Dreamweaver Marketing Associates News and Views: DeborahAcklin

Showing posts with label DeborahAcklin. Show all posts

Friday, March 21, 2014

Human Trafficking Documentary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Laura Harwin
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
412-255-1279

Three Organizations Host Film Screening About Modern Day Slavery on March 19
Followed by a panel discussion with local experts

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 11, 2014): Human trafficking and other forms of modern day slavery are present in the United States – and even Western Pennsylvania. To bring awareness to this issue, there will be a special salon screening of “Not My Life,” the first documentary to depict the cruel and dehumanizing practices of human trafficking and modern slavery on a global scale, followed by a panel discussion on Wednesday, March 19.

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh and Bricolage Production Company have joined together to show this film in recognition of International Women’s Day. The event is supported by the Eden Hall Foundation.

The program takes place from 5-7 p.m. at Bricolage Production Company, 937 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Seating is limited, and registration is required. There is no charge for this event. Refreshments are included. To register, visit www.worldpittsburgh.org or call 412-281-7970.

Following the film screening, a panel of local experts will address “Understanding Modern Day Slavery: Pittsburgh’s Role in Finding a Solution.” Deb Acklin, President and CEO of WQED Multimedia, will serve as moderator. Panelists include Elizabeth Echevarria, CEO and Founder of Living in Liberty; Anne Rackow, Planning and Evaluation Manager of the Project to End Human Trafficking and Co-Facilitator of the Western PA Human Trafficking Coalition; and Greg Bristol, retired FBI Special Agent, featured in the film “Not My Life.”

The discussion builds on the topics of human trafficking and forced labor, among other related crimes, and the work being done on the local, national and international levels to address these issues. Who is being exploited? What are the signs? What can you do to help?

Human trafficking, domestic servitude, forced labor, and child soldiers are just a few forms of modern day slavery affecting vulnerable populations – women and children especially – around the world. While often hidden, these exploitive practices are in fact present in the United States – and even Western Pennsylvania.

International Women’s Day is dedicated to celebrating the economic, political, and social achievements of women past, present, and future. First celebrated in 1911, International Women’s Day recognizes the work for women’s rights, celebrates women's success, and reminds us of the inequities still to be redressed.
--------------------------------------
About the Partners
The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh strengthens our community by creating and advancing opportunities for all women to seek equality and self-sufficiency. We are dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of key contemporary international issues throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Bricolage Production Company immerses artists and audiences in adventurous theatrical experiences that foster connections and alter perceptions.

###

Laura Harwin
Director of Development and Marketing
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
305 Wood Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-255-1279 (phone)
412-391-5109 (fax)

lharwin@ywcapgh.org
www.ywcapgh.org

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates. Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping. Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business. www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Acklin Elected to Public TV Board

WQED's Deborah L. Acklin Elected to Board of Association of Public Television Stations and Board of Public Television Major Market Group

WQED’S DEBORAH ACKLIN ELECTED TO BOARD OF ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC TELEVISION STATIONS AND BOARD OF PUBLIC TELEVISION MAJOR MARKET GROUP

PITTSBURGH — Deborah L. Acklin, President and Chief Executive Officer of WQED Multimedia, has been elected to the Board of Trustees of the Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) and to the Board of the Public Television Major Market Group.

Ms. Acklin has served in multiple executive roles in public broadcasting, the cable television industry and commercial broadcasting. At WQED Multimedia, she manages or has managed the operations, strategies and fundraising to create original multi-platform content distributed across four television channels, three radio signals, an interactive Web-based learning channel, an interactive global media distribution portal, an education department, a publishing division, and PBS, NPR and their member stations.

Ms. Acklin’s tenure at WQED includes many achievements, including two consecutive Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards for Station Excellence, given by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences to a general manager of a commercial or public television station in Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia and New Jersey. She also helped launch the first public television channel in Bermuda (CTV).

In addition to Ms. Acklin, the newly-elected APTS trustees are: Mendy Elliott, Chair, KNPB Public Broadcasting, Reno, Nevada; Kliff Kuehl, President and Chief Executive Officer, KCPT, Kansas City, Missouri; Bert Schmidt, President and Chief Executive Officer, WHRO, Norfolk, Virginia; and Gail Mendelson Sterman, Board of Trustees, WJCT, Jacksonville, Florida.

Additionally, Ms. Acklin has been named to the Board of the Public Television Major Market Group, which meets quarterly.

Public Television Major Market Group, LLC is a leadership organization of full-service PBS stations located in the top 30 U.S. media markets and are particularly interested in building engaged and significant stations in the communities they serve. Their current Community's Agenda initiative aims at building cross-market partnerships with stations and non-profits in three subject areas.

About WQED Multimedia

WQED Multimedia has a proud history of honors, including 140 National and Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, an Academy Award, and many, many others, including two Emmy® Awards for Station Excellence. WQED was founded in 1954 as the nation’s first community-supported broadcaster. WQED changes lives by creating and sharing outstanding public media that educates, entertains, and inspires. It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED: The Neighborhood Channel; WQED: The Create Channel; WQED Showcase; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; the Pittsburgh Concert Channel at WQED-HD2 (89.3-2FM) and online at www.wqed.org/fm; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and iQ: smartmedia, WQED’s Educational initiative (www.wqed.org/edu).

About APTS

The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) is a nonprofit membership organization established in 1979. The mission of APTS is to conduct – in concert with member stations – advocacy, planning, research, communications and other activities that foster a strong and financially sound public television system providing essential public services to all Americans. Its affiliate APTS Action Inc. promotes the legislative and regulatory interests of noncommercial television stations at the national level through direct advocacy and through grasstops and grassroots campaigns designed to garner bipartisan congressional support. For more information, visit www.apts.org.
###

Friday, January 25, 2013

WQED-FM Celebrates 40th Anniversary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 22, 2013

CONTACT:
George Hazimanolis
412-622-1366
ghazimanolis@wqed.org

Maria Pisano
412-622-1459
mpisano@wqed.org

CLASSICAL RADIO STATION CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY AS
“THE VOICE OF THE ARTS IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA”
Classical WQED-FM 89.3 in Pittsburgh Kicks-Off Yearlong
40th Anniversary Festivities on Friday, January 25, 2013

It was said best by Goethe: "Men are so inclined to content themselves with what is commonest; the spirit and the senses so easily grow dead to the impressions of the beautiful and perfect, that every one should study, by all methods, to nourish in mind the faculty of feeling these things ... for this reason, one ought every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words." Ladies and Gentlemen, such is the purpose of WQED-FM." -- Leland Hazard, Honorary Chairman of the WQED Board, Noon, January 25, 1973

PITTSBURGH—On January 25, 2013 Classical WQED-FM 89.3 will kick-off the yearlong celebration of its 40th anniversary as “The voice of the arts in western Pennsylvania.”

