May 19, 2024 | 1:00-4:30 p.m.
Belmont Mansion, 2000 Belmont Mansion Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131
A special thank you to all of our WomanUp Initiatives members, supporters and friends who made today possible.
1:00 P.M.
Registration, Networking, Welcoming Remarks Opening Prayer & Lunch
Led by Joy Norman, WomanUp Initiatives Team Member
2:00 P.M.
Opening Remarks and Introduction of Shari Williams, WomanUp Initiatives Organizer
Led by Senator Anthony H Williams, 8th Senatorial District in Philadelphia and Delaware County
2:15 P.M.
Keynote Presentation
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Texas‘ 30th District
2:45 P.M.
Tea Talk
Led by Felicia Harris Williams
3:00 P.M.
WomanUp Initiatives Fireside Chat
Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, 191st District in Philadelphia
Judge Timika Lane, Superior Court of Pennsylvania
Sharrie Williams, Co-Anchor, Action News at 5 and Action News at 10 on PHL17
Dawn Chavous, Founder & President, Chavous Consulting
Yolanda Taylor, Founder & CEO, At the Style Table
Moderated by Rhonda Feimster, WomanUp Initiatives Team Member
3:40 P.M.
Award Ceremony
Led by Shari Williams
4:15 P.M.
Closing Remarks
Led by Shari Williams
DIAMOND SPONSORS
Campus Apartments
Urban Art Gallery
Zelira Therapeutics
GOLD SPONSORS
Angela Foreshaw Rouse
PLATINUM SPONSORS
James Campenella
Barbara Chavous
Lisa Robinson
SILVER SPONSORS
Nyisha Champan
Rochelle Culbreth
Patricia Dennis
Varsovia Fernandez
Melissa Heller
Dr. LaRay Imani Price
Yolanda Taylor
Senator Anthony H. Williams
FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS
Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall Blake
Desarrie McDuffie
Carolyn H. Nichols
Randall Simms
State Representative Regina Young
INDIVIDUAL TICKET HOLDERS
We appreciate your support in purchasing a single ticket for this year’s WomanUP Initiatives Tea & Hat Awards!
mond
r, IBEW Local 98
Karo Sharpe
Real Estate Professional, Real Estate Investor
Joy Norman
Operations Manager, Senator Anthony H. Williams
Teresa Lamore
Third Vice President of Membership & Chapter Development, National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc
Syreta Roberts
Registered Nurse, Advisor First Health
Tiphanie White
Chief of State, Council President Kenyatta Johnson
Tiffany Chavous
Chief Executive Officer, Somerset Academy Learning Center
LaJewel Harrison Consultant, LGH Consulting LLC
Lisa Smith
Director of Finance, Williams Family Caregiver & Financial Specialist
Mable Welborn Chair, Leon H Sullivan Charitable Trust
Afea Tucker
Journalist & Community Engagement Reporter, The Trace
Amber J.E. Harrison
Diversity & Inclusion Strategist, Board of Directors, Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc.
Shari Williams is the founder and CEO of Shari Williams Enterprises LLC, a distinguished public relations practitioner, coach, event planner, licensed Remote Drone Pilot and instructor. Renowned as the "Goddess of Drones," Williams has built a prominent career in the oil, gas, energy and regulatory industries, which ultimately led her to the drone and technology sector.
As one of the first Black female commercial drone pilots in the United States, Williams earned her Remote Drone Pilot license with an sUAS rating in 2017. Her passion for STEM advocacy has driven her to establish the Philadelphia Drone Soccer League, an affiliate of U.S. Drone Soccer, marking another milestone in her mission to promote drone education and participation.
Williams was honored with the STEM Advocate of the Year Award in 2015, reflecting her dedication to inspiring future generations. Through the "Goddess of Drones" division of Shari Williams Enterprises LLC, she leads the "Shut Up and Fly" program, offering comprehensive drone preparation classes, coaching courses and ground flight training. These initiatives are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the FAA Part 107 airman knowledge exam and obtain their Remote Drone Pilot license.
Additionally, the event planning division of Shari Williams Enterprises has been hosting the Woman Up Initiatives Tea & Hat Event Awards for four years prior to COVID, showcasing her versatile expertise in event production and vendor coordination.
