THE LATEST TALI EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM COHORT, BEGINNING IN 2025. (PHOTO BY BRIAN COOK SR.)
The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) and Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business (CMU) are pleased to announce the fourth year of the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). Thirty-one individuals have been selected to participate in this transformative program designed to address the unique challenges that Black professionals face in the workplace. The ELP is designed to reach high-potential professionals seeking to advance their careers as strong individual contributors and early managers, and it is delivered through CMU with collaboration from the University of Pittsburgh, Robert Morris University, and Duquesne University.
“Congratulations to this year’s Emerging Leaders Program participants,” said Evan Frazier, President and CEO of The Advanced Leadership Institute. “These impressive leaders represent the largest cohort for any of our leadership programs to-date. I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s cohort develop new skills and growth opportunities. The Emerging Leaders Program is an important part of our efforts to create a more diverse, inclusive, and prosperous community.”
“The Emerging Leaders Program has proven to be an essential tool for today’s rising leaders,” said Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou, Dean, Richard P. Simmons Professor of Finance, CMU Tepper School of Business. “I’m excited about Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business’ role in providing executive instruction for the program, and we are proud to be a part of creating success stories for these impressive professionals.”
TALI’s 2025 Emerging Leaders Program Cohort:
Danai Battle—Program Director, ACH Clear Pathways
Marla Bradford—Equity Diversity & Inclusion Specialist, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
Penelope Brady—HR Manager, Wabtec Corporation
Tearra Brown—Anderson- Store Leader, Giant Eagle
Janell Cross—AVP, Fair Banking Officer, Dollar Bank, FSB
John Davis—Executive Assistant/Office Manager, Carnegie Mellon University—College of Engineering, Dean’s Office
Jesse Exilus—Deputy Solicitor, City of Pittsburgh
Brittany Ezell—Executive Assistant to the President & CEO, The Pittsburgh Foundation
Eno Frimpong- Manager— Technology Assurance & Compliance, Helion
Rashawd Hatten—Supervisor, IT Governance, Risk & Compliance, Duquesne Light Company
Leen Huynh—Senior Software Engineer, Duolingo
Edina Johnson—Supervisor —Licensed Professional Counselor, Pittsburgh Mercy and Enliven Resilience Counseling Services
Jennifer Kennedy—Learning and Development Consultant, UPMC
Robin Kenney—Store Leader, Giant Eagle Inc.
DaMarra (Underwood) King— Birth to Five Manager, Allegheny County Department of Children’s Initiatives
Dorain King—Systems Engineer, Consol Energy Inc.
Maymary Laideson—SCADA Engineer, CNX Resources
Marissa Lay—Manager of Networking Contracting, Helion
Paige McKenzie—Women’s Veterans Program, Program Assistant, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
Cheyenne Pettiford—Lead —Learning & Development, American Eagle Outfitters
Paige Phillips—Project Manager, Oregon State University
Fatimah Pillow—Senior Distributions Operations Manager, Giant Eagle
Brazitte Poole—Assistant Counsel, Employment Labor, UPMC
Daymon Randolph—Client Solution Manager, PNC
Ceari Robinson—Loyalty Marketing Coordinator, American Eagle Outfitters
Alizé Strickland—K-8 Family Engagement Coordinator, Homeless Children’s Education Fund
Qunton Thorne-Calhoun— Market District Executive Store Leader, Giant Eagle
Michael Thornhill—Director of Diversity, Equity & Belonging, Venture Outdoors
Eric Twum-Barimah—Principal Scientist & Team Lead, Covestro
Wendell Wade—Branch Manager III (DMLO), PNC
Eric Watson—Assistant Plant Manager, Koppers