“For forty years Classical WQED-FM 89.3 has broadcast the region’s finest musical and artistic performances to the community free of charge,” said Deborah L. Acklin, WQED President and Chief Executive Officer. “In return for this service WQED has been fortunate to have so many of our listeners and neighbors consistently support our efforts to be the voice of the arts in western Pennsylvania at a time when funding for and access to fine arts have been challenged.”

From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, January 25, WQED-FM 89.3 will broadcast its annual “birthday” celebration in recognition of its fortieth anniversary. The broadcast will include a look back at the year 1973, well wishes from members of the community and a ticket giveaway for the premiere of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s 2013-2014 Season with Mozart’s Symphony No. 40.

A television special called, WQED-FM 40th Anniversary Celebration will be broadcast LIVE the following day on Saturday, January 26 from 8 – 11 p.m. on WQED-TV and simulcast on Classical WQED-FM 89.3. Special performances and interviews will be heard from local groups and musical greats including: Chatham Baroque; Pittsburgh Children’s Festival Chorus; Mendelssohn Choir; Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Brass; Noah Bendix-Balgley, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Violinist and Concertmaster; Sarah Botkin, soprano soloist; Sasha Voinov, teen pianist and composer and many more. Interviews with the station’s founder Ceci Sommers, archival footage, and pictures and appearances from the station’s on-air talent including Artistic Director and QED Morning Show host Jim Cunningham will round out the program. Viewers are asked to share their celebratory messages and feedback on social media using hashtag #WQEDFM40.

Broadcasting 24-hours-a-day from both WQED’s Oakland headquarters on Fifth Avenue and in the afternoons and evenings from the Carolyn M. Byham Studio in downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, WQED-FM 89.3 provides quality programming through its radio stations including: Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown, and WQED-HD2 (89.3-2FM).

WQED provides local coverage of music and the arts from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday including Performance in Pittsburgh with Stephen Baum heard Fridays at 7:00 p.m. National classical program favorites From the Top with Christopher O’Riley, A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor and Sunday Baroque can be heard on the weekend. For a full schedule of Classical WQED-FM 89.3’s programming visit wqed.org/fm.

Classical WQED-FM 89.3 is the official broadcaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Heard on more than 100 classical stations nationwide, Pittsburgh Symphony Radio is produced in partnership with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and WQED consisting of 26 two-hour programs hosted by WQED-FM 89.3’s Jim Cunningham. Cunningham is in his 25th year as executive producer and host of Pittsburgh Symphony Radio now celebrating its 31st anniversary. WQED has had a long-term on-air relationship with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in regular series or specials since the television station went on the air in 1954 and WQED-FM 89.3 has been showcasing the Orchestra since it went on the air in 1973.

WQED-HD, the Pittsburgh Concert Channel signed on in spring of 2012 and is a partnership between the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and WQED. On HD Radio and online at wqed.org/fm, the Pittsburgh Concert Channel broadcasts archived local performances from Pittsburgh Symphony Radio, and select concerts from Chatham Baroque, CMU School of Music, and other local orchestras; it will also be adding more performances from local arts groups to its roster. All three stations offer classical and fine arts and cultural programs for the region, allowing listeners to hear live and recorded classical performances and learn the latest arts news from around the world.

Listeners can join the conversation and follow updates from Classical WQED-FM 89.3 on Facebook® and Twitter® at @WQEDFM.

WQED Pittsburgh has a proud history of honors, including 134 National and Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, an Academy Award, and many, many others, including two Emmy® Awards for Station Excellence. WQED was founded in 1954 as the nation’s first community-supported broadcaster. The people of WQED create, produce and distribute quality programs, products and services to engage, inform, educate and entertain the public within their community and around the world. It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED: The Neighborhood Channel; WQED: The Create Channel; WQED Showcase; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; the Pittsburgh Concert Channel at WQED-HD2 (89.3-2FM) and online at www.wqed.org/fm; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and iQ: smartmedia, WQED’s Educational initiative (www.wqed.org/edu).

| WQED-FM 89.3 | website

Monday, January 14, 2013

Musical Kids Classical Music Competition

MUSICAL KIDS CLASSICAL MUSIC COMPETITION
FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

ANNOUNCED BY CLASSICAL WQED-FM 89.3

PITTSBURGH—Classical WQED-FM 89.3 is pleased to announce Musical Kids, a classical music competition for middle school students in grades six to eight.

“As the voice of the arts in western Pennsylvania, Classical WQED-FM 89.3 wants to showcase our region’s talented youth“, said Deborah L. Acklin, President and Chief Executive Officer of WQED Multimedia. “We believe that classical music education is essential to appreciating the arts and hope that Musical Kids provides encouragement and recognition for developing musicians, vocalists and artists locally.”

Between January 7 and February 22, 2013 WQED is accepting audio entries for consideration in the following categories:
• Instrumental Soloist
• Vocal Soloist

Entries may be mailed on CD to:
ATTN: Musical Kids
WQED Multimedia
4802 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2942

Official Contest Rules, entry form and additional information are available at www.wqed.org/musicalkids. Questions may be directed to musicalkids@wqed.org, no phone calls please.

Funding for Musical Kids is made possible by a grant from the Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation.

PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest

WQED PITTSBURGH ANNOUNCES ANNUAL PBS KIDS GO! WRITERS CONTEST

Pittsburgh Area Kids in Grades K-3 Encouraged to Submit Original Stories

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 10, 2013

CONTACT:

George Hazimanolis

412-622-1366

ghazimanolis@wqed.org

Maria Pisano

412-622-1459

mpisano@wqed.org

WQED PITTSBURGH ANNOUNCES ANNUAL PBS KIDS GO! WRITERS CONTEST

Pittsburgh Area Kids in Grades K-3 Encouraged to Submit Original Stories

PITTSBURGH – Today, WQED announced its annual PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest, designed to promote the advancement of children’s literacy skills through hands-on, active learning. Also partnering with WQED this year are Penn State Public Broadcasting (WPSU) which serves central Pennsylvania and West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB). The Contest, made possible by financial support from EQT Corporation, encourages children in grades K-3 to celebrate creativity by submitting their own original stories and illustrations.

“WQED is committed to providing fun opportunities for Pittsburgh-area kids to express their creativity,” said Deborah L. Acklin, President and CEO, WQED. “The PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest helps children across southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond to build valuable literacy skills for success in school and life.”

How the Contest Works

Beginning January 14, 2013, children in southwestern and central Pennsylvania, as well as throughout West Virginia, can submit their entries to the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest. WQED will select local winners and award prizes, including the opportunity to record their winning story to be broadcast on Saturday Light Brigade (SLB) Radio in the spring of 2013.

