And Still We Rise!
This year, our theme is “And Still We Rise!” We asked our honorees to reflect on how they have risen above challenges—both professionally and personally. Their responses honor the obstacles they faced, the strength they discovered, and the determination that carried them forward.
“As the Director of Food Services for Pittsburgh Schools, I was responsible for leading my department in addressing various challenges that affected our ability to serve meals to all students across the district. I ensured that my supervisor received accurate and timely information to be communicated to district leaders, staff, and the public. In addition, I ensured that my supervisory team received clear, detailed instructions to guide their staff in completing the necessary tasks to ensure that every student received their meals efficiently and safely. As President of the School Nutrition Association of Pennsylvania, I was responsible for communicating the national association’s goals and initiatives to the state’s food service board, which then relayed this information and guidance to food service directors, dietitians, vendors, and partners. Through this leadership, I helped ensure that students across Pennsylvania’s school districts received nutritious meals that met national standards. Outside of my district responsibilities, my work included chairing state conferences, serving on conference planning committees, and presenting at both state conferences and national conventions“.
Curtistine Walker
Retired Director, Food Service, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Curtistine Walker is a retired Director of Food Service for Pittsburgh Public Schools. She has served as State President of the School Nutrition Association. She was also President of the Pittsburgh Regional Food Service Directors. In addition, she was a member of the School Nutrition Association’s National Leadership Development Committee and the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association’s Elementary and Secondary Foodservice Leadership Council.
Curtistine earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education from Pennsylvania State University. She holds a Master of Education degree in Vocational Education from the University of Pittsburgh. She also received certificates from the School Nutrition Association’s Executive Management Academy at Georgetown University. In addition, she holds certifications in Early Childhood Development and Interior Design.
Professionally, she has been the recipient of the Thelma Flanagan Award of Excellence, the 2020 PA State Food Service Director of the Year, the 2021 Northeast Region Food Service Director of the Year, and the 2024 SNAPA Franco Harris Hall of Fame Award.
Personally, she has been recognized with the 2000 Community Service Award from the Business and Professional Auxiliary of the Church in the Round in Aliquippa; the 2008 Women of Distinction Award from the Pittsburgh Courier; the 2019 Mount Ararat Community Activity Center Women Creating Change Award; and the 2019 Iota Phi Foundation Business Award.
In her personal life, she has held leadership roles as a member of the Junior League of Pittsburgh; the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women, Inc.; the Women’s Achievement Club of Beaver County; the Pittsburgh Chapter of Pierians, Inc.; the National Council of Negro Women, RMVP Section; The Links, Inc., Pittsburgh Chapter; and the Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Her hobbies include event and conference planning, entertaining, baking, interior design, cosmetology, fashion coordination, singing, and arranging vocal music. She is a member of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church.
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