TEDxSewickley Academy

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Carla Mooney

  Children's Author & Pittsburgh Chapter Director for Flashes of Hope

  Carla Mooney is an award-winning author, educator, and advocate whose work helps young readers better understand the world around them. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, Carla began her career as a Certified Public Accountant before pursuing her passion for writing. Since then, she has authored more than 100 nonfiction books, along with several works of fiction, covering topics ranging from mental health and government to personal finance and true crime. Through her writing, Carla makes complex issues accessible and engaging for young audiences, encouraging critical thinking and informed citizenship. Beyond her work as an author, Carla serves as the Pittsburgh Chapter Director for Flashes of Hope, a program that provides professional photography sessions for children facing life-threatening illnesses while supporting awareness and research efforts for childhood cancer.

• Charlie Batch

  Former NFL Quarterback & Founder of the Best of Batch Foundation

  Charlie Batch is a former NFL quarterback whose distinguished 15-year career included two Super Bowl championships. Since retiring from professional football, Charlie Batch has remained a respected broadcaster, advocate, and philanthropist. He served in leadership roles with the NFL Players Association, including President of the Pittsburgh Chapter, where he worked to support the well-being and long-term success of fellow players. In 1999, Charlie Batch founded the Best of the Batch Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth throughout Western Pennsylvania through educational, athletic, and leadership opportunities. Through his commitment to service and community engagement, Charlie Batch has helped thousands of young people access the resources needed to succeed. In recognition of his dedication to giving back, he received the inaugural Jerome Bettis Award for Humanity and Community Service in 2006.

• Daniel Onorato

  Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for Highmark Health

  Daniel Onorato is Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Highmark Health, where he oversees regulatory affairs, corporate communications, and community investment. He also serves as Chairman of the Highmark Foundation, leading initiatives that improve community health and expand access to care across the region. Before joining Highmark Health, Daniel dedicated two decades to public service, serving on the Pittsburgh City Council, as Allegheny County Controller, and as Allegheny County Executive. During his tenure, he championed economic development, expanded park preservation efforts, and helped guide the region through the 2008 recession. A graduate of Pennsylvania State University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Daniel continues to serve the community through leadership roles with organizations including Caring Place, the Pittsburgh Public Theater, and the Allegheny County Parks Foundation.

• Donta Green

  Executive Director for the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh & Pittsburgh Westinghouse Head Coach

  Donta Green is a workforce development leader, youth mentor, and community advocate dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment. As Executive Director of the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, he has helped expand access to workforce training and meaningful career pathways, empowering individuals to achieve long-term success. A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Criminology, Donta began his career advocating for youth in the Allegheny County Public Defender’s Office, where he worked to support young people in the justice system. He also serves as Head Football Coach at Pittsburgh Westinghouse High School, his alma mater, where he has built a culture of excellence, leading the program to multiple conference championships and a state championship appearance. Recognized for his leadership and service, Donta was named to Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40 and received the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award in 2022.

• Dr. Sundeep Ekbote

  Regional Chief Medical Officer & Director of Emergency Medicine for Penn Highlands Healthcare

  Dr. Sundeep Ekbote is an accomplished emergency medicine physician and healthcare leader with more than three decades of experience improving patient care and advancing medical leadership. After earning an MBA from Louisiana State University, he received his medical degree from the University of Michigan and began his career in academic medicine as an Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Education in Emergency Medicine at Temple University. Throughout his career, Dr. Ekbote has held numerous leadership positions, including Quality Director for Emergency Medicine, Chief of Emergency Services, and Principal of St. Clair Medical Consultants. He currently serves as Regional Chief Medical Officer and Regional Medical Director of Emergency Medicine at Penn Highlands Healthcare. His clinical experience spans Level 1 trauma centers, community hospitals, and rural healthcare systems across the country, providing him with a unique perspective on emergency medicine and patient care.

