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LGBTQIA+ Alliance

To become a member of the LGBTQIA+ Alliance employee resource group, please submit a so you can be informed of upcoming meetings and events. There is no cost associated with membership and no time commitments. Members can attend as many meetings and events as they would like. Individual membership in ERGs is strictly voluntary and open to all employees who are interested in joining, regardless of identity. Refer to the ERG benefits and guidelines for more information.

Leadership

Amber Pferdekamper, Co-Lead

Amber Pferdekamper is an HR generalist who supports Dietrich College and several departments within the College of Engineering with HRIS operations in Workday. Beyond her core duties, Amber is dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture through strong connections and deep involvement with the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ community. She is an active at-large representative and chair for the mental wellness subcommittee on the Staff Council. She has volunteered for the Staff Community Picnic and kept our community safe as a ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿Safe Ambassador for three years.

Before her time at ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿, she demonstrated her commitment to belonging and safety through roles that educated students, staff and faculty on sexual violence prevention, healthy relationships, diversity and inclusivity. These passions are deeply rooted in her professional and personal life. In her free time, Amber enjoys attending concerts, horror and sci-fi films, and getting creative in the kitchen!

Nikki Singer, Co-Lead

Nikki Singer is the administrative coordinator of the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ Portugal Program. In 2023, she took an exciting leap, leaving her home in Texas to make her way to Pittsburgh and start her adventure at ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿. Before taking on her current role, Nikki was a middle school theatre teacher and academic advisor, always passionate about inspiring others. She earned an MFA in performance and pedagogy from Texas Tech University. Throughout her career in education, Nikki has been all about fostering community and helping people grow. She's really excited to see how her experiences will contribute to the LGBTQIA+ Alliance. When she's not working, Nikki loves diving into a good book, getting creative with crafts or hanging out with her dogs.

Malcolm Lewis-Thompson, Member Liaison

Malcolm Lewis-Thompson (he/him) joined ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ in 2025. He is currently one of the academic services coordinators in the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department. Prior to working at ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿, he was the program assistant with the Allegheny County Health Department in the Overdose Prevention Program, helping the community and the program with harm reduction distribution, community outreach and support with data gathering. Malcolm earned his BFA at PennWest Clarion University, formerly known as Clarion University. Still fairly new to campus and the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ community, he is excited to serve the LGBTQIA+ Alliance as the new member liaison! He is passionate about building a community where everyone feels welcome, has a voice and can explore new experiences. Outside of work, he enjoys working out, creating art and cooking/baking.