Meet the Hope Grows Team

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

Board of Directors

Deb Gray

President/Treasurer
Franchise Owner, Express Employment Services

Deb is an accomplished professional experienced in workforce development, employment solutions, business, and operations. She leads a team of 14 staff working to impact lives by matching talent to company needs in our community. The team success is a result of relationships with schools and community partnerships, with a focus on education for all.

    Kendra White, MS, MCHES

    Vice President
    Director, Community Member Engagement, UPMC for Life UPMC Health Plan

    Kendra has diverse experiences in health care, gerontology, and long-term care. She holds a Master’s in Administration of Aging Organizations and Gerontology and has worked for the past 15 in various capacities in the community and with older adults promoting health and wellness.

      Shruthi Srivatsan


      Global Planning Manager, Cummins Inc.

      Shruthi is responsible for business planning for Emissions Solutions at Cummins Inc. She has worked in multiple industries over the past 15 years focusing on analytics and planning. She has an MBA from Indiana University and a Master of Science from SUNY at Buffalo.

        Board Members

        Caroline Cox

        Technology Transformation Program Manager, BNY Mellon

        Caroline’s key responsibilities include developing plans for implementation and execution of strategic technology transformations. Her primary focus is to eliminate cost and risk to the firm. In addition, she is highly involved in the Women in Technology organization that focuses on ensuring the firm has a pipeline of promotion-ready individuals. She has a Master’s of Science from Carlow University and a BS in Social Work from Penn West.

          Cindy Ellek

          Marketer, Business Connector, & Entrepreneur

          Cindy is a seasoned entrepreneur, marketing professional, and strategic business connector with a passion for empowering organizations to be seen, grow, and thrive. She is president and CEO of Cindy Ellek Marketing Group, LLC, a boutique marketing firm, and co-founder of People Connectors USA, an event-planning and strategic business connection company that incorporates fundraising for local nonprofits into their events. Her results-driven approach has helped clients increase brand visibility, drive sales, earn prestigious awards and media recognition, and help raise awareness and funds for nonprofits.

          Cindy is also passionate about serving her community and is a member of the McKees Rocks Rotary Club. She currently serves as the Social Media and Public Image Chair and actively participates in the club’s membership and fundraising initiatives.

            Marc Felezzola, Esq.

            Attorney at Law, Babst, Calland, Clements & Zomnir, P.C.

            Marc is an associate in the Litigation and Construction Services Groups of Babst Calland, with extensive experience in cases involving Pennsylvania’s Mechanics’ Lien Law, Commonwealth Procurement Code, and the Contractor & Subcontractor Payment Act. Marc has litigated before the Pennsylvania trial level and appellate courts, the United States Federal District Courts for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Northern District of West Virginia and the District of New Jersey, the American Arbitration Association, and other private dispute resolution forums.

              Michael Fiffik, Esq.

              Managing Member at Fiffik Law Group, P.C.

              Micheal (Mike) enjoys working with entrepreneurs who are the engine of our economy. He appreciates their passion for what they do and their willingness to take risks. Business owners who want to make a difference in their communities while making a living get his special attention.

                Julia Kaufmann

                AI / Generative AI Governance & Risk Management, SVP – PNC Bank

                Julia accelerates business transformations & optimizes the quality of risk management. A strategic planner, problem solver, and process-driven. Her various senior roles with some of Pittsburgh’s top companies will offer Hope Grows vast knowledge and resources.

                  Kim Mangan

                  Director, Operational Risk Governance, BNY Mellon

                  Kim is a Director in Risk & Compliance, responsible for Operational Risk Governance at BNY Mellon. Kim has over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, active community service with the Friendship Community Group, and volunteer service with Veterans Leadership Program, Friends of the Riverfront, Trail Pittsburgh-Frick, and numerous non-profit organizations
                  through BNY Mellon’s Community Impact initiatives.