Tony’s love for dusty comic books, old b-movies, vintage toys, antiques and loud music is only matched with his desire to help people, make sure that Persad’s clients have access to something to eat in the food pantry, and that the facility is up and running. He started at Persad in 2005 working at the front desk and is currently the longest tenured employee. A native of the Philly suburbs, Tony moved to Pittsburgh 1991 and over the years, held many jobs from a grocery store deli, shopping cart collector, receiving clerk, to even a senior designer at a LGBTQ+ newspaper start-up. A graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, he was heavily involved in student council, activities, clubs and finished his time there as Student Activities Coordinator. He helped revamp the school newsletter and drove student involvement and voiced concerns for the student body even culminating & helping with a LGBTQ+ staff training.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in visual communication & graphic design and has been active in the community volunteering his time with Anti-Racist Action, safe sex education, Pittsburgh Pride Fest, the Gay & Lesbian Community Center, Thomas Merton Center and more.