Learn about SHINE Society of Excellence

A decade later, bolstered by the support of her fellow founders, Debra drew inspiration to sustain her commitment to the Pittsburgh community, culminating in the establishment of SHINE—a nonprofit entity dedicated to providing services that foster post-secondary achievement and personal growth.In 2006, Debra, the Founding Executive Director, found her impetus to give back upon reflecting on her educational journey, recognizing the guidance she received en route to success. Witnessing a sense of bewilderment in the eyes of the younger generation, she pondered whether they had been as fortunate as she had been. If not, she aspired to create a conduit for their success.

SHINE, an acronym symbolizing the fundamental elements of success—SEARCH, HELP, INTEGRATE, NETWORK, EXECUTE—serves as the cornerstone of a workshop series emphasizing crucial topics like college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and career exploration. Complementing these topics is the central emphasis on social skill development, forming the bedrock of SHINE's mission. Esteemed mentors from Pennsylvania colleges and universities offer firsthand insights into life beyond high school. SHINE endeavors to transform aspirational dreams into tangible experiences tailored to individual needs, placing mentoring and outreach at the forefront for the past sixteen years, offering youth invaluable perspectives on life after high school.



Currently, SHINE has expanded its repertoire by collaborating with other non-profit entities to introduce the SHINE Beauty Academy. This comprehensive six-week program aligns with the five core components of SHINE. Participants engage in modules aimed at crafting holistic hair and skincare regimens using raw, natural ingredients they handcraft during the program. Recognized as an award-winning initiative, the SHINE Beauty Academy received an Awesome Pittsburgh Grant in 2018, marking the inception of its inaugural cohort, which successfully completed its tenth chapter in Fall 2022.