Join us this year as we honor the individuals who helped us provide 50 years of community centered development. Sponsor the 22n Annual Aggie Awards! Download the 2026 Aggie Awards Sponsorship package

This year’s luncheon is especially meaningful as we celebrate The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation’s 50th anniversary. Since 1976, BGC has worked to strengthen Garfield and the greater East End through affordable housing development, workforce development, youth programs, neighborhood stabilization, and support for small businesses along the Penn Avenue corridor. Funds raised through the Aggie Awards Luncheon directly support these vital community development programs.

2026 Aggie Awards Luncheon

Friday, November 20, 2026
Priory Grand Hall
614 Pressley St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Doors Open: 11:30 a.m.
Lunch: Noon–12:45 p.m.
Awards Ceremony: 12:45–1:45 p.m.

Keynote Speaker: Lauren Connelly, Director of Allegheny County Economic Development

2026 Aggie Awardees:

  • Nasir Crownie
  • William “Bill” Cornell
  • Cathy Niederberger
  • Scott Brown

Sponsor the Event! 2026 Aggie Awards Sponsorship Package

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BGC Honors Storytellers at Aggie Awards and Marks 50 Years of The Bulletin

The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation welcomed more than 150 community leaders, neighbors, and partners to the 21st Annual Aggie Brose Awards Luncheon on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the historic Omni William Penn Hotel. This year’s luncheon honored four outstanding contributors to journalism and storytelling, recognizing their powerful role in shaping narrative, preserving community history, and elevating voices that deserve to be heard. The event also celebrated a major milestone: 50 years of The Bulletin, BGC’s community newspaper, which has documented the evolution of Garfield and the East End since 1975.

The event opened with a lively mix and mingle with music by Harris Event Group before BGC Board President Jarmele Fairclaugh welcomed the audience. In her remarks, she acknowledged elected officials, community partners, and the many sponsors whose generosity made the celebration possible, including Duolingo, Highmark Health, PNC, Bill Cornell & Kelly’s Bar & Lounge, Mistick Construction, UPMC, and dozens of additional supporters. She emphasized that their commitment allows the BGC to continue its core work in affordable housing, youth mentoring, workforce development, and neighborhood revitalization.

BGC Executive Director Rick Swartz followed with remarks commemorating a major milestone: the 50th anniversary of The Bulletin, the organization’s community newspaper. Swartz reflected on the paper’s role in documenting Garfield’s transformation from the challenges of the 1970s to today’s renewed vibrancy. He underscored the importance of local journalism, especially at a time when newspapers nationwide are shrinking or closing, before introducing the day’s keynote speaker.

Keynote speaker Natalie Bencivenga, MSW, an award-winning journalist and media entrepreneur, delivered a powerful address on the essential role of storytelling in community health, democracy, and civic engagement. Through her work across print, radio, television, and digital media, Bencivenga reminded the audience that journalism is not just a profession, but a public service rooted in amplifying voices and advancing equity.

The heart of the luncheon was the presentation of the 2025 Aggie Awards, named in memory of the late community organizer Aggie Brose. Led by Alonso Diaz-Perez, Chief Operations Officer for the BGC, the awards recognized four extraordinary Pittsburgh storytellers: Bonita Lee Penn, Alisha B. Wormsley, Bill O’Driscoll and Kahmeela Adams-Friedson, Each honoree shared brief remarks, inspiring attendees with reflections on art, journalism, activism, and the power of community.

This year’s Aggie Awards Luncheon once again affirmed the impact of those working every day to build a more vibrant, equitable East End. The event encourages everyone to ask What Would Aggie Do?

Photos of the 21st Annual Aggie Awards by Heather Mull.

Watch the video of the full Aggie Brose Awards Luncheon:


The 21st Annual Aggie Brose Awards Luncheon took place on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 at the Omni William Penn Hotel 530 William Penn Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (17th Floor, Urban Room).

The Keynote Speaker was Natalie Bencivenga, MSW, an award-winning journalist and media entrepreneur who uses her platforms to advance equity and amplify community voices.

