Ja’Lisa Brown, MBA is a Pittsburgh native. As a young girl, her dreams and passions were centered around improving her life and those around her. Her thirst for knowledge served as a motivating force that propelled her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business and MBA from Point Park University. Over the years, she has built a reputation with extensive experience navigating the corporate world in financial services, healthcare, human resources, and benefits and compensation. She is currently a Benefits Specialist with UPMC, and her relentless thirst for knowledge has led her to pursue a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Robert Morris University.
Ja’Lisa is a certified Strategic HR Business Partner, Purpose Cultivator and Mom. Ja’Lisa currently serves as a Council Member for Vibrant Pittsburgh Next Generation Council, and Small Business Advisor to a tech startup Re:Bloom. Ja’Lisa has been awarded the When She Thrives 2019 Changemaker Award and Professional Women’s Network Ladies Who Lead 2021.
Erricka Hager, MPH, is the Community Research Coordinator for the Pregnancy Collaborative cohort with the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Medicine. Erricka works to improve the health of Pittsburgh’s birthing people through the alignment of community, research, and training priorities with the goal of quickly assimilating findings from evidence-based research into clinical and community practice. When Erricka isn’t conducting research alongside community stakeholders, Erricka can be found chasing after her two children – Dhani and Harper – working out, drinking tea or reading the latest nonfiction book from her local library.
Erin Hager, MS. is a Pittsburgh native who is serving as our Treasurer and is currently an Operations Coordinator at The Housing Authority of Pittsburgh. She is a dedicated professional with 6+ years in the financial banking industry with companies such as PNC, BNY Mellon and Citizens Bank. She has earned an Accounting Certificate, a Bachelor’s in Business Management and a Masters in Fraud and Forensics Accounting from Carlow University.
While currently studying to sit for her Certified Public Accountant Exam, she hopes the experience gained from this position will coincide with some of her studies and will allow her to put what she is currently learning to use outside what she has learned with her financial background.
Throughout the years, she has devoted time to provide community service in various areas around the city through tutoring, picking up trash, mentoring, and food banks. She will continue her community work with ULYP and looks forward to growing personally and professionally while on this committee.
Dr. Tiffany Hatcher is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice and serves as the Coordinator for Diversity and Inclusion at Duquesne University School of Pharmacy. She received her PharmD from Hampton University and completed residency training with University of Arkansas Medical Sciences and Walmart Health and Wellness. Licensed in six states, Dr. Hatcher is highly adaptable and has an array of diverse experiences in teaching, training, and providing pharmaceutical and patient care services. Research interests include exploring social determinants of health and chronic disease state management. Dr. Hatcher remains active in numerous professional organizations to continue advocating for patients, pharmacists, and students. Most recently, Dr. Hatcher served as a co-chair of the Professional Development Committee for the Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Pittsburgh and now looks forward to serving as the organization’s Parliamentarian.
Merecedes J. Williams is owner and Chief Film Critic at Movie Scene Queen. MSQ is Rotten Tomatoes approved and the official film critic for the New Pittsburgh Courier. Mrs. Williams also works for Pittsburgh Public Schools as Media Manager where she handles social media, event planning, good news stories, and serves as a liaison between the media and school district. Most recently, she has been recognized by Pittsburgh Magazine, WHIRL Magazine, New Pittsburgh Courier, Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association for her professional work, philanthropic efforts, and community service.