Roots to Rivers is a community-driven leadership program offered by UpstreamPgh and Neighborhood Allies for residents of East Hills, Homewood, and Wilkinsburg who want to understand how their neighborhoods were shaped—and how they can lead the changes needed now.
Upcoming Sessions
Meet the Panel
Dora Walmsley, Deputy Director, Grow Pittsburgh
Dora Walmsley is a strong advocate for equitable community development with a focus on improving food access and fostering inclusive, sustainable communities. With nearly 20 years of experience working alongside residents, she is dedicated to ensuring that all individuals, especially those in marginalized communities, have reliable access to healthy and affordable food. Dora’s work and education pursuits have spanned various sectors, including social services, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability. In her roles as Deputy Director for Grow Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County Authorities Board Member, Dora continues to build resilient communities that thrive on mutual support, shared leadership, and equitable access to healthy resources. She holds a B.A. from Duquesne University and a Dual MBA/MAFS from Chatham University.
Terry Lynn Chambers, Community Advocate, Park Triangle Neighborhood Committee
Hello – My name is Terry. I’m a passionate community advocate with the Park Triangle Neighborhood Committee, a wonderful community located in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. I’m currently a member of a dedicated team of neighbors and business owners committed to the transformation of our community into a safe, clean, and sustainable neighborhood. My background as a Community Organizer, Community Liaison Manager as well as a member of the Community Planning and Development Committee in the City of Denver enhances my ability to further the goal to build a strong neighborhood in the Park Triangle Neighborhood.
Tim Cattell, Co-Founder, Greentech Rising
Tim Cattell is the Co-founder of Greentech Rising, a non-profit founded in 2021 dedicated to weaving nature and agriculture into urban environments. He also served as Project Lead for Unity Garden, a community garden in Wilkinsburg that he helped create from a vacant lot. Tim has experience growing and selling produce and live plants at the Wilkinsburg farmers market. Tim sits on the board of the Wilkinsburg Pollinator Garden Group, and acts as Liaison Leader for the Park Triangle Neighborhood Committee, where he is the project lead for the eventual creation of a nature pathway.
Originally from the Bay Area, he graduated with a BA from the University of San Francisco, but discovered his passion for urban ecology and community development after moving to Pennsylvania (residing in Wilkinsburg since 2019). Timothy has developed a firm connection to vertical farming and hydroponics and remains passionately committed to cultivating vibrant, resilient communities
Save the Date for these Session dates:
- Tuesday, September 15th, 6–8 PM
- Thursday, November 12th, 6–8 PM
- Thursday, January 14th (2027), 6–8 PM
Past Sessions
Roots to Rivers: Session 1- Environmental Justice, Design & Infrastructure: Who Builds, Who Decides?
Roots to Rivers: Session 2 – Designing for Place, People & Ecology: Public Art + Urban Design in Environmental Justice Contexts
Roots to Rivers: Session 3 – Who Controls the Land? Tools for Resident Action and Environmental Change
Cohort Members
Ruth Boykin
Hello, I am Ruth- Ruth Boykin. My lifelong work and passion focus on:
-coaching individuals in the art of communication
-creating and developing reality-based community engagement initiatives, and,
-teaching culture.
My background includes local through global leadership roles in university teaching, program administration, and intercultural education. Seeking to connect with individuals, programs and organizations needing professional,
client-centered Communication Coaching services to help people live their best lives.
For more details , see my profile Linked/in.
Ruth Boykin,
B.S., Education
M.Ed., Language Communications/Reading Specialist Certification
M.A., Communication and Rhetoric
Ashley Bryant
Ash Chan
Trina Goggins
Trina Goggins, and I’m the owner of TheHoodGarden, a small urban microfarm in Homewood where I grow over 100 varieties of peppers and create value-added products. My work centers on using food as a tool for education, connection, and community empowerment.
