Halpern is a member of the board of the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation established by her father.
Considered a social entrepreneur, Halpern is the founder and executive director of All Star Code, a nationally-recognized tech inclusion organization based in New York that fosters entrepreneurial talent among high school males of color ensuring that they have tools to success. All Star Code has a chapter in Pittsburgh under the direction of Sean Gray.
With great admiration for her father who passed away when she was 12 years old, Halpern said, “My father always wanted to be a lawyer, was one of the first Blacks admitted into Harvard Law School, was the first Black-owned law firm on Wall Street and was one of the first African Americans to break into the big leagues of finance.”
As the owner of Beatrice International Foods, she said he was one of the top Americans in industry. “He believed in investing in others and was all about economics and social justice,” she said. A man who believed in hard work determination and drive, Halpern said her father’s philosophy was to do your homework and follow through.
Washington said she remembers her father having three traits that helped him in business. “He was very optimistic, very tough and sought out mentors.”
Robert James, supplier diversity program manager of Highmark Health and Chairperson of the Youth Entrepreneur Scholarship Tournament, said the golf outing was a great opportunity for top MBE suppliers of the region and top corporations to come together for a good cause. “We are proud to honor the legacy of Mr. Washington and happy to support All Star Code.”
He also addressed the significance of the Instructional Clinic given by PGA Professional Anthony G. Stepney. Participants learned how golf can be used as a business tool and the rules of the game. Attendees spent the afternoon learning to putt, pitch, and drive and went from the clinic straight to the greens.
Stepney, a 10-year member of the PGA, said his focus is diversity and inclusion in the game and business of golf. “The game of golf has a great economic impact. It is bigger than most spectator sports,” he said.
The 2016 EMSDC Report indicated that during the year, EMSDC certified 109 new MBEs, bringing their network of certified diverse businesses to 482 MBEs. And as last year, EMSDC-certified MBEs account for over 15,175 jobs, have an average annual revenue of nearly $8 million, and a collective annual revenue of over $3.5 billion.
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