagement. Mr. Harrison is the lead Pastor of The Empowerment Church which is a church plant in West Mifflin Borough. He also serves as the Executive Director over A.C.E. Ministries, Inc, which is a Non-Profit organization supporting youth against anti-violence. Mr. Harrison has 15+ years working with adjudicated youth in the community. Most Recently, Mr Harrison opened up his own financial practice to promote generational wealth amongst families, small business owners, and working professionals.
Diana Lowe, Secretary
Diana Lowe is the Founder and President of Humbly At Your Service, LLC, a company that specializes in providing executive administrative support to business professionals, companies and nonprofit organizations; and event logistical management. With over 20 years of experience, she has established herself as a master of details, managing and executing projects while setting a standard of timeliness and excellence. She is also a NNA Certified Signing Agent and mobile notary public.
Ola Flowers, Member
Ola is a retired Pittsburgh Public Schools teacher/administrator; an alumna of Spelman College, University of Pittsburgh, Slippery Rock College and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her current career path is in insurance.
Damian Gilliard, Member
Damian is from Pittsburgh. He is an experienced information security professional with a career history of working in the financial service industry demonstrating skills in Risk Management and Identity & Access Management solutions. He attained a Master of Science degree in Communication Information Systems from Robert Morris University including an Advanced Banking degree from the Pennsylvania Bankers Association. He is currently an Information Security Specialist/Program Manager, Vice-President at Citizens Bank. He also serves as a board member to the non-profit, Historic Fairview Park Association, founded in 1945 when it was established as a place of entertainment for African Americans during the time of segregation.
Amirah Hunt, Member
Amirah Hunt is a native of Pittsburgh who has worked in the education and counseling field for the past 10 years. Amirah currently works as a school counselor for the Pittsburgh Public School District and volunteers her time as a Professional mental health counselor at the Mt. Ararat Counseling Center. Amirah is passionate about helping others see beyond their current obstacles to achieve academic, social/ emotional and career success.
Marvin Jacobs, Member
Marvin is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. His professional expertise is in voice and data network architecture. In his role he supports the UPMC Enterprise and Urban Hospitals of Pittsburgh. He also manages the Mount Ararat Baptist Church network where he also serves as a musician. Marvin holds a B.S. in Systems and Industrial Engineering, B.S. in Computer Information Science and Master of Science in Information Science. He also holds professional level certifications in Avaya, Cisco and Nokia.
J.R. Jones, Member
J.R. Jones serves as the Social Security & Medicare Liaison to the Office of Congressman Mike Doyle. He has committed his life to service and helping others. He is excited to be apart of the YEA Board of Directors!
Dr. Randy Tillmut, Member
Dr. Randy Tillmutt is a native of Kingston, Jamaica, and is a music educator, pianist, songwriter and conductor. He has served as the Frederick Douglass Institute (FDI) scholar at California University of Pennsylvania in 2013 and is an assistant professor of music and conductor of the University Choir at California University of Pittsburgh- Cal U.