“I enjoy the fun dynamic in my house- just the atmosphere and different personas in my house create a cohesive environment.”  -Renee Toney

Renee Toney, a native of Georgetown, Guyana completed her undergraduate degree at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a major in Law and Society and a minor in Sociology. During her time in school, she was a service provider for the Office of Accessibility and a research assistant at the Cognitive Psychology Lab. Renee was also Secretary of the International Students Association and a Team Leader for the Office of Student Transition Programs. Additionally, she served as an intern with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Office of Policy and Planning for New York State Courts, was a recipient of the Ron Moelis Fellowship, and served a peer advocate for the Urban Male Initiative with John Jay College. In her free time, Renee enjoys dancing, taking spontaneous trips, and outdoor sports.  She is a part of the Northside cohort, and is serving at The Citizen Science Lab.

Brenner Burkholder: How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?

Renee Toney: It has inspired me to be more intentional with the people around me. To be more aware of people’s feelings and surroundings and acting toward what they feel.

Brenner: Tell me something you are learning about yourself through PULSE.

Renee: I’m learning how to take more time for myself. With so much going on, it is important for me to keep myself a priority.

Brenner: What do you enjoy most about your nonprofit partnership?

Renee: I get to be independent- I get to carry out my own projects.

Brenner: What have you enjoyed most about living in community?

Renee: I enjoy the fun dynamic in my house- just the atmosphere and different personas in my house create a cohesive environment.

Brenner: What surprised you most about Pittsburgh?

Renee: There is a huge lack of West Indian population.

Brenner: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh so far?

Renee: I went to Light Up Night downtown. It was cool seeing the city come together for such a big event.

Brenner: What is the best part of the PULSE experience?

Renee: The group of people I get to share this one year of commitment with. It’s been fun getting to know the different people in the program.

 

Story by PULSE Fellow Brenner Burkholder.

Read more Fellow Stories about their experience in PULSE. If you would like to learn more about the PULSE program, please visit our Serve with Us page.

Also, check out other Stories of Transformation:

• Fellow Stories
• Alumni Stories,
• Nonprofit Partner Stories
• Neighborhood Stories

“I enjoy having space and freedom to explore areas that interest me professionally and causes I want to support. It’s awesome to feel like you’re an integral part of the great work that is being done in Pittsburgh.” -Kimberly Hunter

A graduate of Duquesne University, Kimberly Hunter majored in Communication and Rhetoric with a minor in Political Science. She was an intern with Allegheny Center Alliance Center Church, where she helped launch the Christian Immigration Advocacy Center, a non-profit that provides pro bono legal services to low-income immigrants and refugees. She was also a member of Model United Nations and the Inside Out Program, where she engaged with inmates in Allegheny County Jail. In her free time, Kimberly enjoys playing piano, drawing, cooking, and exploring new places and cultures.  She is a part of the Northside cohort, and is serving at The Pittsburgh Project.

Sirah Javier: What has been the most valuable part of the PULSE experience so far?

Kim Hunter: The most valuable part of my PULSE experience so far has been living in an intentional community in my house. It’s been an amazing experience living in Chester with a house full of young women who are driven, passionate, and caring individuals. We’ve made it a priority in our house to support each other throughout our year in PULSE and it has really made the entire experience worth it for me.

Sirah: How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?

Kim: PULSE has inspired me to live, think, and act differently by making me more aware of the impact of my life on others and the community. Part of PULSE is learning to live within our means, which is tremendously valuable to developing my own awareness of others’ daily struggles and recognizing everything I have to be thankful for. We are also reminded every day that we have to be conscious of the people we are serving by asking them instead of assuming what they need.

Sirah: Tell me something you are learning about yourself through PULSE.

Kim: I’ve learned a lot about myself through PULSE like what I enjoy about my work environment and I’m starting to get a clearer picture of what I’m good at. I’ve also learned that is okay to be vulnerable because it shows that you are a human being allows you to become closer to people. Maybe the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is self-care by making time to rest and not over-committing to too many volunteer opportunities.

Sirah: What do you enjoy most about your nonprofit partnership?

Kim: Creating things like images or graphics. Anytime I get to be creative, even if it’s just creating a bulletin board for the kids, I really enjoy it.

Sirah: What have you enjoyed most about living in community?

Kim: I enjoy having a group of people who understand what I’m going through, are there when I need help, and are fun to hang out with.

Sirah: Describe a typical day at your nonprofit partnership.

Kim: Typically, for the first half of the day I work on social media and writing stories of the organization and any other office related work. Then the second half of the day, I serve with kids Kindergarten through 5th grade in the After School Program. Three days a week I pick them up from school and then bring them to The Pittsburgh Project, then we have an hour for homework and play time, and then 4-6pm we have activities like art, yoga, STEM projects, games, and theDREAMlab, which is our makerspace.

