Realtor Named To Local Honoree List

Kenise Batts has been selected as a 2026 40 Under 40 Honoree.

The 39-year-old realtor works for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty in Pittsburgh. She earned President’s Circle recognition for her sales practice, which she describes as being built on trust and homeownership. Batts is a graduate of Carlow University with a degree in biology.

Her professional work extends into community service. Batts serves on the Community Advisory Board for First Steps & Beyond, an organization focused on maternal and infant health. In that role, she advocates for the specific needs of single Black mothers. She has also volunteered at the Allegheny County Jail for more than a decade. Through Living Way Christian Fellowship, she provides faith and support to incarcerated individuals.

Batts cites her personal history as the foundation for her resilience. She views setbacks as lessons rather than losses. Her own son inspires her long-term goals. She aims to create a future where families achieve homeownership and mothers receive adequate support. She believes that adversity serves as a training ground for future leaders in Pittsburgh.

"Challenges are inevitable; however, if you view setbacks as lessons instead of losses, that adversity will help shape you into the next leader that Pittsburgh needs," Batts said.