Hello, World. Meet Shania – Future Girl Boss

Business savvy, ambitious Shania isn’t letting anything, including cancer, stand in the way of her dreams. At 21 years old, Shania is a junior at IUP studying business. When asked what she wants to do when she grows up, she immediately answered without hesitation, “own and operate a beauty salon.” With a passion for fashion and an entrepreneurial mindset, she’s already leagues ahead of most young women her age. 

When we told her the famous nail artist and salon owner, Aliya Wray, wanted to meet her, Shania was beyond excited. 

When Shania and Aliya first met, they talked for almost three hours straight. Aliya spoke about her background and shared her wisdom on starting and growing a successful business in the age of social media. Aliya gave Shania tips for getting her YouTube channel off the ground, and even gave Shania a sneak peak at her brand new location in Pittsburgh’s Southside.

Before parting Aliya gave Shania a gift bag full of Aliya Wray swag, including a set of custom press on nails, a satin hair bonnet, and one of her “Girl Boss” t-shirts. The two finished their “date” with a trip to the Milk Shake Factory, and Aliya invited Shania to her upcoming soft opening of the brand new shop !

Activity Kits

National Geographic Science Magic Kit

​Help 8-year-old Joe

Future Scientist

Get a science experiment kit to explore with his mentor!
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​Help 9-year-old Myla

Future Artist

Get art supplies to create with her mentor!
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Help 23-year-old Erik

Future Coffee Barista

Get coffee supplies to learn how to create specialty drinks with his mentor!

The pandemic showed many people what social isolation is really like. It also showed there are many other great ways to connect. That’s why we launched our activity kits. These mailed out packages provide fun activities for our mentors and kids/young adults to do together — virtually.

We're excited to meet you! Let us know what you're interested in below.

Click here to sign up for Connecting Champions or to refer a patient or child/young adult

Click here to contact us about everything else! (Volunteering, hospital partnerships, corporate sponsorships, newsletter, jobs/internships, other)

Reach Out to Us

Or contact Friendship@ConnectingChampions.org / 412.376.3755