Williams' fundraising acumen is outstanding, as she has successfully raised money for various organizations throughout the Commonwealth. Her philanthropic efforts are further extended through the Woman Up Initiatives Tea & Hat Awards event, where vendor participation boosts the economy, and small investments are made to support growing small nonprofits
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett has purposefully made every decision with one goal in mind: protecting the civil liberties of those in underrepresented communities As a public defender, civil rights attorney, State Representative, and United States Congresswoman, Jasmine Crockett dedicates her life to public service, with the goal of serving justice and ensuring equality for all
In the midst of political turmoil, economic distress, and racial inequality, Congresswoman Crockett laced up her shoes to march for justice and run for the Texas House of Representatives The sole Black freshman and youngest Black lawmaker in Texas during the 87th Legislative Session, Congresswoman Crockett navigated what has been marked as the most conservative session in Texas history. Despite the uphill climb, Congresswoman Crockett filed more bills than any other freshman, assembled a wide coalition to pass landmark criminal justice reforms in the House, and brought more accessibility and accountability to her office than before She was a founding member of both the Texas Progressive Caucus as well as the Texas Caucus on Climate, Energy, and the Environment. As State Representative, she fought for economic opportunity as a member of the Business & Industry Committee, and advocated for reform on the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee Congresswoman Crockett was one of the lead architects of the 2021 Texas House Quorum Break, which brought attention to the draconian and restrictive voting measures being proposed in the legislature
Her passion for justice and the protection of peoples’ rights led her to pursue a career as a public defender, and civil rights and criminal defense attorney She focused on defending our most vulnerable among us from exploitation in the criminal justice system
As she began her career in the Bowie County Public Defender's Office, Congresswoman Crockett worked tirelessly to keep children safe and out of jail Her time there serves as a reminder that criminal justice is an intersectional issue
Following her service in the Texas Legislature, Congresswoman Crockett accepted the call, and won the election for the retiring late Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson's congressional seat in Texas’ 30th District Following her election, she hit the ground running and won a seat at the Leadership table as Freshman Leadership Representative, a position she will use to advocate for all Texans. As Freshman Leadership Representative, she is one of a few Black women ever elected to Democratic House Leadership In Congress, Congresswoman Crockett hopes to continue to build on the legacy of Chairwoman Johnson, and will fight to expand access to healthcare, voting rights, economic opportunity, and dignity for all. She will fight to protect Medicare, Social Security, and expand critical social safety net programs She will continue to be a tireless advocate for civil liberties, immigrant rights, and economic equity for women and the diverse communities across the State of Texas
Congresswoman Crockett earned her B.A. in Business Administration from Rhodes College and her J.D. from the University of Houston. She is licensed to practice law in Texas, Arkansas, and Federal Courts Crockett is the past Bowie County Democratic Party Chair, held various leadership positions within the legal community, is a former board member of the Dallas County Metrocare Services, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
As a Congresswoman for all Texans, she's looking forward to continuing our fight and ushering in the next generation of servant leadership in the halls of Congress and Washington, D.C.
Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton was first elected in 2015 to serve communities in west and southwest Philadelphia, as well as Yeadon and Darby in Delaware County
As a state lawmaker she has made history three times! First in 2018 when she became the first woman and first African American to be elected as House Democratic Caucus Chair, and again in 2020, when she was the first woman elected House Democratic Leader in the institution’s 244-year history. In 2023, McClinton was elected Speaker of the Pennsylvania House – the first woman to serve in that position in the nation’s oldest legislature.
A lifelong resident of southwest Philadelphia and graduate of Grace Temple Christian Academy, she became active in her community while completing an internship with radio station WDAS. Later, she studied Political Science and Leadership in Global Understanding at La Salle University. After earning her degree, she enrolled at Villanova University School of Law, interning at Regional Housing Legal Services, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office and the Defender Association of Philadelphia.
She was an assistant public defender for seven years and became assistant chief of the East Zone during her last year, helping attorneys with case preparation
In 2013, Speaker McClinton combined her passion for public service and law by becoming chief counsel to state Sen Anthony Hardy Williams, where she worked behind the scenes to develop policy and legislation; organize expungement fairs and public policy forums; and assist constituents
Speaker McClinton has earned several distinctions for her commitment to public service including City and State PA's 40 Under 40, Power of Diversity: Black 100, and Above & Beyond lists, the Barristers' Association of Philadelphia's Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year award, Fun Time Magazine's Women of Influence Award, the PRE-K for PA Champion award, the Lucien E. Blackwell Guiding Light Community award, the Black Gala Women of Excellence; Politico Recast’s Power List 2022 and as a NewDeal Rising Leader in 2023.
