We are pleased to recognize three of our staff members, Najlaa Ebrahim, Alex Dow, and Shirley Ryceski, for their dedicated service to Literacy Pittsburgh.
Najlaa Ebrahim, Student Support Specialist, 20 years of service.
Originally from Iraq, Najlaa has lived in the United States for nearly 30 years. Although she studied English before immigrating, communication proved challenging. She enrolled at Literacy Pittsburgh and spent two years as a student, later giving back as an English Language Learning (ELL) tutor for three years.
“One accomplishment I am especially proud of is my educational journey. While I was at Literacy Pittsburgh, I worked on transferring my bachelor’s degree credits and received support from a volunteer tutor who helped me with my classes,” Najlaa explains. “I was able to continue my education, eventually enter a master’s program, and earn my MBA.”
Professionally, Najlaa was also able to transition into several positions that gave her a better understanding of the resources and services available in the community. She enjoys getting to know students and connecting them resources and support.
Alex Dow, Director of Data, Information, and Impact, 25 years of service.
Alex started at Literacy Pittsburgh as an AmeriCorps member and joined the staff in 2001 as a Program Coordinator. He later served as Downtown Center Manager before being named Director of Data, Information, and Impact. In his current role, he documents student accomplishments, ensure compliance with government contracts, and synthesize data to promote efficiency, effectiveness, and smart decision-making. Alex is proud to be part of the team that launched Salesforce six years ago as the data platform to manage our programs. “It has given us a lot of flexibility to grow, add new programs, and move quickly when new opportunities come along,” he explains.
Pittsburgh is a special place to Alex and he values the opportunities, institutions, and people who have helped he and his family over the years. “Literacy Pittsburgh is such a force for positivity and growth in Western Pennsylvania, he says. “It’s an honor to work somewhere where I feel like I’m paying it forward by helping others build better lives for themselves and their families.
Alex is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, a proud husband and father to two teenagers as well as a family labradoodle.
Shirley Ryceski, English Language Learning Instructor, 5 years of service.
Before joining Literacy Pittsburgh, Shirley taught adult English Language Learning at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit for two years. Prior to that she taught Spanish in Catholic elementary schools for several years. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Shirley grew up in a bilingual household, so she speaks both English and Spanish fluently.
“What I like best about working at Literacy Pittsburgh is being surrounded by such friendly, supportive, and caring colleagues,” Shirley explains. “I also love hearing about our students’ successes and accomplishments. It is rewarding to see how hard they work, celebrate their progress, and know that we are all contributing to their growth and success.”
Shirley is married and has a goldendoodle named Gemini. “I’ve lost count of how many polar blue parrotfish and electric blue acaras we have!” she says. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, ballroom dancing, and watching the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Literacy Pittsburgh annually helps 3,200 individuals gain the skills needed to reach their fullest potential and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
