Thirty years is a long time to be at one company these days. Sharon Epperson, the Pittsburgh native and Allderdice High School graduate, has worked at the business/finance television network CNBC for 30 years … and counting. The New Pittsburgh Courier learned that Epperson celebrated her 30-year anniversary in July 2026, after being hired in July 1996. However, through all of the financial advice that she’s given on-air and in the community, she told The Courier in an exclusive interview that the best advice she can give anyone is not

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Kyaien O. Conner has been named the dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work following a comprehensive national search. A nationally recognized scholar, educator and leader, Conner assumed her new role on July 15, 2026. Conner (A&S ’02; SOC WK ’04G, ’08G; SPH ’07G) is a four-time Pitt graduate, having earned a BS in psychology from the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, MSW from the School of Social Work, MPH with a specialization in minority

In 2022, during an episode of the NBC hit show, “Law & Order: SVU,” WTAE-TV’s Sheldon Ingram wasn’t there doing any interviews. He was in the show, as an actor. When the play, “Two Trains Running,” the August Wilson classic, was being put on by Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company, Sheldon Ingram wasn’t there for Channel 4. He was in the play, as an actor. Quite simply, Sheldon Ingram has been bit by the acting bug. At the end of May, Pittsburgh viewers saw Ingram on Channel 4, reporting on one of the

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that the Rev. Cornell Jones has been hired to the role of Assistant Director for Community Affairs for the City of Pittsburgh. Mayor Corey O’Connor and the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety Director Sheldon Williams jointly made the announcement on May 21. “To have safer and more vibrant neighborhoods, we’re building a Department of Public Safety with leaders that understand the value of connecting our communities with our public safety bureaus,” said Mayor O’Connor, in a statement. “Cornell has great experience

Dr. Julie Zeigler is the first Black Commissioner in Crescent Township history By day, Dr. Julie Zeigler is the Chief Financial Officer for Tadiso Inc., one of the state’s largest medication-assisted treatment facilities. But she’s also one of five Commissioners for Crescent Township.  Crescent Township, it’s located near Moon Township and Sewickley in Allegheny County. She loves living there. And she enjoys her role as Commissioner, a role she’s had since January 2026. But what few people know is that Dr. Zeigler is the first Black Commissioner to ever serve in

Adaoro Okigbo, second from left. (photos by Chief Ikhana-Hal-Makina) Gateway Medical Society, a not-for-profit organization with a seven-decade history as a health care advocate and health policy champion for the socio-economically challenged and underserved communities of greater Pittsburgh, held its "Black Excellence in White Coats Awards & Scholarship Gala," Oct. 25, 2025, at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center, Downtown. FELICIA E. SNEAD, M.D., FASTRO This year, Felicia E. Snead, M.D., FASTRO, was the 2025 Oswald J. Nickens, M.D., Physician of the Year. Dr. Snead’s contributions to the field of radiation

Penn Hills native now works in Las Vegas by Naomi C. Ilochi For New Pittsburgh Courier Talia Kirkland is a multi-media reporter, wife, daughter and community advocate, shaped by her family, friends, hometown and life journey. Kirkland is a Penn Hills native, Penn Hills High School graduate (2010) and Duquesne University alumna with a degree in journalism and a Master of Science in Media Technology and Arts. She’s also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), and a 2024 member of the