Judge Timika Lane was elected to a ten-year term to serve on the Pennsylvania Superior Court in November 2023 Before her election to the Superior Court, Judge Lane served as a Judge on the Court of Common Pleas for Philadelphia County since her election in 2013. On the Court of Common Pleas, Judge Lane started her judicial career assigned to the Major Trials program in the Criminal Division, where she supervised human trafficking cases In addition, Judge Lane presided over serious felony criminal matters, including domestic/family violence, sexual assault, attempted murder, arson, robbery, and burglary, and was assigned to the Complex Litigation jury trial program in the Civil Division. Judge Lane gained valuable experience handling Investigative Grand Jury matters and applied her compassionate spirit to supervising county re-entry programs.
A West Philadelphia native and a proud Howard University Bison, Judge Lane had the value of hard work and public service instilled in her at a very young age. Judge Lane's mother and father showed her the importance of serving your community through their work as a Philadelphia Police Detective and Marine, respectively Judge Lane has passed these values on to her daughter Tori, who has followed in her mother's footsteps and graduated from Howard University
Before attending law school at Rutgers-Camden School of Law in New Jersey, Judge Lane began her public service career in Prince George's County, Maryland, where she taught social studies to middle school students. In law school, Judge Lane continued serving the community by volunteering with the Bono Domestic Violence Project and the Bankruptcy Pro Bono Project and co chairing the Black Law Students Community Outreach program After graduating from law school, Judge Lane served as a law clerk in the Court of Common Pleas, a Certified Child Advocate and a civil arbitrator. Judge Lane's commitment to justice and serving our most vulnerable residents led her to join the Defender Association of Philadelphia as a major trial attorney, where she represented impoverished adults and juveniles in complex criminal jury and waiver trials for indigent adults and juveniles Even as a Public Defender, Judge Lane continued volunteering for her community, participating in the Safe Surrender Program at True Gospel Tabernacle Family Church and Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church.
Judge Lane served as the Chief Legal Counsel for State Senator Anthony H. Williams and the Executive Director for the Pennsylvania State Senate State Government Committee In this role, she protected residents' civil rights by drafting a challenge to Pennsylvania's Photo ID law, assessing the constitutionality of proposed and existing legislation, and providing guidance regarding the legal implications of legislation, regulations, and administrative policies.
Judge Lane's distinguished law career, both on and off the bench, has earned her several appointments across the city and commonwealth Judge Lane was appointed Chair of the Board of City Trust Committee of the Philadelphia Board of Judges, Co-Chair of the Local Criminal Rules Committee, and was a member of the Communication and Community Affairs, Civil Rules, Jury, FYI, and Women Judges Initiative committees In addition, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court appointed her to the County Adult Probation and Parole Advisory Committee (CAPPAC), where she served as Co-Chair, and then Governor Tom Wolf appointed her as a Commissioner to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency She is also a Zone 1 Delegate with the Pennsylvania Bar Association and Chair-Elect for the Clifford Scott Green Chapter of the National Judicial Council.
Judge Lane's commitment to the community extends well beyond her legal career She was formerly a Trustee at Bright Hope Baptist Church, Executive Director of the New Life New Member Ministry, and Vice-President of the Hospitality Ministry. She worked for Habitat for Humanity during Hurricane Katrina She traveled to New Orleans to rebuild homes destroyed by the hurricane Multiple Chancellors of the Philadelphia Bar Association appointed her Co-Chair of Advancing Civic Education (ACE,) in which judges and lawyers teach civics to high school students. She is Co-Chair for The National Trends and Services Facet for The Links, Inc , Delaware Valley Chapter Additionally, she served as an Adjunct Professor at Harcum College and is an Executive Board member of the Greenhill Farms Residents Association; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc , Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter; The National Coalition of 100 Black Women; and The Black Brain Campaign, among others.
Sharrie Williams is the co-anchor of Action News at 5 and Action News at 10 on PHL17. Sharrie joined the Action News team in March 2014 as an anchor of the 5:00 pm newscast and reporter on Action News at 11 Sharrie's work is rooted in strong reporting, both in-studio and live from the scene She anchored on location from several Big Stories in Philadelphia, including the 2017 N F L Draft, the 2016 Democratic National Convention and Pope Francis' visit to the World Meeting of Families in 2015 She has also traveled around the country, reporting from the first Presidential Debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton and the inauguration of President Trump Sharrie was also honored to have the opportunity to interview legendary ABC News host Barbara Walters when she signed o the air for the last time.
