Brave Women Project Recognizes Impactful Women in Pittsburgh Region

PITTSBURGH, PA, November 21, 2023 (PittsburghNewsWire.com) — One hundred and thirty women and men gathered to recognize and celebrate twenty-seven nominees and six award winners at the First Annual Brave Women Project (BWP) Pillar Awards. The luncheon took place on Friday, November 17 at the Doubletree by Hilton Green Tree.

BWP collected nominations in five categories, and a selection committee chose winners matching the “5 Es for Life” Pillars of the organization: Educate, Empower, Encourage, Engage, and Evolve. They also named one overall Bravery in Action award winner, given to the nominee who embodied characteristics in all five of the categories.

Bravery in Action winner Dr. Christine McClure stated, “Moving into brave action means that you understand that others are watching you and you owe it to them to live an authentic life. Not one that portrays perfection, but one that shows what perseverance, determination, and grace look like in the face of life’s varying circumstances. Being brave is to know that no matter what, following your heart will never lead you astray!”

“I saw the need for recognizing the brave women who make up the Pittsburgh landscape,” said Kelli Komondor, chair of the Pillar Awards. “I’m continually amazed by what women can accomplish. I knew we needed to find a way to allow them to shine. We did just that.”

Founder of BWP Holly Joy McIlwain added, “Each woman who took the stage acknowledged the value that bravery played in her life and achievement. Each also acknowledged the power that their community contributed to the ferocity of her service to others. Being scared is about a feeling. Being brave is about taking brave action. Many of us experience both, and we transform fear into ferocity. The Pillar Awards was an experience to celebrate brave action and the power of a community.”

The 2023 Awardees are:
Educate – The Teacher: Lisa Krall, Park Avenue Wealth Management
Empower – The Advocate: Tiffany Huff-Strothers, When She Thrives – The Tiffany Huff Experience
Encourage – The Cheerleader: Nicole Lerda, MaxxCole Salon & Spa
Engage – The Professional Matchmaker: Kelly Frost, Pittsburgh’s Elevated & Emerging Leaders (PEEL)
Evolve – The Change-Maker: Katie Stern, The Little Fox – Toby’s Foundation
2023 Bravery in Action Overall Winner: Dr. Christine Lynn McClure, University of Pittsburgh

BWP exists to develop opportunities for women of diverse backgrounds to move into brave action through conscious choice and intentionality within our spheres of influence. We use the 5 Es for Life—Engage, Encourage, Empower, Educate, and Evolve—as a guide for women to promote equity through developing in four core areas: relationships, professional, impact, and wellness. This powerful network of professional women supports each other and exists in kindness, generosity, and encouragement—building a community of women who make moments count and where everything matters.

For information on joining BWP or to stay up-to-date with information for the 2024 nomination and event schedule, visit https://www.bwp.life/ or contact the organization at bravewomenproject@gmail.com.

 

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