WQED will send its list of winners to the national contest where a panel of esteemed judges will rank the top 12 entries. National winners will be announced during the summer of 2013 and the winning stories will be featured on pbskids.org/writerscontest.

The national winners will receive prizes, including tablets, e-readers and MP3 players. Additionally, Highlights for Children has joined the Contest as a new promotional partner and all participants will have the option to receive a print or digital version of Highlights magazine. In 2012, two students from WQED’s regional contest were recognized as 2nd place winners in the national Contest. To learn more about these and all of WQED’s past winners click here.

Contest Kick-Off Events

WQED will host several kick-off events for the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest in January:

• Wednesday, January 16

9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Squirrel Hill Carnegie Library

5801 Forbes Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15217

100 students from Pittsburgh Colfax K-8 and St. Edmund’s Academy will join their teachers and the public for: a video expose from the 2012 contest winners; story teller Sydell Pearl; PBS costume character Curious George; and eight literacy learning stations.

• Wednesday, January 30

10 a.m. – Noon

Hill District Carnegie Library

2177 Centre Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

80 students from Pittsburgh Weil PreK-8 will join their teachers and the public for: a video expose from the 2012 contest winners; story teller Sydell Pearl; PBS costume character; and eight literacy learning stations.

PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest Honorary Judges

A panel of America's foremost children's authors, illustrators and content experts will serve as honorary judges for the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest. The 2013 honorary judges include:

• Lisa Henson: As Chief Executive Officer of The Jim Henson Company, Henson serves as an executive producer of Sid the Science Kid and Dinosaur Train, both currently airing daily on PBS KIDS, and Pajanimals, a musical puppet series airing daily on Sprout.

• Jeff Kinney: As a New York Times bestselling author, online game developer and designer, Kinney has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. His seventh book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel, is the biggest print book of 2012. His book series has over 83 million in print worldwide, translated into more than 40 languages. He spent his childhood in the Washington, D.C., area and moved to New England in 1995. Jeff lives in southern Massachusetts with his wife and their two sons.

• Kate Klimo: As Vice President and Publisher of the Random House/Golden Books Group, she has been responsible for extending the Seuss brand into new formats including board and novelty books, and publishing non-fiction celebrations of Dr. Seuss's life and works. Klimo has nearly 30 years of experience at Random House; more than 15 of them spent working on All Things Seuss. She is also the production executive of The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That! Kate is the author of many books for young readers, including 12 titles in the Cat in the Hat's Learning Library series. She has also written for young adults (The Centauriad Series) and has a new series for children, Dog Diaries, launching in January 2013.

• Jarrett Krosoczka: Two-time winner of the Third to Fourth Grade Book of the Year in the Children’s Choice Book Awards, author and illustrator for sixteen published books – ten picture books and six graphic novels. He has seen his work recommended by national publications like Newsweek, The New York Times and USA Today. His Punk Farm and Lunch Lady series are also in development to be feature films.

• Susan Meddaugh: Author and illustrator of Martha Speaks, the best-selling book series, as well as a creative producer of the award-winning PBS KIDS series of the same name. Susan grew up in New Jersey, studied art and illustration, and now lives in Massachusetts with her family — including her dogs of course.

• R.L. Stine: As one of the best-selling children's authors in history, he has sold over 350 million books that have been read all over the world including Goosebumps - one of the best-selling children’s series of all-time. R.L. lives in New York City with his wife Jane and his dog Minnie.

Creative Writing Resources

The Contest is supported by a robust set of resources for children, parents and teachers. Story ideas, activity sheets, and previous winning entries are available on the Contest website to inspire children during the brainstorming process. PBS LearningMedia is also offering a collection of online teacher resources for use in classrooms nationwide.

To enter the Contest and for more information on entry rules and contest resources visit www.writeonkids.org.

About WQED Pittsburgh

WQED Pittsburgh has a proud history of honors, including 134 National and Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, an Academy Award, and many, many others, including two Emmy® Awards for Station Excellence. WQED was founded in 1954 as the nation’s first community-supported broadcaster. The people of WQED create, produce and distribute quality programs, products and services to engage, inform, educate and entertain the public within their community and around the world. It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED: The Neighborhood Channel; WQED: The Create Channel; WQED Showcase; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; the Pittsburgh Concert Channel at WQED-HD2 (89.3-2FM) and online at www.wqed.org/fm; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and iQ: smartmedia, WQED’s Educational initiative (www.wqed.org/edu)

About EQT Corporation

EQT Corporation is an integrated energy company with emphasis on Appalachian area natural gas production, gathering, transmission, and distribution. EQT is the general partner and majority equity owner of EQT Midstream Partners, LP. With more than 120 years of experience, EQT continues to be a leader in the use of advanced horizontal drilling technology – designed to minimize the potential impact of drilling-related activities and reduce the overall environmental footprint. Through safe and responsible operations, the Company is committed to meeting the country’s growing demand for clean-burning energy, while continuing to provide a rewarding workplace and enrich the communities where its employees live and work. Company shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange as EQT. Visit EQT Corporation at www.EQT.com.

About Penn State Public Broadcasting

Penn State Public Broadcasting serves central Pennsylvania with programming, educational services and community outreach. Its public media services produce, acquire and distribute programs that address local interests and reflect the diverse cultural, political, geographic and demographic characteristics of an audience within central Pennsylvania.

About West Virginia Public Broadcasting

West Virginia Public Broadcasting nurtures personal growth, promotes civic responsibility and inspires lifelong discovery through high-quality programming and services. West Virginia Public Radio, West Virginia PBS, wvpubcast.org and Ready To Learn® are all services of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

The Friends of West Virginia Public Broadcasting is a 501(c)3 organization responsible for receiving donated funds from individuals for annual membership to West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Friends serve as ambassadors in their communities on behalf of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

All of the licenses for West Virginia Public Broadcasting are held by the West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Authority, an agency of the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts, Kay Goodwin, Secretary.

About Saturday Light Brigade

SLB Radio Productions, Inc. (SLB) uses radio and audio to encourage, amplify, share and archive the ideas, stories, and feelings of children, youth and families. SLB believes in radio and audio because these technologies enable a sense of intimacy, engagement and self-directed imagination that is often lacking in other media, while also promoting opportunities for privacy (given that children need not be photographed), equal access (audio has fewer barriers for participation than other media), and sharpening of important life skills (i.e., speaking and listening, imagination, creative expression, and critical thinking, respect for others, confidence and cooperation, and technical curiosity).

About PBS KIDS GO!

PBS KIDS GO! offers early elementary children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online and community-based programs. For more information on specific PBS KIDS GO! content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit PBS.org/pressroom, join our community online on Twitter and Facebook, or visit PBSKIDSGO.org.

