FOR PUBLICATION 2026 Tea & Hat Awards Program

JUNE 14 | 1:00-5:00 P.M.

BELMONT MANSION

A special thank you to all of our WomanUp Initiatives members, supporters and friends who made today a reality.

Table of Contents Today’s Program

Page 4

Our Sponsors

Page 5

Recipients of the 2026 Tea & Hat Awards

Pages 6-7

Thank You to Our Team

Page 8

Event Map

Page 9

Speaker Biographies

Pages 10-14

Honoree Biographies

Pages 15-27

Today’s Events 1 2 : 3 0 P . M . DOORS OPEN & EVENT BEGINS 1:30 P.M.

CALL TO BE SEATED Announcement by DJ Rudboi Rudy Taylor

1:45 P.M.

OPENING REMARKS & INTRODUCTIONS Words from Joy Norman, WomanUp Initiatives Team Member Message from Senator Anthony H. Williams, 8th Senatorial District in Philadelphia and Delaware County Welcome from Shari Williams, CEO and Founder of Shari Williams Enterprises Performance and prayer from Dr. Michelle Kenney

2:15 P.M.

LUNCH IS SERVED

2:45 P.M.

PROGRAM BEGINS KEYNOTE PRESENTATION WITH PRECIOUS L. WILLIAMS Precious L. Williams | CEO, The Perfect Pitch Group WOMANUP INITIATIVES CUSTOMER STORY Yolanda Taylor | CEO & Founder, At the Style Table COMMUNITY ACTIVATIONS Carla Clarkson, Honey Blow Out Entrepreneur of the Year IN MEMORIAM In Memory of Patrcia Holmes, Charlotte Miller-Lacy, Dorita L. Byrd, Avery Lamar and Martha G. Chapman WOMANUP INITIATIVES FIRESIDE CHAT Moderated by Shari Williams Toni Moore, Esq., LLM, CEBS Pennsylvania State Representative Morgan Cephas

3:45 P.M.

AWARD CEREMONY Led by Shari Williams and Joy Norman

4:15 P.M.

CONCLUSION OF PROGRAM Led by Shari Williams

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

DIAMOND SPONSORS URBAN ART GALLERY CAMPUS APARTMENTS

PLATINUM SPONSORS AARP PAC O MATIC

GOLD SPONSORS

AMERIHEALTH CARITAS LABORERS DISTRICT COUNCIL LOCAL 332 PHILADELPHIA PARKING AUTHORITY

SILVER SPONSORS

BLACK BRAIN CAMPAIGN CAROLE GREEN COALITION OF 100 BLACK WOMEN - PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER MAVEN INC.

FRIENDS & FAMILY DONATIONS APRIL SCOTT STREET YOLANDA TAYLOR - AT THE STYLE TABLE

INDIVIDUAL TICKET HOLDERS WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT IN PURCHASING A SINGLE TICKET FOR THIS YEAR’S WOMANUP INITIATIVES TEA & HAT AWARDS!

2026 Tea & Hat Awards Honorees Career Excellence Award Chandra Kennedy

Transitional Kindergarten Teacher and “Teacher of the Year” Recipient

Farida Boyer

Executive Director and Co-Founder, Black Brain Campaign Association

Community Champion Award Karen J. Clark

Director, Good Neighbor Senior Care

Maya Stewart

Manager Community Outreach, AmeriHealth Caritas

Hero Award Charlene Vickers

Director of Community Impact, AmeriHealth Caritas

Antoinette “Netta” Hughes-Johnson Manager of Provider Relations and Education

2026 Tea & Hat Awards Honorees Legacy Creator Award Margaret “Meg” Grant Public Health Professional

Lynette Brown-Sow

Founder, L.M. Brown Management Group

Productivity Pioneer Award Angela Foreshaw-Rouse

Senior Manager of Community Engagement and Operations, AARP

Rising Star Award Courtney Bennett & Rushener Brown-Sow Co-Founders, Strength & Resilience Nonprofit, Inc.

