GlobalPittsburgh Receives $5,000 Grant from Vibrant Pittsburgh to Help Support Networking Programs Bringing Together Region’s Diverse Affinity Groups

GlobalPittsburgh has received a $5,000 grant from Vibrant Pittsburgh to support its ongoing efforts to bring together the Greater Pittsburgh Region’s diverse affinity groups and globally minded residents through its monthly GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays networking events.

Vibrant Pittsburgh's Mini-Grant Initiative was established for non-profit Affinity Groups to support programs and projects designed to help attract and retain multicultural and diverse talent in the region. Affinity Groups are community-based and university student organizations that represent the region’s diverse minority and immigrant communities.

GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays is a regular monthly night of networking and socializing with different themes, different activities and different locations – but always with an international flavor – on the first Thursday of every month.

Participants enjoy an evening of friends, interesting conversation and good spirits with an international flair. They can mingle with GlobalPittsburgh members, friends & visitors from many countries, and network with globally-minded people from Pittsburgh and all over.

First Thursdays events are open to the public. Admission is free for GlobalPittsburgh members or those who become members; non-members pay $5 at the door. Free appetizers are served, and there is a cash bar.

"GlobalPittsburgh is very grateful for this support from Vibrant Pittsburgh, with whom we share a strong interest in attracting and retaining multicultural and diverse talent in the Pittsburgh region,” said Gail Shrott, GlobalPittsburgh’s Director of International Programs.

GlobalPittsburgh is one of 14 organizations in the region to receive a total of $50,000 in grants from Vibrant Pittsburgh. Other organizations include:
- African American Leadership Association in partnership with the Poise Foundation
- Al Servicio de la Comunidad in partnership with St. Regis Parish
- Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) in partnership with the Hill House Association
- Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh in partnership with South Hills Interfaith Ministries
 - Chinese Association for Science and Technology, Pittsburgh (CAST-P)
- Department of Human Services: Immigrant & Internationals Advisory Council in partnership with CEED
- Hillel Jewish University Center – J’Burgh
- International Advisory Council in partnership with CEED
- Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania
- National Association of Asian American Professionals
- National Society of Black Engineers
- Persad Center
- South Hills Interfaith Ministries
- Union of African Communities in Southwestern PA

"These groups provide a critical network of support to diverse individuals whether they are longtime residents, new to the area or considering a move to the area," said Melanie Harrington, CEO of Vibrant Pittsburgh. "Their role in the community and their ability to support and connect people to the interest, cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, veteran, sexual orientation, etc. groups that they need to thrive is crucial to increasing the retention of talent and the region’s economic competitiveness."

Formerly known as the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors, GlobalPittsburgh is a non-profit organization that engages international delegations, groups and individuals by creating itineraries and facilitating introductions through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other international programming agencies in many fields, including energy and environment, life sciences and medicine, education, business and technology, clean/green design, advanced manufacturing, arts and culture, government and finance, social services and law, and other areas.

For information about GlobalPittsburgh, contact Thomas Buell, Jr., Director of Marketing, at 412-392-4513 or 412-720-2218, by email at tbuell@globalpittsburgh.org, or go to www.globalpittsburgh.org.

Vibrant Pittsburgh is committed to promoting a region of economic growth and cultural vitality and inclusivity. Recruiting, elevating, attracting and promoting diverse and multicultural talent is central to the organization. In hopes of further diversifying the Pittsburgh region and workforce, our organization continues to engage in ongoing outreach and networking opportunities. For more information on Vibrant Pittsburgh, visit www.vibrantpittsburgh.org or call 412-281-8600.