About Easy Student Publishing

Meet writing standards and motivate students using book-making tools and resources from Easy Student Publishing. With Classbook and Storybook options, free programs, online or mail-in production and expert resources, we have publishing solutions designed for educators. Enhance curriculum, support literacy and promote creativity. Every student can be a published author!

About Highlights for Children, Inc. (www.Highlights.com)

Devoted to "Fun with a Purpose," family media brand Highlights for Children, Inc. has helped children become their best selves for generations. Its flagship publication, Highlights magazine, the most recognizable and widely read children's magazine in the nation, has printed more than a billion copies. Other Highlights offerings include a version for younger children, High Five magazine; a new magazine for babies and their caregivers, Highlights Hello magazine; Highlights for Children book clubs; and mobile applications like My First Hidden Pictures. Highlights can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at its blog for thoughtful parents, Highlights Aha. Corporate offices are in Columbus, Ohio, and editorial offices are in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Fun with a Purpose, Goofus and Gallant, and Hidden Pictures are trademarks of Highlights for Children, Inc.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Rick Sebak Celebrates 25 Year Anniversary

RICK SEBAK CELEBRATES 25 YEARS AT WQED PITTSBURGH
Specials, contests and an app to honor Pittsburgh's favorite documentarian this November

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 12, 2012

CONTACT:
George Hazimanolis
412-622-1366
ghazimanolis@wqed.org

RICK SEBAK CELEBRATES 25 YEARS AT WQED PITTSBURGH
Specials, contests and an app to honor Pittsburgh’s favorite documentarian this November

PITTSBURGH --WQED will honor popular producer Rick Sebak with special programming, contests and an app this November for 25 years of documenting all things Pittsburgh.

“Rick Sebak is Pittsburgh. His ability to show us the best our region has to offer makes everyone proud to call this place home,” said Deborah L. Acklin, WQED’s President and CEO. “WQED is truly fortunate to have someone who loves and appreciates this city as much as our viewers do.”

WQED will air the following programs by and about Rick Sebak in November:

On Sunday, November 18 at noon on WQED-TV watch It’s Pittsburgh & A Lot of Other Stuff: Best of Season One and revisit the people, places and things Rick covered during the show’s first season in 2010.

On Monday, November 26 at 7:30 p.m. on WQED-TV producer Pierina Morelli profiles Rick with a new EXPERIENCE episode.

• What Makes Rick Tick?
Rick Sebak’s award-winning documentaries have entertained and educated local and national viewers for 25 years. Take a look at Rick’s history, his memorable programs and some of the stories behind them, hear about what inspires him, and hear from his colleagues and fans as they share their thoughts on his appealing and timeless body of work.

Sebak himself also produced a new documentary for the occasion called, 25 Things I Like About Pittsburgh that premieres Thursday, November 29 at 8 p.m. on WQED-TV.

• 25 Things I Like About Pittsburgh
Rick’s newest documentary to celebrate his 25th anniversary at WQED looks at 25 things he likes about Pittsburgh – not his top 25, just 25 aspects of living here that surprise and delight him and make him happy to be a Pittsburgher. “Because the word ‘I’ is in the title, I’m allowing myself to be a bit more personal,” said Rick recently. “I’m trying to cover an assortment of stuff from retaining walls and short cuts to the love that people feel for their houses and neighborhoods. Of course, we’ll also celebrate fish sandwiches at Emil’s in Rankin and other tasty treats.” This program was underwritten in part by The Buhl Foundation and PNC.

The program will also be streamed LIVE from 8-9 p.m. at www.wqed.org and encore Friday, November 30 at 1 a.m. and Sunday, December 2 at noon on WQED-TV. Viewers are invited to let WQED know what they think of the specials, share what their favorite Sebak programs or congratulate Rick by using hashtag #SEBAK25 with posts and tweets on Facebook® and Twitter®. Those with mobile phones can participate in register-to-win DVD giveaways and receive special messages regarding the anniversary by texting SEBAK25 to 94253.

This past summer Rick’s image became a local icon of sorts when it went viral with an iPhone application called Yinztagram that took iconic Pittsburgh images like a Primanti’s sandwich, the Duquesne Incline and Rick’s torso and made it possible to “add a little Pittsburgh to your photos.” For a limited time, WQED is partnering with Matt Pegula (who developed the app) to offer new images of Rick for Yinztagram users. The new images include one of Rick donning a Santa suit and picture of Rick eating a plate of breakfast food while shooting his latest PBS special called Breakfast Special 2: Revenge of the Omelets, which premieres on stations nationwide (and on WQED-TV) Tuesday, December 25 (Christmas Day) at 8 p.m.

Since 1987, Rick has produced more than 50 local and national television programs about Pittsburgh, the surrounding area and numerous All-American subjects like amusement parks, cemeteries, farmers markets, hot dogs, and ice cream. A native of Bethel Park, Rick was nominated for two prime-time Emmy® Awards for his work on Fred Rogers: America’s Favorite Neighbor. He has received numerous local awards and recognitions, including ten regional Emmy® Awards and an honorary doctorate from Seton Hill University.

All the programs in the Pittsburgh History Series, It’s Pittsburgh & A Lot Of Other Stuff: Best of Season One, and 25 Things I Like About Pittsburgh are available on DVD from SHOP WQED by calling 1-800-274-1307 or online at www.shopwqed.org.

WQED Pittsburgh has a proud history of honors, including 134 National and Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, an Academy Award, and many, many others, including two Emmy® Awards for Station Excellence. WQED was founded in 1954 as the nation’s first community-supported broadcaster. The people of WQED create, produce and distribute quality programs, products and services to engage, inform, educate and entertain the public within their community and around the world. WQED Pittsburgh is one of the first broadcasters in the country to be fully high-definition (HD) in its studio and field production capabilities. It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED: The Neighborhood Channel; WQED: The Create Channel; WQED Showcase; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; the Pittsburgh Concert Channel at WQED-HD2 (89.3-2FM) and online at www.wqed.org/fm; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and iQ: smartmedia, WQED’s Educational initiative (www.wqed.org/edu).

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

WQED Awarded Major Grants

WQED RECEIVES MAJOR GRANTS FROM PNC FOUNDATION AND HEINZ ENDOWMENTS

Funding will support August Wilson documentary to air on PBS

PITTSBURGH – WQED Multimedia has been awarded major grants from the PNC Foundation to support production and educational outreach and from The Heinz Endowments to support production of a national documentary on the life and work of Pittsburgh native and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson.

August Wilson: The Ground On Which I Stand will be a 90-minute high-definition television documentary and the first in-depth exploration of the life, work and cultural impact of the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning African American playwright and Pittsburgh native (1945 – 2005). The program will be a co-production of WQED and the PBS series American Masters and will air in late 2014.

PNC Foundation and The Heinz Endowments join the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in supporting this major national documentary.