Taryn L. Smith

Manager, Clinical Operations

Our Wonderful Production Team Autumn Veale - AV Visuals Meghan Solomon - Meghan Solomon Media Robbie Live - Videographer Rudy Taylor - DJ Rudboi Syreeta Williams - Hey Girlfriends LLC Tyrone Mayo - AV Acousitics Officer Mitchell - Partysavers101

Our Incredible Vendors 360 Spin by Party Savers Aisha Al-Muid’s Miss Mahogany Philly Carla Clarkson’s Honey Blowout Carmella Jackson’s Virtuous Boutique Daniel Lewis’ Woodstock Cigars Deborah L. Kelly, Author Dr. Tya Gardner’s Menopause Matters John’s Photo Booth Lakisha Renay’s She SHOOTS Too Philadelphia Candle Co. Precious L. Williams, Author Queen Nina’s Finds Sandra Harmon’s SheaGottaHaveIt Shari Williams Enterprises LLC Shut Up & Fly with the Goddess of Drones Susan Pollack’s Furs by Farr Tahvia Ackridge’s Glow & Grit Tamara Hillhouse’s Sperry Wild Boutique Tamyka Lewis - Luc2Lew Styles4U Wadeeah Rahman-Salaam’s JewelbyWah

Our Fantastic Volunteers Chelsea Guzoski Felisha Harris - FH Consulting Gabrielle Feimster Jon Williams & Crew Lynne Wilkins, Kenyatta Johnson’s Office Rhonda Feimster - 1 Bag Travel Tracy Bennett

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Get stamped at each vendor and submit your map for a chance to win a free WUI membership!

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DJ Rudboi Rudy Taylor

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Registration Table

MEDIA OPP Syreeta Williams Hey Girlfriend LLC PHOTO OPP AUTHOR’S CORNER

MAMA Music Over Matter

Museum

Food Station

12

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Ceremony Stage

16

Details by Dawn Catering

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15

Award Table

10

Registration Table

Event Map Legend 1- Tamyka Lewis - Luc2Lew Styles4U

11- Aisha Al-Muid’s Miss Mahogany Philly

2 - 360 Spin by Party Savers

12- Furs by Farr by Susan Pollack

3- John’s Photo Booth

13- Dr. Tyra Gardner’s Menopause Matters

4- Sandra Harmon’s SheaGottaHaveIt

14- Jocelyn Johnson’s Philadelphia Candle Co.

5- Precious L. Williams

15- Shari Williams Enterprises LLC Shut Up & Fly with the Goddess of Drones

6- Deborah L. Kelly 16- Tamara Hillhouse’s Sperry Wild Boutique 7- Wadeeah Rahman-Salaam’s Jewels of Wah 17- Lakisha Renay’s She SHOOTS Too 8- Tahvia Ackridge’s Glow & Grit 18- Daniel Lewis’ Woodstock Cigars 9- Queen Nina’s Finds 19- Carmella Jackson’s Virtuous Boutique 10- Carla Clarkson’s Honey Blowout

WOMANUP INITIATIVES

TEA & HAT AWARDS

SPEAKERS

Shari Williams

Founder & Chief Executive Officer Shari Williams Enterprises 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 years, 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.

NOTE Y E K S

PE A KE

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Precious L. Williams

CEO, The Perfect Pitch Group Precious L. Williams, the 13-time national elevator pitch champion and 5x #1 bestselling author is not just a speaker—she is a high-impact catalyst who transforms communication from TRASH to straight CASH. As the founder and CEO of the Perfect Pitch Group, Precious is renowned for her results-driven approach, which has equipped TOP Fortune 100 corporate sales teams, global business leaders, law firms and finance professionals with the strategies to close deals and secure funding.

The Go-To Expert for Global Impact: Fortune 100 & Global Brands: Precious is the secret weapon for top-tier companies, having delivered world-class keynotes and training for global powerhouses including Verizon, BMW, Blackstone, Dominion Energy, SiriusXM, HubSpot, and Conde Nast.

Academic Excellence: Her expertise is sought after by the world's leading educational institutions, with invitations to speak at Harvard University and Columbia University, where she inspires the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.

Quantifiable Results: Her clients have collectively won millions in pitch competitions and secured lucrative corporate contracts, directly translating her "pitching genius" into measurable financial success.

