Notable Figures

Collage artist who transformed paper and paint into vivid stories of Black life, memory, music, and community, shaped in part by his Pittsburgh childhood.

Pittsburgh-born jazz guitarist and vocalist whose smooth style, crossover hits, and virtuoso playing earned multiple Grammys and global acclaim.

Nobel Prize–winning author who lived in Bucks County and promoted cross-cultural understanding through literature and activism.

A comedian and actor from Philidelphia who has gained praise and recognition for his stand-up and roles in tv and film. 

An Upper Darby native, Fey is an actress, comedian, writer, and producer. Known for her comedic roles in sketch comedy, tv, and film. 

Philadelphia musician, producer, author, and cultural historian shaping modern music, film, and storytelling through The Roots and beyond.

From Latrobe the host of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," which ran from 1968 - 2001. 

From West Reading, a singer-songwriter, who has become an influential figure in pop culture. 

Gospel musician who lived in Philadelphia and influenced the sound that would become rock and roll.

Pittsburgh native who became a global pop art icon, redefining modern art and visual culture.

Pittsburgh-born playwright whose works chronicled Black American life through stories rooted in the Hill District.

Pittsburgh Pirates legend remembered equally for athletic excellence and humanitarian service across the Americas.

Penguins captain whose excellence on the ice helped define Pittsburgh’s modern sports era.

Heavyweight boxing champion who trained and lived in Philadelphia, embodying the city’s grit and determination.

Steelers icon whose “Immaculate Reception” became one of the most famous plays in NFL history.

Philadelphia sports icon known for leadership, authenticity, and a deep connection to the city and its fans.

Hockey superstar who made Pittsburgh home and later saved the Penguins franchise as owner.

North Philadelphia native and pioneering leader in women’s basketball as a player, coach, and mentor.

Springdale native whose book Silent Spring  sparked the modern environmental movement and reshaped conservation policy.

Carnegie Mellon alum and world-leading AI researcher whose work in computer vision and human-centered artificial intelligence shapes how machines understand the world.

Earned her PhD at the University of Pennsylvania and helped pioneer early computer programming languages.

University of Pennsylvania scientist whose mRNA research enabled life-saving vaccines and earned a Nobel Prize.

Developed the first successful polio vaccine while living and working in Pittsburgh, saving millions of lives worldwide.

Pittsburgh transplant surgeon known as the “father of modern transplantation,” who performed the first successful liver transplants and transformed organ transplant medicine worldwide.

UPenn immunologist and Nobel laureate whose work in mRNA science changed global public health.

Advanced medical training through work connected to Pennsylvania institutions and pioneered early heart surgery techniques.

Taught and researched at the University of Pennsylvania, advancing scholarship and early civil rights thought.

Writer, lecturer, and activist who lived in Pennsylvania and advocated for abolition, civil rights, and women’s suffrage.

Known as “Mother Jones,” organized Pennsylvania miners and became a national symbol of labor rights and worker advocacy.

Quaker minister, abolitionist, and women’s rights advocate whose Philadelphia activism advanced equality and social reform.

Pennsylvania congressman who led Radical Reconstruction efforts and championed civil rights after the Civil War.

Philadelphia abolitionist who organized Underground Railroad efforts and documented the stories of those seeking freedom.

Founder of 412 Food Rescue, transforming Pittsburgh through sustainability, technology, and community-driven food access.

Award-winning chef whose Philadelphia restaurants helped establish the city as one of America’s premier food destinations.

Influential Philadelphia restaurateur whose culinary leadership elevated the city’s national dining reputation.