Samantha Salopek

Samantha (Sam) Salopek was raised in Pittsburgh’s South Hills, and was shaped by the legacy of her late grandmother, Jo Ann Salopek, a Southside community organizer and longtime Democratic Committeewoman of the 17th Ward. From her, Sam learned that collective engagement has the power to transform communities and that shared purpose can move institutions toward meaningful change.

In 2009, driven by a call to service, Sam enlisted in the United States Air Force. Her years in uniform strengthened her resolve to confront the inequities faced by women and other marginalized groups as well as her commitment to preserving a healthy and representative democracy. She served eight years with distinction, earning two Achievement Medals and a Commodation Medal, receiving the Below the Zone promotion, and graduating first in her class from the Defense Information School’s Photojournalism Course.

Guided by the findings of the 2019 Pittsburgh Gender Equity Analysis and her experience living abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam returned home, settling in Green Tree, determined to push for a more just and equitable region. She works as the Communications Manager for a Pittsburgh-based workforce development nonprofit that supports women and job-seekers across western Pennsylvania in building economic and financial independence.

Sam is a passionate community advocate committed to advancing social justice and expanding opportunity. Her work earned her the 2024 AAUW Gateway to Equity Award. She serves on the leadership team of Pittsburgh for CEDAW, where her efforts directly supported the reestablishment of the Pittsburgh Gender Equity Commission. She continues her work in advocating on behalf of countywide gender equity policy.

Sam previously chaired the Social Justice and Anti-Racism Commission at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mt. Lebanon. She supports CeaseFire PA’s gun safety efforts and continues to champion anti-violence legislation at every level of government.

Sam is an active member of the Green Tree American Legion and the Green Tree Woman’s Civic Club, and currently serves as Treasurer for Green Tree’s Aiken Elementary School PFO. Additionally, Sam is the co-founder of Democrats for Green Tree, a community-based, action-oriented advocacy organization.

Sam holds a B.A. in Digital Journalism and Media and a Diversity Certificate from Penn State University.

She loves puzzling, exploring the world with her spouse, two daughters, and their Boston Terrier, Nellie Bly, and watching football on Sundays - always cheering on the black and gold.

As a Committee member, Sam looks to bring with her over 10 years of experience in mission-driven communications, community organizing, and political campaign management.

Sam is committed to holding regular public Committee meetings, creating a transparent and accessible endorsement process, and improving communication through website updates, active social media outreach, and a new Green Tree Democrat community newsletter.