“WQED has successfully reflected the American experience through its documentaries,” said Eva Blum, president and chair of the PNC Foundation. “We welcome the opportunity to work with them again as they explore the life of August Wilson and his dramatic depiction of African American heritage.”

Janet Sarbaugh, the Endowments’ senior program director for Arts & Culture, noted that the vital setting of Pittsburgh for all of Wilson’s plays also should be reflected in the production of his life story. “August Wilson once wrote ‘I left Pittsburgh but Pittsburgh never left me,’ We all share great pride that Pittsburgh was home to this treasured American artist, ” Sarbaugh said, “and it is fitting that his hometown provides support for his story to be told.”

“This documentary will be the definitive story of the most prolific playwright of the last half of the 20th century,” said Deborah L. Acklin, president and chief executive officer of WQED.

“We are deeply honored that two Pittsburgh foundations, PNC Foundation and The Heinz Endowments, will be a major part of this project. PNC has partnered with WQED in the past to promote projects that educate and enlighten children and families, and this documentary will expand that educational initiative to the entire country. The Heinz Endowments have provided major support to WQED for many years will support production of the documentary. ”

August Wilson was a Pittsburgh native who grew up in the Hill District. From the 1980s into the first decade of the 21st century, he was the most produced playwright both on Broadway and in regional theaters, creating his unprecedented ten-play Century Cycle, all but one of which take place in Pittsburgh. The series chronicles the economic, historical, social, and spiritual life of African Americans through each decade of the 20th century.

“This is the story not only of one man, but also of his success in putting the lives of ordinary, yet complex people on the national stage. It is a quintessential Pittsburgh story and we are delighted to have Heinz Endowments as a funder for the production and PNC Foundation as a partner to support the production and enhance the educational opportunities in the project,” said Darryl Ford Williams, vice president of content at WQED.

About WQED Multimedia
WQED Multimedia has a proud history of honors, including 134 National and Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, an Academy Award, and many, many others, including two Emmy® Awards for Station Excellence. WQED was founded in 1954 as the nation’s first community-supported broadcaster. The people of WQED create, produce and distribute quality programs, products and services to engage, inform, educate and entertain the public within their community and around the world. WQED Pittsburgh is one of the first broadcasters in the country to be fully high-definition (HD) in its studio and field production capabilities. It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED: The Neighborhood Channel; WQED: The Create Channel; WQED Showcase; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; the Pittsburgh Concert Channel at WQED-HD2 (89.3-2FM) and online at www.wqed.org/fm; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and iQ: smartmedia, WQED’s Educational initiative (www.wqed.org/edu).

About PNC Foundation
The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group (NYSE: PNC), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through Grow Up Great, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a $350 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life.

About The Heinz Endowments
The Heinz Endowments supports efforts to make southwestern Pennsylvania a premier place to live and work, a center for learning and educational excellence, and region that embraces diversity and inclusion. Its mission is to help southwestern Pennsylvania thrive economically, ecologically, educationally and culturally, while advancing the state of knowledge and practice in the foundation’s fields of emphasis. These include philanthropy in general and the disciplines represented by five grant-making programs: Arts & Culture; Children, Youth & Families; Community & Economic Development; Education; and Environment.

# # #

Monday, October 8, 2012

WQED Presents New Television Season with conversation@WQED

WQED KICKS OFF TELEVISION SEASON WITH NEW NIGHTLY LOCAL PROGRAMMING
New to the lineup: conversation@WQED with Host Michael Bartley

PITTSBURGH – WQED kicks off the new television season beginning the week of October 8 with returning programs Experience Mondays at 7:30 pm; Horizons Tuesdays at 7:30 pm; Pittsburgh 360 Thursdays at 7:30 pm; and 480 2Fridays at 7:30 pm; and Filmmakers Corner Saturdays at 10 pm..
New to the local lineup this season is conversation@WQED, which will be seen Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. Hosted by Emmy-Award winning journalist Michael Bartley, conversation@WQED is a live, weekly discussion program focusing on topical issues. Guests will include local, regional and national newsmakers, community leaders, authors, educators, entertainers, athletes and more. Early guest bookings include racing legend Chip Ganassi and Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Linda Lane. The televised program will also have a highly interactive component, through which viewers can interact using new media such as Twitter conversations and text polling.

Chip Ganassi will be the first guest on conversation@WQED on October 8 at 7:30 pm. Ganassi is an auto racing industry legend who calls Pittsburgh home and has been a fixture in the auto racing industry for over 30 years. He is considered one of the most successful as well as innovative owners in the sport.
“conversation@WQED is a new program that adds additional variety to our lineup of local programming,” said Deborah L. Acklin, President and Chief Executive Officer of WQED Multimedia.

“We’ve dedicated many years of effort to producing local shows that feature people in our community, shows that take the time to delve into issues, and shows that showcase the good things that are happening in southwestern Pennsylvania. Thanks to our members, the local foundation community, and loyal companies that underwrite our programming, we are able to produce and air a full schedule of locally-produced shows on WQED, more than any other PBS station in the country.”

WQED’s lineup of local programming for the first half of the 2012 – 2013 season includes:
Experience – Monday at 7:30 pm
October 8 – Pittsburgh’s Next Renaissance: Downtown Living.
Pittsburgh has often been named the nation's most livable city, but would you consider living downtown? Downtown Pittsburgh is in the midst of another major transformation and for the first time ever housing is a key part of the plans. WQED's Tonia Caruso explores this growing real estate trend, introduces people who live Downtown and shows the places they call home. From the practical to the posh, you might be surprised at what's available and what it means to the future of Pittsburgh.

October 15 – Woodworkers of Western Pennsylvania
They design furniture, craft sculpture and create fine collectibles. WQED takes you inside the studios and showrooms of Ron Layport, Tadao Arimoto and Thad Mosley to show how their special talent of blending art and nature results in some of the most fascinating woodwork around the region - and the world.

October 22 – Squirrel Hill in a Nutshell
Squirrel Hill is not only Pittsburgh's largest city neighborhood but also one of the most complex. In a time of declining city population, Squirrel Hill has grown. It has become the Pittsburgh's own Ellis Island, a mecca for varied ethnic groups moving to Pittsburgh, and home to the most unusual restaurants and stores in town. It's also becoming a model for city living. There's so much to see - in only 30 minutes, but you'll enjoy Squirrel Hill in a nutshell.

October 29 – Attachment Parenting
The Mommy Blogosphere was abuzz when Time magazine asked "Are you Mom Enough?" That question was accompanied by a provocative cover photo of a mother breast feeding her three year old toddler. "Attachment Parenting" is a practice that commonly includes: breast feeding into the toddler years, baby wearing, responding quickly to baby's cries, and for some parents co-sleeping with their infants and toddlers. WQED goes inside the homes of three families who practice Attachment Parenting, while exploring the philosophy and showing where it fits into the lives and realities facing parents today.

