MANIAC feature Lynne Popash, CDME
Renee Piatt
VisitPITTSBURGH, Vice President Partnership Development
Owner/Jewelry Designer Wanderluxe and Doncaster Stylist
Working at VisitPITTSBURGH allows Lynne Popash to be a part of an organization that enhances the region, and also supplies her with a bevy of colleagues, who inspire her every day, She says she is able to feel a sense of power through her role there, and she believes power comes from “exuding genuineness and passion in all that you do.” If passion is the key to power, then Lynne is one amazing woman. Even though she values the work of VisitPITTSBURGH, she thinks it’s critical to find a balance between
Renee Piatt is a firm believer that all women are “women of power,” and she hopes her story, jewelry designs, and accomplishments inspire others to follow their dreams and passions. One of the ways, Piatt says she keeps life balanced is through the support her family provides her and through the “battery charging” that comes from being with her friends who motivate and encourage her. Her company, Wanderluxe, has also allowed Piatt to be inspired by the earth, music, poetry, and the other things that stir her soul. She says she
work and family. She says, “It’s important to recharge— [women] don’t always find the time to focus on ourselves,” but she thinks this is a critical component to being the best version of yourself. Through her work at VisitPITTSBURGH, Lynne learned how Pittsburgh has so many amazing and supportive women, and how this city offers many opportunities for women to grow. We’re lucky to be in a place with such great resources for women, and Pittsburgh is lucky to have Lynne Popash.
even gets new ideas when she is putting her kids to bed and in that in between period of wakefulness and sleeping. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram @wanderluxedesigns and check out her incredible designs at www.wanderluxedesigns.com
Michele Pelusi
Kim Collins
Marketing, Philip Pelusi www.michelepelusi.com
Owner/Creative Director, blue tomato- graphic and web design agency
Part of Michele Pelusi’s approach to gaining a sense of power is by empowering others. She believes that motivating, inspiring, and validating the work of others helps her feel and develop her own strength. Working in the beauty industry exposes Michele to a wide range of people, and she says she’s lucky to work in a field that encourages women to “reach greater heights.” Michele says she gains much of her inspiration from God, family, and self-determination, and she is not someone who is afraid to try new things and take on different jobs. In addition to her day job, Michele loves copywriting for small businesses, and she says it is another outlet for her to help others succeed while empowering herself at the same time.
Rebecca Plaza-Ponte Giant Eagle Market District Buyer One of the best ways for anyone to feel empowered is by finding a career that fits their strengths and personality. Given that Rebecca Plaza-Ponte, Giant Eagle Market District Buyer, has a mantra of “I like what I know, and know what I like,” we think she’s found the perfect job! She says working for Giant Eagle is satisfying because she loves the positive impact their innovative products have on the community. She loves the way Giant Eagle helps the community by sourcing healthy, natural, and specialty foods. Rebecca is passionate about food, and loves working in an environment where people love what they do and work as a team. She thinks that working well with others professionally and personally is an important element to her success. She credits the example of her family with much of how she lives her life now. Oh, and Rebecca offers a great reminder for all you other women of power, “Don’t forget to laugh!”
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After founding blue tomato when she was only 22-years-old, Kim Collins experienced many of the typical ups and downs of being a business owner, but after 12 years in the business she sees all her hard work paid off. Not only does Collins consider herself an empowered woman, but she strives towards fearlessness. She doesn’t see her gender as a liability; instead, she says she simply uses her talent, brains, and skills to be the best in the business. Despite her incredible success, Collins says any woman can realize her dreams if she is “driven, passionate, and honest about what they really want out of life.” Encouraging words from a successful woman with her own company. To see more of what blue tomato does visit www.bluetomatodesign.com
Vonda Wright, MD, MS Orthopaedic Surgeon, Speaker, Author Medical Director, UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex Dr. Vonda Wright is among a small percentage of female orthopaedic surgeons in the United States, but the numbers of women are rising in this male-dominated field. As the recently named inaugural Medical Director of the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, Wright has a “profound opportunity” to continue sports excellence and elite care for people of all ages. Wright ignited a national conversation on women’s health right here in Pittsburgh with her conference “Women’s Health Conversations: Prioritizing your Body, Brains and Bliss.” The conference filled the Consol Lexus Club, and started the women down a transformational health path. Because Pittsburgh women make more than 80% of all the health care decisions for themselves and everyone they touch, she believes in empowering and educating them to make the best choices. While she is not a Pittsburgh native, Wright, her husband, hockey player, Peter Taglianetti, and their kids, consider this their home. She says she is continuously inspired by her co-workers and the residents of Pittsburgh, and we are inspired by her! Visit www.womenshealthconversations.com for more on Dr. Wright’s work. 31