As Program Manager at United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Kiandra Foster oversees a number of critical programs that assist families in need. From helping thousands of low-income families in five counties access the Earned Income Tax Credit to preventing gender violence in all of its forms to working with area food pantries and homeless shelters, Kiandra is passionate about empowering others. An Austin native who has also lived in Denver, Kiandra resides in Point Breeze. This week, we can all join Kiandra in supporting the Fatherâs Day Pledgeâa statewide campaign to end domestic violence and sexual assault.
Monday, June 12
Iâll head right to work at United Way of Southwestern PA, where I have a meeting with United Way and the FISA Foundation staff to plan upcoming events with Southwest PA Says No Moreâan initiative that supports innovative solutions to prevent gender violence from occurring.
During the meeting, weâre planning to tie up loose ends for the upcoming Fatherâs Day Pledge Event on June 16. Weâll also be discussing an upcoming Coaching Boys Into Men (CBIM) training, being hosted and supported by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The CBIM program provides high school athletic coaches with tools to have conversations with athletes about healthy relationship skillsâteaching lessons they can carry into adulthood.
Tuesday, June 13
Iâll get going at 6 a.m. with a trip to LA Fitness in Bakery Square. I have a great trainer, and we usually work on lifting and circuit training in my Tuesday morning sessions.
Iâll rush into work to attend part of United Wayâs Board of Directors meeting, where Iâll encourage our board members to sign the Fatherâs Day Pledge.
Later that day, Iâll join a webcast with the IRS to hear updates on the outcomes of Free Tax Prep Programs nationally and begin to plan how the United Way can continue providing this valuable service in the 2018 tax season.
After work, Iâll head home to Point Breeze to relax and make dinner. On Tuesday nights, I typically make teriyaki steak and shrimp, a small salad and brown rice for dinner. Iâll have strawberries and grapes for dessert.

Wednesday, June 14
Wednesday is a normal work day for me. I have some meetings, but mostly, Iâll be at my desk working away.
In the evening, Iâm excited to head out with my colleague, Kathryn Vargas, Director of APOST at United Way, to go to a networking event at Steel Cactus where we hope to meet other professionals doing great work in the region.
Thursday, June 15
Iâll get back to LA Fitness at 6 a.m. to work out with my trainer.
This will be a long (but exciting) day, as Iâll be working on homelessness prevention and doing some volunteering.
Iâll spend my afternoon volunteering for United Wayâs Build-a-Bike event, where 200 volunteers will help 150 community kids build their very own bikes. For most of the kids, this will be their first bike, so itâs always moving to watch their excitement as they learn to build and ride a bike for the first time with the help of caring community volunteers.
This annual event is always one of my favorites because it reminds me of how empowered I felt learning to ride a bike when I was a child. Itâs so great to be able to pass that on.
Friday, June 16
Another crazy day! Southwest PA Says No Moreâs Fatherâs Day Pledge event will start at noon in the Allegheny County Courthouse Courtyard. The Fatherâs Day Pledge encourages parents, coaches and adults to live in a way that helps prevent violence against women and girls.
And after quite a hectic work week, Iâll be celebrating my birthday with some friends over dinner at Green Forest Churrascaria in Penn Hillsâone of my favorites.

Saturday, June 17
I like to get the weekend going with hot yoga to relax after a work week. My favorite class is the 90-minute morning Bikram at I am Yoga Pittsburgh in Squirrel Hill.
I usually follow a yoga class with a little treat to myself. My guilty pleasure is a waffle cone at Coldstone Creamery. I will pick up some white lilies at the Squirrel Hill flower shop before heading back home.
In the early afternoon, Iâll read, enjoy a show on Netflix or head to the Waterfront movie theater with friends.
Iâll spend the latter part of the afternoon traveling to Toronto, where Iâll join friends for drinks to celebrate a friendâs birthday at our favorite local bar.
After celebrating Pittsburghâs Pride Week last week, Iâm excited to attend Torontoâs with a group of friends!
Sunday, June 18
Typically, I love to have Sunday brunch at Social in Bakery Square, Eleven in the Strip District or Local on the South Side. I love to chat with friends over French toast and a mimosa, catching up on all that weâve done over the last week and talking about plans for the next.
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