It’s not every day a county commissioner, university professor and pastor end up in the same room.
But this week, all of those roles and more will be showcased in the Westmoreland Diversity Coalition’s “Westmoreland Has Talent.”
The fundraiser — held occasionally since 2019 — will take place 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday in the Venue Live event space at Live Casino Pittsburgh in Hempfield. A variety of Westmoreland County leaders will participate, performing a song of their choosing, said coalition Chief Operating Officer Carlotta Paige.
“People are willing to do it,” Paige said with a laugh, “so I thought it would be a great idea just to give people an opportunity to meet some of the leadership and for them to get involved with the coalition.”
Most participants will sing karaoke-style, Paige said, but those looking to take things up a notch may provide their own instrumental accompaniment.
Sheila Confer, a professor at Pitt’s Greensburg campus, is making her return to Westmoreland Has Talent from its inaugural year.
“I’m really excited to be part of the event again,” said Confer, a classically trained singer who has sung in professional choirs. “I have a whole lot of admiration and respect for Carlotta Paige.”
Other performers include:
• Westmoreland County Commissioner Doug Chew and his wife, Cyndi
• Westmoreland Museum of American Art President Silvia Filippini-Fantoni
• Otterbein Methodist Church pastor the Rev. Debra Mason
• Adelphoi Village Vice President Theresa Matson and retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Kathy Krommel Balentine
• Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Michael Rozell
• Westmoreland Food Bank information technology specialist Sam Specht-Burns
Paige also is planning to perform. Audience members will have an opportunity to perform during the open mic period at the end of the evening.
The event will raise money for the coalition, a nonprofit founded in 2016 to promote inclusion and equality for people of all races, genders, sexual orientations and abilities. It will be Paige’s last fundraiser with the coalition before stepping down as COO in June after nearly a decade on the job.
Confer said she is grateful to be a part of Paige’s final coalition event.
“(Paige) has left a very lasting mark,” Confer said. “My sincere hope is that the coalition will continue on in a way that really honors Carlotta’s leadership.”
The funds generated will likely support the coalition’s operating costs, as the nonprofit has seen a dip in support since President Donald Trump took office.
“We’ve had people who come out and support us,” Paige said, “but others don’t — especially in today’s climate.”
Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office to dismantle federal diversity and inclusion programs. He ordered in January that all federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff be put on paid leave.
Schools and colleges nationwide were directed by the Trump administration to end diversity programs by the end of February.
“It’s kind of sad,” Paige said, “but we’ve got to keep plugging along, because diversity is important. … I love this county. It’s my home.”
Tickets for Westmoreland Has Talent cost $65. They can be purchased at wdcoalition.org under the “Donate” tab.