There are people whose presence becomes part of an organization’s story. People who continually show up, guided by quiet conviction, deep compassion, and a belief that community can change lives.
Susan Orr is one of those people.
Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS are honored to name Susan as the 2026 Pearl of Hope Award recipient, a recognition that celebrates individuals whose lives reflect hope in action and a steadfast commitment to women, children, and families. Susan will be honored at the 2026 Victorian Tea, our annual gathering that brings together friends and supporters to celebrate healing, resilience, and the power of walking alongside families on their journeys.
Susan first learned about Sojourner House in 2004. She often describes feeling a deep pull toward the mission and a sense that this was a place where dignity, compassion, and family-centered care were not just values, but lived realities. That pull has endured for more than two decades.
Over the years, Susan has served Sojourner House in many roles: as a volunteer, board member, staff leader, Interim Executive Director, and ongoing advocate. From 2012–2014 and 2017–2021, she served as Director of Development, leading fundraising, communications, and community engagement efforts, and helping guide the organization through a leadership transition in 2019. Through times of growth and challenge, Susan offered steadiness, vision, and care always centered on what mattered most: the families.
“Susan has been part of the heart of Sojourner House for many years,” said De’netta Benjamin Miller, Executive Director of Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. “She brings compassion, wisdom, and a deep respect for the families we serve. Her presence reminds us that healing happens through relationships and community.”
Today, Susan serves as Director of Communications and Media at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Computing and Information, where she leads storytelling and engagement for innovative education and research. Her career has also included leadership roles with organizations such as Allies for Health + Wellbeing, Foundation of HOPE, Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, Point Park University, and the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force. Across every role, a common thread remains: a commitment to service, equity, and strengthening communities.
Susan’s generosity extends well beyond her professional work. She has given countless hours through board and volunteer service with Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS, Foundation of HOPE, the Women’s Press Club of Pittsburgh, the United Way Women’s Leadership Council, and many other civic organizations. Much of her impact has happened quietly, behind the scenes creating space for others to grow, be supported, and feel seen.
The Pearl of Hope Award honors individuals who reflect the heart of Sojourner House: people who believe that recovery is possible, that families belong together, and that hope is strongest when it is shared. Susan embodies these values not just in words, but in action through decades of showing up and walking alongside others with grace and intention.
The Victorian Tea is more than a fundraiser. It is a time to come together, reflect, and renew our commitment to families in recovery, to housing as a cornerstone of healing, and to the strength of community. In honoring Susan Orr at the 2026 Victorian Tea, we also honor the enduring power of community and those who carry hope forward, now more than ever.
Join us.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 Victorian Tea support the women and families of Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS as they work toward recovery, stability, and new beginnings. We invite you to be part of this meaningful day and to help ensure that hope continues to have a place to grow, now more than ever.
Learn more, reserve tickets, or explore sponsorship opportunities at www.victoriantea.org