DEMIA TYLER
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Demia Tyler, MPH, MBA, has been named Chief Operating Officer of Healthy Start Pittsburgh.
The announcement was made on Oct. 27.
Tyler is a Courier “Fab 40” honoree of the Class of 2023.
In a release, Healthy Start Pittsburgh said that it had completed its strategic planning process, and that Tyler will be playing a vital role in Healthy Start Pittsburgh moving forward.
Tyler has served Healthy Start for more than seven years, most recently as Director of Strategic Initiatives, where she led systems-level improvements, strategic collaborations and process innovations that enhanced organizational efficiency and equity.
A skilled project and program management professional, Tyler holds dual master’s degrees, a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a Certificate in Program Evaluation, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Certificate in Project Management. She is also a certified doula and childbirth educator, bringing both professional expertise and personal passion to her work in maternal and child health, read a statement from Healthy Start Pittsburgh about Tyler.
HOLDING HER FAB 40 AWARD FROM 2023 IS DEMIA TYLER. ALSO PICTURED ARE HER MOTHER, TINA FULTON, AND TOWANDA YOUNG.
The new COO role complements the duties of the Chief Executive Officer, Jada Shirriel, and is aligned with the organization’s value of promoting from within.
“This role represents a necessary evolution of our leadership structure,” said Shirriel, in a statement. “As we grow, it’s essential that our internal systems and strategies evolve with us. I’ve relied heavily on Demia’s leadership over the past few years and am confident that her experience, perspective, and commitment make her the right person to help lead Healthy Start into its next chapter.”
Healthy Start said its charge for the immediate future includes a focus on deepening impactful partnerships; using data and storytelling to effect systems change; strengthening and sustaining operations through diversified funding, infrastructure management, and leadership development; and strategic rebranding—as guided by a newly developed strategic plan, which was completed in partnership with Hasil Consulting out of Atlanta. As part of this process, the organization created a Chief Operating Officer (COO) position to strengthen organizational performance, impact, and sustainability—addressing critical organizational needs during a time of strategic growth and transformation.
Healthy Start Pittsburgh works to improve maternal and child health and reduce poor birth outcomes and infant mortality in the region. It currently has a $9 million budget, the Courier has learned, and a staff of more than 75.
Cabiness earns more accolades
ASHLEY CABINESS, left, with her proclamation from Pittsburgh City Council, Oct. 14,
DEMIA TYLER 2025. Also pictured is Cabiness’ daughter, Amirah Jetter.
Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith, who never minces words, had some words to say about 2025 New Pittsburgh Courier Fab 40 honoree Ashley Cabiness.
Of course, they were nothing but positive words.
“In a world where everyone’s fighting and there’s so much anger and meanness going on, she’s one of those people that wants to bring people together,” Councilwoman Kail-Smith said.
She wasn’t done.
“(Cabiness) always calls people and looks for ways to work together. The things that she does for the community is amazing, and just her presence alone in the community has been such a blessing to so many of us.”
Cabiness is the program manager for South Pittsburgh A.C.T.E.S., or Achieving Change Through Transitional Employment Services. She’s also the co-founder of Westside CARES, a community organization designed to support civic and social events and promote safer and healthier communities. Westside CARES also has supported a range of community initiatives, including youth job training, free tax assistance for young adults, neighborhood block parties, transportation to events and food banks, and services for seniors.
It’s been Cabiness’ calling to make her communities better.
ASHLEY CABINESS HOLDS HER PROCLAMATION FROM PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL, STANDING NEXT TO COUNCILWOMAN THERESA KAIL-SMITH AND HER DAUGHTER, AMIRAH JETTER.
That’s why Pittsburgh City Council proclaimed Oct. 14, 2025 as “Ashley Cabiness Day” in the City of Pittsburgh. She received a proclamation from Council, as her family and friends were there to witness this historic day for her.
In an exclusive interview, Oct. 28, Cabiness told the Courier that as she looked for resources living in Sheraden, those resources were hard to find. After all, she was a mother of four. She soon learned that the resources were there, it was just the lack of a connection to the resources that was the real problem. That’s primarily why she co-founded Westside CARES.
These days, people on the West End call her, and she connects them to resources, such as child care, food, etc.
“I have that ‘comfort face,'” Cabiness, 37, told the Courier. “People just spill all their problems to me, and at first it used to overwhelm me. But now, it’s satisfying to know that people feel comfortable and trust me enough to just come to me. I learned to be comfortable with just being that healer, that support.” community organization designed to support civic and social events and promote safer and healthier communities. Westside CARES also has supported a range of community initiatives, including youth job training, free tax assistance for young adults, neighborhood block parties, transportation to events and food banks, and services for seniors.
It’s been Cabiness’ calling to make her communities better.
That’s why Pittsburgh City Council proclaimed Oct. 14, 2025, as “Ashley Cabiness Day” in the City of Pittsburgh. She received a proclamation from Council, as her family and friends were there to witness this historic day for her.
In an exclusive interview, Oct. 28, Cabiness told the Courier that as she looked for resources living in Sheraden, those resources were hard to find. After all, she was a mother of four. She soon learned that the resources were there, it was just the lack of a connection to the resources that was the real problem. That’s primarily why she co-founded Westside CARES.
These days, people on the West End call her, and she connects them to resources, such as child care, food, etc.
“I have that ‘comfort face,'” Cabiness, 37, told the Courier. “People just spill all their problems to me, and at first it used to overwhelm me. But now, it’s satisfying to know that people feel comfortable and trust me enough to just come to me. I learned to be comfortable with just being that healer, that support.”