Before arriving in Philadelphia, Sharrie was the weekend anchor and weekday reporter at KTVT-TV in Dallas, Texas. While in Dallas, Sharrie covered major events that made national and international headlines, including Texas' record-breaking winter ice storms and Super Bowl XLV. Prior to working in North Texas, Sharrie spent three years in Miami covering a gamut of stories from traveling to Haiti in the wake of the four hurricanes of 2008, and later the 2010 earthquake, to covering legal trials of the rich and famous Sharrie was also front and center when all eyes were on the Miami Heat, covering Shaquille O'Neal's departure in 2008, and LeBron James' much-anticipated decision to join the team in 2010 Success South Florida Magazine selected Sharrie for the "Top 40 Under 40," and she was featured on the publication's cover With a passion for knowledge and information, Sharrie has a gift for getting the people she interviews to open up and tell their story.
Sharrie's work has also taken her to Birmingham, Alabama, where she was an anchor/reporter for both news and sports at WVTM-TV, and prior to that, Jackson, Tennessee, where she was a news anchor at WBBJ-TV. She earned her undergraduate degree in broadcasting communications from the University of Tennessee. In fact, she began her journalism career while still in college, producing feature stories on Tennessee Volunteer athletes for Fox Sports Net South In September of 2017, Sharrie was presented the University of Tennessee Alumni Promise Award
Sharrie enjoys traveling (she can't wait to travel to Africa), listening to live music (Eryka Badu, Blake Shelton and Maxwell are among her favorites) and attending major sporting events. A native of Albany, Georgia, she is the product of a closeknit family which includes her parents, three siblings and now five nieces and one nephew. In her free time, Sharrie is an active volunteer for many community groups and charities, and is passionate about mentoring young girls. Sharrie's parents are truly her role models but she also has a deep admiration for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. One of her favorite quotes from Dr. King is, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere " -Letter From Birmingham Jail
Community advocate. Problem solver. Connector. For nearly 20 years, Dawn Chavous has been behind the scenes handling major public and private ventures, developing public policy and since 2010, leading Chavous Consulting, a WMBE/DBE management consulting firm specializing in education reform, community engagement, event planning, fundraising, government, and public relations.
Dawn upholds the belief that zip code shouldn’t define opportunity. As champion for community impact, Dawn enhances and elevates engagement efforts of organizations, resulting in raising over $15M in direct funding for clients. A former chief of staff for a Pennsylvania State Senator, she has applied her acumen and experience in government in her community advocacy.
A lifelong Philadelphia resident who cares deeply about her community, Chavous has channeled her experience into purpose by working with nonprofit entities to enhance their organizational goals and community engagement efforts Chavous learned the importance of advocacy and service early on, raised by her mother, a social worker, activist, and entrepreneur, and her father, an entrepreneur, decorated Vietnam War veteran, and community volunteer.
Chavous is also a children’s book author having published her first book entitled, You Are Special, inspired by her two boys. You Are Special is a book of affirmation and self-acceptance, reminding young children how special they are, and that being kind to others also makes them special. The beautiful illustrations highlight some of the characteristics that make a child unique. In addition, the book highlights ethnicity and diversity showing children those are positive attributes, and that being different should be celebrated, and there are no limits to what a child can do.
With degrees in psychology and sociology from Ursinus College, along with a M.S. from the University of Pennsylvania in organizational dynamics with certificates in leadership management and organizational development, Chavous has made helping people and creating equitable systems for all people her life’s work
Hello, beautiful women! I’m Yolanda Taylor, a stylist and image consultant, life coach, and the founder and CEO of At The Style Table. Since I started my business in 2019, I have immensely enjoyed the opportunity of meeting, hanging out with some incredible women, and help them revitalize their style.
I've always had a keen eye for fashion, an eccentric taste of style, and had been dressing family and friends for years. Before I decided to turn what was initially a time-consuming hobby into a full-time career, I had been an international flight attendant. I offer a wide range of services, including consulting with blogs, online styling, wardrobe overhaul, and closet updating and restyling.
As women age and transition in life, most of the time they forget to dress the part and forget the stylish powerhouses they once were. It’s not uncommon in my line of work to hear, “you know, I used to dress like this,” or “ I used to be one of the most stylish women in the room.” But I completely get it. It’s easy to be cave-deep taking care of your family and parents and forget even to have time for yourself. I too, have been there. Sometimes the result is that you feel invisible and even lose part of the sturdy confidence you once had.
