Pittsburgh's Movers and Shakers
The 2026 Bright Young People
Since 2022, Allies for Health + Wellbeing has honored 43 individuals as its Bright Young People. The Bright Young People are making their mark through their art, their careers and their activism, moving the conversation in Pittsburgh forward, particularly when it comes to equity and inclusion. They are already outstanding in their fields and their communities and are helping to build a bright future.
The original Bright Young People were young socialites in the 1920s and -30s, known for throwing outrageous, over-the-top parties, as well as their attempts to change the status quo, especially within the arts. 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.
We are delighted to announce 12 new additions to our constellation of Bright Young People!
The 2026 Bright Young People are:
Madison Baxter, she/her/hers, Program Coordinator, Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation
Learn more about Madison Baxter
Cole Eskridge, they/them/theirs, Director, Disability Resources and Services, Community College of Allegheny County
Learn more about Cole Eskridge
Kristin Hawk, she/her/hers, tattoo artist and owner, The Kindred Spirit Tattoo Co
Bonnie Ramone, she/her/hers, musician, tattoo artist and owner, The Kindred Spirit Tattoo Co
Learn more about Kristin Hawk and Bonnie Ramone
Connor Hayes, he/him/his, attorney, Lynch Carpenter LLP
Raagini Jawa, she/her/hers, Infectious Disease-Addiction Medicine Physician Researcher, UPMC and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Kitt Knight, any pronouns, sex worker and president of SWOON Alliance
Karen Lue, she/her/hers, Senior Manager of Operations, Neighborhood Allies
Iris Ryn Olson, they/them/theirs, research manager and PhD student, University of Pittsburgh
Learn more about Iris Ryn Olson
Alexandra Papernick, she/her/hers, student, University of Pittsburgh and volunteer, PFLAG Pittsburgh
Learn more about Alexandra Papernick
Ryn Parks, they/them/theirs, creative director and stylist, BB Thriftin’ and Ryn’s Creative Studios
Joey Young, she/her/hers, drag queen
