Daren Ellerbee has been hired as the Homewood Community Engagement Center director. Ellerbee will join the Office of Community and Governmental Relations mid-July. Prior to her appointment at Pitt, she held the role of community affairs and equity strategist at the Urban Redevelopment Authority.
“As a University of Pittsburgh alum, I am extremely excited to return to Pitt in this new role as the Homewood CEC Director. It is my hope to position the Center as an effective bridge between the University and the community, with the goal of solving complex and persistent problems that diminish the quality of life of residents,” said Ellerbee.
“As a University of Pittsburgh alum, I am extremely excited to return to Pitt in this new role as the Homewood CEC Director. It is my hope to position the Center as an effective bridge between the University and the community, with the goal of solving complex and persistent problems that diminish the quality of life of residents,” said Ellerbee.
Her portfolio includes working within many revitalizing Pittsburgh neighborhoods, including Homewood, The Hill District, Hazelwood and Larimer. Ellerbee connects community members to the resources of the URA and keeps them informed about URA investments within their neighborhoods. She has worked on a number of special projects to bridge citywide initiatives, including Steel City Code Fest and LaunchPGH.com. Prior to joining the URA, Ellerbee was the outreach coordinator at Court Appointed Special Advocate program of Allegheny County. In both roles, Daren has built strong relationships across organizations and communities. Due to her many civic contributions, she has been acknowledged by the New Pittsburgh Courier as a Fab 40 Under 40 Awardee (2013), and by former Mayor Ravenstahl with a Citizen’s Service Award on May 18, 2012, which was also declared “Daren Ellerbee Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.
“Based on the feedback we received from the internal and neighborhood advisory councils, we feel she is the right candidate due to her ability to communicate well across community and university stakeholders, her inclination to make connections between people and initiatives, and her aptitude for follow-through on the logistics and details of this work,” said Lina Dostillio, assistant vice chancellor for community engagement. “Her strength as an implementer will complement the strong vision and emerging strategy that is guiding the Homewood CEC.”
A Pittsburgh native, Daren holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Rhetoric and Africana Studies from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master’s Degree in Communications and Information Systems from Robert Morris University. She is a proud member of Alpha Iota Mu, Information Systems International Honor’s Society. She currently serves as President for the Robert Morris University African-American Alumni Association, and also is an active member of the Women’s Achievement Club.