Gisele Fetterman

Gisele Barreto Fetterman is a changemaker and a visionary led by an unwavering belief in a better, more equitable world. Fetterman is an access and equity advocate, a hugger, and the former Second Lady of Pennsylvania who has devoted her life to helping others, with a focus on nutrition, food equity and meeting Pennsylvanians’ basic needs.

Her passion is extended through several of the organizations she has founded. One such organization, Free Store 15104, thrives in the heart of Braddock, Pennsylvania. More than just a store, it is a lifeline, a symbol of her commitment to eradicate food and clothing insecurity. With just an empty shipping container and an open lot, she opened the Free Store, distributing household goods, baby items and bicycles to those in need. In the spirit of true community, Free Store has inspired not one, not two, but 13 other locations, spreading the seeds of compassion far and wide.

Freestore 15104 also inspired the creation of 412 Food Rescue, a community-wide effort to end hunger and reduce food waste. Under her stewardship, this innovative initiative has managed to rescue tens of millions of pounds of food, delivering it to nonprofits that serve the hungry.

Fetterman also co-founded For Good PGH, a non-profit that advocates inclusion and inspires kindness. Its first initiative, Hello Hijab, has garnered widespread national and international praise for its bold and thoughtful approach to fostering understanding and acceptance. Most recently, Fetterman founded The Hollander Project, a business incubator for female entrepreneurs.

Born in Brazil, Fetterman emigrated as a child to the US, living as an undocumented immigrant for over a decade. She is a Forbes 40 Under 40 honoree, a TEDx Speaker, a Jefferson Awards recipient, and selected by NBC Universal as an Erase the Hate Change Maker.