PITTSBURGH, PA – Achieva, a leading non-profit dedicated to supporting people with disabilities, is set to host its annual Awards of Excellence ceremony on Monday, December 1, 2025, at The Sheraton Station Square. The event will celebrate an exceptional group of 13 honorees—individuals and organizations—who embody Achieva’s vision of a community where all people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance.
The Awards of Excellence recognizes those whose advocacy, leadership, and compassionate action have created meaningful opportunities and strengthened the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families.
The evening will feature the presentation of 12 distinct awards, highlighting excellence across law, employment, government, media, and community leadership.
Tony Leech Award Recipient: Claire Senita. Claire Senita, founder of NextStep Pittsburgh, will be honored with the Tony Leech Award, which is presented to a person with a disability who displays outstanding leadership and spirit. Senita's work is driven by her own experience as a quadriplegic since age 14, inspiring her lifelong mission to improve accessibility and opportunities for individuals living with paralysis.
Sattler Humanitarian Award: The highest honor of the evening, presented in memory of Achieva’s founders, will be awarded to longtime supporter and advocate Mary Lou Gegick.
Excellence in Employment: Mark Thornsberry will be recognized for fostering an inclusive workplace at Chick-fil-A, demonstrating exemplary efforts in hiring and supporting people with intellectual disabilities.
Excellence in Legal Services: Carol Sikov Gross, Esq., a Certified Elder Law Attorney and Managing Partner at Sikov and Love, P.A., will receive the award for her exceptional professional skills.
Community and Innovation: Awards will also recognize Robert “Zach” Zacharias of Carnegie Mellon for collaborating with Achieva on human-centered tools and acclaimed artist Darian Johnson with the Cecil and David Rosenthal Community Award.
The program will be emceed by WTAE anchor Elena LaQuatra and will feature PA Senator Devlin Robinson, who will accept the Excellence in Government Award.
WHAT: Achieva 2025 Awards of Excellence Gala
WHEN: Monday, December 1, 2025
TIME: 5:00 PM Reception; 6:00 PM Program
WHERE: The Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA
SPONSOR: Covestro
Contact:
Lisa Razza
Director of Communications, Achieva
Office: 412.643.0384
lrazza@achieva.info
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Achieva is a non-profit organization located in southwestern Pennsylvania providing lifelong supports to people with disabilities and their families. Achieva envisions a community where all people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance. Our services range from early intervention therapies and employment supports to special needs trusts and supports in the home and community. Achieva advocates with, empowers, and supports people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives.