The 2024 Illuminate Awards
Presented by the David Glick Memorial Fund.
The Illuminate Awards recognize leaders who have made a difference in advancing global mindedness and connection in the Pittsburgh region. These individuals exemplify how local actions can create a global impact by welcoming and supporting the growing Latine community, fostering relationships between Pittsburgh and Europe, expanding STEM opportunities for students, and educating youth on the impacts of climate change.
We are excited to honor four outstanding local leaders in our third annual Illuminate Awards. Meet the winners:
Sister Janice Vanderneck | Community Leader
Sister Janice is the Founding Director of Casa San José. A Pittsburgh nonprofit, resource and welcome center for the Latine community. She is a Sister of St. Joseph of Baden, and she has worked in Latin America, educating and organizing community members to think critically about power structures, oppression, and political engagement.
With a Masters’ Degree in Theology from Duquesne University, Sister Janice worked for decades as a religion teacher and principal at Catholic elementary and high schools in Pittsburgh. Sister Janice has received numerous awards for her extraordinary service. They include the Michael McGrady Award for Service at the Art Rooney Awards Dinner, the OHTLI Award given by the Secretariat of the Mexican Government for service to the Mexican community in the US, the El Sol Award from the Hispanic Attorneys Committee of the Allegheny Bar Association, and the Volunteer Preceptor of the Year (IPPE) award from the School of Pharmacy of the University of Pittsburgh.
“Our mission as Sisters of Saint Joseph is Love of God and neighbor. That charism has inspired me to see all people in this world as well as the earth itself as my neighbor. I work to build up what we Sisters call, ‘Unioning Love.’ Receiving this award at this time of such divisiveness is confirmation that we are on the right track.”
Learn more about Sister Janice.
Robin Zoufalik | Business Leader
Robin is a seasoned Business Development Professional having extensive experience within the architecture, engineering, construction, and real estate industry, currently responsible for business development for POH Architects. His industry experience includes work in Washington DC, Central PA, and the Pittsburgh region. Robin is a member of ULI, has held various leadership roles within the Pittsburgh Council, and is currently the Chair for the Placemaking Awards. A Pittsburgher by choice since January of 2000, Robin has a deep understanding and skillset related to all aspects of the built environment. An engineer by education, he is a people person by profession. He is involved in community and industry organizations with a focus on economic development and helping people in need.
Being the Honorary Consul for the Czech Republic in Pittsburgh, he works with Czech Nationals, Expatriates, and companies on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His jurisdiction covers Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia under the supervision of the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in New York office. Since establishing the Czechs in the Burgh group, his involvement with the Sister City Committee for Pittsburgh & Ostrava, and serving on the Friends of Via Board, he continues to be involved in various Czech related activities including the Pittsburgh Czech and Slovak School, promoting Czech businesses, and executing administrative tasks as the Honorary Consul.
Robin established and leads the private small group 10 day tours in the Czech Republic. Czech It with Robin Tours connecting travelers with the rich culture, history, and many beautiful cities, towns, and sites within the Czech Republic. His ability to organize and lead provides travelers with a unique inside look at a country with not only history but an active and vibrant social society. The tours have received very positive feedback from travelers. His business interests with RZ-tek Solutions has evolved from just consulting and training on business development to now in support of Czech and European companies looking to establish business and grow opportunities in the U.S. He works with his partners on a project basis as companies evaluate and execute their business plan for the US by initiating opportunities in the Pittsburgh region.
“I am inspired to provide global connectedness based on my parents having the bravery and vision to escape communist Czechoslovakia with my brother and I. Being 8 years old at the time, and spending the next 10 months in refugee camps in Austria, shaped my viewpoint of what it means to be positive and grateful. The opportunity to live the American Dream motivates me to be successful and do things that drive positive change. I truly believe that conflict is typically caused by lack of understanding. As a result, my work in Rotary with Youth Exchange and being the Honorary Consul for the Czech Republic helps me connect various nationalities and ethnic groups.”
Dr. Andre Samuel | Educator
Andre Samuel, a long-time resident of Washington, DC, graduated from the University of the District of Columbia with a degree in Biology. Following graduate study at the George Washington University in Genomics and Bioinformatics, he received his PhD in Biology from Duquesne University. At Duquesne, his research focused on studying the structure and function of the cold shock related proteins in E. coli.
As a PhD candidate, Dr. Samuel founded the S.I.G.M.A Science Mentorship Initiative, a summer study program designed to introduce diverse ninth graders to the University’s lab with the long-term goal of encouraging the pursuit of careers in scientific research. Dr. Samuel’s research experience includes studying toxicology and carcinogenicity effects of novel drugs, hookworm vaccine development and tuberculosis reactivation in non-human primates.
Dr. Samuel has a passion for STEM education and life science research. He believes that creating fun, engaging, and hands on lab experiences for people is the best pathway to an interest in STEM.
Dr. Samuel also has a passion for community service. He has served as the Lead for the Remake Learning STE(A)M Working Group and sits on the boards of the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the CCAC Educational Foundation.
“Growing up, two powerful forces shaped my understanding of the world: Star Wars and hip-hop! These two influences—one a futuristic tale of good versus evil, the other a raw & real commentary on life—came together to fuel my mission: to use the rhythm & energy of science as a force for positive change.”
Nimet Aysan | Youth
Nimet Aysan, a Senior at Mount Lebanon High School, is deeply committed to justice and equality through her impactful work with nonprofits and humanitarian initiatives. She has dedicated weekends, summers, and school nights volunteering at the Turkish Cultural Center, where she teaches at the weekend school, educating and mentoring children on enhancing their understanding of everything from religious scriptures to environmental consciousness as the co-founder of Youth for EcoJustice, an environmental sub-nonprofit.
Through her involvement with Hello Neighbor and LIGHT Education initiative she focuses on providing training to children on combating xenophobia. Her work also reaches beyond the borders of Pittsburgh with theFirst Bricks Online Education System where she is able to also help children in Europe. She is also the Co-Founder of the Girls’ International Ambition and Achievement Program (GAAP) focused on introducing young girls to the connections and resources they need to succeed in higher education and the workforce.
“Receiving this award is an incredible honor that motivates me to continue striving for meaningful change. It is too often that work like this goes unnoticed, and bringing it to light will hopefully inspire and mobilize others to engage with the communities around them and reach spaces I haven’t had the chance to. My journey thus far reflects my belief that real impact stems from dedication to service and collaboration. Investing in the youth of today, especially those in marginalized communities, is crucial to ensuring we are doing our part in actively dismantling the unjust systems of the world we inhabit, carving pathways for lasting progress which those that come after us will walk through.”