Keri Brown & Stephanie Sciullo

If the last 18 months taught us anything, it’s how interconnected the world and our communities really are. When something catastrophic happens like a pandemic, it impacts us not only on a global scale but trickles down to our local communities in ways we could have never imagined. During COVID, women stepped up to take on multiple roles – serving as mothers, neighbors, teachers and breadwinners. In other words, women came together in powerful ways to help other women, their families, and their communities. United Way Women’s Leadership Council (WLC), made up of more than 2,200 women, played a critical role when it came to the wellbeing and vitality of our communities during the crisis. As we look forward, that great work will continue, spearheaded by two new co-chairs, Stephanie Sciullo and Keri Brown.

This announcement comes at an exciting time as WLC celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. “I’ve been involved with the United Way for fourteen years now – ten of which serving as a WLC executive committee member – and the great work we’re able to accomplish that benefits the women and familied in this area never ceases to amaze me,” said Keri. “When we have strong, confident women thriving within our communities, we’re all better off and I’m thrilled to work alongside Stephanie to help shape this organization’s strategic direction and build upon the success of our predecessors, Tami Minnier and Stacy Juchno.”

Both Stephanie and Keri are Pittsburgh natives and come from well-established companies that have a long history of giving back. Keri Brown is Vice President of People Operations for Supermarket & Market District, Giant Eagle, Inc. She supports the people that work in the stores, warehouses, pharmacy, and merchandising for their supermarket division.

Stephanie Sciullo is Chief Legal Officer & Vice President, External Affairs for MSA Safety. Stephanie oversees teams in legal, governance, risk, and compliance, as well as in government relations, corporate social responsibility, and charitable & volunteerism programs. MSA has a long history of giving back during times of crisis and their work with United Way during the pandemic was no different. Stephanie is extending that commitment by serving as co-chair during a critical time for our region. “Covid certainly made it more apparent to me that we are all responsible for our region’s shared economic wellbeing,” said Stephanie. “Being a part of the food drives this past year, it was impactful to realize how many people are struggling with food insecurity and living paycheck to paycheck. The work United Way does has always been inspiring to me and serving as co-chair for the WLC is the perfect opportunity for me to make a difference.”

Keri agrees. In addition to her involvement with United Way through Giant Eagle’s partnership, Keri has helped to raise awareness of the struggles and needs of others in her own circles. Keri recruits her children, friends, and neighbors to volunteer at various United Way events. “It’s everyone’s responsibility to give back and that lesson should start at home,” says Keri. “As a mother, it’s my job to set a good example for my children, and what better way to do that than to collaborate with some of the most powerful, passionate women in our community to advocate for social change that directly impact the wellbeing of women in this area.”

Over the past year, the women of WLC donated $8.7 million to support the community. “As we emerge from the devastation caused by the pandemic, the women of the WLC are dedicated to helping local families get back on their feet. Together, we will identify high-impact areas of focus, as we continue to make a difference,” says Stephanie.

If you haven’t yet, it’s a wonderful time to join Women’s Leadership Council. Help us celebrate 20 years of giving and make 2022 even brighter for our community. For more information or to join WLC, please contact Lynne Popash at lynne.popash@unitedwayswpa.org in Allegheny County or Terri Dominick at Terri.Dominick@unitedwayswpa.org in Westmoreland & Fayette County or Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher at sherrie.dunlapgallagher@unitedwayswpa.org in Butler & Armstrong County.