With The style Table, I work to redeem women form the invisible to the unforgettable with power dressing that aligns with your personality. Through style consultation, closet therapy, and personal shopping, I work to give you a bold, silent voice when you walk to that boardroom. Most importantly, I help you reinvigorate your confidence and reinvent the tastefully stylish woman you once saw in your mirror. Contact me when you're ready, and we'll get started!
Career Excellence Award
Teila is a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98 in Philadelphia Pa. Growing up in Philadelphia Teila dreamed of a career where she could use her hands to create and her voice to encourage. Teila attended Science Leadership Academy and has represented the Philadelphia Youth Poetry Movement at the Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival.
Now an IBEW Local 98 Apprentice Training Program graduate and seasoned journeyperson, Teila has been honored with awards such as the prestigious Klein award and NECA Penn-DelJersey Chapter Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Award for her exceptional commitment to advancing DEIB’s efforts in the Electrical Construction Industry and community. Along with this, Teila has had the honor of introducing First Lady Jill Biden at the Biden Harris Labor Rally, representing union pride as a speaker for the IBEW, and more recently, attending the 2024 State of the Union Address as a guest of Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon.
Teila currently serves as an instructor and recruitment coordinator for IBEW Local 98 and ATEI and has had the privilege of leading the Rosie’s Girls Pre-Apprenticeship Program, named in honor of the brave women symbolized by Rosie the Riveter. Through her leadership, Rosie’s Girls has emerged as a beacon of hope, bringing diversity and inclusivity to the electrical trade.
Teila has participated in panel discussions on topics which highlight women in apprenticeships through the Apprenticeship Network during National Apprenticeship Week, the ETA Workforce Regional Convening, and the EWMC Annual Leadership Conference. Teila has become an influential leader in her community and shares her commitment to a future workforce that continues to shape lives, empower communities, and strengthen the diverse narrative that deserves to be heard.
Excellence Award
Karo has been a real estate professional for 52 years. She purchased her first property at age 15 and paid off the property at age 18. At age 21, her first investment was her home. This early experience gave her insight into how to buy and manage properties. Karo’s plan was to purchase investment properties every year and put in “sweat equity” during the weekends. She has purchased one property per year for over 20 years!
Karo’s biggest joy is providing decent, affordable housing for families to raise their children. For single women and men, Karo’s joy is ensuring they can live and entertain family and friends in moderate renovated housing.
Karo volunteers weekly distributing food to the community at Malcom X Park. Through her real estate endeavors, her goal is to provide generational wealth to her family for the next two hundred years. Karo’s advice to future property owners is to be dedicated, creative, accept change, be adaptable, conduct collaborations, stay deadline driven, and thoughtful in your work and considerations when you interact with others.
Joy is the epitome of working together to get things done. Joy is dedicated to her work, especially in local senior centers, and her commitment to serving as the Operations Manager for Senator Anthony H. Williams, along with her selfless volunteering efforts, makes her an important member of her community.
In her current role, Joy not only coordinates and attends community events as a representative of the Senator’s office, but she also ensures the senator is accessible and responsive to the needs of his constituents. She is a connector, stays abreast of local community resources, and shares information without hesitation.
Joy also loves working with youth from disadvantaged communities, especially encouraging them to consider STEM education such as participating in the Philadelphia Drone Soccer League and Remote Drone Piloting programs. She has been instrumental in helping to coordinate and deliver summer camp and ongoing STEM programming to local community organizations.
Joy was a resolute caregiver to her father; the late Jay Norman (former celebrated player and coach at Temple University) and she selflessly helps other family members as the need arises.
Joy is a member of the Delaware County Black Caucus, Woman Up Initiatives Business & Community Networking Circle, and an active alumni of Overbrook high school. Joy’s unwavering dedication and willingness to give her all in everything she does exemplifies her as a true community champion.
Teresa Lamore Redmond has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to serving the community, dedicating countless hours to volunteer work, advocacy, and support initiatives for over 15 years. Through her efforts, she has made a tangible and lasting impact on the lives of community members, whether through organizing community events, leading outreach programs, or helping those in need. She has shown exemplary leadership skills, inspiring others to get involved and make a difference.
