Letters to the business editor
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Although I have great respect for the men listed as the " Most Influential People In Business Of 2011 ," Jan. 1, I must say how disappointed I am that there were no women identified on this list.
I have to ask, what message is this sending to your readers, especially those young adult women aspiring to be great leaders in our community? Last year the Girls Coalition of Southwestern Pennsylvania created a Women Who Wow award that honors women leaders in our region. I encourage your readers to visit the website at www.girlscoalitionswpa.org and nominate a woman who wows them in the business community!
MICHELLE NACCARATI-CHAPKIS
Co-Chair, Girls Coalition of Southwestern PA
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Why are we constantly wanting to be recognized by people who act as though we don't exist? This is another example of how the ratio of whites and blacks in Pittsburgh is so wide.
I am not surprised given the attention paid to the African-American communities in Western Pennsylvania. However, there are enough people to have asked someone for a name or two.
AILEEN GILBERT
Aliquippa
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I certainly would like to add to your list. One "highly" notable woman is Deputy Chief Colleen Walz of the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire. Chief Walz was the first female officer on the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire, first lieutenant, first captain, battalion chief and ultimately first female deputy chief.
STACY L. McDONALD
McKees Rocks
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Just when I think the Post-Gazette is getting it, they are not.
Here is a list of people who add to our community: Maurita Bryant, Bonnie DiCarlo, Grace Robinson, Ruth Byrd-Smith, Yvonne Campos, Judy Bannon, Peggy Finnegan, Darlene Harris, Dusty Elias Kirk, Carmen Anderson, Barbara Baker, Doris Carson Williams, Maggie Forbes, Elsie Hillman, Jackie Dixon, Lourdes Sanchez Ridge, Natalia Rudiak, Betsy Benson, Linda Dickerson, Arletta Scott Williams, Joanne Quinn Smith, Leslie Davis, Joan Ellenbogen ... and I could go on and on. It is time we expand our view of who contributes.
JoANN RENK-FORRESTER
Pittsburgh
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It would be nice if you could find a reporter who has not been under a rock for the past 20 years in Pittsburgh as there are no mentions of any minorities or women in the Most Influential People In Business list.
Here are some who were ignored:
-- Ruth Byrd-Smith: director, Allegheny County Department of Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
--D. Raja: former Mt. Lebanon commissioner, and president and CEO, Computer Enterprises Inc.
--Mary McKinney: director, Duquesne University Small Business Development Center.
-- Eve Picker: In 1997, Eve launched No Wall Productions Inc. She built an entrepreneurial real estate company focused on Downtown and urban neighborhoods, transforming neglected buildings into highly desirable loft-style residences and offices, and using that experience to provide innovative consulting and marketing within her agenda of "all things urban."
-- JoAnn R. Forrester: The only entrepreneur who sits on the Urban Redevelopment Loan Review board has developed a cost-control solution called Price It Perfect. Named in 2010 as Entrepreneur of the Year by the YWCA.
-- Carrie Coghill: president of Coghill Investment Strategies and certified financial planner, and named one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Wealth Management and Top 50 Women in Business in Pittsburgh and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
In a city that has 63,000 women business owners in the metropolitan area who add billions of dollars to the economy, you could not find one woman who is influential. Shame on you.
JOANNE QUINN-SMITH
Publisher and Editor
PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com
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I was disappointed in a listing that wholly omits any women or individuals of color.
As the article acknowledges, the identified individuals represent a homogeneous group. However, it is not that only white men are influential in business or that only white men are involved in the most important businesses in region. Instead, it is that the authors and editors selectively excluded all others.
While women have not achieved gender equity in this region, the entire absence of women on this list serves to reinforce gender stereotypes and gives evidence of the absence of thoughtful consideration in the preparation of the article.
Point Park University's board of trustees is led by a woman, and many of those with primary responsibility at the university are women. Similarly, renovation of Market Square has created stunning changes to a prime Downtown area ... and that project was designed by a woman.
Women serve in leadership roles in some of the region's largest companies. Giant Eagle is now led by a woman. Top financial officers at U.S. Steel and FedEx Ground are women. And, if the UPMC-Highmark issue is one of the biggest stories of the year, then the president of UPMC Insurance Services -- a woman -- should be identified as one of the most influential.
This is not to diminish the contributions of some of those identified in the article. But if such a story is fit to print, it should fully and fairly identify those who are impacting the region, regardless of gender or race.
This article has none of the hallmarks of a thoughtful piece and instead represents easy "filler" in a holiday paper. The Post-Gazette can -- and should -- do better.
ANDREA GERAGHTY
Point Breeze
First Published January 14, 2012 12:00 am
