Team Tomorrow: Haley Ingersoll

OUR HEAD OF COMMUNITY WANTS YOU TO FALL IN LOVE WITH PITTSBURGH

The founder of Pittsburgh Social Health and a recent Pittsburgh transplant, Haley Ingersoll brings her passion for connection and warm welcomes to Pittsburgh Tomorrow’s community initiatives.

Haley hails from small town America – she was born and raised in Manawa, Wisconsin, with a population of 1,405 (fun fact: It doesn’t have a single traffic light!). She attended University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for undergrad, focusing in Sociology with a Minor in Psychology, followed by University of Wisconsin-Madison for her Master’s in Social Work with an emphasis in Policy. She’s always had a fascination with people, especially how our external conditions shape us and vice versa.

Haley states that her career has “run the gamut.” At one time, she drove a forklift at the foundry in her hometown as a summer gig. Other roles include research assistant contracts for qualitative healthcare improvement research, a project manager for a web design firm, assisting in political field organizing, communications and operations, and event coordination at a co-working space. Most notably, she founded her own organization, Pittsburgh Social Health. She says that she’s “a bit of a generalist. I’m usually juggling several projects at any given time and love it that way.”

Haley, after completing her master’s standing outside the Wisconsin School of Social Work.

As an undergraduate student at Wisconsin, she was one of two students recognized as a Student of Excellence in Sociology by the College of Liberal Studies. During her Master’s program, she was awarded the Tamara Grigsby Scholarship in Social Justice Advocacy. The award was established in memory of Tamara Grigsby, a champion for equity, social justice, and inclusion, especially for Wisconsin’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged people.

Haley at the Wisconsin Women’s Network Policy Institute, a four-part series where a cohort of WI women learned the ins and outs of legislative advocacy, focusing on a range of policy issues and making their voices heard at the state Capitol.

After finishing her studies, she moved to Pittsburgh in July 2020 to be with her long-time partner, Aaron, who moved here in 2018 to work on his Ph.D in Pharmacology at Pitt. She stated that 2020 was a tough time to relocate in terms of making connections, but she was persistent about finding her community here.

Haley on the ice at a Penguins game for a Pittsburgh Social Health meetup last February.

The experience inspired her to form her own organization called Pittsburgh Social Health. Haley’s aspiration was to assist others with making meaningful social connections and trying new things. Through creative programming, IRL networking opportunities, and resources that boost social skills, PSH aims to make the art of hanging out a bit easier.

Haley, after completing the Twin Cities Marathon back in 2022.

This work helped tremendously with her own personal journey of warming up to Pittsburgh. She and her partner weren’t sure about staying long term following his dissertation defense, but they fell in love with all the city has to offer. Now living in Lawrenceville, their favorite thing to do is catch up on life over a long walk and a craft pint at Coven Brewing. She’s also an avid runner and volleyball player, active in the Pittsburgh sports scene. She loves music and attending concerts. True to her interdisciplinary nature, no two days look the same.

“I’m a Pittsburgh novice turned enthusiast. I know firsthand what it’s like to fall in love with this city and its many facets, and I joined Pittsburgh Tomorrow to spread that love in a big way.”

Haley Ingersoll

Head of Community

Plug into possible.