Onyx Woman Leadership Award

Lena Bryan-Henderson is our 2025 Woman of the Year. With over three decades of experience, Lena Bryan-Henderson has built a distinguished legal career defined by an unwavering commitment to advocating for indigent and social justice. Lena became the Director of Allegheny County’s Public Defender’s Office in 2024. She graduated...
Robyn Greer is a visionary entrepreneur on a mission to inspire and transform lives. She is a celebrated hairstylist, author, and visionary businesswoman who transforms challenges into triumphs. With an unwavering passion for growth and innovation, Robyn has built a legacy of resilience and creativity that inspires others to...
Tina Brewer
Tina Williams Brewer is an award-winning artist renowned for her story quilts that weave together symbolism, textiles, and fabrics to explore African-American history, generational healing, and the spirituality of her culture. With a career dedicated to storytelling through art, Brewer’s work captures the resilience, strength, and profound joy of...
Kelly McCormick
Kelly McCormick is the Vice President of Inclusion, Talent Outreach, and Engagement for Giant Eagle, one of the nation’s largest multi-format food, fuel, pharmacy, and convenience retailers. With approximately 32,000 Team Members and $10 billion in annual sales, Giant Eagle is a multi-format food, fuel, pharmacy, and convenience retailer. Kelly...
Connie Thornhill Bettis, a native of Pittsburgh, is a seasoned Financial Advisor with more than 15 years of expertise in insurance and investment management. She is dedicated to offering personalized financial planning and investment management solutions tailored to the needs of individuals, families, and small businesses. Connie graduated from Indiana...
Dr. Angelica Starkey, Manager of Diversity Projects and Workforce Development at UPMC's Center for Engagement and Inclusion, is a forward-thinking leader with more than a decade of experience in data analysis, program evaluation, and project management. Skilled in optimizing organizational efficiency, driving innovative strategies, and fostering collaboration, she specializes...
Marisol Valentin is the Executive Director for McAuley Ministries Foundation, the grantmaking arm of Pittsburgh Mercy. Established by the Sisters of Mercy, McAuley Ministries Foundation embodies the spirit of the Gospel by acting as a compassionate and transformative healing presence in the Hill District, Uptown, and West Oakland communities....
Kiva A. Fisher-Green, LCSW, is a social services and mental health professional with a rich background in social services, mental health, and community involvement. Her experiences as a breast cancer survivor have fueled Kiva A. Fisher-Green’s passion for ensuring holistic care for under-resourced populations. Kiva’s dual roles as CEO...
Rosalyn Guy-McCorkle, Esquire, was appointed County Solicitor for Allegheny County by Executive Sara Innamorato. She is the first female and the first African American to hold this position. In this position, she oversees a team of over 50 attorneys who handle legal matters for the 130 municipalities in...
Felicia M. Alexander has over 30 years of experience in public health. She is currently employed by PA Health & Wellness as the health equity specialist for Southwestern Pennsylvania. In this role, she works to enhance the quality of life for older adults by addressing social drivers of health. Felicia...
Duquesne University proudly congratulates Crystal McCormick Ware. The Onyx Woman's Network is happy to celebrate her achievements both in the workplace and in the community. Join us on Friday, May 10, 2024, as we celebrate Crystal for being a woman of influence. : https://www.duq.edu/social-impact/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/index.php
Judge Kim Berkeley Clark served as the President Judge of the 5th Judicial District of Pennsylvania (Allegheny County) from 2019 through 2023.   She is the first African American to serve as President Judge in Allegheny County.  Judge Clark serves as a judge of the Family Division, where she primarily...
National Council of Negro Women
The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is an “organization of organizations” comprised of 330 campus and community-based sections and 33 national women’s organizations. The organization enlightens, inspires, and connects more than 2,000,000 women and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and...
Dr. Deborah Phillps
Deborah Phillips, Ph.D., embarked on her professional journey in the nonprofit sector, assuming several roles, including that of an Executive Director. Additionally, she dedicated over 14 years to the health insurance industry, serving as a Marketing Representative and a Community Relations Specialist. Throughout this tenure, Dr. Phillips conceptualized diverse educational curricula...