Tickets available below!
Tickets for the 2025 Speaker Series will increase on June 1, so take advantage of our early bird pricing!
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
The Neighborhood Academy
709 North Aiken Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
About the Author:
Dr. Tererai Trent is one of the world’s most acclaimed voices for women’s empowerment and quality education. She founded the Tinogona Foundation (Tererai Trent International) and supports 14 public schools in rural Zimbabwe. She was named Oprah’s “favorite guest of all time.” Dr. Trent is the author of the award-winning “The Awakened Woman – Remembering & Reigniting Our Sacred Dreams” (Simon & Schuster). She serves as the president of The Awakened Woman, LLC, a company dedicated to empowering women with the tools to thrive as they achieve their dreams.
Dr. Trent leads the global fight for quality education for all children and women's rights. She has become a symbol of hope and a testament to the belief that anything is possible. Her favorite motto, "Tinogona," means "It is achievable!" Dr. Trent is one of ten inspirational women, including Oprah Winfrey, Cheryl Strayed, and Jane Goodall, who were honored with a life-size statue representing equality. This statue was unveiled in New York City on August 26, 2019.
The Nancy & Paul O’Neill Speaker Series
The Neighborhood Academy is a college preparatory school grades 6-12 whose mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty through education. The Nancy & Paul O’Neill Speaker Series began in 2013 and is a platform for renowned authors to present and share works that not only describe the Black experience in America, but also challenge all of us to see the world through The Neighborhood Academy’s students’ eyes.
Previous speakers include Ron Suskind, author of “A Hope of the Unseen”; Isabel Wilkerson, author of “The Warmth of Other Suns”; Margo Lee Shetterly, author of “Hidden Figures”; Mark Whitaker, author of “Smoketown”; Wes Moore, author of “The Other Wes Moore” and “Five Days”; and Anthony Ray Hinton, author of “The Sun Does Shine.”
Any questions about the event can be directed to Jonathan Winkler, Marketing and Events Manager, at jonathan.winkler@theneighborhoodacademy.org or 412-203-0158.
EVENT MENU
Guests will enjoy food individually plated by Tallulah's Catering staff.
Mac & Cheese Station
Gourmet Mac and cheese with Cellentani pasta topped with:
Shredded ginger chicken
Dry rub slow roasted pork
Roasted vegetable medley
Salad Station
Mixed Green Salad with grape tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, pears, and Italian/Ranch dressing
Greek Orzo Salad
Asian Green Bean salad with sesame dressing
Protein Station
Served with dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and slider rolls
Honey glazed ham
Herb roasted turkey breast
Everything bagel seasoning tofu slider (pre-made grab-and-go)
Hummus Station
Served with an assortment of vegetables and toasted pita bread
Traditional Hummus
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Roasted Garlic Hummus
Edamame Hummus
Dessert Station
Burnt Almond Cupcake
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