KAYLA PORTIS
FOR SHARPSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL
Kayla Portis is a 35 year old health care worker at Kane Community Living Center and activist who advocates for social/cultural rights, gender equality, women's rights and human rights. Kayla currently serves as president of Fox Chapel Area Residents for Social Justice, vice president of the Kerr Elementary School PTO, and the Sharpsburg Historical Commission. Kayla also served as Treasurer for Sharpsburg Baseball/Softball Association for two years.
Kayla has deep roots in the beautiful borough as a 4th generation Sharpsburg resident. She is looking forward to listening to all of the community members and their concerns, with the goal of improving the borough - one that continues to flourish socially and economically. Kayla’s deep rooted love was developed and inherited by past generations, and has progressively grown stronger year by year. As a lifelong Sharpsburg resident, Kayla has embodied the importance of community service, which was learned from her grandparents. Charles Smith, a Korean War Veteran and lifelong member of the VFW 709 Post (Sharpsburg), became the first Black Commander in Sharpsburg's history. Barbara Smith was the first Black woman chosen to be a part of the prestigious Beyond the Ceiling project titled "Portraits of Pittsburgh Women Who Defy the Odds and Inspire Others."
Growing up, Kayla knew that one day she wanted to get married and raise her children as fifth generation residents. She is invested in the safety, thoughts, and success of Sharpsburg residents and business owners. Representing everyone in the Borough of Sharpsburg fairly and equally is Kayla’s ultimate goal. She knows that it would be a great privilege to serve this community that is so rich in history. Kayla is looking forward to the opportunity to work together, as the first Black woman to serve on the council.
Kayla graduated from Fox Chapel Area High School in 2003 and received her BS in Liberal Studies with minors in Psychology and Sociology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 2008.