Each year, the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh presents the Illuminate Awards to recognize leaders who are advancing global mindedness and connection in our region. Selected from nominations submitted by community members, award recipients are individuals whose work strengthens Pittsburgh locally while building pathways to a more globally connected region and world.
The 2026 Illuminate Award recipients will be honored at Give to Gain: International Women’s Day Community Panel & Luncheon on Thursday, March 5, 9:00AM–1:00PM at the Duquesne Club. RSVP to attend and celebrate the awardees.
We are excited to honor four outstanding local leaders across business, education, community service, and youth engagement.
Meet the winners:
Christina Cassotis | Business Leader
Christina Cassotis serves as CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, which operates Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Allegheny County Airport (AGC). Under her leadership, PIT has been transformed into a world-class origin-and-destination airport with record growth, expanded domestic and international service, and a bold reimagining of what an airport can be. She is currently leading the construction of a new terminal—making PIT the first airport built from the ground up in the United States post-pandemic—and oversaw the development of the first airport microgrid in the world powered by natural gas and solar energy.
Through visionary leadership, Christina has strengthened Pittsburgh’s global connectivity and positioned the region as a leader in innovation, sustainability, and international commerce.
Learn more about Christina Cassotis.
Dr. Quintin B. Bullock | Education Leader
Dr. Quintin Bullock is the ninth president of the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), serving approximately 30,000 credit and noncredit students annually. Since 2014, he has advanced a mission-driven vision centered on access, equity, workforce innovation, and student success. Under his leadership, CCAC has strengthened pathways to completion, expanded career training aligned with regional economic needs, and cultivated strategic partnerships that bridge education, industry, and community.
Dr. Bullock has led transformative capital investments and co-led CCAC’s largest comprehensive fundraising campaign, raising more than $90 million to expand opportunity and student support. A dedicated civic leader, he serves in key statewide and regional roles, reinforcing the essential connection between education, economic mobility, and community empowerment.
Learn more about Dr. Quintin B. Bullock.
The Honorable Cynthia A. Baldwin | Community Leader
Justice Cynthia A. Baldwin is a trailblazing jurist and civic leader who has shaped legal, educational, and governance institutions at the highest levels. She was the first African American woman elected to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas and one of the first African American women to serve on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Following her judicial service, she continued her impact as a partner at Duane Morris and as Vice President and General Counsel at Penn State University.
Justice Baldwin’s global engagement includes serving as a Fulbright Lecturer in Zimbabwe and authoring international policy work on judicial reform. Her extensive board leadership—spanning higher education, governance, philanthropy, and corporate oversight—reflects a lifelong commitment to ethical leadership and mentoring future generations. Her work strengthens both the Commonwealth and the broader global community.
Learn more about Justice Cynthia A. Baldwin.
Bahati Wilondja | Youth Leader
Bahati Wilondja, a senior at Brashear High School and resident of Crafton Borough, is a committed youth leader dedicated to service, mentorship, and cross-cultural connection. As a member of the ARYSE Youth Steering Committee, she helps shape programming that supports refugee and immigrant youth, strengthening her skills in communication, collaboration, and inclusive leadership. She has also served as a counselor-in-training for ARYSE’s summer programming, mentoring younger students.
Through Open Field, Bahati coaches and referees youth soccer while helping organize community events, including serving as an emcee for the organization’s 15th anniversary celebration. Her leadership reflects the spirit of global citizenship—building belonging, confidence, and opportunity for young people across cultures.