Welcome!
Program
- 5:30 – Dinner
- 6pm – Welcome & Introductions
- 6:15 – Questions- 1 min answers each
- 7:30 – Rapid Fire Questions – Yes or No Only!
- 7:50 – Closing, Thank YOU!
Candidates
Allie Petonic
District 9
Allie is dedicated to listening, standing up, and getting results for workers and their families. Allie Petonic brings 20 years of experience as a union organizer and leader, as well as four years of working in coalition with parents, teachers and staff, and community partners toward implementing community schools in Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS). Allie4Us.org
Carlos Thomas
District 1
A lifelong resident of Pittsburgh, PPS parent and long-time advocate for the youth in our region, Carlos Thomas believes in a transparent process in which community members are well-informed about their students and schools with a seat at the table to be heard. Through his workforce development experience, Carlos has created pathways for our students to succeed. VoteCarlosThomas.org
Erikka Grayson
District 3
As director of community and engagement at the Early Excellence Project, Grayson has worked to develop tutoring and literacy programs for early childhood and elementary students in the Hill District. . The mom of three also runs an Instagram platform and podcast aimed at amplifying mothers’ voices. ErikkaGrayson.com
Eva Diodati
District 7
Eva Diodati is a lifelong Pittsburgher who grew up in Brookline and currently lives in Carrick. Eva is a proud Pittsburgh Public Schools graduate of Pittsburgh Brashear and earned both their Bachelor’s in Theatre Arts and Master’s in English and Media from Duquesne University. Eva has worked with Pittsburgh youth for over a decade and currently serves as a Teen Library Services Associate. Diodati4PGH.com
Gene Walker
District 9
Gene Walker, a Pittsburgh native and graduate of Peabody High School, is the Managing Director of Per Scholas Pittsburgh. He received his bachelor’s degree in business and accounting from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.Gene’s passion for education started when he joined the Pittsburgh Promise in 2009, and continued as his children attended PPS and graduated from Pittsburgh Sci-Tech. GeneWalkerForDistrict9.org
Mahdi Bey
District 7
Mahdi Bey is running for school board to fight for our kids to have the resources they deserve and to protect our tax dollars. Mahdi works in the office of State Representative Jessica Benham and looks forward to using his years of government experience to fight for you and for the young people who live in PPS District 7. Mahdi cheers for his son, Aries, who attends Brashear and plays for the football team. MahdiBey.com
Tawana Cook Purnell
District 1
Tawana is running for School Board Director in District 1 to utilize her expertise as a career educator to address the challenges PPS faces. She is committed to making bold, thoughtful decisions that will support student success, enhance staff satisfaction, increase family engagement, and build community collaborations. TwanaCookPurnell.net
Tonya Fores
District 3
Tonya Fores Director For Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Board blog is a platform dedicated to highlighting the achievements and initiatives of Tonya Fores in her role as a director. We aim to provide valuable insights and information on education in Pittsburgh. TonyaForesPPS.org
Tracey Reed
District 5
Dr. Tracey Reed was born and raised in Pittsburgh and attended Beltzhoover Elementary School. Pursuing excellence in schooling for Black children has been a driving force in Tracey’s life and career. As a high school English teacher, a faculty member in a college of education, manager of an office for child protection, and currently a program officer for a foundation, Tracey has led. Tracey4PPS.com
Great Public Schools Coalition