2025 Aggie Awardees are

  • Bonita Lee Penn – Poet, playwright, and multimedia artist whose work explores memory, identity, and spirituality through the lens of the Black aesthetic.
  • Alisha B. Wormsley – Guggenheim Fellow, interdisciplinary artist, and cultural producer whose visionary projects imagine liberated Black and Indigenous futures.
  • Bill O’Driscoll – Award-winning Pittsburgh journalist whose 30-year career has shaped arts and culture coverage locally and nationally.
  • Kahmeela Adams-Friedson – Pittsburgh-based producer, journalist, and multimedia storyteller who champions underrepresented voices with creativity and insight.

The Aggie Awards luncheon not only recognizes outstanding community leaders but also supports BGC’s ongoing initiatives in affordable housing, workforce development, youth mentoring, and neighborhood revitalization.

Thank you to our 2025 Aggie Awards Sponsors!

Champion Sponsors

Duolingo, Highmark Health, & PNC

Supporter Sponsors

Bill Cornell & Kelly’s Bar & Lounge, Mistick Construction, & UPMC

Advocate Sponsors

Bridgeway Capital, Citizens Bank, City of Bridges Land Trust, First National Bank, JENDOCO, Pinnacle, S&T Bank, The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh, & Wagner Insurance

Stakeholder Sponsors

GRB LAW, Action Housing, Boom Concepts, Compass: RE, Emma Stewart Video, Evolve Coaching, Harris Event Group, Invitations Plus, Maggie Negrete, Mele’s Party Planning, Moss Architects, Pedantic Arts Residency, People’s Indian, Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group, Printsource, Rebekkah Ranallo LLC, Rothschild Doyno Collaborative, The Friendship Community Group, Trace Brewing, & Two Frays Brewery

 

 

The Aggie Awards, named in honor of the late Aggie Brose, recognize individuals whose commitment to community activism continues to shape Pittsburgh for the better. Aggie dedicated her life to improving housing, safety, and opportunity in Garfield, and these awards carry on her legacy by uplifting today’s changemakers.

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Honoring excellence in community activism in Pittsburgh.

The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation (BGC) celebrated community activism in Pittsburgh at the 20th Annual Aggie Brose Awards Luncheon, held on November 15, 2024, at the Omni William Penn Hotel. This inspiring event brought together supporters, leaders, and advocates to honor the impactful work driving positive change across the city.

The luncheon opened with a warm welcome from Jarmel Fairclaugh, President of the BGC Board of Directors, setting the stage for a meaningful afternoon. Guests were then treated to a powerful video showcasing the organization’s mission and accomplishments, followed by remarks from Executive Director Rick Swartz. A heartfelt tribute was presented to honor P.J. Maloney, a longtime board member whose contributions left a lasting legacy.

The keynote address was delivered by Ciora Thomas, Executive Director of SisTers PGH, who inspired the audience with her insights on community empowerment and equity. The event then turned to the highlight of the day: the presentation of the Aggie Brose Awards by Julia Beadnell, representing the BGC’s youth programs. The 2024 honorees included:

  • Takara Canty, BOOM Resident Artist & Professional Teaching Artist
  • Mayada Christiansen, Senior Managing Director of Programs, Partner4Work
  • Kyrah Page, Founder & CEO of Keepin’ It Kultured LLC
  • Cecil Price III, Founder & CEO of Youth Emergence Project (YEP)

Each awardee was celebrated for their remarkable contributions to Pittsburgh’s communities, reflecting the spirit of the awards’ namesake, Aggie Brose.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Nina Gibbs, BGC’s Director of Development, who thanked attendees, sponsors, and supporters for their dedication to the organization’s mission.

The success of this year’s luncheon was made possible thanks to generous sponsorships from organizations such as Duolingo, Highmark, Giant Eagle Foundation, Compass: RE, Mistick Construction, UPMC, Bill Cornell, PNC Community Development Banking, Children’s Home of Pittsburgh, Two Frays Brew, Module Development, Poole Anderson Properties, Bridgeway Capital, Wagner Insurance, First National Bank, Citizens Bank, BOOM Concepts, Partner4Work, Pittsburgh Glass Center, Moss Architects, Trace Brewing, GRB LAW, Action Housing, Dylan Ahrens, M.C.A of Western PA, Pedantic Arts Residency, Pinnacle, & Rebekkah Ranallo Fundraising Consultant.

