Shanta Syal/SKM Industries, Inc. Recognized at Event Sponsored by UPS, PNC and Pinnacle Group

 

Pittsburgh, PA (November 6, 2019) – 100 Black Men of Western Pennsylvania, Inc., in partnership with the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), announce the 2019 honorees of the Women of Color Achievement Awards. A total of nine local women will be recognized for outstanding professional achievement, as well as demonstrating exemplary community service. Sponsored by UPS, PNC and the Pinnacle Group, the event will take place on Thursday, November 7^th, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., at the Rivers Club, 301 Grant Street, One Oxford Centre, Suite 411, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The emcee will be Mikey Hood, a lifestyle and entertainment host on KDKA’s morning show ‘Pittsburgh Today Live.’

 

Shanta Syal immigrated from India to the United States in the 1970’s in pursuit of the American Dream to start her own company. In 1980, she founded SKM Industries, Inc. in Olyphamt PA creating correction tape and correction products. With the growth of computers in the 1990’s, the company pivoted and began producing industrial paint markers for the heavy industry fabrication sector. Today, we produce multiple home, industrial and office products. SKM Industries, Inc. employs around 15 employees and 39 Years later, the company still stands as a beacon in the community.

 

“The significance of honoring these women and their accomplishments falls directly in line with the motto of the 100 Black Men ‘What They See is What They’ll Be’. It allows us to expand the dreams of our young women and men who we mentor with the powerful image of people that look like them doing great work,” said Al Valentine, President, 100 Black Men of Western Pennsylvania, Inc.

 

“Women are increasingly driving innovation and addressing important local and global challenges. It is paramount that we recognize these contributions and support their continuation. Through the Women of Color Achievement Awards, the Women Presidents’ Organization and 100 Black Men are bringing these achievements and important contributions forward and thereby strengthening and improving our communities,” said Nikki Crate Foster, UPS Business Development, Director of Sales, Mid Atlantic District.

 

 

The following women will be honored:

 

Dr. Anu Anand PCMA Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation   Blayre Britto CDI Printing Services, Inc.   India Christian Christian Home Health Care   *Denotes WPO Members

Shelley Fant* FCG Solutions, Inc.   Katrina Marshall Artistic Toy Manufacturing   Asha Persaud* The Hope Learning Center

Michele Rice-Kirkwood Rice Industries LLC   Yaso Snyder* Mobili   Shanta Syal SKM Industries

 

“With nearly 2,500 employees who identify as PNC-Certified Women’s Business Advocates, PNC is committed to supporting women who own and run businesses, and our 10-year sponsorship of WPO is one way we bring this commitment to life,” says Beth Marcello, director of PNC Women’s Business Development. “As a champion of diversity and inclusion ourselves, we proudly embrace WPO’s outreach to Women of Color, and applaud the women of color who are building businesses that strengthen the economy and diversity of the Pittsburgh Region.”

 

“Pinnacle Group is proud to sponsor the Women of Color Achievement Awards. In celebrating these impressive business leaders, the Women Presidents’ Organization is doing the important work of highlighting the many contributions of women of color in fueling our economy. Congratulations to all the inspirational and accomplished honorees!” said Nina Vaca, CEO/Chairwoman, The Pinnacle Group.

 

WPO has two chapters in Pittsburgh, both managed by Chapter Chair Yvonne Campos. Each chapter is limited to twenty members in noncompetitive companies. Representative industries in the Pittsburgh chapters include: SaS based businesses; manufacturing and retail; technology; staffing; janitorial services; education; home health care; advertising and media companies; industrial services; pharmaceutical; printing; spas.  Entrepreneurs who meet the criteria and are interested in membership can contact Yvonne Campos via email yvonne@campos.com or call her (412) 216-1481.

 

“We are very proud to continue our ongoing partnership with 100 Black Men with the 22^nd Women of Color Achievement Award, to acknowledge a distinguished group of influential women business leaders in Pittsburgh. Each one is at the peak of her professional achievement, demonstrating outstanding leadership qualities and running multi-million-dollar businesses. They also devote their time and energy to improving the quality of life in our local communities. We salute all these powerful award winners,” said Marsha Firestone Ph.D., President and Founder of the Women Presidents’ Organization.