Leaders convene, address violence

In March, prominent Pittsburghers assembled at the Duquesne Club for the second annual Corporate Leadership Breakfast on Ending Gender Violence. Bob Nelkin, CEO of United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, led the conversation, which touched on topics from partner violence in the workplace to an evidence-based prevention program that trains high school coaches to talk to their teams about healthy relationships and respect for women.

“No other community in the country has shown this level of cross-sector commitment” to preventing domestic violence and sexual assault, said Kristy Trautmann, executive director of FISA Foundation.

Allegheny County Chief Executive Rich Fitzgerald restated the County’s dedication to ending gender violence.

Audrey Russo, president & CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, emphasized that having a diverse workforce requires making sure every employee feels safe and comfortable.

Pat Gallagher, the chancellor at University of Pittsburgh, explained the organizational framework required to take on campus sexual assault.

The keynote speaker, Andrea Carelli, a senior vice president at PNC Bank, spoke about the vital role a supportive employer can play in addressing domestic violence.

Leaders left with a renewed commitment to the issue and pledged their support in the coming year.

Check out some photos from the event below.

Photography: Brian Cohen