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Meet the 2024 Halloran Fellows

Brittany Holsinger, 2024 Halloran Fellow

Generously sponsored by Halloran Philanthropies

Abby Leposa

Founder of The Speech Path

Abby Leposa is the founder of The Speech Path, a soon-to-be launched private practice offering affordable speech-language pathology, feeding therapy, and lactation services to pediatric clients, especially clients from low-income households. With a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, Abby aims to address the accessibility gap in health services for families in the Bradford area and surrounding regions. Abby’s vision is to create a mobile practice initially, bringing services directly to clients’ homes, and eventually transitioning to a brick-and-mortar clinic. Her goal is to ensure that all children receive the care they need in order to improve their quality of life and educational outcomes, making a lasting impact on the community of Bradford.

Ashly Colosimo

Youth Empowerment & Community Building Advocate

Ashly Colosimo, a University of Pittsburgh at Bradford graduate with a degree in Sports Management and Business Management, is the Aquatic Director at Twin Tiers YMCA. Drawing on her extensive experience with children and teens, Ashly is developing a youth-focused center in Bradford that will offer creative outlets such as open mic nights and art events. Her goal is to provide a safe and vibrant space for teenagers to express themselves and build community, addressing local challenges like youth suicide and overdoses.

Austin Reese

Founder of Your Will Your Way

Austin Reese, deeply connected to the Bradford community and motivated by personal loss, founded “Your Will Your Way” to offer accessible estate planning services. Having navigated the challenges of legal expenses without a will, Austin is committed to supporting those with limited legal and financial resources. His venture provides information nights, pro-bono legal services, and guidance on tax breaks and life insurance for low-income individuals. As a Halloran Fellow, Austin aims to enhance his efforts to relieve the burden on grieving families and ensure that everyone in Bradford can protect their estate and loved ones.

Brittany Holsinger

Founder of Kinzua Canine

Brittany Holsinger is the Founder of Kinzua Canine, a dog training business in Bradford focused on strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners through education and communication. Drawing from her background as a veterinary technician, her venture offers a variety of training classes, emphasizing holistic methods that foster mutual understanding and trust. Kinzua Canine also contributes to the Bradford community by hosting free monthly seminars and sharing educational articles to promote successful pet ownership and keeping dogs out of shelters. As a Halloran Fellow, Brittany will focus on amplifying her venture’s impact and success.

 

Isaac Vance

Political Science Major, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

Isaac Vance is a dedicated student at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, actively involved in the Political Engagement and Activism Club and the Food Advocacy Committee. Raised in a single-parent household with limited resources, Isaac developed a strong commitment to helping others. Driven by a passion for politics and reform, he views entrepreneurship as a means to implement social and political change. Isaac is working to establish The Rosewater Foundation, which will explore various projects such as using media to raise awareness about social issues and developing engaging merchandise to fund social initiatives.

Jenna Zetwick

Founder of Brick Valley Farm

Jenna Zetwick is the Founder of Brick Valley Farm, a pet boarding and animal rescue business that provides a safe environment for abandoned animals while offering peace of mind to pet owners during travel. Drawing from her lifelong passion for animal welfare and her professional background in healthcare, Jenna is committed to building a sanctuary for animals in need and serving Bradford’s surrounding communities. As a Program Director and community advocate, Jenna brings leadership skills to the 2024 Halloran Fellowship and seeks to access mentorship to advance her venture.

Mark Young

Founder of Young Web Design

Mark Young is the Founder of Young Web Design, a venture focused on empowering small businesses and nonprofits in Bradford through affordable and professional web design services. With a deep commitment to fostering economic growth in his community, Mark leverages his expertise in design and development to help local businesses build strong online presences, ultimately driving visibility and growth for Bradford as a whole. His venture not only supports the digital transformation of small businesses but also aims to boost the local economy by attracting attention to the region and promoting sustainable development.

Megan Myers

Bradford Community Nonprofit Bookkeeper

Megan Myers has faced significant challenges in her life, including the loss of her mother and experiences of poverty and abuse; moving to Bradford gave her a fresh start. Inspired by her mother’s compassion, Megan now aims to support her community through her bookkeeping firm, focused on empowering local nonprofits. She understands the critical role of financial stability and transparency for these organizations, which have positively impacted her own life. Megan was nominated for the Halloran Fellowship by 2023 Alumna, Jessica Havers.

Rachel DeBruycker

Founder of TMD: Together Making a Difference

Rachel DeBruycker is the Founder of TMD: Together Making a Difference, a grassroots initiative dedicated to addressing urgent needs within McKean County. Leveraging her personal experiences and social media platforms, Rachel raises funds from community members to provide direct assistance to those facing immediate challenges. Over the past five years, she has raised over $22,000 and helped more than 60 individuals and families across Bradford. Rachel is committed to expanding her impact by formalizing TMD as a nonprofit and continuing to foster community generosity and engagement through the 2024 Halloran Fellowship.

Sara James

Founder of the Artistic Flower

Sara James is launching The Artistic Flower – an educational flower farm that combines her passion for art and nature. Sara’s venture aims to create a self-sustaining environment where the Bradford community can engage in hands-on activities like floral arrangement creation, gardening, and composting. Additionally, the farm will support local wildlife through beekeeping and recycling initiatives. Sara’s mission is to provide an interactive space that promotes environmental stewardship and creativity. As a Halloran Fellow, she is focused on securing funding, establishing a location, and developing a business plan to bring her vision to fruition.