Mary has spent her life helping others—through nonprofit work, career coaching, and as a dedicated board member. Now, after retiring from a decades-long career in public accounting, she’s embracing her next adventure, earning her coaching certification and writing a book about her family’s history in WWII Italy. She’s proof that reinvention, passion, and meaningful connections don’t have an expiration date.

Joy is living proof that kindness is a legacy worth leaving. At 70, she decided it was time to turn some of that love and generosity toward herself—because why not?! She’s all about embracing gratitude, letting go of perfection, and celebrating the little things that make life meaningful. Her story is a reminder that empowerment doesn’t have an age limit, and the best way to make an impact is to show up with kindness every single day.

Debbie is proof that midlife is just the beginning. At 60, she’s stepping into a new chapter with confidence, celebrating all she’s been through and all that’s ahead. After decades as a social worker, she’s now blending health coaching with spiritual direction, helping women thrive from the inside out. Her story is a reminder that reinvention, growth, and new possibilities never have an expiration date.

Roni’s story is one of resilience, grit, and celebrating life’s most meaningful moments. A Pittsburgh native now living in Ohio, Roni marked her 5-year milestone of beating leukemia with a portrait session organized by her lifelong best friend, Sunnie. Together, they turned the day into a celebration of friendship, freedom, and embracing what truly matters in life.

Sunnie is a true force of connection and kindness. As a 2024 Cribs for Kids Women of Achievement award winner and super-connector, she’s built a life centered on empowering others and making an impact. She has recently been appointed to the Mentorship and Membership Committee of the Brave Women Project. Now in her 50s, Sunnie is embracing freedom, confidence, and a deeper purpose—proving that this chapter of life is all about giving back, living authentically, and creating a legacy of kindness.

Cris embodies everything the 50over50 Project is about—celebrating bold, empowered women redefining what life after 50 looks like. Through her passion for hobby farming, horseback riding, and chasing big dreams, Cris shows how embracing your unique story can lead to a life full of freedom and joy. At VMP, it’s my mission to capture these incredible moments and help women like Cris celebrate who they truly are.

Profile featuring one of VMP's Pittsburgh 50over50 Covergirls, MARIE PIETROPAOLO. Part of our series celebrating the strength and wisdom of 50 extraordinary women over 50 years old who are participating in our 50over50 Project and embracing their Midlife Renaissance!

Profile featuring one of VMP's Pittsburgh 50over50 Covergirls, JENNIFER DAVIS. Part of our series celebrating the strength and wisdom of 50 extraordinary women over 50 years old who are participating in our 50over50 Project.

Profile featuring one of VMP's Pittsburgh 50over50 Covergirls, RACHEL WINNER. Part of our series celebrating the strength and wisdom of 50 extraordinary women over 50 years old who are participating in our 50over50 Project.

Profile featuring one of VMP's Pittsburgh 50over50 Covergirls, DR. MICHELLE KAPLAN. Part of our series celebrating the strength and wisdom of 50 extraordinary women over 50 years old who are participating in our 50over50 Project.

Profile featuring one of VMP's Pittsburgh 50over50 Covergirls, GAIL BRENKUS. Part of our series celebrating the strength and wisdom of 50 extraordinary women over 50 years old who are participating in our 50over50 Project.

Profile featuring one of VMP's Pittsburgh 50over50 Covergirls, SHERRI FRONTINO. Part of our series celebrating the strength and wisdom of 50 extraordinary women over 50 years old who are participating in our 50over50 Project.

Profile featuring one of VMP's Pittsburgh 50over50 Covergirls, TERESA COUNTRYMAN. Part of our series celebrating the strength and wisdom of 50 extraordinary women over 50 years old who are participating in our 50over50 Project.

Profile featuring one of VMP's Pittsburgh 50over50 Covergirls, JENNIFER DILUCIA. Part of our series celebrating the strength and wisdom of 50 extraordinary women over 50 years old who are participating in our 50over50 Project.

Profile featuring one of VMP's Pittsburgh 50over50 Covergirls, SUSAN HOUGELMAN. Part of our series celebrating the strength and wisdom of 50 extraordinary women over 50 years old who are participating in our 50over50 Project.

Profile featuring one of VMP's Pittsburgh 50over50 Covergirls, LORI FEELY. Part of our series celebrating the strength and wisdom of 50 extraordinary women over 50 years old who are participating in our 50over50 Project.

Profile featuring one of VMP's Pittsburgh 50over50 Covergirls, TRACY EISENMAN. Part of our series celebrating the strength and wisdom of 50 extraordinary women over 50 years old who are participating in our 50over50 Project.

Profile featuring one of VMP's Pittsburgh 50over50 Covergirls, MARION LEWIS. Part of our series celebrating the strength and wisdom of 50 extraordinary women over 50 years old who are participating in our 50over50 Project.