#USA #Pittsburgh #Advanced Leadership Institute #Carnegie Mellon #Emerging Leaders

Celebrating the Future: 2025 Emerging Leaders Program Graduates

On April 11, 2025, a significant milestone was reached as The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) and Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business (CMU) celebrated the graduation of the fourth cohort of the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). This year, 29 exceptional leaders were recognized for their remarkable achievements, illustrating the abundance of emerging talent in the Region.

The seven-month program not only provided participants with top-notch academic instruction, but also facilitated personalized mentorship and networking opportunities that addressed the distinct needs of Black professionals and their allies. This emphasis on tailored support underscores the commitment of both TALI and CMU to fostering diversity and inclusion in leadership roles.

"Congratulations to this year's graduates of the Emerging Leaders Program! This cohort has been exceptional," stated Evan Frazier, President and CEO of TALI. He expressed confidence that the skills and knowledge acquired through the program would serve these leaders well as they strive to make impactful contributions within their organizations and the broader community.

The program’s ultimate goal is to empower rising leaders by equipping them with advanced tools and resources essential for driving meaningful change. This vision aligns with the strategic focus on cultivating robust and innovative professional communities. Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou, Dean at CMU's Tepper School of Business, emphasized the importance of supporting emerging leaders, stating, "The Emerging Leaders Program is a crucial component of that strategy."

The graduation ceremony was a gathering of various supporters from the TALI and CMU networks. Among the notable attendees was TALI alumna and Advisory Board Member Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, who gave an empowering keynote address. Also in attendance was The Honorable Ed Gainey, Mayor of Pittsburgh, who offered special remarks highlighting the significance of the program in fostering leadership within the local community.

Meet the 2025 Graduates

The 2025 cohort consisted of talented individuals from various sectors, showcasing diverse roles and experiences:

• - Danai Battle - COO at 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 and Fair Banking Officer, Dollar Bank, FSB
• - John Davis - Executive Assistant, Carnegie Mellon University
• - Jesse Exilus - Deputy Solicitor, City of Pittsburgh
• - Brittany Ezell - Executive Assistant to the President, The Pittsburgh Foundation
• - Eno Frimpong - Compliance Assurance Manager, Helion
• - Rashawd Hatten - IT Governance Supervisor, Duquesne Light Company
• - Leen Huynh - Senior Software Engineer, Duolingo
• - Jennifer Kennedy - Learning Consultant, UPMC
• - Robin Kenney - Store Leader, Giant Eagle Inc.
• - Daymon Randolph - Client Solution Manager, PNC
• - Eric Twum-Barimah - Principal Scientist, Covestro

The program is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort. Aspiring leaders with three to five years of professional experience in various sectors are encouraged to apply. The syllabus is structured to educate, develop, and position professionals for advanced leadership roles in collaboration with educational institutions like the University of Pittsburgh, Robert Morris University, and Duquesne University.

TALI remains devoted to nurturing leaders from all backgrounds, emphasizing that while their programs focus on Black leaders, they are open to all qualified applicants. For additional details on application procedures, interested individuals can visit the TALI website.

Conclusion

The Advanced Leadership Institute and Carnegie Mellon University’s commitment to leadership development fosters an empowering environment for emerging talent. The Emerging Leaders Program not only highlights individual achievements but also contributes to the larger mission of enhancing community resilience through strong leadership. As these graduates embark on their future endeavors, they carry with them the knowledge and network that will equip them for success in their respective fields.