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Board elections are coming up, but this year things will be a little different.
Hazelwood Initiative usually mails board election ballots to all members, including a self-addressed, stamped envelope with each one. This is expensive and not terribly effective; only about a third of members return their ballots.
This year, all members will get a letter explaining that the board elections will take place in person at the December meeting. Any member who cannot attend may request a ballot.
Membership in Hazelwood Initiative is free. Fill out and return the form at the bottom of this page to become a member today.
Here, in alphabetical order, are the bios of the four people running for election to the Hazelwood Initiative board of directors this year.
Edith Abeyta
Edith Abeyta is a visual artist living in North Braddock. Her current practice is centered around people, identity and negotiating relationships with the built environment. She has been collaborating with residents in Hazelwood since 2014. Together they founded and implement Arts Excursions Unlimited, a free monthly arts excursions program, an art studio and temporary public art.
Ms. Abeyta is also a co-founding member of North Braddock Residents For Our Future, a grassroots, community-based volunteer organization that focuses on environmental issues in the Mon Valley. She was awarded the 2020 Community Sentinel Award for Environmental Stewardship. Ms. Abeyta was an inaugural member of Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for Shared Prosperity.
Vanessa Hicks
Vanessa Hicks was born and raised in the Glenwood section of Hazelwood. She attended Burgwin Elementary School and graduated from Gladstone High School with the Class of 1973.
After high school, Ms. Hicks began a 20-year career with Westinghouse Electric, holding various leadership roles. She later spent 23 years at PNC Bank, where she managed a team of nine processing hundreds of thousands of dollars in monthly pension and 401(k) withdrawals.
A proud homeowner, Ms. Hicks cherishes her community and continues to live in Hazelwood with her partner while caring for her sister. Ms. Hicks is also a lifelong member and Trustee at Morning Star Baptist Church.
Her vision for Hazelwood is to see it thrive, a vibrant community that people talk about with excitement. She wants Hazelwood to be the kind of place where, when someone hears the name, they say, “Yes! I’ve been there. The residents are happy, and it’s a great place to visit, shop and eat!”
Carrie McGinnis
Glen Hazel resident Carrie McGinnis is a dynamic and results-oriented professional with extensive experience in engagement and sustainability initiatives. She is always looking for ways to leverage her leadership skills, strategic thinking and passion for sustainability to drive positive change within the organization and the community.
In 2020, Ms. McGinnis founded Butter Queen LLC, a natural skincare brand. She also plays a key role in the Glen Hazel Community Garden, where she helps residents grow their own food.
Ms. McGinnis studied business management at Penn State University, Greater Allegheny. She is a teaching artist with Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, using her visual art skills with children in grades K-5. She also spent six years as a general manager at food service franchisee Primary Aim LLC.
Lori Rue
Hazelwood native and resident Lori Rue has 30+ years of experience in community empowerment. Her passion for fostering positive change was nurtured from childhood by her mother, Marcella B. Rue, who contributed to numerous community initiatives. Ms. Rue has worked for the United Way, the Urban League and the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, where she championed equity and inclusion for underrepresented people and communities.
In 2015, Ms. Rue co-founded DeLoJe LLC with her sister, Georgetta, to revitalize struggling communities through small business capacity building. They later established Main ST, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting community prosperity for those facing systemic barriers that limit their access to opportunities or diminish their influence in key decisions. Under her leadership, Main ST has become an integral part of a Mon Valley community network with partners who are working to address the critical needs of residents.
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