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Anthony Giaramita Anthony “Tony” Giaramita is an attorney and restaurateur who grew up in Green Tree and currently resides in Scott Township. Tony spent much of his childhood at his family’s local restaurant and pizzeria, La Tavola Italiana in Mt. Washington. After graduating from Thiel College, Tony decided on the path of the law instead of the restaurant business. He attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he studied international law and civil litigation. Now in his seventh year of practice, Tony serves as an in-house legal counsel for Compression Management Services, Inc. Most recently, Tony’s passion for Italian culture and food motivated him to take an entrepreneurial leap back to his roots — this summer he will be opening an artisanal pizzeria, Taglio, a dine-in BYOB, on South Highland Avenue in Pittsburgh’s historic East Liberty neighborhood. Taglio will transport you to the romantic side streets of Italy. When he is not working as a lawyer or entrepreneur, Tony volunteers his time with Christian Legal Aid and YoungLives of North Hills.
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Samantha Kormanik Samantha Kormanik learned early on that hard work pays off. Born and raised in Windber, Pa., Samantha excelled in and out of the classroom. She was a four-year letterman in track and field at Windber Area High School, and broke four school records. She went on to Seton Hill University on a cross country scholarship, and served as team captain for two years, leading her team to the first winning season in school history. After earning a dual degree in psychology and sociology, Samantha pursued a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, while working full-time in her field. She relocated to Pittsburgh and is employed as a psychological evaluator and licensed professional counselor for Community Psychiatric Centers. Samantha’s proudest accomplishment is having a career that allows her to associate with wonderful individuals. In addition to her affiliation with the American Counseling Association, she assists in volunteering and fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Toys for Tots, the Autism Center of Pittsburgh, and local food drives. In her spare time, Samantha runs 5Ks and marathons — she even qualified for the Boston Marathon! Her motto is: “Life is too short to be anything but happy.”
Top Sponsors: Robert Caprino of Sante Berarducci Inc., Pittsburgh Global Connection, Community Psychiatric Centers, Donald Stefanovich of Goodmudders, Friends and Family
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Gina Rendina This naturally gifted vocalist with a rhyming name, Gina Maria Rendina, will bring down any house with her stunning voice. A Southwest Pennsylvania native, she’s no stranger to the spotlight and loves to perform around the Pittsburgh area in her own acoustic project and at various private events. Moreover, Gina is always willing to lend her vocal talents for charity events, such as “RockOut to KnockOut Cancer” and “Battle of the Divas,” at which she won the Fan Favorite Award in 2011. After attending the Mercersburg Academy, Gina ventured to Manhattan to study classical vocal performance at New York University, and later earned a bachelor of arts degree at Penn State University. If Gina is not rocking the socks off the audience’s feet, then she is at BNY Mellon, where she works in Global Client Service Delivery.
Top Sponsors: The Big Y Group, MCN Salon, Friends and Family
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Heather Shiwarski The gift of friendship is an opportunity that Heather Shiwarski believes everyone deserves and is exactly what she works to provide in Pittsburgh as she runs the Best Buddies program. The organization pairs individuals with disabilities with a “buddy” in their school or community. Heather’s eyes were opened to the joy of giving back during her days at the University of Kentucky through opportunities like an internship at the Ronald McDonald House and volunteer work at UK Pediatric Oncology Clinic. Upon graduation, Heather brought her heart for serving others back to her hometown to attend Duquesne University School of Law, where she began to collaborate with other local charities. In addition to nonprofit work, Heather considers her family life’s greatest treasure. In her free time, she enjoys being active, having a glass of red with the Winey Women of Pittsburgh, and traveling to visit friends all around the world. Heather’s inspiration to get involved with CFF was sparked by a trainer at her gym, who lives with CF. Heather feels the optimism she embodies, despite her battles, is truly amazing and inspires her to help find a cure!
Top Sponsors: Dr. Neal and Amy Fanelli, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel P. Kamin, Dr. Drew Fanelli, Maren Mineo, Sue Gove and the Gove Group
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Jacob L. George Jacob L. George is the owner, president, and CEO of JLG Holdings, LLC, and is on the personal styling team at Nordstrom. The Kittanning native received a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, and theatre arts from Duquesne University in 2011. The ambitious entrepreneur is currently studying to obtain a master’s degree in global and community leadership at Duquesne by 2016. Jacob has a passion for politics and community activism. He has interned and volunteered with national and local political campaigns while staying active in his community, and currently serves on the Summer Hill Citizens Committee. In the past, Jacob has planned and executed an event for National Believe Day through Macy’s and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Moreover, he has led efforts in raising money for the American Heart Association’s “Go Red” campaign, United Way, American Cancer Society, and military veterans and their families. When he is not making executive decisions, studying, or fundraising for local charity events, Jacob enjoys teaching musical theater lessons to students at local high schools and volunterring to sing at local nursing homes. He also serves on the Partner’s Board at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Jacob feels all of the people he’s met through volunteering at events have given him a different perspective of the city, and made him fall in love with Pittsburgh even more.
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PITTSBURGH’S 50FINEST