Sirah: What surprised you most about Pittsburgh?

Kim: It’s been 5 years now since I started school at Duquesne, but it never ceases to surprise me how green Pittsburgh is and how many parks, woods, and beautiful outdoor spaces there are here.

Sirah: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh so far?

Kim: I’ve had so many fun adventures just finding little nooks and crannies around the city like the Seldom Seen Greenway or Grandview Park. I’m excited to explore more and find other places like them, especially on the North Side.

Sirah: What’s your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?

Kim: Meera and Louise made a shrimp curry with rice the other day. That was amazing! Anything with curry is an instant house favorite.

Sirah: What is the best part of the PULSE experience?

Kim: I enjoy having space and freedom to explore areas that interest me professionally and causes I want to support.  It’s awesome to feel like you’re an integral part of the great work that is being done in Pittsburgh. Being a part of PULSE, I have a special opportunity to engage in the possibilities of the city, as well as possibilities for my own life.

 

Story by PULSE Fellow Sirah Javier.

Read more Fellow Stories about their experience in PULSE. If you would like to learn more about the PULSE program, please visit our Serve with Us page.

Also, check out other Stories of Transformation:

• Fellow Stories
• Alumni Stories,
• Nonprofit Partner Stories
• Neighborhood Stories

“I’ve become a little more generous as I’ve found myself dedicating my time to service, the people I live with, and my own wellness.” -Jack Hurley

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Jack Hurley majored in Biological Studies and Urban Studies and minored in Chemistry, and a member of the Honors College. He was heavily involved in community service at Pitt, including serving as Development Coordinator for Camp Kesem, a summer camp for children whose lives have been affected by cancer, and Family Captain for Keep it Real, a tutoring organization for Somali-Bantu refugee families. In addition to his community service, he also interned with the City of Akron as a Laboratory and Watershed Intern. Jack’s hobbies include running and reading novels.  He is a part of the Northside cohort, and is serving at the American Heart Association.

Tess De Jong: What has been the most valuable part of the PULSE experience so far?

Jack Hurley: Meeting some important players in the Pittsburgh community. That includes leaders in my neighborhood and nonprofit sector, as well as young leaders who are also doing a service experience, doing good for the community with little personal financial gain. I think meeting those people has led to a more holistic perception of this city.

Tess: How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?

Jack: As a college student at Pitt, I was geographically centered in an area that was connected to transit and all sorts of restaurants and services, many provided by the university. Now being outside of that center, I notice there is less access to things and it hasn’t been as easy. It’s forced me to be more aware of where and how I’m living and to consider my privilege in accessibility. I also have noticed that I’m living more simply and not getting caught up with the minutiae of life. I think I’ve become a little more generous as I’ve found myself dedicating my time to service, the people I live with, and my own wellness. I take care of myself by giving myself quiet time, cooking, and talking with other people about things that matter.

Tess: Tell me something you are learning about yourself through PULSE.

Jack: We all serve in a nonprofit, so oftentimes that means dealing with issues that are heavy. PULSE has taught me to be active in taking care of myself, through sleep, food, hydration, talking things out, and listening to and being with other people.

Tess: What do you enjoy most about your nonprofit partnership?

Jack: I enjoy being part of a team that is a trusted voice of knowledge. I serve for the American Heart Association in community health, and we have an initiative called Healthy Blood Pressure For All. It’s a program where people learn about healthier practices and behaviors. Being part of a team that can share knowledge about health and wellness to empower others is just really exciting.

Tess: What have you enjoyed most about living in community?

Jack: I love doing housework or washing dishes or cooking with my housemates, which is not always fun, but then there’s this sweet little moment when everything is done. We have time to relax and sit and laugh and those times feel especially sweet after finishing the chores. It’s like there’s nothing else in the world in those moments.

Tess: Describe a typical day at your nonprofit partnership.

Jack: Right now [in November] it includes reaching out to community members and helping them introduce the Healthy Blood Pressure For All program to their communities. I figure out logistics via a lot of emailing and talking on the phone. Today I designed and updated flyers, applications, made sure everything will be sent out in time, and that our partners are ready to introduce this program to their community. Come January my day will look a little different. I’ll be a health mentor and teach some cooking classes.

Tess: What surprised you most about Pittsburgh?

Jack: Especially after going to Pitt, I realize how much Pittsburgh invests in small geographical areas, like certain neighborhoods. There are visible disparities, and you can see that the city invests in things that are shiny, like new bars or homes in gentrified areas to attract new residents. Some of these things may make it very difficult for people to live or stay in their home/neighborhood.

Tess: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh so far?

