Leah Friedman, Darelle Porter Receive 2024 ACC UNITE Award
10/16/2024 4:45:00 PM | General, Men's Basketball
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – As part of the ACC's 2024 Fall Unity Week from October 11-20, the conference has announced the recipients of the 2024 ACC UNITE Award, which was created to honor individuals affiliated with the league's member institutions who have made an impact in the areas of racial and social justice. The UNITE Award is an initiative of the ACC's UNITE Committee (formerly named CORE - Champions of Racial Equity) and was developed and approved by its 18 member institutions.
The UNITE Award is presented annually to individuals who:
- Best exemplify ACC UNITE's mission to promote and encourage racial equity and social justice through education, partnerships, engagement and advocacy.
- Have helped create meaningful, lasting change by improving systems, organizational structures, policies, practices and attitudes.
- Have been a pioneer and/or helped pave the way for minorities either at the institution or in the community.
"We are incredibly honored to recognize the fourth annual UNITE Award recipients and are thrilled to celebrate these deserving individuals," said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. "These amazing representatives from our 18-member schools have made significant impacts throughout their careers and continue to be dedicated to making a positive impact in the crucial areas of racial and social justice, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion."
2024 UNITE Award Recipients
Boston College: Blake Bolden & Justin Simmons
California: Marshawn Lynch & Charmin Smith
Clemson: Mary Kennerty & Marion Reeves
Duke: Troy Austin & Michelle Staggers
Florida State: Tiffani Brown & Terance Mann
Georgia Tech: Grover Hinsdale & Dr. Shaday Word-Daniels
Louisville: Angel McCoughtry & Judge Derwin L. Webb
Miami: Dr. Marvin P. Dawkins & Shirelle Jackson
North Carolina: Martina Ballen & Brianna Pinto
NC State: Chester Grant & Ronnie Laughlin
Notre Dame: Dorene Dominguez & Art Velasquez Jr.
Pitt: Leah Friedman & Darelle Porter
SMU: Pastor Richie Butler & Charlene Edwards
Stanford: Nya Harrison
Syracuse: Greg Allen & Sydnie Moore
Virginia: Elijah Gaines & Dr. Carla Williams
Virginia Tech: Aaron Rouse & Aisha Sheppard
Wake Forest: Dianne Dailey & Bill Hayes
Leah Friedman (2004-08) is a University of Pittsburgh women's tennis alumni who has dedicated her career to breaking barriers within communities by bringing access and awareness to all. Friedman has an extensive background in developing programs that support individuals of all ages and backgrounds. As the current executive director for the Ryan Shazier Fund, Friedman helps support those with spinal cord injuries and their families by providing them with resources to live independent lives.
Before her return to Pittsburgh, Friedman built a career where she used tennis as her vehicle to support underserved communities across the country. With the United States Tennis Association, she managed numerous community events, including community outreach for the US Open, that connected youth with the sport of tennis and professional athletes, such as Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, Rafa Nadal, and many others. As the former vice president of a non-profit in Washington D.C., Friedman managed a $1 million budget that served more than 1,000 youth in the nation's capital. In 2019, the Sports Business Journal named her as one of the Top 5 Executives Driving Business and Decision Making in Tennis.
She co-founded The ACE Project, which develops children in underserved communities by building character, confidence, and competency through the sport of tennis.
"There is no greater or more rewarding responsibility than being in a role that impacts someone's life and community. Lessons we learn on the court and field go way beyond the playing boundaries," Friedman said. "These life lessons make not just ourselves better, but they also create meaningful, long-lasting connections that promote positive change."
Darelle Porter (Men's Basketball; 1987-91). Giving back to the Pittsburgh community is not only personal to Darelle Porter but his life's mission. As a Pittsburgh native and highly decorated University of Pittsburgh men's basketball alumni, he has passionately served his community for over 20 years. Porter is currently the executive director of the Ozanam Program, which supports over 500 youth per year through a wide variety of programs. More specifically, Ozanam provides after-school care, homework support, meals, recreational activities, and athletic programs. One of his most recognized programs is the Basketball Summer League, which has helped mentor and produce several NBA athletes. Porter also spends many late nights and weekends taking youth groups to Pittsburgh sporting events. Porter's priorities are for youth to try something different every day and be exposed to new spaces and possibilities.
"I have a passion to work with youth. I was one of the youth. I started in this program when I was younger. Many times, when you are from an underserved area, you do not get the opportunity to do certain things. We are big on giving our kids opportunities to go to professional sporting events, to see colleges and this way they can have the sky be the limit," says Porter.
Before her return to Pittsburgh, Friedman built a career where she used tennis as her vehicle to support underserved communities across the country. With the United States Tennis Association, she managed numerous community events, including community outreach for the US Open, that connected youth with the sport of tennis and professional athletes, such as Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, Rafa Nadal, and many others. As the former vice president of a non-profit in Washington D.C., Friedman managed a $1 million budget that served more than 1,000 youth in the nation's capital. In 2019, the Sports Business Journal named her as one of the Top 5 Executives Driving Business and Decision Making in Tennis.
She co-founded The ACE Project, which develops children in underserved communities by building character, confidence, and competency through the sport of tennis.
"There is no greater or more rewarding responsibility than being in a role that impacts someone's life and community. Lessons we learn on the court and field go way beyond the playing boundaries," Friedman said. "These life lessons make not just ourselves better, but they also create meaningful, long-lasting connections that promote positive change."
Darelle Porter (Men's Basketball; 1987-91). Giving back to the Pittsburgh community is not only personal to Darelle Porter but his life's mission. As a Pittsburgh native and highly decorated University of Pittsburgh men's basketball alumni, he has passionately served his community for over 20 years. Porter is currently the executive director of the Ozanam Program, which supports over 500 youth per year through a wide variety of programs. More specifically, Ozanam provides after-school care, homework support, meals, recreational activities, and athletic programs. One of his most recognized programs is the Basketball Summer League, which has helped mentor and produce several NBA athletes. Porter also spends many late nights and weekends taking youth groups to Pittsburgh sporting events. Porter's priorities are for youth to try something different every day and be exposed to new spaces and possibilities.
"I have a passion to work with youth. I was one of the youth. I started in this program when I was younger. Many times, when you are from an underserved area, you do not get the opportunity to do certain things. We are big on giving our kids opportunities to go to professional sporting events, to see colleges and this way they can have the sky be the limit," says Porter.
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