On Nov. 3, at the beautiful LeMont Restaurant, the Workforce Development Global Alliance—USA 2STEPS2WORK Class of 2015—Homestead, Pa., graduated with the skyline of the City of Pittsburgh as their backdrop. It was also a night of celebration as a decade of WDGA was celebrated. The mission of the WDGA is to promote economic self-sufficiency through peace and employability of opportunity youth.
The 2STEPS2WORK program equips youth to resolve conflict (Get Along)—Step 1 and provides the career development skills to become employable (Get Ahead)—Step 2. The evening was jam packed with special moments. Homestead native and “Law and Order: SVU” star Tamara Tunie was the keynote speaker, and spoke about her life in Homestead and her own personal journey to success and told the students to do work in a field that they care about.
Also honored during this benefit festival were Janet and Greg Smith. The Smiths were honored to receive the Lighthouse Award; their mission is to participate in programs that focus on restoring dignity and wellbeing to people at the bottom of life’s pyramid.
The Dr. Wangari Maathai Humanitarian Award was presented to Dr. Kevin Kearns by Mayor Bill Peduto. The award was created to recognize legends who have demonstrated unprecedented levels of servant leadership, commitment and impact to mankind from local to global communities. Kearns is a professor of Public and Nonprofit Management in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) of the University of Pittsburgh. Kearns humbly accepted the award and said he enjoys working with students committed to public service to make this a better world.
WDGA Founder and President Niecy Dennis White also recognized the WDGA Volunteer of the year, Sue Hubert. In addition, Homestead Mayor Betty Esper assisted with the recognition of the Homestead Class of 2015. Esper had a hand in selecting the students to participate in the program. Participants included Bruce Arnold, David Arnold, Beonca Bell, Sincere Burnham, Asia Cunningham, Caleb Groce, Teiara Hughes, Erick Meadows, Breeonia Prioleau, Zion Thomas, Tamarrow Thomas and Taniyah Price.
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