Teresa has a knack for empowering individuals and groups to take act and effect positive change withing the community. She is known for her collaborative spirit and ability to bring people together from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to work toward common goals. She fosters cooperation, teamwork, and inclusivity in all her endeavors.
Teresa is an enthusiastic advocate for social justice, equity, and inclusivity, actively speaking out against injustice and working to create a more equitable and compassionate community for all. She serves as an inspiration and role model to others, embodying the values of compassion, empathy, and service. Teresa leads by example and encourages others to join her in making a positive impact on the community.
Teresa exemplifies the qualities of a true Community Champion, consistently going beyond to be effective and uplifting those around her. She is a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc – Pennsylvania Chapter, where she currently serves as the 3rd Vice President of Membership and Chapter Development. She is active in her company’s Employee Resource Group serving as a chapter Co-lead and a Sister Circle Ambassador.
Teresa’s unwavering dedication and passion for community service make her a deserving candidate for this award.
Community Champion Award
Syreta RobertsRegistered Nurse, Advisor First Health
Syreta has worked tirelessly and selflessly in the health care industry for almost 2 decades. An amazing RN, Syreta recently founded Advisor First Health, an agency focusing on educating the community on life saving techniques such as CPR, and use of the AED machine. Syreta is also an instructor for the Stop the Bleed initiative.
Syreta is generous and has always been committed to her community. An ardent educator, Syreta also just began a Nursing Bootcamp for new nurses recently entering the field. Syreta is more than deserving of this recognition and I am immensely proud of her accomplishments and cannot wait to see what her future holds!
Tiphanie White, who works as the Chief of Staff for Council President Kenyatta Johnson, is being honored for her exceptional contribution to the community, demonstrating her dedication and impact through her work. Tiphanie’s commitment to serving and advocating for the community has made her an invaluable asset, deserving of recognition as a community champion.
While she proudly continues to represent her community, she opened the Dorthy D. Allen Community Center in honor of her grandmother, who spent her life providing daily resources and addressing quality of life issues in the South Philadelphia community. Tiphanie’s grandmothers’ legacy has made her the proud owner of the center.
Tiphanie’s CHAMPION spirit did not stop there, she accepted God’s call to serve her community by any means necessary and took her past experiences as a victim of gun violence to help the perpetrator who shot her in the back gain employment. In this ever-changing world, Tiphanie continues to be the change this community needs, while being an amazing mother to her two daughters. Her giving spirit and compassion to the people in this city makes her a great candidate for this award.
Merriam-Webster defines hero as “a person who has special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities, and is regarded as a role model or ideal.” This definition embodies Tiffany.
Overcoming her own trauma, cancer, and life obstacles, she soars like an Eagle. Rising early to be at the Academy at 5:00 am to prepare for the students and parents each day, she has created an educational environment for early childhood education, after school, and summer camp that fosters life-long learning, creativity, and achievement.
She is admired by her peers, lauded by her staff, and serves as an example to those with whom she comes in contact. As CEO, Tiffany has shown dedication, resilience, commitment, and deep compassion. This is exhibited through her determination to continue her own growth, development, and training as she also motivates and provides the same for staff.
She goes beyond providing for the educational, social, emotional, and physical nurturing of her students. Her food service program is excellent and worthy of five stars, like her.
Award
LaJewel Harrison is a consultant and facilitator who understands the importance of including mental health and full-body wellness in personal, business, and community life. Because of this, LaJewel has become a vital addition to many organizations by integrating all aspects as she creates more empathetic leaders.
For over 20 years, LaJewel has grown to appreciate the significant impact of strategic delivery of professional mental health service, but also the importance of embedding core mental health practices in all facets of life. In 2019, motivated by a desire to expand mental health care and the ability to evaluate and produce roadmaps of efficiency, LaJewel launched LGH Consulting, LLC. As a fractional COO, she aids companies in developing innovative programs, simplifying processes, and identifying the best solutions using key performance indicators. LaJewel’s devotion to extending access to care has led to the development of the “Health E Livin” app and website. The app and website provide free, anonymous, and secure access to Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, and Substance Use screening tools.
Creating new pathways to healthier communities is LaJewel’s true passion. Notably, LaJewel earned an MBA from St. Joseph’s University and a BA from Temple University. She is a member of the PA Board of Psychology, Black Women’s Leadership Council, National Coalition of one hundred Black Women, Board Member for the McNamee Scholars Program, Board Member for Saving Just One Child, and member of the Coalition of Culturally Competent Providers.
