OPENING REMARKS
Michelle McMurray, MSW
Michelle McMurray, MSW, is a transformative leader whose career spans academic research, clinical practice, policy advocacy and strategic philanthropy.
Michelle currently serves as the vice president of Program and Community Engagement at The Pittsburgh Foundation where she is responsible for the strategic direction, development and management of the Foundation’s grantmaking programs and community engagement efforts. For more than a decade, Michelle has spearheaded the creation of innovative initiatives that openly acknowledge and address economic and racial injustice and have directed tens of millions in funding toward small, community-led nonprofits and grassroots movements advocating for structural change. She has consistently challenged the traditional, top-down approach to philanthropy, championing community-informed grantmaking, where lived experience is regarded as essential expertise.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Michelle served as the CEO of Mental Health America Allegheny County, where she oversaw programs and advocacy to ensure delivery of recovery-oriented services, increase mental health literacy, and protect the educational rights of students with mental health needs. Michelle’s community leadership is extensive including serving as a co-chair for County Executive Sara Innamorato’s All In Allegheny transition committee in 2024.
She is the recipient of many awards for her work including being honored by the Pennsylvania Governor's Commission on African American Affairs in 2020 and being recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Pennsylvania by Women We Admire in 2023 and 2024.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Aliya D. Durham
Dr. Aliya D. Durham is an Assistant Professor and Director of Community Engagement at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. With over two decades of nonprofit leadership and philanthropic experience, she integrates human-centered design, asset-based development, and equity-centered practices into teaching, research, and service. Dr. Durham teaches courses in grant writing, organizational management, social work practice with diverse populations, and leads the Browne Leadership and Community and Racial Equity Leadership (CREL) Fellowships—two immersive programs preparing students for macro practice in underserved communities. A multi-degreed Pitt alumna, her academic foundation is rooted in Africana Studies, Psychology, Social Work, and Public and International Affairs and augmented with a doctorate in Community Engagement from Point Park University. Dr. Durham is an award-winning faculty member that has been recognized for championing engaged scholarship and collaboration. She currently serves on numerous academic committees and her research centers on Black mental health practitioners and culturally responsive evaluation.
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
Mikey Hood
Mikey Hood is a lifestyle and entertainment co-host on KDKA’s afternoon lifestyle show Talk Pittsburgh. She grew up in the East End of Pittsburgh and graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School. She got her start in local daytime TV through a web show she created and produced call Pghspot.com. She says “I always wanted to highlight people from my community.. the feel good stories, the stories of victory and success”.
She is married to actor Georin Oliver and has a son named Logan. She also loves playing with her high energy dog, a Labradoodle named Wilson. Her motto is to focus on the things you can change, not on what you can't.