Sam Podnar knows if she’s going to make her city a better place, she can’t shy away from difficult conversations.
The Pittsburgh native and graduating senior is deeply invested in advocating for the interests of her neighbors, at the polls and on the national stage. Sometimes the best way to get to know someone, Podnar said, is by first knocking on their front door. She’s led canvassing efforts and voter registration drives in support of multiple campaigns.
“It’s gratifying to speak to people about their lives — to show up and say, ‘What’s on your mind? What are the issues you care about?’” said the politics and philosophy major in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and David C. Frederick Honors College.
Her passion for community advocacy and policymaking has shaped Podnar’s time at Pitt, leading to many rich experiences and accomplishments — including a 2025 Harry S. Truman Scholarship in recognition of her public service work, which includes contributions to College Democrats at Pitt and internships with the offices of Pennsylvania Rep. Dan Miller, U.S. Rep. Chis Deluzio and former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey.
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