The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation is grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to this event, which not only celebrated community leadership but also underscored the importance of collaboration in building a brighter future for Pittsburgh.

This event provides meaningful community development programs for Garfield and beyond. Since 1976, the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation (BGC) has served Garfield and the larger East End community with workforce development and career placements, affordable housing construction, mentoring and college preparation for local youths, new business development in the Penn Avenue commercial district, and neighborhood beautification projects.

 

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The BGC 19th Annual Luncheon & Aggie Brose Awards- 2023

“Honoring excellence in community activism in Pittsburgh.”

2023 Theme of the event is “Art on the Ave: 25 years of Creativity on Penn Ave”

The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation’s Aggie Awards took place on Nov 3, 2023 at the Omni William Penn Hotel. Keynote speaker was La’Tasha D. Mayes. ANQWENIQUE, Heather McElwee, janera solomon, Sheila Ali were honored with Aggie Brose Awards. The 2024 Aggie Awards are made possible through the generous support of our esteemed sponsors. Beacon Communities LLC, Highmark, Giant Eagle Foundation, Mistick Construction, UPMC, Learning Place, DuoLingo, BOOM Concepts, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, Sitko Bruno, LLC, Wagner Agency INC. Insurance, Flaherty & O’hara, Module, Bridgeway Capital, Gatesburg Road Development, Citizens Bank, Children’s Home Of Pittsburgh, First National Bank, Audrey Medrano: Videographer, Compass Real Estate, PJ Maloney, Goehring, Rutter & Boehm, Harris Event Group, Maggie Negrete, mossArchitects, Opportunity Fund, Pedantic Arts Residency, Pittsburgh Glass Center, Trace Brewing, Two Frays Brewery, Heather Mull photographer, and Mele’s Party Planning & Gifts. Their commitment to our community and the arts is truly commendable, and we are honored to have them as our partners in celebrating excellence and creativity.

PHOTOS FROM THE 2023 AGGIE AWARDS LUNCHEON

Aggie Brose Honorees for 2023:

  • ANQWENIQUE
  • Heather McElwee
  • janera solomon
  • Sheila Ali

This event provides meaningful community development programs for Garfield and beyond. Since 1975, the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation (BGC) has served Garfield and the larger East End community with workforce development and career placements, affordable housing construction, mentoring and college preparation for local youths, new business development in the Penn Avenue commercial district, and neighborhood beautification projects.

The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation (BGC) is thrilled to announce the 19th annual Aggie Awards Luncheon, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Penn Ave. Arts Initiative and the #Unblurred art crawl. Named after the late Aggie Brose, a devoted advocate for positive change, the awards honor outstanding contributions to community activism. Aggie Brose, a BGC founding member, dedicated over 40 years to advocating for better housing, safer streets, and employment opportunities in Garfield and beyond – leaving a remarkable legacy that inspires positive change to this day.

The keynote speaker for the event is La’Tasha D. Mayes, a trailblazer in Pennsylvania politics and the first woman to represent House District 24, which includes Garfield and Penn Avenue. As the first openly lesbian member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, La’Tasha tirelessly advocates for marginalized communities.

To mark the Penn Ave. Arts’ milestone 25th anniversary, the Aggie Awards proudly celebrate the exceptional women who have been instrumental in transforming Penn Avenue into a thriving arts hub, making an indelible mark on Pittsburgh’s arts and culture scene. The distinguished awardees for 2023 are:

ANQWENIQUE influences Penn Avenue’s arts scene by working with BOOM Concepts – supporting the community, connecting collaborations, and championing arts education for emerging artists while showcasing her talents in opera, jazz, and soul music.

Heather McElwee’s transformative leadership as Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Glass Center for over 20 years has attracted thousands of visitors and students, ensuring the Glass Center’s continued impact in the Penn Ave. Arts & Commercial District.

janera solomon’s visionary leadership has transformed the Penn Ave. arts community through the Kelly Strayhorn Theater & Fieldwork Gallery, enriching the cultural landscape.

Sheila Ali leads the Irma Freeman Center for Imagination, a thriving artistic hub on Penn Ave, empowering diverse talents through creative collaborations and addressing social issues.

