A self-described “digital strategist by day and social impact champion by night,” Andréa Stanford is passionate about building community in the workplace and beyond. At PNC, Andréa helps shape the digital user experience for customers exploring Personal Banking products on PNC.com. An advocate for employee volunteerism, Andréa also chairs the Community Outreach Committee for PNC’s African-American Employee Business Resource Group. Outside of work, Andréa can be found advocating for gender and racial equity with local nonprofits such as the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Kelly Strayhorn Theater and Strong Women, Strong Girls. A transplant from Westchester County, NY, she’s lived in Pittsburgh for 10 years and resides in the East End.
Best part of your job?
As a Digital Experience Product Manager, I oversee the digital presentation for PNC’s Personal Banking product portfolio (credit cards, checking accounts, savings accounts, etc.) on PNC.com. In this space, I get to work closely with different departments throughout the bank — marketing teams, legal/compliance partners, graphic designers, etc. It’s a fast-paced role that enables me to provide input on content and design strategy, while also having an impact on the way customers shop for products for their financial well-being.
What upcoming events are you excited to attend?
On Wednesday, I’ll attend the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s 26th Annual Racial Justice Awards Luncheon to celebrate outstanding individuals and organizations committed to advocating for equity and inclusion in the local community. That evening, I’ll head to Pitt to help facilitate a diversity training session with undergraduate students of Strong Women, Strong Girls.
On Friday night, I’m going to the opening show of Dahlak Brathwaite’s “Spiritrials” at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. I’m always amazed at the thought-provoking artists, discussions and community events that are incubated and presented in this historic theater. On Saturday, I’ll attend the Welcome, Neighbor! Dinner at Soba in Shadyside. I love this concept of intentionally breaking bread and making connections with neighbors and strangers alike. It should be fun!
As the 2017 ATHENA Greater Pittsburgh Young Professional Award recipient, I was invited to next week’s annual Allegheny Conference meeting. I’m really looking forward to hearing about plans for the region and connecting with other community leaders and business stakeholders.
Best Pittsburgh brunch spot?
Café Moulin in Shadyside; Eleven, Kaya and Smallman Galley in the Strip District; Square Café in Regent Square; Meat & Potatoes Downtown … the list goes on.
Which Pittsburgh band would you like to play in your living room?
Beauty Slap. They have so much energy when they hit the stage, and their vibe is so funky!
At what Pittsburgh restaurant do you always order dessert?
I love going to Food Glorious Food in Highland Park. I’ll usually order a cinnamon roll, sugar cookies and a slice of either their White Lily or Key Lime cakes. Everything there is so delicious!
What song in your playlist is on endless repeat?
I saw Regina Spektor perform this week at The Palace Theatre, so I’ve been catching up on her older albums and checking out some of her latest music. On any given day, I’m usually listening to a blend of Anderson.Paak, Sia, Beyoncé, Mumford & Sons, Kirk Franklin, Hans Zimmer, Simon & Garfunkel, Fifth Harmony, Solange and Michael Jackson, to name a few favorites.
Podcast you’re addicted to?
Shattered Glass: Stories of Extraordinary Women Shattering the Glass Ceiling. Wilkinsburg Councilwoman Marita Garrett is a great friend and I love the dynamic that she and Monica Hershberger bring to the show. They’re doing an outstanding job highlighting remarkable women in the city who are breaking barriers and making an impact.
Iconic Pittsburgh Place you’ve still never visited?
Confession: I’ve never been to Phipps Conservatory. It’s on my list of places that I need to check out!
Last photo you took on your phone?
A group photo with the 7th grade students who participated in our most recent session of the Y Achievers Program at the PNC YMCA. For the past few Saturdays, I’ve had the chance to volunteer as an Adult Achiever to mentor bright students from surrounding Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Where will we find you on a Sunday morning?
My faith is so important to me, that’s why you’ll find me at church on Sunday mornings. I’ve been attending the Sunday services at Macedonia Baptist Church in the Hill District. It’s a tight-knit church that is committed to deepening the faith of both its members and the surrounding community. After church this Sunday, I’ll head to Butterwood Bake Consortium in Lawrenceville for a book club meeting with some friends.
What question do you wish we’d asked?
We arrive for brunch. What’s on the menu? I love hosting friends for brunch! We’ll start with yogurt parfaits filled with hearty berries, dollops of homemade whipped cream and crunchy vanilla almond granola. I’ll make my signature cinnamon swirl French toast muffins and we’ll munch on savory frittatas and crispy bacon (of course). For drinks, we’ll sip on fruit-infused sangria that I’ve likely concocted and chilled the night before.
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