11/22/2025
We're pleased to announce an important leadership transition within Steel Smiling, an Organization in Residence at Neighborhood Allies since August 2021. After nearly a decade of partnership and service, Steel Smiling’s Managing Director, Julius Boatwright, will transition out of his current role. Courtney Abegunde, who has served as Steel Smiling’s Operations Director, will assume the role of Managing Director.
Steel Smiling’s growth and community impact reflect the dedication of its team, partners, and residents. This success is supported in part by the founding vision and commitment Julius has brought to the organization since its inception. His belief in the power of culturally affirming mental health care and his ability to mobilize community leadership have helped shape Steel Smiling’s trajectory and long-term vision.
This transition marks a significant milestone in Steel Smiling’s evolution and its continued commitment to strengthening mental health supports for Black residents and their allies across Allegheny County. Neighborhood Allies’ partnership with Steel Smiling began in 2019 through a fiscal sponsor collaborative agreement. In 2021, Steel Smiling advanced into Neighborhood Allies’ Organization in Residence Program, a partnership that has proven deeply effective and transformative.
Throughout this period, Neighborhood Allies has provided Steel Smiling with mentorship, back-office and operational support, strategic guidance, fundraising assistance, and financial management leadership. These supports have helped Steel Smiling expand its staffing model, grow its departmental budget, and deepen its impact. Julius also received dedicated leadership support during his tenure, contributing to his professional growth and the organization’s continued stability.
As Steel Smiling enters its next chapter, Courtney’s appointment represents both continuity and forward momentum. Having led day-to-day operations with skill, care, and a strong commitment to the communities Steel Smiling serves, she is exceptionally prepared to guide the organization into its next decade of collective mental health impact.
To ensure a seamless transition, Julius will continue supporting the Steel Smiling team and the Neighborhood Allies Executive Leadership Team over the next two to three months. Following this period, he will assume the role of Founder Emeritus, serving in an advisory capacity to provide strategic guidance, support partnerships, and help ensure continuity of relationships and community trust.
“Founding and leading Steel Smiling has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” said Julius Boatwright. “Everything we’ve built, including our programs, our impact, and our healing spaces, comes from the dedication of our team and the strength of the communities we serve. I’m deeply grateful for partners like Neighborhood Allies who have supported our growth and sustainability. I have full confidence in Courtney’s leadership and in the entire Steel Smiling team, and I look forward to championing this mission as Founder Emeritus.”
“Courtney has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, vision, and dedication in her role at Steel Smiling,” said Presley Gillespie, President and CEO of Neighborhood Allies. “I’m confident in her ability to guide the Steel Smiling team into this next chapter, expand its impact, and continue strengthening culturally responsive mental health supports across our region. Her leadership will ensure that Steel Smiling remains a powerful force for change in our neighborhoods.”
