The successful mother of an 11-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son was born and raised in Philadelphia. A regulatory energy lawyer by trade, Tishekia moved to Pittsburgh in April 2012 to take a job at Duquesne light. Now after 9 years at the company, she is currently head of their Regulatory Legal Department. Although the previously hosted pro bono (free) general service legal clinics are no longer being held, she explained, “From time-to-time and year-to-year we have any host of civic, charitable and pro bono activities that we’re participating in,” which are near and dear to her heart.
“I am very active in the community. Until December of 2019 I was on the board of the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh for 6 years,” explained Tishekia, former Vice President of the board. “I currently serve on the board of Sarah Heinz House, as well as the Pittsburgh Legal Diversity and Inclusion Coalition, another great organization working to diversify and create equity along racial lines, particularly with respect to the legal community.”
Tishekia continues to be involved in ensuring the success of the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, which is evident by her critical role as chairperson of the first annual YWCA Equity Awards. The celebration is a combination of two prior award ceremonies that the YWCA hosted for many years: The Tribute to Women Leadership Awards (founded in 1983) and The Racial Justice Awards (founded in 1991) and reflects the YWCA’s new leadership’s views of intentionally focusing on what Tishekia explained as intersectionality. The celebration will honor women, especially women of color, who advocate for and advance the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. The YWCA’s website explains, “Reflecting our long-time commitment to recognizing change-makers and risk-takers through our historic YWCA Racial Justice Awards and Tribute to Women, the Equity Awards reflect our intersectional approach to addressing race and gender equity. We believe that the equally important goals of eradicating racial and gender disparities call for a new kind of celebration and recognition for the groups and individuals leading the way.” She further shared that, “The awards are about celebrating women, especially women of color who are risk-takers and the changemakers in our community who are often overlooked, so we want to celebrate them! We really encourage folks to nominate someone who is deserving of these awards.” Event organizers want all to know The Equity Awards are reserved for women, save the Ally Award which is open to a group or individual of any gender. Nominations for anyone identifying as a woman are welcomed.
THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS JULY 28th for the following five categories:
- HEROINE AWARD – Recognizes a woman who is a dedicated essential worker on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis, promoting equity, living out the role of helper, and doing the work that continues to be underpaid and undervalued by many.
- ALLY AWARD – Recognizes an individual or a group of any gender who has taken on the role of ally, advocate, and champion to women of color, by contributing to the long-term engagement and emotional attachment needed to bring equity to Pittsburgh.
- BRIDGE BUILDER AWARD – Recognizes a woman whose work remains true to their ethnic heritage and roots as they champion strategic initiatives so that the Pittsburgh of our future centers and engages women of color.
- CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION AWARD – Recognizes the creativity of a woman involved in the arts or social media initiatives that brings public attention to the empowerment of women, especially women of color and empowers an audience through awareness, education, and inspiration.
- EMERGING LEADER AWARD – Recognizes a young woman, age 24 or younger, whose voice and actions interrupt the status quo to make a difference in their community by serving as a leader in any way to ensure that equity stays in the forefront.
Winners will be announced in Fall 2021 ahead of the virtual ceremony on November 5, 2021. The event is made possible by generous contributions from Presenting Sponsors: Huntington Bank; Next Pittsburgh.com; Peoples (An Essential Utilities Company); Supporting Sponsors: PNC; Buchanan; Duquesne Light Co.; Covestro; Center For Media Innovation (Point Park University); Community Equip’d; Leech Tishman Fuscalso & Lampl.
As restrictions on in-person gatherings have recently been eased in Pennsylvania, the award ceremony will be held in person on November 5, 2021. For up-to-date information regarding the location and how to obtain tickets for the event, go to: ywcapgh.org/2021equityawards.
Many of the programs are still being conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As regulations are constantly changing, patrons are encouraged to check the YWCA’s website or call for the most current updates. “I’m very happy to say that the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh has been around for more than 150 years doing its work and it is positioned to be around for another 150 years if so necessary,” Tishekia explained, commenting that the organization recently received a generous grant of 20 million dollars from MacKenzie Scott to support this effort.
When asked what people may not know about the YWCA, Tishekia responded, “I’d be remised if I didn’t direct people to the YWCA website. They definitely have a series of resources available directly from the Y. In my opinion, the greatest resource is their COVID-19 Resource page. There it gives you resources available all over the city. One of the things I love most about the YW is that in addition to the work they do in the community, they are a connector for non-profits and the public.” The YWCA’s 4-star Childcare center, located at 6907 Frankstown Avenue, serves as a vital resource for the Homewood and surrounding communities.
YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh’s headquarters is located at 305 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. They can be reached at: (412) 391-5100, or online at: ywca@ywcapgh.org.
For those wishing to help the YWCA achieve their mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, one may make a reoccurring or one-time donation with a credit or debit card by going to: www.ywcapgh.org/donate.
This article was first published in Soul Pitt Quarterly Print Magazine (Summer 2021). Copyright Soul Pitt Media. All Rights Reserved.
