Every year, Neighborhood Allies recognizes an individual or organization that embodies what it means to be a “neighborhood ally” by genuinely partnering and collaborating with our organization to help advance our mission of supporting the people, organizations and partnerships committed to creating and maintaining healthy neighborhoods.  Our 2019 Ally of the Year is Ms. Denise Edwards–a strong and dedicated resident leader and activist, Grassroots Grantmaking Committee Member, Real Estate Co-Powerment Series Graduate, and Opportunity Fund Community Panelist.

Denise is the epitome of a neighborhood ally. She is an active supporter of her neighborhood, Lincoln-Lemington, and of other neighborhoods throughout Pittsburgh and has been for many years. She is dedicated to expanding her knowledge, skills and connections and sharing it with her community. Not only is she a graduate of the Real Estate Co-Powerment Series, she has also dedicated the next 3 years to the Love My Neighbor! program through the Grassroots Grantmaking Committee and serves on The Opportunity Fund’s grantmaking decision panel. She graciously and continuously volunteers her time to meet residents where they are, hear about their projects and provide feedback when necessary. Meet Denise and learn more about her work as a resident leader in the video below.

“The desire to make change and no longer sit and watch it happen, or NOT happen around me has brought me to this point at this time. I am inspired to learn more so that I can do more. Founding a community nonprofit, The Lincoln Lemington Neighborhood Revitalization Group has afforded me the opportunity to be a change maker and to sit among the change makers. I am simply taking my seat at the table where I belong.”

-Denise Edwards