Media & Authority: Featured on Shark Tank (Season 8) and celebrated in national media for her sales mastery, Precious delivers proven methods that drive immediate action and profitability.

Hired to Keynote international conferences, summits, and corporate training events, Precious provides an unforgettable experience that is perfectly tailored to elevate the sales performance, fundraising capabilities, and overall business development of your organization, nonprofit, or university.

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Toni Moore, Esq., LLM, CEBS

Toni Moore, Esq., LLM, CEBS is the attorney of choice for those who play big, from celebrity influencers and six-figure coaches to founders building million-dollar brands. With more than 20 years of experience as a business and estate attorney, Moore has become a trusted advisor to celebrities, influencers, and powerhouse entrepreneurs determined to protect what they’ve built and grow it intentionally.

A former litigator turned serial entrepreneur, Moore is also a best-selling author and educator whose mission is rooted in one goal: closing the wealth gap through legal literacy. Through her firm and her national speaking platform, she empowers women, particularly women of color, to secure their intellectual property, structure their businesses with legacy in mind, and leverage the law to scale with confidence.

Toni’s client list includes well-known names in entertainment, media, and the digital creator space, but it’s Moore’s ability to make complex legal strategies actionable that sets her apart. From trademarks to trust structures, Toni empowers women to build bankable wealth using their intellectual property. And today is no different.

Today, Toni will share that It’s never too late to manifest WealthiHER Ever After.

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PA State Rep. Morgan Cephas Morgan Cephas, first elected in 2016, is a results-driven leader in the Pennsylvania House known for delivering targeted investments and advancing equity-focused health policy. She has secured more than $21 million for schools, parks, and small businesses in the 192nd District while building a legislative portfolio centered on workforce development, public safety, and healthcare access.

Her most defining work is in Black maternal health policy. As co-founder and cochair of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus, Cephas has led a comprehensive legislative agenda to address racial disparities in maternal outcomes.

She launched the PA MOMNIBUS and MOMNIBUS 2.0 packages, advancing reforms that expand postpartum Medicaid coverage to one year, authorize Medicaid reimbursement for doula services, and strengthen data collection on maternal morbidity to improve accountability and outcomes.

Cephas has also secured significant state investments in maternal health initiatives and supported innovative approaches to addressing social determinants of health, including income support pilots for pregnant individuals. Her legislative leadership includes passing protections for incarcerated pregnant women and advancing policies that integrate equity into healthcare delivery systems.

Beyond health policy, Cephas has contributed to economic and infrastructure initiatives through service on the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board and PennVEST, with a focus on job creation and community revitalization. As Chair of the House Government Oversight Committee, she plays a key role in ensuring accountability across state programs.

Cephas brings a pragmatic, policy-focused approach to public service—anchored in measurable outcomes and sustained investment in underserved communities.

WOMANUP INITIATIVES

TEA & HAT AWARDS

HONOREES

CAREER EXCELLENCE AWARD

Chandra Kennedy

Transitional Kindergarten Teacher and “Teacher of the Year” Recipient Chandra Kennedy, originally from Sarasota, Florida, now living in Charlotte, North Carolina, has devoted 32 years to education—with 17 years as a Transitional Kindergarten Teacher at LeafSpring School. Named Teacher of the Year, she mentors all new hires for the company in the Charlotte area and previously served as administrative assistant for two years.

Chandra advocates for quality early childhood believing each child's success depends on their developmental needs and diverse backgrounds. She also designs enriching, inclusive learning experiences that help every student flourish, embodying her lifelong dedication to nurturing young minds.

She holds a Paralegal Degree, a CDA Associate, and is a certified administrator. A Dean's Honor Roll graduate of Keiser University, Chandra also shares her love of music, dance and Zumba instruction, infusing her work and life with energy, leadership, and a lifelong passion for learning.

CAREER EXCELLENCE AWARD

Farida E. Boyer,

MS, LMFT, AS

Executive Director and Co-Founder, Black Brain Campaign Association Farida E. Boyer is the Executive Director and Cofounder of the Black Brain Campaign Association.

