Bright Young People 2025
Allies has reimagined the Bright Young People of today as a constellation of excellence – people who are making a real and tangible difference in our community and working toward a bright future, particularly in the realm of diversity, equity and inclusion. The Bright Young People are making their mark through their art, their careers and their activism.
Since the launch of the program in 2022 and including the 2025 cohort, Allies has recognized 43 individuals as Bright Young People.
For more information or questions about the Bright Young People program or the nomination process, email Mary Beth Wyko, marketing and communications manager, at mbwyko@alliespgh.org.
Morgan Lee Egnot
They/them/theirs
MD/PhD student, University of Pittsburgh
“Having been talking with other people in my field and other people working in biomedical research in general, this is a really strange and scary time for a lot of people. I really feel like I can make a difference carrying on the kind of research that I do in a different stage of my career. … It’s what I’ve always been interested in. I really want to serve other trans people as a trans person myself.”
Curtis Hanner Jr.
He/him/his
Community Health Manager, Allies for Health + Wellbeing
“I care to be the representation for the person I didn't see in myself growing up. Being able to witness that your dreams, goals, and accomplishments are possible gives you the motivation to take the first step. I want to help others take that first step.”
Learn more about Curtis
Ambrielle Hill-Vietmeier
She/her/hers
Operations manager, The QMNTY Center
“What I most want people to know about me and the impact I am making in the world is that my work is deeply rooted in a commitment to equity, integrity, and purposeful action. My passion lies in ensuring that the most marginalized among us have access to services that not only meet their needs but also honor their dignity, lived experiences, and unique identities.”
Lauren Leiggi
She/her/hers
Trial attorney, Allegheny County Public Defender's Office
“I work mostly with indigent individuals and non-citizens who are often forgotten by the legal system, and it is always my goal to amplify their voices, rather than to speak over them regarding their lived experiences. The work is hard, but it is worth it for the chance to show kindness and compassion to our community.”
Sherry Libertucci
She/her/hers
Musician / community organizer
“I like to make someone really feel something and someone really come away having understood something about that experience who might not have otherwise. But I also want to put a smile on somebody’s face, I really do.”
Julian McClain
He/him/his
Outreach and Partnerships Director / True T EDU: Program Manager, True T Pittsburgh
“The work I do embodies the simple notion - that there is a better tomorrow. I see myself being a stronger advocate for the communities that I identify with. The best people to do that advocacy are the people who sit in those communities every day.”
Aisling McIntyre, LCSW
They/them/theirs
UPMC Center for Social Impact
“I believe strongly that a better world is possible, especially for our trans, non-binary, and queer communities. To build that better world we need everyone to educate, advocate, organize, and contribute in whatever ways they can. This work is so important and needs to happen at the individual, community, and global level and I am deeply committed to doing what I can to strengthen and empower our community.”
Luca Routh
He/him/his
Physician Assistant
“Throughout my time as a physician assistant student at Pitt, I have worked towards driving change within the physician assistant profession by promoting sensitive and competent healthcare of transgender and gender diverse patients. As I begin my career as a physician assistant, I look forward to continuing this work, uplifting the gender diverse community and serving as a safe provider for all patients to feel comfortable and empowered seeking care.”
Learn more about Luca
Kaylin Troiano
She/her/hers/they/them/theirs
Digital organizer, Queer Pittsburgh
“I owe any impact I've had on the community to the community. My efforts are informed by the wisdom, ingenuity and courage of other people. I've had the privilege of learning from awesome activists in Pittsburgh and all over, and without my mentors, friends and comrades, I wouldn't be able to do the work I'm trying to do. To them, I say thank you, and to the community, I say thank you.”
Andrea Yarkony
She/her/hers
Medical student, University of Pittsburgh
“What I really hope to do is create the structure on my clinical team to encourage students and people at all levels of their training to take a little extra minute and sit with patients and ask those questions about why and how and get to know what really matters to people.”