February was Black History Month, and to celebrate, we spotlighted the hidden figures of Black entrepreneurship, homeownership, and economic justice on our blog and social media pages. These are the visionaries who laid the foundation for economic progress and generational wealth — and their stories are full of valuable lessons we can apply to our world today.
But alongside these hidden figures of the past, there are also countless modern-day trailblazers whose work is felt yet often goes unseen. These entrepreneurs walk in a long line of Black excellence and serve as a constant source of inspiration to us at Catapult, inspiration that we want to pass along to you through this post.
Below, discover five changemakers shaking things up for the better in our community.
Changemaker #1: Tina Daniels | Concrete Rose Construction
Raising roofs and breaking ceilings in a male-dominated field
Tina Daniels is a dynamic entrepreneur and community advocate who has significantly impacted Pittsburgh’s real estate landscape through her dedication to affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. After a 20-year career in healthcare management, Daniels transitioned into the construction industry, founding Concrete Rose Construction in 2019. Her company specializes in residential renovations, aiming to enhance single and multi-unit homes across the city.
In 2022, Daniels embarked on an ambitious project to develop sixteen units of affordable housing in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood. The first phase, known as “Benedict Dwellings,” introduced four new three-bedroom apartments on Bennett Street, providing much-needed housing for families earning below the area median income. This initiative was a collaborative effort, with support from organizations like Neighborhood Allies and the Pittsburgh Scholar House, reflecting Daniels’ commitment to community partnership and empowerment.
Daniels’ unwavering dedication to creating equitable housing solutions has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, she was honored as the Developer Honoree at the Black Excellence in Real Estate Awards Gala, celebrating her contributions to fostering generational wealth and community development within Pittsburgh’s Black real estate sector. Through her visionary leadership and hands-on approach, Tina Daniels continues to transform Pittsburgh’s housing landscape, ensuring that quality, affordable homes are accessible to all.
Changemaker #2: Muffy Mendoza | Brown Mamas
Creating spaces where Black mothers thrive and grow together
Muffy Mendoza is a magnetic author, speaker, and community advocate dedicated to empowering Black mothers through education and support. As the Founder and CEO of Brown Mamas, she has cultivated a vibrant sisterhood that connects thousands of Black mothers with essential resources and each other. In 2018, Mendoza authored “The Brown Mama Mindset: A Blueprint for Black Moms on Life, Love & Home,” a guide aimed at helping Black mothers navigate the complexities of parenting and personal growth.
This work garnered national attention, leading to her feature at the Essence Festival and a standing ovation at the inaugural TEDx Strip District event, where she delivered a powerful talk on modern Black motherhood.
Under her leadership, Brown Mamas has grown from small gatherings to a vibrant community of over 6,600 mothers of color, both online and offline. The organization offers a range of programs, including the Brown Mama Monologues, a national platform that elevates the voices of Black mothers. As Mendoza continues to raise awareness of the beauty and complexity of the Black mothering experience, she is sparking a nationwide movement of empowered and connected mothers, fostering stronger and more inspired communities.
Changemaker #3: Michelle McMurray | The Pittsburgh Foundation
Driving equity in philanthropy, policy, and mental health for Black communities
Michelle McMurray is a seasoned leader with over 15 years of experience in academic research, clinical practice, policy advocacy, and organizational leadership. As Vice President of Program and Community Engagement at The Pittsburgh Foundation, she directs the foundation’s core grant-making programs, focusing on initiatives that increase funding access for small, community-based nonprofits and Black and Brown-led organizations.
Her pioneering programs include Small and Mighty, the Social Justice Fund, and the Grantmaking for Racial Justice Fund.
Before joining the Foundation in 2014, McMurray served as CEO of Mental Health America Allegheny County, overseeing programs and advocacy to promote mental health awareness and protect the educational rights of students with mental health needs. She also conducted research at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, examining the intersections of race, income, age, and mental health, and has co-authored several scholarly publications on these topics. McMurray’s impact is one of structural change — proving that investing in Black-led organizations, expanding access to resources, and shaping policies that support mental and financial well-being are essential, yet often unrecognized, steps toward building Black generational wealth.
Changemaker #4: Aerion and Tamara Abney
An unstoppable duo driving change — from the Capitol to the community
Aerion and Tamara Abney are a powerhouse couple dedicated to service, leadership, and community empowerment in Pittsburgh.
Aerion Abney has spent his career advocating for equity through social work, philanthropy, and public service. As a program officer with the POISE Foundation, he directed over $1.7 million in grants to Black-led nonprofits, strengthening local communities. Now, as a Pennsylvania state representative for the 19th Legislative District, he advances policies that address education, housing, and economic opportunity while serving on key legislative committees.
Tamara Abney is a leader in professional development, hospitality, and nonprofit advocacy. She founded SisterFriend, Pittsburgh’s first nonprofit dedicated to menstrual health equity, ensuring access to essential hygiene products for those in need. As Vice President of Community Relations and Outreach at Entrepreneurs Forever, she supports small business owners in building sustainable enterprises. In addition to these roles, Abney leads Tamara Abney Professional Empowerment, a firm she founded to help businesses and professionals maximize their potential through specialized training in etiquette, soft skills development, and protocol coaching. Her programs are designed to equip individuals with the confidence and poise needed to excel in business and life. In 2024, she was crowned Mrs. Pennsylvania International, using her platform to advocate for menstrual health and economic empowerment.
Together, the Abneys exemplify a heart-centered commitment to service, leadership, and community empowerment, working tirelessly to create positive change in our communities.
Changemaker #5: Kahlil Darden | The Pittsburgh Foundation
Building a future where every young voice is heard and valued
Finally, we have Kahlil Darden, a passionate community leader and recent graduate of Clark Atlanta University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration with dual concentrations in Marketing and Management, along with a minor in Political Science. In 2016, driven by personal loss, he founded Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens (YBMKQ), a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black youth through mentorship, educational initiatives, and community involvement.
Under his leadership, YBMKQ has grown to include both male and female activists, fostering a supportive environment for young leaders. In August 2024, Darden inaugurated the De’Avry A. Thomas Community Center in Penn Hills, named in honor of his late godson. This center serves as a hub for various services, including after-school tutoring, mental health counseling, and arts and STEM programs, all designed to uplift and support local youth.
Darden’s journey proves that you are never too young to lead, to inspire, or to make a difference. By investing in the next generation, he is building a legacy where young people are not just the future — they are the changemakers of today.
