2024 Pillar Awards
Celebrating Courage and Achievement
We honor the women who inspire us with their courage, strength, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. Each nominee for these prestigious awards embodies the spirit of bravery through their dedication to creating positive change within their communities and beyond. They are leaders, innovators, caregivers, and advocates who have faced challenges with grace and emerged stronger. Through their stories, we hope to inspire others to take bold action in their own lives.
Our second annual Pillar Awards recognized 44 nominees in five categories, BWP's 5 Es for Life: Educate, Empower, Encourage, Engage, and Evolve.
With 306 attendees, the awards luncheon united women and men, leaders and supporters, and local officials - all eager to celebrate courageous achievements.
Brave Women Project Day is now recognized every year on
November 15 by the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.
2024 Nominees
Educate
Abby S. Bolton
Jenna Bosi
Beth Caldwell
Bethanie DeLuca
Dr. Lindsay Pfister
Leigh Solomon Pugliano
Melanie Rutan
Empower
Dr. Rachel Book
Cat Bruno
Adrianna Deithorn
Elizabeth Echevarria
Tarasa Hurley
Kristy Knichel
Dr. Melissa McCauley
Liz Mims
Miranda Safran
Encourage
Sandy Diaz Haley
Julie Hooks
Erica McIlroy
Kelly Moore
Nicole Reihl
Kate Speer
Dr. Darla Timbo
Engage
Kate Bays
Bethanie DeLuca
Jennifer DiLucia
Kelly Fetick
Diana Froats
Lynzy Groves
Michele McGough
Carrie Nolan-Robson
Samantha Petrick
Rachel Winner
Evolve
Maria Allshouse
Jenna Bosi
Morgan Cable
Adrianna Deithorn
Marissa Escajeda
Jen Hyde
Markeya Lowry
Danielle Maurer
Ariel Meadows
Ginny Rothschild Reisinger
Heidi Sadecky
Leigh Solomon Pugliano
Ellie Tourney
Holly Turkovic
Kim Zapf-Beatty
2024 Honorees
Beth Caldwell, Executive Director of Pittsburgh Professional Women, is the 2024 recipient of the Brave Women Project's EDUCATE Pillar Award.
Beth has empowered thousands of women through more than 200 affordable business training workshops, conferences, and webinars. Recognized as one of the Top 20 Most Influential Women on LinkedIn in 2012, Beth has helped PPW become one of Pennsylvania’s premier resources for women’s leadership, empowerment, and education. Her efforts extend across generations, offering unique mother/daughter workshops and emerging leader programs for young women.
In 2020, Pittsburgh celebrated Beth's contributions by declaring October 16th as Pittsburgh Professional Women Day. A 13-time author, national speaker, and survivor of domestic violence, Beth’s resilience and bravery have made her a leading advocate for women in business. Her six consecutive wins of the Best of Pittsburgh Award in the Leadership Development of Women category further highlight her lasting impact.
Miranda Safran, Supervisor at Louis Plung & Company, is the 2024 recipient of the Pillar Award for EMPOWER.
Her dedication to uplifting the next generation of women began as a Girl Scout, engaging in service projects. Later, she assumed a leadership role in the Golden Triangle Performance ensemble, and volunteered with the East Allegheny High School Marching Band, preparing youth for competition and mentoring over 50 young women combined.
Miranda’s passion for building confidence in girls continues with her involvement in Little Bellas, a national organization that mentors girls ages 7-13 through mountain biking, helping them discover their potential through sport.
Professionally, Miranda has earned significant responsibility early in her career, serving on key committees that focus on supporting women in accounting and enhancing her firm’s service. As a vital member of Louis Plung’s Social Committee, she helps foster teamwork, work-life balance, and community service within the firm.
Kelly Moore, Business and Community Development Officer at cfsbank, is recognized with the ENCOURAGE Pillar Award for her remarkable community involvement and dedication to supporting others.
Over the past year, Kelly has made cfsbank synonymous with community engagement, especially through her efforts to support the immigrant and refugee population in Charleroi.
Kelly’s passion extends beyond her role at the bank—she is the creator and driving force behind W.I.L. (Women in Leadership), where she has brought together over 250 women from diverse backgrounds to celebrate, uplift, and empower one another.
A longtime advocate for Dress for Success Pittsburgh, Kelly’s focus on building confidence in others stands out as her true bravery. Rather than focusing on her own challenges, she dedicates herself to reminding women of their strength and potential.
Kelly’s genuine care for others has made her a beloved figure in the community, known for creating lasting connections and inspiration.
Samantha Petrick, a Registered Nurse for over 15 years and Nurse Case Manager for UPMC for You, is the 2024 recipient of the ENGAGE Pillar Award.
Samantha began her career at Western Psychiatric Hospital, where she worked with patients of all ages facing intellectual and behavioral challenges. Whether as a charge nurse training new staff and managing complex cases, or upon transitioning to home health case management, or more recently advocating for Medicaid members, Sam aims to ensure patients receive the care they deserve. Her deep commitment to patient advocacy is rooted in her belief that all individuals deserve equal treatment and compassion.
Sam’s personal motto is reflected in both her professional and personal life, as she tirelessly supports her patients and teaches her children the value of giving back.
Despite her own life challenges, Sam has continued to engage with her community, providing essential items or services to those in need and inspiring others to do the same.
Adrianna Deithorn, Founder and President of Wish, Hope, Dreams, Incorporated, is the 2024 recipient of the EVOLVE Pillar Award.
A trailblazer in orchestrating luxury weddings and events, Adrianna exemplifies what it means to elevate not just her career but the people around her—clients, friends, and her team. Known for her resilience, she approaches every challenge with grace and composure, inspiring those she leads to grow and evolve alongside her.
Adrianna's calm and compassionate nature shines in high-pressure situations, allowing her to guide others through moments that might overwhelm many. Her transformative personal journey serves as a catalyst for change and personal growth, both for herself and those she touches.
Adrianna’s unwavering commitment to self-awareness and continuous improvement makes her a beacon of strength. She is deeply dedicated to the well-being and development of others, embodying the spirit of the EVOLVE pillar in everything she does.
