Will Allen
Will Allen
Photo courtesy of Will Allen.

You know Will as a former safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers – not to mention his decorated college football career — but now get to know him off the field. As managing partner and co-founder of Nascent Group Holdings, which focuses on energy, technology and real estate, Will oversees operations, investment and acquisition strategies. He is equally passionate about giving back to the community. He runs his own foundation, serves on the boards of several local community organizations and volunteers as a mentor with kids.

Will Allen
The Will Allen Foundation Backpack Drive, where 1,100 backpacks were filled with school supplies and hygiene products and delivered them to Sto-Rox, Pittsburgh Miller and McKeesport elementary schools.

Best thing about Pittsburgh?

The people and collaboration. New opportunities are here. I love the personality and characteristics of each community and neighborhood.

Last photo you took on your phone?

It was of Stefani Pashman as she received recognition for her distinguished leadership at Partner4Work. Pretty cool to be there as she transitions to CEO at the Allegheny Conference.

Will Allen
Will speaking at Energy Exchange 2017, as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program, in Tampa on August 15th.
Will speaking at Energy Exchange 2017, as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program, in Tampa on August 15th.

Best part of your job?

Every day is something different, and I learn. I also get the opportunity to extend information and resources to the community. It really excites me to provide new ideas, new perspectives and new thoughts to people who may have not known about or thought of the opportunities that exist.

Your wish for Pittsburgh?

For it to truly be the innovation and inclusive city of today and the future, making opportunities equitable and accessible.

What book is on your nightstand or in your e-reader right now?

Warren Buffet and the Interpretation of Financial Statements and What Daughters Need From Fathers.

You not-so-secret Pittsburgh spot?

I love täkō, and the service is amazing. Mexican/Latin food is my go to!

Favorite Pittsburgh view?
Looking out of One PPG Place at the three rivers, Heinz Field, PNC Park and Mt. Washington. You get the entire view! Very beautiful and peaceful.

Where do you always take out-of-town visitors?
Waffallonia, The Milk Shake Factory, the Mount Washington Overlook, Smoke.

What events are you attending this week?

Monday: 3rd annual Willard J. Tillotson Memorial Golf Outing to benefit The Woodlands Foundation at Butler Country Club
Tuesday: Friends of the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation hard hat tour at Carnegie Mellon
Wednesday: Avenu board meeting at the Paramount Film Exchange in Uptown
Thursday: Green Building Alliance Emerald Evening Gala at the August Wilson Center

See who else is NEXT Up here.

Have a suggestion for NEXT Up? Email us!

Jennifer has worked at the Mattress Factory, Brooklyn Museum of Art and Dahesh Museum of Art and is co-author of Pittsburgh Signs Project: 250 Signs of Western Pennsylvania. She also is co-coordinator of Handmade Arcade. Musically, she is in a band called The Garment District and is a founding member of Brooklyn's The Ladybug Transistor.