Jack: I live in Perry Hilltop, and one day I went on a run and just kept going. I ran to Riverview Park in Observatory Hill this fall, and I just remember going up the hill next to the observatory and seeing a view of Pittsburgh. It was absolutely gorgeous and the color of the trees was just so beautiful!

Tess: What’s your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?

Jack: Tacos! We have a different protein every time.

Tess: What is the best part of the PULSE experience?

Jack: My fellow PULSErs!!

 

Story by PULSE Fellow Tess De Jong.

Read more Fellow Stories about their experience in PULSE. If you would like to learn more about the PULSE program, please visit our Serve with Us page.

Also, check out other Stories of Transformation:

• Fellow Stories
• Alumni Stories,
• Nonprofit Partner Stories
• Neighborhood Stories

“I enjoy the passion of my coworkers and I enjoy the positive feedback from the agencies my nonprofit works with.” -Casey Devine

A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Casey Devine majored in Global Studies and French and Francophone Studies. She was heavily involved in research at Carnegie Mellon, where she researched French language legislation and its relationship between French language policy and identity. She was a member of several honors societies and was Vice President of Programming and Education of Alpha Phi. Prior to joining PULSE, Casey served for a year as an English Teaching Assistant in the French Embassy Teaching Assistant Program. In her free time, Casey enjoys traveling, reading, and finding new restaurant.  She is a part of the East End cohort, and is serving at Tickets for Kids.

Matthew Colabella: What has been the most valuable part of the PULSE experience so far?

Casey Devine: So far, the most valuable part of my experience has been gaining new professional skills at my nonprofit partner, as well as connecting with other fellows inside and outside of my cohort.

Matthew: How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?

Casey: Through PULSE I have come to appreciate how important is to give back and be community-minded. I have also learned to be more open about the nonprofit work experience.

Matthew: Tell me something you are learning about yourself through PULSE.

Casey: I am learning that I value my alone time and to be more mindful of my peers’ personal time.

Matthew: What do you enjoy most about your nonprofit partnership?

Casey: I enjoy the passion of my partners and I also enjoy positive feedback from agencies that TFK partners with to provide underprivileged with meaningful experiences.

Matthew: What have you enjoyed most about living in community?

Casey: I enjoyed learning to cook for myself and housemates, as well as the meal time spent together as a house.

Matthew: Describe a typical day at your nonprofit partnership.

Casey: A typical day depends on the amount of events, but I am in constant communication with TFK’s nonprofit partners and ticket donors. I also spend time researching events the TFK may be able to access across the US.

Matthew: What surprised you most about Pittsburgh?

Casey: I’ve been enjoying learning about neighborhoods that I was not familiar with, even though I grew up in the Greater Pittsburgh area.

Matthew: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh so far?

Casey: Going to Church Brewworks for happy hour. It was a unique architectural space that I had never visited before.

Matthew: What’s your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?

Casey: Enchilada casserole that I made with the help of Molly.

 

Story by PULSE Fellow Matthew Colabella.

Read more Fellow Stories about their experience in PULSE. If you would like to learn more about the PULSE program, please visit our Serve with Us page.

Also, check out other Stories of Transformation:

• Fellow Stories
• Alumni Stories,
• Nonprofit Partner Stories
• Neighborhood Stories

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know individual neighborhoods [in Pittsburgh] and seeing the individual organizations that serve them.” -Grace Wong

Grace Wong, a native of New York, New York, completed her undergraduate degree at Carnegie Mellon University with majors in Fine Art, Global Systems and Management, and Human Computer Interaction. During her time in school, she was involved with Big Straw Magazine, where she was the Publicity and Events Director. Grace also was a Cultural Events Lead for the Taiwanese Students Association, Public Relations and Marketing Lead for Alpha Chi Omega, and a Communications and Outreach Research Assistant for the Machine Learning and Health Department. Additionally, she was a Creative and Strategy Intern for J. Walter Thompson and an Independent Photojournalist for USA. She has served as a volunteer for ArtsConnection, the NY Common Pantry, and UBELONG. In her free time, Grace enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and watching documentaries.  She is a part of the Northside cohort, and is serving at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Alex: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh so far?

Grace: Each neighborhood has its own special “thing” and Bloomfield’s First Friday’s is my favorite. Artists, residents, neighbors, and spectators come together to celebrate the arts with pop-up exhibitions every month.

Alex: What’s your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?

Grace: We don’t have a family favorite because my housemates all come from diverse backgrounds. One day it could be Italian food, another day it could be Caribbean food. That’s what makes our family meal time unique – we all learn from our different cultures.

 

Story by PULSE Fellow Alex Bice.

Read more Fellow Stories about their experience in PULSE. If you would like to learn more about the PULSE program, please visit our Serve with Us page.

Also, check out other Stories of Transformation:

• Fellow Stories
• Alumni Stories,
• Nonprofit Partner Stories
• Neighborhood Stories