Meet Our Team

Arianna Conley

Development Manager

  • Arianna is passionate about building relationships and fostering collaborations that drive meaningful impact. With a career rooted in business development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement, she has successfully managed corporate partnerships, led account management initiatives, and executed engagement strategies that fuel growth. With experience across multiple industries, she excels at cultivating lasting connections, negotiating contracts, and identifying opportunities that benefit both organizations and their communities.

    Beyond business development, Arianna is a creative at heart. She has organized community-focused events, spearheaded networking opportunities, and developed innovative strategies to strengthen brand presence. Whether through visual art, event planning, or strategic storytelling, she thrives at the intersection of creativity and connection, ensuring that outreach efforts align with mission-driven goals.

    Now, as Development Manager at Handmade Arcade, Arianna is eager to support its mission of fostering inclusivity and opportunity in the arts. She looks forward to embedding herself in Pittsburgh’s creative community, championing local makers, and expanding HA’s reach through thoughtful partnerships.

  • I love to experiment with a variety of painting mediums.

  • I'm always on the lookout for candles and unique jewelry.

Kelsey Ford

Executive Director

  • Born and raised in Western Pennsylvania, Kelsey Ford has over a decade of experience as a strategic arts administrator. She holds a B.S. degree in Advertising & Public Relations as well as an M.A. degree in Arts Management and an M.S. degree in Library & Information Science. She has worked in artistic programming, marketing, fundraising, and event planning for several Pittsburgh arts and culture nonprofits, including the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Youth Chorus, City of Asylum, and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. She has contributed to many beloved Pittsburgh events, including the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Children’s Theater Festival and City of Asylum’s Jazz Poetry Month. While at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, she also created Bookish in the ‘Burgh, Pittsburgh’s Teen Book Festival. Kelsey is passionate about supporting nonprofits through strategic thinking that is grounded in equity and empathy.

  • I love art journaling with my partner.

  • I love all the paper goods - stickers, prints, zines, handmade books, etc.!

Shaqui Scott

Member, Board of Directors

  • As a Program Officer at the POISE Foundation, Shaqui Scott develops and implements grant programs that align with the foundation’s mission, focusing on strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and program evaluation to ensure equitable funding and community impact. Previously, as Manager of Grants and Membership at the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, he oversaw all grant programs and led initiatives like the Black Arts Action Committee (BAAC) and Allegheny Arts Revival Grant, expanding funding for underrepresented communities. Shaqui holds an MBA in Management and a Bachelor’s in Business Management and Music from Seton Hill University. A guest lecturer and board member, he shares expertise in nonprofit management and philanthropy. Outside of work, he is an entrepreneur, musician, and comedian, curating stand-up shows, music events, and community programs throughout Pittsburgh.

  • Scrapbooks with my daughter

  • Paintings and sculptures

Danielle DeWitt

Member, Board of Directors

  • Danielle DeWitt is a dynamic nonprofit leader with over 14 years of experience in fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic development. She has played a key role in expanding 412 Food Rescue’s philanthropic impact, spearheading initiatives that have increased donor retention, corporate giving, and community-driven fundraising. Her expertise in crafting compelling fundraising messages and leveraging data-driven strategies has helped drive meaningful partnerships and sustained revenue growth. Passionate about social impact, Danielle thrives at the intersection of philanthropy and innovation, working to build a more equitable and sustainable food system. When she’s not championing food rescue, you’ll likely find Danielle on her yoga mat, creating art, or hanging out with Rooty, 412 Food Rescue’s mascot!

  • I love experimenting with all kinds of art, but right now I’m obsessed with pottery.

  • I love functional art. Bonus points if it's upcycled!

Anissa Gilbert

Member, Board of Directors

  • Anissa Gilbert is a payments product manager with over a decade of experience in the financial industry creating innovative digital solutions to enhance customer experience and drive revenue growth. Anissa is a Pittsburgh native & graduate of Duquesne University. For many years, she’s served as a volunteer and board member for several non-profit organizations focusing on youth education, building community, and advocating for underserved groups.

  • I love to make scrapbooks!

  • I get very excited about unique jewelry, stickers, and candles.

Diane F Newland

Member, Board of Directors

  • BSBA Accounting Robert Morris University, over 35 years in Finance and Accounting. Currently CFO of a large non profit in Pittsburgh. Hobbies include water color, photography, the sky and the beach. Appreciate talent in all forms, but music and art in particular. Even professionally, I tend to live my life from my heart.

  • Water color and photography

  • Anything cool and colorful

Beth Slagle

Member, Board of Directors

  • Beth A. Slagle is a business attorney at Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP, where she focuses on employment law, business disputes, insurance coverage, and advising entrepreneurs. She represents employers in matters such as contracts, discrimination claims, and internal investigations. With over 30 years of experience, Beth has recovered millions in insurance coverage for clients—including more than $100 million for one company. She is deeply committed to supporting women- and minority-owned businesses, helping them develop strategic solutions to complex legal and operational challenges. Beth also counsels startups and entrepreneurs on a wide range of business issues. She serves as Co-Chair of both the MUSolutions Practice Group and the firm’s Diversity Committee.

  • I'm drawn to all creative realms with particular emphasis on painting and photography.

  • Everything.

Board Member Not Pictured:

Nisha Blackwell (CEO & Owner at Knotzland)

Calvin Jackson, MBA, PMP (Senior Technical Program Manager at B-Yond)

Nicole Zellie Lann (Director, Talent Strategy at Duquesne Light Company)