On a beautiful day in April, female leaders from across the Greater Pittsburgh Area gathered at the Rivers Club for the "Work for Good" luncheon, hosted by Brave Women Project (BWP.life) in partnership with Women for Economic and Leadership Development (WELDUSA.org). This event provided a platform for vibrant discussions on what it means to embrace purpose-driven work and foster courageous leadership.The panel discussion was expertly moderated by Kelli Komondor and Amy Hooper Hanna, providing Power Panels for the people of Pittsburgh.

What Courageous Leadership Means to You
The discussion opened with a powerful question: What does courageous leadership
mean to you?
Diana Westhoff, a seasoned leader focused on service excellence with over 35 years of experience in financial services and Founding Member at WELD, emphasized the importance of showing up authentically, using your voice, and calling out the “elephant in the room.” She urged attendees to act like they belong and to create a culture of confidence.
Bea Spolidoro, an Italian architect passionate about crafting sustainable, health-focused environments, shared insights on Serving Leadership, highlighting that true leadership involves guiding others and admitting when you need help. “I don’t want to let my ego take over,” she stated, reinforcing the idea that leadership is about collaboration and development.
Dr. Kathi Elliott, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner on a mission to empower young women through holistic, gender-specific programs, added that knowing both your strengths and limitations is key to surrounding yourself with people who enhance your leadership. Creating spaces for women with diverse expertise can empower teams and foster growth.
Rachel Brecht, an accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience in activating people, culture, operations, and transformation strategies, reminded the audience to honor each other's humanity, while Lynn Banaszak, a dedicated community leader, philanthropist, and advocate for equity, innovation, and economic growth, spoke about leading with humility and giving others space for courageous conversations.
Discovering Passion for Purpose-Driven Work
As the conversation deepened, speakers reflected on their journeys toward purpose-driven work. Diana revealed her advocacy for women as her life’s purpose, recounting her experience starting the first women’s business resource group at JPMorgan Chase.
Rachel highlighted the importance of recognizing that work serves as a value exchange. “Everything serves us for a season,” she said, encouraging attendees to identify what fills their cup and their non-negotiables in life.
Paying It Forward
The panelists shared personal stories of how they discovered their passion for helping others. Bea recounted her “Ah-Ha” moment when she began assisting emerging professionals, learning invaluable lessons through her willingness to help.
Lynn’s journey was marked by her experiences as the only woman in many settings, emphasizing the impact of humanity in leadership decisions. She stressed that defining your role is about your impact, not just your title.

Fostering Creativity and Relevance
Kathi reminded everyone that staying relevant is crucial for preparing future generations. Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Equity Summit for Gwen’s Girls, she urged attendees to reflect on their legacy and how to remain in tune with current innovations.
The Power of Mentorship
Mentorship emerged as a central theme, with Lynn sharing that her mother taught her the importance of authentic connections. “What do I have that can help you go where you need to go?” she asked, emphasizing the role of mentorship in leadership.
Kelli Komondor, Executive Director of Brave Women Project, highlighted the importance of lifting each other up, stating, “If you’re going to mentor someone, make it possible for them to climb that ladder and sit next to you.”
Legacy and Financial Sustainability
The audience engaged with the speakers on the topic of legacy, with a member reminding everyone that legacy doesn’t have to be grandiose. It’s about planting seeds for future generations and ensuring our actions today make those who come after us proud.
When asked about setbacks, the panelists spoke candidly about the importance of creating space for vulnerability. They encouraged a culture of “Fail Fast, Recover Better,” emphasizing the need to redefine failure and understand its role in growth.
Conclusion
The "Work for Good"luncheon served as a powerful reminder of the strength found in the community and the importance of women coming together as part of courageous leadership. As we continue to support one another and foster creativity, let us commit to doing our work for good, expanding our impact and leaving a meaningful legacy for the next generation.


