Initially introduced to Allegheny College by a family friend, Carmen Ramsey Ellington ’86 wasn’t sure how she’d fit in as a first-year student, but soon found the Association of Black Collegians (ABC) embraced her.
“I remember my parents moving me in Sunday morning, and Sunday evening, ABC had a meet and greet for the freshman. From the moment I stepped on campus, ABC was one of those foundational organizations for me,” remarks Ellington, who eventually would become a future president of the student organization. “ABC played a huge role in my four years at Allegheny.”
Ellington says the group pushed her outside her comfort zone and encouraged her to get involved between The Campus newspaper, a literary magazine, academic plays, and the Pom Pom Squad (basketball halftime performance group). She still speaks daily with friends she made over 40 years ago at Allegheny.
After graduating from Allegheny College with a bachelor’s degree in English, Ellington moved to Maryland to pursue a job with a petroleum provider for 17 years. Ellington dove into every possible role, between customer service, operations, risk management, and compliance.
She returned to Pittsburgh to join the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and, later, the Hill House Association.
“When I moved back to Pittsburgh in 2003, I was very intentional about wanting to work in the nonprofit space in the city to support the community. I love what I do,” says Ellington. “These are the spaces where you have the opportunity to change lives for the better.”
Now, at the Macedonia Family and Community Enrichment Center, Ellington serves as their operations manager, coordinating with administration, finance, and human resources.
The nonprofit offers programs and social services to the Pittsburgh community, targeted to individuals of all ages, from children to seniors. Some programs the organization provides include Meals on Wheels, financial counseling, and early literacy skills.
Ellington says she credits Allegheny College for expanding her worldview.
“At Allegheny, you’re able to be in spaces with people who come to the College from all around the world,” notes Ellington. “For me, being able to comfortably fit in and operate in different spaces was invaluable.”
Remaining involved with the College, Ellington has been president of the Association of Black Collegians/Advancement of Black Culture Alumni Association for a decade. She encourages current students to reach out to alumni for opportunities.
“The Allegheny experience has helped mold every part of my life,” Ellington says. “Absolutely, take advantage of those Allegheny networks. Network with other graduates in your area because we support one another. Allegheny alumni are always willing to help each other out and students.”