The Aggie Awards also acknowledge Shirley Gleditsch, Nina Barbuto, Jennifer Quinio-Hedges, Jason Sauer, and Laura McLaughlin, who were previously honored at BGC awards luncheons for their invaluable contributions to the Penn Ave. Arts Initiative, alongside countless others who have played a significant role in shaping the thriving arts district along Penn Avenue. The event promises to be a remarkable celebration of the arts, local communities, and the spirit of positive change that Aggie Brose embodied for so long.

Questions about the Aggie Awards? Contact Nina@bloomfield-garfield.org

Unblurred: A Decades-Long Journey of Art and Community Transformation

Penn Avenue Arts District, nestled in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield, Garfield, and Friendship neighborhoods, has been a beacon of creativity and economic growth for 25 years. At the heart of this vibrant district stands “Unblurred,” a pioneering monthly art crawl that has become synonymous with artistic innovation and local culture. Unblurred, born in 1998 as part of the Penn Avenue Arts Initiative, was a visionary response to reinvigorate Penn Avenue, running through the Bloomfield, Garfield, and Friendship neighborhoods. This initiative sought to transform the corridor with art galleries, studios, and creative enterprises. The name “Unblurred” captured its essence: to clear the visual blur of storefronts that passed by in a flash through car windows.

Over the years, Unblurred has evolved into the longest-running monthly art crawl in Pittsburgh, welcoming thousands of visitors each month. While it began with a focus on art galleries and studios, it has since grown into a diverse and inclusive celebration of creativity. Unblurred has seen the rise of cultural hubs, the arrival of eclectic eateries, vintage boutiques, and lively street vendors, infusing the event with an undeniable energy.

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2022 BGC Luncheon & Aggie Awards

Keynote Speaker was Celeste Smith

Aggie Brose Honorees for 2022:

  • Joann Monroe- Executive Director, Garfield Jubilee
  • Kristin Hughes-Octopus Garden founder & Friendship resident
  • AJ Monsma- Community Engagement Coordinator for Garfield Community Farm
  • Dr. Kendra Ross- Head of Social Impact at Duolingo

Aggie Awards Video

Photos of the 2022 Aggie Awards Luncheon.

2022 Aggie Awards Sponsors

Beacon Communities, Highmark / Allegheny Health Network, Giant Eagle, Learning Place, UPMC, DuoLingo, Mistick Construction, PNC Bank, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Gatesburg Road Development, Flagherty & Ohara, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, Wagner Agency INC. Insurance, First National Bank, Module, Bridgeway Capital, Armor Plumbing, Move PGH, Citizens Bank, Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group, Trace Brewing, Action Housing, LGA Partners, Neighborhood Allies, Remax, mossArchitects, goodblend, GRB Law

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2021 Aggie Brose Awards.

The event featured Dr. Diamonte Walker as the Keynote Speaker. The Aggie Brose Awards were given to Tammy Thompson, Natalie DeiCas, Dr. Staci Ford, and Linda Fulmer.

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The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation 16th Annual Luncheon- Friday, Nov. 15, 2019

This year’s luncheon honored the efforts of Women of Distinction in Community Development. The keynote speaker was Gisele Fetterman, the Second Lady of PA.

The late Aggie Brose was the cornerstone of the BGC, and this year’s luncheon.

The inaugural “Aggie Brose” honorees are: LaShawn Burton Faulk, of Manchester Citizens Corp.; Celeste Scott, of Pittsburgh United; and Jessica Smith Perry, of the URA. Commander Jason Lando, formerly of PGH Police Zone 5, was presented the Distinguished Public Service award.

BGC 2019 Luncheon- Photos by John Colombo

 

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2018 Luncheon The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation’s Board of Directors celebrated 2018’s achievements on Friday Nov 9, 2018 at The Omni William Penn. The festivities kicked off with a Short Film by Documentary artist, Chris Ivey

The Keynote Speaker for the event was State Rep. Ed Gainey D-Allegheny from The PA House of Representatives.   Emcee was P.J. Maloney of KQV Radio Awards were given! Pioneer Honoree: John Axtell, Neighborhood Advocate Public Service Honoree: Carl Redwood, Hill District Consensus group