As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and an Approved Supervisor. Mrs. Boyer is responsible for improving mental health, strengthening community and client relationships as well as business development. As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the non-for-profit Black Brain Campaign (BBC), an organization that attempts to eradicate the stigma of mental health through community education and advocacy, her expertise and passion is to increase the number of culturally competent clinicians and to uplift members of the community by helping people reach their maximum potential. This makes her a sought-after therapist, supervisor, and speaker on the topic of mental health.

Mrs. Boyer has over twenty years of experience in education and social services. Before becoming a therapist, she had a distinguished career in the world-renowned Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as a Lead Home Visitor. In 2018, she joined The Mental Health Planning Council for Pennsylvania’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Mrs. Boyer, earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Temple University and a M.S. in Clinical Counseling, specializing in Marriage & Family Therapy at Chestnut Hill College.

Currently, Mrs. Boyer is an Approved Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy. She is also the chair of the Health and Wellness Committee for the Philadelphia Community Stakeholders (PCS) whose mission is to improve the quality of life for the African American community in Philadelphia, PA and serves as a board member of Pennsylvania’s State Licensure Board of Social Worker’s, Marriage & Family Therapist and Professional Counseling.

Mrs. Boyer is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, and she is married to Ryan N. Boyer and together they have five children.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD

Karen J. Clark

Director, Good Neighbor Senior Care Karen J. Clark is nominated for the Community Champion Award. Karen is a native of Philadelphia, PA. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a dual major in Psychology & Early Childhood Development. She held roles of Outreach Coordinator throughout communities of Delaware County. Karen is a woman of strength, resolve, determination and faith. She's highly energetic and deeply committed in all she does & shows love for others.

Karen is a woman of God, wife, mother, grandmother, Sunday School teacher and currently the Director of Good Neighbor Senior Center. Karen is a hands-on person within the center. Her outgoing personality is demonstrated daily as she makes sure members of the center are active, engaged and enjoy life. Karen empowers and equips center members with the tools to live life the best possible. The members enjoy engaging in numerous activities such as exercise, mind games, day trips, wellness checks by Widener University Nurses, Medicare benefit plans, and visiting other senior centers. Karen Clark selflessly gives service and cares every single day and she deserves recognition.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD

Maya Stewart

Manager Community Outreach, AmeriHealth Caritas Maya Stewart is the Manager Community Outreach for First Choice plans serving Medicaid members. In her role she is a strategic public affairs and community engagement leader with a distinguished career advancing health equity, workforce development, and community-based partnerships across Pennsylvania and beyond. Currently serving in a leadership capacity within Community Outreach and Member Engagement, Maya brings deep expertise at the intersection of public health, marketing strategy, and social impact.

Throughout her career, Maya has led transformative initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes for underserved populations. Her work spans Human Resources, Public Affairs, and Marketing, where she has designed and implemented programs supporting families through TANF services, youth workforce pipelines, and community-centered outreach models. She played a key leadership role in launching award-winning initiatives recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), including Lose to Win and For Your Kids Care.

Maya began her career with AmeriHealth Caritas more than 22 years ago, holding a variety of key positions that demonstrate her extensive skill set and commitment to excellence. Her strengths include community relations, brand awareness, event development, and program implementation.

Maya received her Bachelor of Science degree in health Healthcare Management from the Saint Joseph’s University. She is a graduate of Wilmington University Masters of Science Management & Organizational Leadership. In addition, Maya is a Committee Member of the National Association of Health Services Executives.

Throughout her career, Maya has received a great deal of recognition and many awards for her work, including being chosen by Tribune Magazine as one of the “Women of Achievement Awardee” — a salute to African American women and their achievements in corporate America.

She also received a Community Trailblazer Awardee. S he currently serves as AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Company Diversity Equity Inclusion Associate Resource Group (Women Inspired to Support and Empower – WISE). www.amerihealthcaritas.com

HERO AWARD

Charlene Vickers

Director of Community Impact, AmeriHealth Caritas Charlene Vickers is the Director of Community Impact for AmeriHealth Caritas, a leading national organization in Medicaid Managed Care, delivering products and services across fifteen states. In her role, Charlene leads the Community Impact team, which is dedicated to advancing community needs and supporting the organization’s mission and strategic objectives. The team also focuses on activities that align with the company’s values and associate charitable interests.