November 5 – Never a Spectator: The Political Life of Elsie Hillman
At a time when the electorate is clearly divided, even angry, WQED's Michael Bartley brings you the story of a Pittsburgh political giant who spent 40 years working both sides of the political aisle. Michael brings viewers a candid interview with Elsie Hillman, and takes viewers to an exclusive University of Pittsburgh gala, where political leaders and celebrities lauded her voice of reason, compromise, and friendship.

November 12 – Rose’s Garden: Surviving My Mother’s Mental Illness
Rose Clancy plants gardens in urban areas that could use green space. Her work brings beauty to the neighborhoods, but it also brings healing to Rose. She was raised by a mother who suffered from mental illness, and now Rose's gardens are helping her cope with memories of a troubled childhood, while raising awareness of an issue that impacts millions. This documentary focuses on how mental illness affects not only the person with the illness, but everyone in the family.

November 19 – Tamburitzans 75 Year Anniversary
Travel with the world-renowned Tamburitzans on the road and behind-the-scenes.The "Tammies" have delighted audiences for over 75 years as they perform, preserve and perpetuate the cultural heritages of Eastern Europe and its neighbors. WQED explores the legacy of the country's longest-running live stage show, and one of Pittsburgh's cultural gems.

November 26 – What Makes Rick Tick?
Rick Sebak is a Pittsburgh treasure whose award-winning documentaries have entertained and educated local and national viewers for 25 years. As he celebrates this anniversary at WQED, we look back at Rick's memorable programs and hear about the stories behind them. Rick talks about his inspiration as a filmmaker, while colleagues and fans share their thoughts on Rick's appealing and timeless body of work.
Horizons – Tuesday at 7:30 pm

October 9 – Hunger: Our Hidden Crisis
This special series on hunger and food insecurity in our region is made possible by a grant from Highmark. The series will be featured on Horizons and Pittsburgh 360, and include a televised town hall meeting.

October 16 - The Million Man March: 17 Years Later
In 1995 Minister Louis Farrakhan called one million black men to a march in the nation's capitol. Some estimates say that 1.8 million men came. Standing on the capitol steps Farrakhan cajoled those present to return home and become leaders in their communities, to establish businesses, take care of their families, and to stop the violence that results when one black man turns a weapon on another. Seventeen years later we look at the anniversary of that Million Man March to see what the Nation of Islam is doing in Pittsburgh to fulfill that pledge.

October 23 - Homewood is My Harlem
Vanessa German is an award winning performance poet actress and sculptor. She's had exhibits mounted at The Warhol, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, and the August Wilson Center. Vanessa currently resides in the Homewood section of the city where she has established the love porch for kids to create art in the summer months, and reclaimed an abandoned home near her own, turning it into what she calls "The Art House." Come visit with Vanessa who say there is a great deal of overlooked culture where she lives. It is why she proclaims, "Homewood Is My Harlem.”

October 30 – Pittsburgh Literacy Council. A look at this organization, which teaches English as a second language.
November 6 - The Yanlai Dance Academy
Chosen from more than 7000 candidate Yanlai Wu was trained in classical Chinese dance at the Beijing Dance Academy. She came to America and established herself as the reigning ballerina for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater. Now she has established the Yanlai Dance Academy in Pittsburgh's North Hills and is training the future prima ballerina's of America.
November 13 – Nazi Olympics. How the 1936 Berlin Olympics started out as a propaganda display for Nazi Germany.

conversation@WQED – Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
Guests will be announced as they are scheduled.

Pittsburgh 360 – Thursdays at 7:30 pm
October 11 – Hunger: Our Hidden Crisis. An overview of the problem of hunger in the Pittsburgh region followed by a televised Town Hall meeting from the Fred Rogers Studio at WQED at 8 pm.
October 18 – One Young World.
One Young World is coming to one of the most livable cities in America – and in this Pittsburgh 360 segment, viewers will be introduced to the One Young World organization, its mission, and its impact around the globe. The segment will preview the 2012 Summit; hear from local organizers; and meet Pittsburgh-based delegates. In an exclusive interview with Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, this story also highlights why Pittsburgh was chosen as the host city; and reveals why our city’s own vibrancy and progress provides the perfect backdrop for an organization dedicated to positive change, innovation, and leadership.
October 25 – Portrayal & Perception: African American Men & Boys. This series continues from last season with how people are “teaching success” to young African American men. The Portrayal & Perception project is made possible by a grant from The Heinz Endowments.
4802 – Fridays at 7:30 pm
WQED’s popular Friday evening program that re-caps the news of the week continues with Host Chris Moore and regular guests Bill Green, Lynn Cullen, Valerie McDonald Roberts, and Heather Heidelbaugh.
Filmmakers Corner – Saturdays at 10 pm

Portions of interviews with filmmakers featured on the program will be available at WQED Interactive at www.wqed.org.

October 6 - The season kicks off with a visit from Mitch Lieb, executive director of the Reel Q, Pittsburgh's LGBT Film Festival which runs from October 12 through the 21st. Festival highlights and history are discussed and we get a peek at trailers from some of Reel Q's most anticipated films. Also, Nina Gibbs and Kahmeela Adams, co-producers of the Pittsburgh edition of the 48 Film Project. Nina and Kahmeela talk about what it takes to put together a complete film in just 48 hours. The episode will also feature the Projects big winners as well as audience favorites.

October 20 - Artist Frank Ferraro and singer John Vento were born only hours apart in a local hospital. Fate reunited them for the documentary Wine and Dust, with Frank acting as writer/director/producer and John serving as executive producer and inspiration. Wine and Dust is a honest look at the lives of a group of local musicians and the toll their passions have taken on their personal relationships.

WQED Pittsburgh has a proud history of honors, including 134 National and Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, an Academy Award, and many, many others, including two Emmy® Awards for Station Excellence. WQED was founded in 1954 as the nation’s first community-supported broadcaster. The people of WQED create, produce and distribute quality programs, products and services to engage, inform, educate and entertain the public within their community and around the world. WQED Pittsburgh is one of the first broadcasters in the country to be fully high-definition (HD) in its studio and field production capabilities. It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED: The Neighborhood Channel; WQED: The Create Channel; WQED Showcase; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; the Pittsburgh Concert Channel at WQED-HD2 (89.3-2FM) and online at www.wqed.org/fm; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and iQ: smartmedia, WQED’s Educational initiative (www.wqed.org/edu).

# # #

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Linda Handley Inspires with A Collection of Female Triumphs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Linda Handley – Building Bridges for Business – Founder - featured in a book about empowered entrepreneurs.

