About

ADRENA LEE RICHARDSON STEALS

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The other half of the legendary Steals duo, Adrena Lee Richardson Steals, has built a life defined by grace, perseverance, and excellence. That fateful night in October 1962 when a coin toss brought Melvin Steals to her front porch marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership—one that has lasted over six decades of love, faith, and shared purpose.

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After graduating from Westinghouse High School in Pittsburgh, Adrena began her professional career at Blue Cross Blue Shield, working in both Pittsburgh and Chicago. In just four years, she rose to the position of Underwriter before transitioning into roles that showcased her versatility and leadership. Over the years, she studied at the Community College of Beaver County, worked with H&R Block, and joined the Pittsburgh Forging Plant in Coraopolis, where she advanced to the position of Personnel Manager. She later concluded her professional journey as a highly respected Claims Representative with Sedgwick James and CNA Insurance Companies.

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Adrena’s professional success mirrored her gift for creating spaces of empowerment and inspiration. As a Claims Specialist/Litigation Specialist at CNA, she was recognized for surpassing one million dollars in structured settlement sales and named the top negotiator in the Pittsburgh area in 1998. Beyond the corporate world, she became known for her ability to uplift communities through well-planned events that celebrated heritage, faith, and womanhood.

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Among her many initiatives are the African Heritage Family Conference held at the Community College of Beaver County, the Women’s Conference at La Roche University, and Chelsea’s Place, a Christian coffeehouse that offered monthly faith-based entertainment for seven years at Saint Paul United Methodist Church in the North Hills.

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Together with her husband, Adrena also serves as a Western Pennsylvania representative for the Infinite Scholars Program, which has provided over $2 billion in scholarships to students nationwide. Her compassion and organizational excellence continue to open doors for young people seeking higher education.

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Today, Adrena’s life stands as a reflection of devotion—to family, to community, and to purpose. She and Melvin have been married for 57 years and are blessed with three children—Mel Jr. (and wife Alexis), Chelsea (and husband Bill Cumberledge), and Brandy—along with three beloved grandchildren: Alanna, Drew, and Breanna. Their love story remains one of faith, partnership, and enduring impact.