Fred Quinn III wears many hats — but at the Readiness Institute at Penn State, he’s best known as a trusted guide and advocate for young people building their futures. As the Readiness Institute Alumni Network Coordinator, Fred plays a pivotal role in staying connected with students who have completed the Summer Discovery program, supporting their personal and professional growth long after the summer ends.
This spring, Fred’s work in the community has been a powerful example of the kind of leadership the Readiness Institute hopes to inspire in every student: grounded in purpose, responsive to real-world challenges, and deeply committed to equity and opportunity.
After severe storms impacted neighborhoods across Allegheny County in late April, Fred joined Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, and County Executive Sara Innamorato to walk through storm-damaged communities and hear directly from residents. In those moments, Fred did more than assess the damage — he elevated local voices and advocated for the resources needed to rebuild stronger and more equitably.
That same spirit of advocacy led Fred to Capitol Hill in May, where he joined a national delegation focused on clean energy and economic opportunity. Building on Swissvale Borough’s installation of its first electric vehicle (EV) charging stations — an initiative close to Fred’s heart as a Swissvale councilmember — he met with members of Congress to discuss the future of EV infrastructure, sustainable jobs, and the importance of protecting the Inflation Reduction Act for working families.
Fred’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. This month, he was named one of the New Pittsburgh Courier 2025 Fab 40 Under 40 — an honor recognizing young African American professionals making a difference through innovation, service, and community impact.
Whether walking alongside government leaders, advocating for policy change, or mentoring the next generation through the Readiness Institute Alumni Network, Fred Quinn is helping to shape a future where every voice matters and every student can make a difference.
As the Readiness Institute continues to grow, so does Fred’s role — and his vision for civic engagement. Stay tuned for more ways Fred is building pathways for students to connect with their communities and become lifelong changemakers.