Inspired Entrepreneurs: A Collection of Female Triumphs in Business and Life. A collection of 22 inspirational stories of women who have life-changing inspirational stories of stepping out of their comfort zones and following their dreams.

About Linda Handley

Entrepreneur Author Business Advisor Real Estate Investor

Linda Handley has made it her mission to help others and improve the lives of those around her, often through creative and unconventional means going beyond volunteering and donating to her favorite charities. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, where she received both her BS and a Masters in Health Administration, she began working in informational technology at a leading medical center with likeminded people, while devoting her free time to working with non-profit organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club.

Growing up in Hershey, Pennsylvania as the older of two children, Linda and her family enjoyed a close relationship and she experienced a traditional childhood where she learned strong values and a deep sense of caring for others from her parents. To this day, she sees how these formative years have continued to shape and guide her, both professionally and personally.

Linda happily worked as a healthcare administration professional for years before she began to see a shift in the environment of the company. As the focus become more about the bottom line, she noticed profit-driven attitudes replacing the philanthropic and genuine feel that had previously been the atmosphere. Just as she saw this shift, her father was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. While traveling home to be with him every other weekend, and still maintaining a full time schedule at work, including a busy travel schedule, Linda experienced a moment of awakening. She realized that her job was no longer fulfilling her emotional and charitable needs and that she needed something else in her life to do so.

In December 2007 after much soul searching and contemplation, she formed Marlin Property Management, a real estate investment company. With a focus on urban restoration, including purchasing homes, renovating and leasing them, Linda and her business partner began their first project, restoring a 100 year old home. After construction and renovations, emails from the happy tenants of Marlin’s first project still provide Linda with happiness.

Throughout the time of forming Marlin and renovating the first home, Linda stayed on at her corporate job. Finally, after being told that her department needed to strip millions from their budget in order to post a profit, she approached her business partner and began to develop a plan to leave her job and focus solely on real estate and other charitable endeavors.

Now a fully self-employed entrepreneur, Linda is focusing her time and her talents on the projects that mean the most to her. The property management company continues to improve urban homes and provide great places for people to live – affordably. In 2009 she published a children’s book written by her father, Squeeky and Louie, a childhood favorite of hers. Proceeds from the book go to the American Cancer Society.

Linda’s moving journey is featured in the book Inspired Entrepreneurs: A Collection of Female Triumphs in Life and Business. Published in May 2010, the book highlights successful female entrepreneurs and their professional as well as personal voyages. Linda’s chapter focuses on how she was able to leverage her professional experience into a career that is aligned with her personal values and what she sees as her life work. From July 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010, proceeds from the book will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

While continuing her real estate investment work, Linda launched Building Bridges for Business. This non-profit Building Bridges for Business brings together our regions wealth of Small Business resources, tools, and organizations. www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org. Building Bridges partners with many of the organizations in the region. Building Bridges for Business will further advance economic development in Allegheny County.

Linda assumed the role of Executive Director for Women’s Small Business Association, a professional group with over 700+ members in seven counties in Western Pennsylvania in 2009 and 2010. Linda also volunteers with the non-profit organization Medals for Mettle, where marathoner runners award their finisher’s medals to others who have demonstrated similar mettle, or courage. Medals4Mettle celebrates our collective human courage, and our innate desire to reward and support each other as we all face life’s challenges.

Linda was recently nominated for Pittsburgh Woman of the Year – Community Service for her contribution to organizations and non-profits. She lives in Western Pennsylvania where she enjoys empowering and educating fellow entrepreneurs.

About the Book

This book is a collection of stories about regular women. Each of them dared to step out in courage to follow her passion, and ventured to change her world.

Meet The Inspired Entrepreneurs:

Chapter 1: Finding Your Passion while Paying the Bills
Debra Dion Krischke, Wexford, PA

When her business was rocked by 9/11, this serial entrepreneur found a new passion in raising money for women’s initiatives. Her company now raises money for women and girls worldwide.

Chapter 10: Meaningful Doesn’t Have to be Difficult
Beth Caldwell, Pittsburgh, PA

Trying to change the world as a social worker wasn’t working for this ambitious entrepreneur. Beth now works with women from all over the world to inspire them to follow their dreams.

Chapter 18: From Law to Lipstick
Anne Martin, San Francisco, CA

This former JAG Attorney was climbing the corporate ladder but realized that it was against the wrong wall. A demanding career as a corporate attorney kept her away from home for 80 hours a week. She walked away from it all and built a career with Mary Kay Cosmetics where she is a top earner, and keeps her family a priority.

Chapter 21: Born to Run (My Own Business)
Danielle Cuomo, South Side, PA

After graduating with an MBA, Danielle wasn’t able to find a job, so she created her own. She quickly grew her business and is now a leader in her field.

For media interviews, speaking or expertise requests, or to interview "Linda Handley” Linda Handley, 412.337.3430, HandleyL@verizon.net LindaHandleyInc.com

Linda Handley
Access, Information, Partnerships -
http://www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org/
412.475.9010

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Women and Girls Foundation Celebrate Women in Media

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Elizabeth Waickman
Communications Coordinator
412.434.4883
Elizabeth@wgfpa.org

Fifteen Local “Women in Media” to be Honored at Women and Girls Foundation Gala November 6, 2010

Event will honor artists , editors, reporters, producers, filmmakers, bloggers, and professionals in the media world who are raising awareness and shaping the coverage of women and girls’ stories in our region.

PITTSBURGH—The Women and Girls Foundation (WGF) will celebrate “Women in Media” this November with a Gala Award Ceremony honoring women in our region leading the way in print, radio, PR, TV, in film and on the internet, and those utilizing multiple media to promote and amplify the voices of women and girls. These honorees are making our region a better place for women and girls to thrive through their advocacy and influence on our region’s media outlets. WGF’s annual gala celebrating “Women in Media,” sponsored by UPMC, and Chaired by WQED Multimedia incoming CEO Deborah Acklin, will be held on November 6, 2010, at the August Wilson Center for African-American Culture in Downtown Pittsburgh, from 6 – 10 p.m. The ceremony will be emceed by Laverne Baker Hotep, Patrice King Brown, Eleanor Schano and Sally Wiggin, and will include a Keynote Address by filmmaker, Abigail Disney.

In 2005, WGF pledged to honor a select group of women every year who are engaged in dynamic work in exciting and challenging career fields in Southwestern Pennsylvania. These annual events honor women innovators and inspire young women to see the range of career options available to them in a myriad of fields. Through honoring these women, WGF tangibly demonstrates how women are having leadership impact in shaping the Southwest Pennsylvania region. Previous WGF events include “Women in Science,” “Women in the Material World,” “Women in Sports,” and in 2009, WGF celebrated its 5th Anniversary by honoring “Women Shaping the Law” at the August Wilson Center.