Lisa Smith is the older sister to Senator Anthony Hardy Williams and is not a person who has sought the limelight or tries to draw attention to herself. As the primary caregiver to our late father, former State Senator Hardy Williams, and her husband, the late Honorable Judge Gregory Smith, Lisa was the primary caregiver for over 20 years; Lisa never complained about the responsibility she accepted on behalf of our family she sought to protect, uplift, and ensured her loved ones’ every need was met and maintained those responsibility while balancing a demanding career overseeing the department as the Financial Administrator for the Defender Association of Philadelphia, Federal Court Division. Lisa tirelessly provided for her children and supported others in their endeavors.
I am certainly proud to be her brother, but more importantly, I am appreciative in these times that she set an example of what women provide through their sacrifice and love for their families and friends.
Chair, Leon H. Sullivan
Mable Welborn is a shero, trailblazer, activist, and champion for Civil Rights. She has pioneered affirmative action within her career, and she has served as a mentor and role model. Mable currently serves as the Chair of the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust. She was appointed by Reverend Leon H. Sullivan and served in distinct positions prior to her current role as Chair. In her current role, she has been instrumental in revitalizing Progress Plaza and the surrounding area. She has collaborated as a community stakeholder with organizations like North Broad Renaissance to create equitable growth and direct economic impact through partnerships and expanded business opportunities.
Mable is a true servant leader and prominent member of the community. She has been a member of the National Coalition of one hundred Black Women, Inc. – Pennsylvania Chapter for over 25 years. She has been advocating on behalf of Black women and girls in the areas of health, education, economic empowerment, and public policy.
Mable has helped enact change through legislative policies including voting awareness and voter education. She has worked tirelessly for economic opportunities and equitable justice for her community. She is a lifetime member of the NAACP and International Training in Communications, active member of Zion Baptist Church, and a supportive member of the National Coalition of one hundred Black Women, Inc. – Pennsylvania Chapter. She has been recognized locally and nationally for her unselfish service.
Productivity Pioneer Award
Afea is a shining example of dedication, leadership, and productivity in her community and beyond. Afea’s impact as a community engagement Specialist, journalist, and advocate is truly exceptional. Through her work with The Trace and various organizations in Philadelphia and beyond, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to uplifting her community and amplifying important voices.
One of Afea’s remarkable achievements is the creation of the Multicultural Media Professionals Week, a groundbreaking initiative which highlights the diverse talents and contributions of media professionals from diverse backgrounds. With over ten successful events hosted over the course of a week, Afea’s vision and dedication were instrumental in its success, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and fostering a more inclusive environment.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Afea is also a devoted caregiver, selflessly balancing the needs of her son, mother, and other family members, often putting her own needs aside to ensure their well-being. Her compassion and resilience are truly inspiring, serving as a beacon of strength for those around her.
Afea’s exceptional networking skills and reputation for providing credible information make her a trusted resource and invaluable asset to her community. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to her community, her tireless dedication to her work and her unwavering commitment to excellence, I wholeheartedly endorse Afea Tucker for the Productivity Pioneer Award. She embodies the spirit of leadership, innovation, and productivity, and is truly deserving of this honor.
Amber is a driving force and inspirational in her c personal and professional career. Amber demon p innovative critical thinking skills. She is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategist in the human resources field, developing, implementing, and evaluating the impact of innovative policy, practice, and culture in her current position at American Airlines.
Amber is also committed to service and her community. She is an active member of several organizations including Morgan State Alumni Association, Philadelphia HBCU Alliance, and was appointed by former Mayor James Kenney to the Mayor’s Commission of African and Caribbean Affairs.
Amber serves on the Board of Directors for the National Coalition of one hundred Black Women, Inc.-Pennsylvania Chapter. She is also the chair of the organization’s Public Policy Committee, which is instrumental in implementing strategies to increase voter education and engagement, developing programs to raise awareness surrounding issues that may have a direct impact on Black women and girls and supporting legislative policies that will decrease disparities in the community.
Through strategic partnerships with local elected officials and collaborating organization, Amber has been instrumental in launching Call to Action initiatives supporting local legislation, implementing candidate’s forums to educate voters on local candidates, creating alliances to enhance a collaborative approach to address issues such as gun violence, disparities in homeownership, maternal mortality, and economic sustainability. Amber’s tireless advocacy work has impacted our organization and the community she serves.
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John M. Colabelli with Modern Luxury/Philadelphia Style digital modernluxury com
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