Charlene started her career with AmeriHealth Caritas in 1994. In April 2017, Charlene spearheaded the launch of the AmeriHealth Caritas Care Crew volunteer program. This initiative was established to enhance the company's social responsibility profile and foster associate engagement by providing nearly 10,000 employees with meaningful volunteer opportunities. These opportunities are carefully aligned with AmeriHealth Caritas' mission to help people access care, maintain wellness, and build healthier communities.

Charlene’s leadership extends to overseeing the management of corporate charitable contributions, organizing associate giving campaigns, and implementing signature programs. One notable program is Healthy Hoops®, a community-based initiative that has, for 24 years, combined basketball, fitness, and health education to benefit children—especially those with asthma or at risk of obesity. Healthy Hoops® includes health screenings, educational workshops for families, and basketball clinics designed to promote well-being and active lifestyles among youth. The Healthy Hoops program has touched more than 75,000 lives, hosted 3,500+ screenings and engaged in 276 community-facing events.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Charlene demonstrates a deep commitment to serving underserved populations through ongoing outreach and engagement with the non-profit sector.

Additionally, Charlene is actively involved with the Greater Philadelphia Corporate Volunteer Network and is a member of the Philanthropy Network of Greater Philadelphia.

Charlene resides in Delaware County with her husband. She is the proud mother of two daughters: Ryan, age 28, and Hannah, age 24.

HERO AWARD

Antoinette “Netta" Hughes Johnson Manager of Provider Relations and Education Antionette, affectionately known as Netta, dominated in track and field. She single-handedly led her school to the PIAA Track and Field Championship in 1976 where she took gold in three individual events Netta also ran for the Ambler Olympic Club where she won many awards, as well as ran for VP of Student Council and won. Netta's drive and commitment lead to her being awarded a full Track and Field scholarship to the University of Florida (UF), where she studied PT/Rehabilitation Services. For the love of the sport, combined with the passion of helping the youth, she co-founded the Quartz Track Team at the Norristown Area High School (NAHS). She continues to give back to the community by providing her time, knowledge and support to many initiatives, committees, etc such as NASD Parent Club, George Washington Carver Community (Board Member and Executive Director) Norristown NAACP; Norristown Literacy Council Art for Justice, Montgomery County Youth Council, Tall Team Member: Norristown Beautiful Weed and Seed Revitalization Initiative; PA Board of Probation & Parole Citron Advisory Committee, Democratic Committee Person for Norristown 4-2, Secretary for Area 11 Democratic Committee.

Netta was married and had her beloved daughter, Lauren Ashley Netta's husband died suddenly and in the aftermath, she came to understand how vital support systems beyond the family are for helping those in need. She started volunteering to learn more about organizations within her community so she could best help others. Although she feels that being a servant is in her DNA she still speaks of the joy it brings and how rewarding it is when she sees others grow. With Notta's diverse background, she is able to help more people in many different ways. Netta is passionate about helping people become the best version of themselves.

Netta has consistently pushed boundaries by running for State Representative as a democratic candidate in 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2000 (losing by less than 100 votes) Netta, her runs started the movement for other Democrats to win in Montgomery County She now helps candidates run successful campaigns in Montgomery County Netta's greatest achievement as a single mother was putting her daughter through law school.

Netta enjoys smiling, having fun and has endless energy, unwavering commitment and perseverance. She is a member of Mount Zion AME Church and serves as Vice Chair of the Steward Board and is happily married to Ronald G. Johnson.

LEGACY CREATOR AWARD

Margaret “Meg” Grant Public Health Professional With more than 35 years devoted to the Delaware Valley, Ms. Grant's work has always centered on people trying to stay healthy, parents navigating care for their children, and communities looking for trusted support close to home.

For more than 30 of those years, she has been a vital member of the leadership team at Keystone First, helping to build the organization from the ground up into the Medicaid managed care leader it is today across the Southeastern Pennsylvania region.

Her vision, dedication, and deep roots in the communities Keystone First serves were instrumental in shaping the company's growth, its culture of care, and its enduring commitment to the most vulnerable populations in the Delaware Valley. Across Philadelphia and the surrounding counties, she has been a steady, familiar presence—helping residents make sense of the healthcare system and ensuring they don't have to do it alone.

