Pitt is well-represented on the 2024 Women of Influence list

Nine University of Pittsburgh women were chosen for the Pittsburgh Business Times’ 2024 Women of Influence list, which recognizes the region's most impactful businesswomen.

Samantha Balbier, director of Pitt’s Institute of Politics and the Elsie Hillman Civic Forum, is among the honorees helping to lead their organizations into the future, making significant change in the region and getting involved in their communities. Vera Krekanova, an adjunct faculty member in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, was recognized for her role as chief strategy and research officer at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development.

Also on the list are alumnae Rachel Burcin (CGS ’04), Annie Hanna Cestra (EDUC ’74G), Diane Hupp (NURS ’14G), Maureen Mahoney Hill (SOC WK ’91G), Brittany McDonald (CGS ’08), Beth Slagle (LAW ’90) and Cynthia Wallace (EDUC ’17G).

This year's group of winners will be honored in a special May edition of the Pittsburgh Business Times and at a celebration May 15 at Acrisure Stadium.