“As the role of media in our lives is changing, so is the emerging role of women in media. From Katie Couric and Rachel Maddow on the national scene to Pittsburgh’s own Deborah Acklin and Virginia Montanez, women are making an impact as leaders and innovators in traditional and new media that is very exciting.” said Heather Arnet, Chief Executive Officer of the Women and Girls Foundation.

WGF’s “Women in Media” event will feature a keynote address by award winning filmmaker and grandniece of media tycoon Walt Disney, Abigail Disney. Disney’s first film, the feature-length documentary Pray the Devil Back to Hell, which won the Best Documentary Feature award at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2008, tells the inspirational story of the women of Liberia and their successful efforts to bring peace to their broken nation after decades of destructive civil war. Disney will give a keynote address at the awards ceremony on the power of media and women’s voices to bring peace to the world, and her film will be screened after the awards ceremony. Disney has spoken internationally to a wide variety of audiences on the changing face of philanthropy, women’s leadership and the importance of living a life of engaged and intelligent volunteerism.

“I am so proud to chair this event, honoring so many brilliant trailblazers, and helping to raise support for a critical resource in our community, that I care about deeply. We owe it to our girls to constantly inspire them with new options and new heroes,” said Event Chair and WGF Board member, Deborah Acklin.

At the November 6, 2010 Award Ceremony fourteen “Women in Media” will be honored, along with a special Award of Distinction, the first in WGF’s history, to be presented to blogger and writer Virginia Montanez for her innovative and brilliant use of social media to raise awareness of the need for local political reform, and her critical role in rallying public support to save the orphans of the BRESMA orphanage in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti, earlier this year.

In addition to Virginia Montanez’s Award of Distinction, the Women in Media Honorees include:

Cynthia Closkey, President, Big Big Design, Co-Founder, PodCamp Pittsburgh, and Developer, iTwixie.com

Elaine Effort, Radio Newscaster, KQV Radio

Heather Starr Fiedler, Creator, PittsburghMom.com, New Media Professor, Point Park University

Vanessa German, Multi-media artist, writer, sculptor, performer and photographer

Mary Robb Jackson, News Reporter, KDKA-TV

Sally Kalson, Columnist, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Lauren Lawley Head, Editor, Pittsburgh Business Times

Beverly Morrow-Jones, Executive Director of Marketing, VisitPittsburgh

Debbie Norrell, Lifestyles Columnist, New Pittsburgh Courier

Cindy Skrzycki, Journalism Professor, University of Pittsburgh

Heide Waldbaum, Technical Production Manager for the film AVATAR, Visiting Professor, Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute

Shaina Wallace, Hip Hop Artist, High School Student at Westinghouse High School

Carolyn Wean, Retired Media Executive

Rosemary Welsch, Radio DJ, WYEP

The “Women in Media” Host Committee includes:

Deborah L. Acklin, WQED Multimedia CEO and WGF Board Member, Women in Media Chair

Betsy Benson, Pittsburgh Magazine

Patrice King Brown, KDKA

Tracey DeAngelo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Bridgette Driver, FedEx Ground

Laverne Baker Hotep, Center for Victims of Violent Crime

Dawn Keezer, Pittsburgh Film Office

Joyce Kossol, Entrepreneur and WGF Board Member

Mary C. Leonard, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Maria Lupinacci, 2politicaljunkies.blogspot.com

Frances Sansig Monahan, Ms. Mon’s Salon, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh City Paper

Lindsay Patross, IHeartPGH.com

Eleanor Schano, Pittsburgh Television Personality

Laura Staniland, Civics Lab and Logoco Media

Sally Wiggin, WTAE

For more information about WGF and the upcoming celebration of “Women in Media,” visit www.wgfpa.org or call 412-434-4883.

About Women and Girls Foundation

The Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest Pennsylvania (WGF) is an independent community-based foundation serving eleven counties in Southwest Pennsylvania. Our mission is to achieve equity for women and girls in the region. The Women and Girls Foundation promotes social change in our region by addressing fundamental social inequalities and raising the awareness of these inequities to the media, to voters, to legislators, and corporate and non-profit decision makers. By serving as an independent and clear voice, the foundation strives to bring together women and men in our region to work together to find solutions to create sustained equity for all of its citizens. For more information, visit www.wgfpa.org or call 412.434.4883.

About UPMC

UPMC is an $8 billion integrated global health enterprise headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is one of the leading nonprofit health systems in the United States. As western Pennsylvania‘s largest employer, with almost 50,000 employees, UPMC is transforming the economy of the region into one based on medicine, research, and technology. By integrating 20 hospitals, 400 doctors’ offices and outpatient sites, long-term care facilities, and a major health insurance services division, and in collaboration with its academic partner, the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC has advanced the quality and efficiency of health care and developed internationally renowned programs in transplantation, cancer, neurosurgery, psychiatry, orthopaedics, and sports medicine, among others. UPMC is commercializing its medical and technological expertise by nurturing new companies, developing strategic business relationships with some of the world‘s leading multinational corporations, and expanding into international markets, including Italy, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Japan. For more information visit www.UPMC.com. For more information about the UPMC Dignity and Respect campaign, visit http://www.upmc.com/aboutupmc/CommunityCitizenship/inclusion/Pages/inclusion-focus.aspx.
###

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Helping Women Helps the World Lecture Series

For Immediate Release:

UPMC Health Plan presents

Bethlehem Haven's Lecture Series

Helping Women Helps the World

This series was inspired by the new vision of world philanthropy where organizations who once provided ubiquitous aid packages are now giving direct assistance to women and girls in those same communities. Why? Because when these women raise the standard of living for their own families, they collectively elevate the entire community. Join us for the series and be inspired by these dynamic speakers.

October 28th, 11:30 AM

Deborah L. Acklin

Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Emmy Award winning WQED Multimedia will share thoughts on "Helping Women Change Lives". Considered a pre-eminent woman in media, she has repeatedly launched successful new programs and has received numerous awards for excellence.

December 9, 2010 11:30 AM

Sharon Cowden, MD

A woman who has changed the lives of countless women, this pediatrician and breast cancer survivor helped develop Strength and Courage, a DVD of exercise resources to help women regain physical and emotional strength after breast cancer surgery. To date, the DVD has been distributed across 42 states and six countries.

Date TBD

Ann Dugan

Assistant Dean and Founder, Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business as well as a leader in community and economic development activities, Ann is the co-author of A Woman’s Place…The Crucial Roles of Women in Family Business and has been recognized through various business excellence awards.

Join us for only $25 per person (includes lunch)

Rivers Club, One Oxford Center, Downtown Pittsburgh
To purchase tickets online, go to www.bethlehemhaven.org
To purchase tickets by phone, call 412-391-1348 x224

###