Susan Orr received a Sojourner House Pearl of Hope Award

Susan Orr, director of communications and media at the University of Pittsburgh School of Computing and Information, was named as the 2026 Pearl of Hope Award recipient by Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. The award will be presented at the organization’s annual Victorian Tea on March 22 at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh.

The regional nonprofit, which provides substance-use recovery and housing services for families in the Pittsburgh region, is recognizing Orr for “her extraordinary compassion, leadership, and more than two decades of dedication to women, children and families.” 

Orr first learned about the Sojourner House and felt a deep pull toward its mission in 2004. Since then, she has walked alongside the organization in many roles, including as director of development and interim executive director, as she helped guide the organization through a leadership transition in 2019. Orr has also contributed years of service on nonprofit boards and committees supporting women, families, health and education. 

“Susan has been part of the heart of Sojourner House for many years,” said Executive Director De’netta Benjamin-Miller. “Her compassion has helped shape our community and strengthened our ability to walk with families on their journeys toward healing and stability. She truly embodies what it means to be a Pearl of Hope.”

Learn more and reserve tickets for the Victorian Tea.