By Elizabeth Speed Kabus | 40 Under 40: 2011
Meet the honorees who are lighting up our dynamic, caring city.
It’s no secret that Pittsburgh is still producing young emerging leaders with energy and drive to effect positive change in the region. And this year’s list of honorees is a powerful mix of diverse talent. This is the 13th year for 40 Under 40, and the mega-trend that encompasses all the honorees who’ve been included throughout the years is the same: Each makes Pittsburgh a better place to live, work and play. Our winners demonstrate a love and respect for our community that set an example for young people hoping to stay in Pittsburgh.
And what better place to photograph the 40 honorees than the Rivers Casino on the North Shore with spectacular new views of the city? The 40 faces profiled in the following pages were selected from nearly 200 nominations for their professional achievements, involvement and overall impact on the region. Pittsburgh magazine and the Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP) are proud to present the 2011 40 Under 40 awardees.
Samantha Bushman, 28, Founder & CEO, Talk, the New Sex Ed
Sam Bushman created the nonprofit organization Talk to help teens make informed and responsible choices about their relationships and sexual health—and to help parents convey their beliefs and values to guide teens’ decision-making. Her belief: Effective sexual education for both parents and teens has untapped potential to reduce unintended pregnancies and STDs. “I saw a lot of unnecessary pain and suffering that was a direct result of society’s inability to discuss sex and sexuality effectively with young people,” she says. “Talk was my response.”