I’ve been growing for about 10 years and regularly teach workshops on seed starting, small-space growing, cooking and food preservation. I’m especially passionate about helping people grow their own food in neighborhoods where access and resources can be limited.
I joined Roots to Rivers because environmental challenges like vacant land, dumping, and water issues directly impact our communities. I’m here to learn, share what I know, and be part of building practical, community-led solutions.
Rianna Graham
I’m a dog mom from Pittsburgh, working as a Community Wellness Project Manager, rooted in improving community health and overall well-being through a violence-prevention lens. My work centers on coordinating community-driven projects, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and applying CPTED principles to support safer, healthier neighborhood environments. I’m excited to join the Roots to Rivers cohort to better understand the environmental challenges impacting our communities and to strengthen my commitment to supporting resident-led, place-based solutions.
Khadjiah Harris
Khadijah A. Harris, an open-minded, quick learner, global thinking, and highly
motivated executive with over 25 years of success in Corporate Fundraising,
Community Development, Corporate Partnerships, Financial Planning, Strategic Planning, Team Building, and Corporate Mergers. Before starting her own financial services business in 2005 she was a Senior Executive at Community Human Services a nonprofit organization that serve individuals, families, and small businesses with supportive services. She was responsible for providing overall management and direction of all company activities. During her tenure at Community Human Services, Harris established and implemented a number of programs that help develop communities and the people who reside in them, including creating the first comprehensive transition plan for multiple Early Head Start sites in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. While Senior Executive at Community Human Services she served on several boards which include Matilda Theiss Health Center ( MTHC) Community Advisory Board (CAB) The MTHC, owned by UPMC, served for 10 years. The Duquesne school and Community Advisory Board served for 3 years. She also was the Senior Executive responsible for the United Way Speakers Bureau on behalf of Community Human Services.
Harris has held several leadership positions after leaving Community
Human Services, which includes being recruited by The Urban League of
Greater Pittsburgh to start up and lead a one-year intensive financial education for families program. Harris partnered with three major community banks to assist with educating families on budgeting 101,understanding saving & checking account, understanding homeownership and understanding investments during regularly scheduled group sessions. All 75 families completed the program successfully. Harris also led and started up a brand new retail store for Habitat for Humanity in Silver Spring MD. She was responsible for going out and getting donations, as well as getting Corporations to commit to ongoing donations including Costco Wholesale Corp. this was also a one-year project.
Harris has a deep passion and commitment for Social Change and Advocacy
and she is willing to put the work in to bring about change. Harris has several
Civic and Community involvements that she has volunteered for including, the
2008 and 2012 Obama Presidential campaign. Harris spent numerous hours
knocking doors, phone banking and assisting with managing the campaign
offices. Harris also volunteers at Community Senior Centers and collaborate with
Waddell & Reed Financial Services and Operation Hope for a 6-week workshop to educate students from ages 14-18 on economic empowerment. Harris also served as Vice President of Cheyney University Alumni Association, Pittsburgh chapter. Harris earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and an Associates of Science Degree in Child Development from the University of Pittsburgh. Harris is a licensed financial advisor in the state of Pennsylvania. Harris and her family reside in the Homewood community in Pittsburgh Pa.
Ashley McBride
I’m Ashley McBride and I live in the East Hills. I’m a nature lover and avid gardener. I love our neighborhood and want to see our community thrive in a clean and healthy environment that we all deserve.
Shyra Oliver
I’m the owner of a women-owned towing and automotive service business in Pittsburgh. I’m passionate about creating a supportive, trustworthy space especially for women navigating car ownership and repairs. I joined Roots to Rivers to grow as a leader and contribute to positive change in my community.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns!
Chavaysha Chaney (she/her)
Water Equity Director
chavaysha@upstreampgh.org
412.371.8779 x123 (office)
412-773-5676 (cell)
Funding for Roots to Rivers is provided through UpstreamPgh via the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green & Healthy Homes Initiative under the Thriving Communities Grant Program.
