Please join us in congratulating Shad on his new position of Director of Equity and Inclusion!

When Neighborhood Allies re-launched in 2014, we committed to embarking on an exciting journey toward embedding equity into each and every aspect of our organization, both internally and externally. Over the past seven years, we have acted upon this commitment in numerous ways. Some notable highlights include, cultivating a continuous learning environment internally, intentionally diversifying our Board and staff as well as the direct support we provide to Black-led organizations and leaders. 

“Shad has been passionately leading this work, dating back to the successful formation and convening of All-In Pittsburgh, which resulted in landmark legislation, embedding equity throughout the city government. I continue to be immensely proud of this historical achievement”, says President, Presley Gillespie. “Shad has already made great strides internally, including establishing an internal diversity, equity, and inclusion committee–Racially Inclusive Solutions for Equitable Development, Healing, Impact, Growth & Health, known as RISE HIGH.”

In his new role, Shad will proactively be leading the development and implementation of equity, inclusion and advocacy efforts, across our organization’s administrative and programmatic capacities. He will also lead the development of a cohesive vision and an effective strategy that champions a more centralized equity agenda within the community development system as we work alongside our partners in other sectors to advance equity at the regional level.

“I’m extremely excited to dive into my elevated role and focus on deepening the racial equity, inclusion, and social justice lens in everything we do internally and externally.”

-Shad Henderson