Comment on Nominate Your Candidate for the 2026 Onyx Woman Leadership Awards by Rissa D.
I am honored to nominate LaRae Cullens, a transformative leader whose impact on early childhood education, family engagement, and community partnership in Pittsburgh is unmatched. As Executive Director of The Learning Loft, LaRae leads multiple childcare and out of school time programs with a level of vision, discipline, and integrity that has elevated the standard of care for hundreds of children and families across the region. LaRae is not simply a manager. She is a system builder and a strategist. She has expanded The Learning Loft’s footprint, strengthened school partnerships, and created culturally responsive programs that center the needs of Black children and families with intention and excellence. Her initiatives such as extended day school partnerships and innovative family engagement practices demonstrate her ability to bring together high quality education and meaningful community connection. What truly distinguishes LaRae is her rare talent for bringing clarity, stability, and direction to challenging situations. She is the person organizations rely on when something complex needs to be resolved quickly and effectively. Whether the issue involves staffing, compliance, family concerns, or operational crises, LaRae has an exceptional ability to assess the situation, make sound decisions, and guide everyone toward a solution. She brings calm where there is urgency, order where there is confusion, and accountability where it is needed most. Her leadership style blends firmness with compassion and creates an environment where people feel supported while still being held to high standards. She does not shy away from difficult conversations. She approaches them with honesty, emotional intelligence, and grace. Her presence is grounding and her judgment is trusted. Her follow through is unwavering. Beyond operational leadership, LaRae is deeply committed to uplifting the broader community. She serves on boards, provides professional development for educators, and champions initiatives that amplify the voices of families and childcare professionals in Pittsburgh. Her work empowers children, supports parents, and mentors staff in ways that create a lasting ripple effect. LaRae leads with purpose, authenticity, and a deep commitment to excellence. Her vision, her resilience, and her dedication to the wellbeing of children and families make her an outstanding candidate for the Onyx Woman Leadership Awards. Pittsburgh is stronger because of her leadership and countless families have benefitted from her work. It is with great pride that I nominate LaRae Cullens, a powerful example of what it means to lead with brilliance, courage, and heart.
Black News 
I am honored to nominate LaRae Cullens, a transformative leader whose impact on early childhood education, family engagement, and community partnership in Pittsburgh is unmatched. As Executive Director of The Learning Loft, LaRae leads multiple childcare and out of school time programs with a level of vision, discipline, and integrity that has elevated the standard of care for hundreds of children and families across the region.
LaRae is not simply a manager. She is a system builder and a strategist. She has expanded The Learning Loft’s footprint, strengthened school partnerships, and created culturally responsive programs that center the needs of Black children and families with intention and excellence. Her initiatives such as extended day school partnerships and innovative family engagement practices demonstrate her ability to bring together high quality education and meaningful community connection.
What truly distinguishes LaRae is her rare talent for bringing clarity, stability, and direction to challenging situations. She is the person organizations rely on when something complex needs to be resolved quickly and effectively. Whether the issue involves staffing, compliance, family concerns, or operational crises, LaRae has an exceptional ability to assess the situation, make sound decisions, and guide everyone toward a solution.
She brings calm where there is urgency, order where there is confusion, and accountability where it is needed most. Her leadership style blends firmness with compassion and creates an environment where people feel supported while still being held to high standards. She does not shy away from difficult conversations. She approaches them with honesty, emotional intelligence, and grace. Her presence is grounding and her judgment is trusted. Her follow through is unwavering.
Beyond operational leadership, LaRae is deeply committed to uplifting the broader community. She serves on boards, provides professional development for educators, and champions initiatives that amplify the voices of families and childcare professionals in Pittsburgh. Her work empowers children, supports parents, and mentors staff in ways that create a lasting ripple effect.
LaRae leads with purpose, authenticity, and a deep commitment to excellence. Her vision, her resilience, and her dedication to the wellbeing of children and families make her an outstanding candidate for the Onyx Woman Leadership Awards. Pittsburgh is stronger because of her leadership and countless families have benefitted from her work.
It is with great pride that I nominate LaRae Cullens, a powerful example of what it means to lead with brilliance, courage, and heart.
