Zachary DiBeradin has always wanted to help change the world. Despite that being the outlook for many people across the country, DiBeradin, 24 and a 2015 graduate of Waynesburg University, has already started to do just that. But for him, changing the world isn’t about finding a cure for cancer or winning a Nobel Peace Prize; for him, changing the world means starting from the bottom and changing the people.

“I want to change the world by helping one person at a time,” said DiBeradin. “If I can help enable someone to achieve their true potential in their life, that’s how I want to do it.”

This mentality that he has set forth for himself has helped him be nominated for Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest. According to their website, “this elite group of the area’s most accomplished men and women are honored each year for their success in their careers and their involvement in the community.” With only 25 men and 25 women being chosen each year, DiBeradin has high expectations to reach. The nomination also serves as a charitable fundraiser, as each nomineeis required to raise $4,000 with all donations going to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Western Pennsylvania Chapter. Cystic
fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to
breathe over time. DiBeradin said this is a big deal because the government has never provided funding for this disease. With more than 30,000 people in the US diagnosed with this disease, every penny counts, as the organization ensures that a large portion of the funds go directly to research to find a cure. People involved are nominated by others who recognize the work that they put in to bettering the communities and world around them. Being nominated was not the end goal for DiBeradin, who simply wants to help his community. Everything was set in motion when an incident occurred where a police officer lost his life on the line of duty and the Blue Lives Matter campaigns started.

“I’ve always been taught to respect and support police officers, first responders,” said DiBeradin. “I wanted to use my skills as a graphic designer and screen printer to put them to work for a positive influence in the community.”
In addition to his job as a designer at Dick’s Sporting Goods, DiBeradin runs Steel City Clothing Company, a business he started In 2014 that he has used to create custom clothing, shirts, designs and more. From there, he realized he wanted to create a special t-shirt to give back to the men and women who put their lives on the line each day to keep people safe. These shirts, with “Back
the Blue” written on them,  took off via shares on Facebook and soon enough DiBeradin had hundreds of orders to fulfill.

“I was able to raise over $1,500 to donate to two local police departments. I donated to the Pleasant Hills Police department to provide money for their school resource officer,” said DiBeradin. “I’m currently in the process of coordinating with McKeesport Police Department to make a donation for training and equipment.”

The feedback he gathered from the community members and policemen and women alike was nothing short of amazing, he said. The skills and drive for projects like these were all gained partially through his education at Waynesburg University. DiBeradin was a member of the Department of Communication at Waynesburg and majored in Interactive Design. He was also a member of the Mad Anthony Yearbook. Through his time at Waynesburg, DiBeradin learned the purpose of giving back to others and the importance of serving.

“A core part of my business is built around the WU mission statement,” said DiBeradin. “I invest heavily into my community through working with non-profits, doing personal fundraisers, and flat out donations. Waynesburg has instilled me with these core values to always give back to others and use my skills to help better the community.”

In light of his nomination to Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest, Diberedin plans to work through his company of Steel City Clothing to produce t-shirts that will raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. Diberedin said at the end of the day that Steel City is his way of trying to change the lives of others through his artwork. Not only does Cystic Fibrosis disease hit hard for families across America, but also close to home for DiBeradin.

“My two younger cousins have both been diagnosed with the disease and have to take about 40 pills per week and go through 2 hours of treatments per day,” said DiBeradin. “Basically, it affects all of their organs but specifically their lungs. Thick mucus can build up and causes lung deterioration. ”

People looking to donate for the overall cause, as well as support DiBeradin specifically, can do so at https://pgh50finest.finestcff.org/zachd.

“If I can change one person’s life for the better at the end of the day from what I’m doing,” said Dibeadin. “I can genuinely say that is what I define as success.”