Alumni Spotlight

 

Tammie Aaron-Barrada, 62, of Ruffs Dale, attended Westmoreland County Community College from 1981 to 1983, and 1988, and is our featured alumnus.

For Aaron-Barrada, the path to a successful career in graphic communications began with a clear vision and a determination to find the best possible training close to home. That search led her to Westmoreland County Community College, where she found a Graphic Design and printing program that stood above the rest in the region.

After spending four years studying Graphic Arts at Central Westmoreland Area Technical School, Aaron-Barrada seamlessly transferred her credits to Westmoreland. Her decision proved pivotal, not only launching her career but eventually bringing her full circle as an educator, mentor, and industry leader. 

At Westmoreland, Aaron-Barrada immersed herself in Graphic Communications Technology, mastering everything from printing and prepress to typography, platemaking, and print shop management. She also developed expertise in estimating, accounting, and industry-standard design software—skills that would become the backbone of her professional success.

Rather than continuing on to another institution, Aaron-Barrada entered the workforce immediately after graduation. She quickly rose through the ranks at two local advertising agencies, taking on roles as a print production manager, estimator, and photo director. Even while building her career, her entrepreneurial spirit was already taking shape—she launched Aaron & Associates while still in school by renting printing equipment to help pay her tuition.

Her career trajectory continued upward as she gained experience at Studio 2 Advertising and Moreau, Inc., managing projects from concept through final production. Not long after, she returned to Westmoreland to further refine her skills in print shop management and estimating. That return sparked a new chapter: teaching. Over the next 13 years, Aaron-Barrada educated and mentored students, sharing real-world knowledge that bridged the gap between classroom learning and industry demands.

Her time at Westmoreland wasn’t just about academics. Aaron-Barrada was deeply involved in campus life—her fondest memories are serving as a setter on the Wolfpack volleyball team, listening to the DJ in the student lounge, and even enjoying games of pool and Dungeons & Dragons between classes. She also contributed at a leadership level, serving on the Graphics Division & Technology Board and participating in Perkins Grant and Perkins V Boards.

Throughout her career, Aaron-Barrada demonstrated resilience and adaptability, particularly in the face of personal challenges. After the loss of her husband in her early 30s, she returned to teaching and entrepreneurship while raising her children, Laila and Omar. She founded Aaron Barrada, Inc. and created PottieStickers, an innovative toilet training system that earned national recognition and industry awards. A portion of every sale supported cancer research, reflecting her commitment to purpose-driven work. Each product carried the message “GFW (God, Family, Work),” a philosophy that guided her life and career.

Aaron-Barrada’s professional accomplishments extend far beyond the local level. She has worked on major brand projects for companies such as Welch’s, Weight Watchers, Heinz, Hershey, Maxwell House, Pennzoil, and Westinghouse, with a particular passion for point-of-purchase displays. Her expertise also took her overseas, where she spent seven years in Russia as a trainer, consultant, and seminar organizer. She later worked with Deloitte & Touche clients based in St. Petersburg, helping businesses grow through strategic marketing—most notably increasing a television station’s revenue tenfold.

Her commitment to community and professional development is equally impressive. Aaron-Barrada has served as a Girl and Boy Scout leader, Children’s Ministry arts teacher, and active member of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce. Internationally, she held leadership roles with INET for Women and the INET Foundation, helping establish 25 business libraries for women across Europe. She also served as President of the Pittsburgh Club of Printinghouse Craftsmen, earning numerous awards for her work in the printing industry.

Today, as she transitions into semi-retirement, Aaron-Barrada remains deeply connected to her field and to Westmoreland, continuing to serve on boards and mentor the next generation. Outside of work, she embraces adventure—traveling extensively, with Alaska marking her final state to visit in May this year. She looks forward to exploring islands around the world and documenting her journeys through scrapbooking. In January, she even went scuba diving with whale sharks and experienced beluga whales up close.

Reflecting on her journey, Aaron-Barrada offers simple but powerful advice to current students: start at your local community college, pursue internships, and explore different paths within your field. “Once you’re in the industry, your eyes are open to more possibilities,” she says. “Find your niche and your stepping stones—dip your toe in the pond.”

Her remarkable career and contributions have recently been recognized with her induction into Marquis Who’s Who in America, with her profile set to appear in the 2026 edition housed in the Library of Congress.

From a passionate student to a global consultant, entrepreneur and educator, Aaron-Barrada’s story is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the lasting impact of community college education.