WGF Staff

Heather Arnet, Executive Director. In this role, Heather serves as the chief spokesperson, fundraiser, and advocate for the organization. Since joining the Foundation as its first Executive Director, Heather has spearheaded WGF’s efforts to pursue legislation at the city, county, and state levels for fair representation for women on Pennsylvania’s appointed boards, authorities, and commissions. In addition to her work with the Foundation, Arnet is the Regional Vice President of the Pennsylvania Women’s Campaign Fund, a Board Member of Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania, and an Advisory Board Member of The Forbes Funds. She also serves on the Education Committee of Western PA Planned Parenthood and is an active member of NOW, The Women’s Funding Network, and Women in Philanthropy. In 2004, Arnet was selected as one of Pittsburgh’s “Top 40 under 40” by Pittsburgh Magazine. In 2003 she was honored with an award in "Art and Activism" from the Thomas Merton Center for Social Justice, and in 2005 AAUW awarded Heather a “Friend of Equity Award” for her work in fighting for women’s rights. Heather has her B.A. degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Literary and Cultural Studies and Drama. In addition to her activist and philanthropy work, Heather also writes and directs feminist theatre, most recently receiving rave reviews and a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts for her play "Yo’Mama!" (about the challenges and joys of modern motherhood).

Ashley, Donor Coordination. Biograph coming soon.

Contact Ashley.

Adriana Dobrzycka, Program Officer. As a Program Officer, Adriana assists the Foundation with its grantmaking and outreach efforts. Adriana graduated from St. Cloud State University with a B.A. in Anthropology and Political Science, and is currently is completing her graduate education at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. Adriana is originally from Florence, Italy and comes to the Women and Girls Foundation from a background of human rights research and advocacy.
Contact Adriana.

Tara Simmons, Director of Community Initiatives. Tara brings extensive experience working with regional strategic initiatives and grantmaking to the organization. Prior to joining WGF, she served as Director of Member Services for Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania for five and a half years. In this capacity, Simmons managed the organization’s member relationships with grantmakers throughout the region, as well as organized regional non-profit events, such as the annual Non-Profit Summit. As Director of Community Initiatives for WGF, she will be responsible for managing the core outreach programs of the organization, including its Girls as Grantmakers program, its Catapult salary negotiation program and its regional efforts to service donors and grantees throughout Southwest Pennsylvania. Tara also serves on the board of the Three Rivers Community Foundation. In her free time, she is a stationer who specializes in handmade greeting cards and invitations. A native of Washington County, Tara and her husband Greg reside in Cecil Township, and share their home with two Clumber Spaniels and three rescued cats.
Contact Tara.

Monica Smith, Business Manager. Monica is a wife and mother of two talented academic achievers. She started WGF in January 2006 as the Administrative Coordinator and was promoted to Business Manager in March 2007. Monica loves working at WGF not only for her dedication to equity but because she enjoys working for a cause and being a part of social change. Monica currently attends the Pentecostal Temple Church where she is an active member on the event planning committee and directs the Children’s Choir. Monica received a diploma from the Allegheny Business Institute and has taken Political Science courses at Norfolk State University. Monica is currently pursuing her hand at entrepreneurship while continuing to work; she has taken advanced classes in New York and graduated from a local business course here in Pittsburgh.
Contact Monica to request a member of WGF staff speak at your event, for any billing related issues, or any WGF business matters.


		Donate Now Join Our Mailing List Take Action Contact Us
HOME GRANTMAKING ACTIVITIES IN THE NEWS JOIN US SHOP
Welcome Contact About Us Board & Advisors Staff Resources Gallery Girls As Grantmakers Site	HOME Staff WGF Staff Heather Arnet, Executive Director. In this role, Heather serves as the chief spokesperson, fundraiser, and advocate for the organization. Since joining the Foundation as its first Executive Director, Heather has spearheaded WGF’s efforts to pursue legislation at the city, county, and state levels for fair representation for women on Pennsylvania’s appointed boards, authorities, and commissions. In addition to her work with the Foundation, Arnet is the Regional Vice President of the Pennsylvania Women’s Campaign Fund, a Board Member of Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania, and an Advisory Board Member of The Forbes Funds. She also serves on the Education Committee of Western PA Planned Parenthood and is an active member of NOW, The Women’s Funding Network, and Women in Philanthropy. In 2004, Arnet was selected as one of Pittsburgh’s “Top 40 under 40” by Pittsburgh Magazine. In 2003 she was honored with an award in "Art and Activism" from the Thomas Merton Center for Social Justice, and in 2005 AAUW awarded Heather a “Friend of Equity Award” for her work in fighting for women’s rights. Heather has her B.A. degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Literary and Cultural Studies and Drama. In addition to her activist and philanthropy work, Heather also writes and directs feminist theatre, most recently receiving rave reviews and a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts for her play "Yo’Mama!" (about the challenges and joys of modern motherhood). Ashley, Donor Coordination. Biograph coming soon. Contact Ashley. Adriana Dobrzycka, Program Officer. As a Program Officer, Adriana assists the Foundation with its grantmaking and outreach efforts. Adriana graduated from St. Cloud State University with a B.A. in Anthropology and Political Science, and is currently is completing her graduate education at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. Adriana is originally from Florence, Italy and comes to the Women and Girls Foundation from a background of human rights research and advocacy. Contact Adriana. Tara Simmons, Director of Community Initiatives. Tara brings extensive experience working with regional strategic initiatives and grantmaking to the organization. Prior to joining WGF, she served as Director of Member Services for Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania for five and a half years. In this capacity, Simmons managed the organization’s member relationships with grantmakers throughout the region, as well as organized regional non-profit events, such as the annual Non-Profit Summit. As Director of Community Initiatives for WGF, she will be responsible for managing the core outreach programs of the organization, including its Girls as Grantmakers program, its Catapult salary negotiation program and its regional efforts to service donors and grantees throughout Southwest Pennsylvania. Tara also serves on the board of the Three Rivers Community Foundation. In her free time, she is a stationer who specializes in handmade greeting cards and invitations. A native of Washington County, Tara and her husband Greg reside in Cecil Township, and share their home with two Clumber Spaniels and three rescued cats. Contact Tara. Monica Smith, Business Manager. Monica is a wife and mother of two talented academic achievers. She started WGF in January 2006 as the Administrative Coordinator and was promoted to Business Manager in March 2007. Monica loves working at WGF not only for her dedication to equity but because she enjoys working for a cause and being a part of social change. Monica currently attends the Pentecostal Temple Church where she is an active member on the event planning committee and directs the Children’s Choir. Monica received a diploma from the Allegheny Business Institute and has taken Political Science courses at Norfolk State University. Monica is currently pursuing her hand at entrepreneurship while continuing to work; she has taken advanced classes in New York and graduated from a local business course here in Pittsburgh. Contact Monica to request a member of WGF staff speak at your event, for any billing related issues, or any WGF business matters.