• Dr. Tagbo Niepa

  Arthur Hamerschlag Associate Professor of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University

  Dr. Tagbo Niepa is the Arthur Hamerschlag Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, where he leads an interdisciplinary research program at the intersection of biology, materials science, and engineering. After earning his bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering from Syracuse University, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania and previously served on the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Niepa’s research focuses on combating drug-resistant pathogens, advancing antimicrobial technologies, and engineering innovative platforms to study the human microbiome. His work has earned national recognition, including the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award, the NSF CAREER Award, and the 2024 ASME Rising Star of Mechanical Engineering Award. With his research and mentorship, Dr. Niepa continues to advance scientific innovation while inspiring the next generation.

• Emma Ehan

  Sewickley Academy Student Speaker

  Emma Ehan is a senior at Sewickley Academy, an award-winning researcher, and an environmental advocate. As the founder of Sewickley Academy’s Greenhouse Project, she secured grant funding to establish the school’s greenhouse and has inspired fellow students to pursue research and learning opportunities in botany and sustainability. Emma’s passion for environmental science has led her to conduct recognized research in botany and earn selection as a scholar in MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s Radar Engineering Program. She also serves with Phipps Conservatory’s Youth Climate Advocacy Committee, collaborating with community organizations and policymakers to advance environmental initiatives and youth engagement in sustainability. Beyond her academic and advocacy work, Emma is a varsity cheerleader, competitive figure skater, and mentor to younger athletes. Starting in the fall of 2026, she will be attending Stanford University to study Environmental Systems Engineering.

• Kathleen Beaver

  President & CEO of Animal Friends

  Kathleen Beaver is President and CEO of Animal Friends, where she leads one of Western Pennsylvania’s premier animal welfare organizations with a focus on collaboration, community engagement, and compassionate service. Throughout her tenure, Kathleen has helped transform Animal Friends into a leading full-service shelter and resource center, expanding its impact on the lives of thousands of people and pets each year. Before joining Animal Friends, she held leadership roles at the Mars Home for Youth and The Frick Pittsburgh, reflecting her longstanding commitment to nonprofit leadership and community service. Kathleen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Miami University and is a sixth-degree Master black belt, a distinction that has shaped her disciplined and resilient leadership style. Her contributions have been recognized with honors, including Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40 and the North Allegheny Foundation’s Distinguished Alumna Award.

• Nicole Kaib

  Foundation Manager for the UPMC Passavant Hospital Foundation

  Nicole Kaib serves as Foundation Manager for the UPMC Passavant Foundation, where she leads initiatives that support employees, strengthen community partnerships, and advance the Foundation’s mission. Since joining UPMC in 2011, Nicole has held a variety of leadership roles, bringing extensive experience in employee engagement, program management, and community outreach. Since transitioning to the Foundation in 2020, she has overseen key programs and helped launch impactful initiatives, including Scrub Hub, the Caring Cupboard, the Employee Benevolence Fund, and the Professional Development Fund. Beyond her work at UPMC, Nicole is on the Board of Directors for the Pittsburgh Job Corps Community Relations Council and is an active volunteer supporting youth mentorship programs throughout the Pittsburgh region. Nicole earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from La Roche University and is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for employees and the communities they serve.

• Robert James

  Director of the Office of Inclusion & Engagement at the University of Pittsburgh School of Business + Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees Member

  Robert James is a 1985 graduate of Sewickley Academy and a respected leader in business, healthcare, and higher education. He currently serves as Director of the Office of Inclusion and Engagement at the University of Pittsburgh School of Business, where he advances initiatives that foster inclusive leadership and community impact. Throughout his career, Robert has held executive leadership roles with Allegheny Health Network and Highmark Health, bringing decades of experience across multiple sectors. A dedicated civic leader, he serves on the Executive Committee of the Pittsburgh Opera and the Board of Trustees of Sewickley Academy. Robert also hosts the University of Pittsburgh School of Business podcast, Bridges Beyond Business, where he explores how purpose-driven leadership can strengthen organizations and communities. His lifelong commitment to service and inclusion continues to inspire meaningful change throughout Western Pennsylvania.