In the City of Chester, Ms. Grant led the opening of a Wellness Center that quickly became more than just a healthcare site. It became a gathering place - a sanctuary for the community. During the height of COVID-19, nearly 15,000 vaccines were administered in the Wellness Center, offering reassurance and protection to families during an uncertain time. The Center also provided health education, exercise opportunities, and even creative outlets like painting classes, recognizing that wellness goes beyond clinical care. Building on that work, she launched a Mobile Wellness Unit (healthcare support on wheels) that brought services directly into neighborhoods across the five-county region—offering flu testing, lead screenings, blood pressure checks, and conducting several hundred community-based testing events that ultimately touched and supported several thousand families throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Her leadership and commitment extended into the Keystone member's home, as well. Ms. Grant managed teams of community health workers who met members where they were—supporting pregnant mothers, checking in on individuals managing diabetes, and assisting other high-risk populations. She ensured that screenings didn't just happen—they led to action, coordinating with physicians and encouraging follow-up care so no one fell through the cracks. Just as importantly, she helped families navigate the system, breaking down barriers that often prevent people from getting the care they need.

Ms. Grant also helped bring innovative, community-centered programs to life. From baby showers that connected new mothers to critical resources, to "Healthy Hoops," which uses basketball to engage families managing childhood asthma, and "For Your Kids Care," which helps parents make informed decisions when their children are sick. Meg's work reflected a deep understanding of what families actually need in their day-to-day lives.

Her commitment to service continues through her leadership on several boards, including St. Christopher's Foundation, the Chester City Health Department Board, the Delaware County Advisory Committee, Delaware Valley Community Health, and Paint The Town Purple, which focuses on preventing domestic violence and human trafficking.

LEGACY CREATOR AWARD

Lynette Brown-Sow

Founder, L.M. Brown Management Group Lynette M. Brown-Sow is a lifelong Philadelphian who has dedicated her career to the organization, development, and wellness of communities. She has acted for more than 50 years in the public and private sectors as a strategic consultant, change agent, and connector. Brown-Sow’s definitive approach to her work has three key elements: vision, values, and voice.

In 1980 she founded L.M. Brown Management Group, a strategic consultancy firm which focuses on board governance, organizational development, branding, strategic positioning and crisis communications. She is former Vice President of Marketing and Government Relations at the Community College of Philadelphia.

She served there for over 22 years. During that tenure, she was awarded the Communicator of the Year award by the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (2009).

Brown-Sow has held many political and civic positions. She served as Mayor Ed Rendell’s Deputy Mayor of Administration. She was appointed Chair of the Philadelphia Housing Authority in 2013, a role she still occupies. She has been a member of numerous boards. To name just a few, these currently include the Philadelphia Parking Authority; the Philadelphia Tribune Co. Inc.; NHS Enterprises, Inc.; and the Chair of the Sundry Trust which oversees 117 trusts. She is a convener of the Forum for a Better Pennsylvania and both founded and chairs the Hardy Williams Education Fund for scholarships and support in law and social justice. She is also a founder and Chair of Women of Destiny, a group that develops pipelines of talent to the corporate and non-profit sectors by providing mentorship to professional women of color.

Brown-Sow has received significant recognition throughout her career. Among those honors, she was awarded the Sammy Award for Outstanding Community Service by the Laborers International Union of North America and the Energy for the Community award by PECO. In 2009, Bryn Mawr College honored her among 100 Distinguished Alumni on the 100th anniversary of the school. Her leadership as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Consortium, a nonprofit Community Mental Health Center, was paid tribute when they established their newest service center in 2007, naming it the Lynette M. Brown Center of Hope.

Since 2014, she has consistently shown up as one of the Philadelphia Tribune’s ten most Philadelphia’s Most Influential African Americans.

Brown-Sow holds a BS in Administration from Antioch University and a MSS in Policy, Planning and Development from the School of Social Work and Social Research of Bryn Mawr College. She also earned two certificates from Harvard: the Certificate in Governing for Nonprofit Excellence from the Harvard Graduate School of Business and the Certificate for Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from Harvard’s Graduate School of Administration.

PRODUCTIVITY PIONEER AWARD

Angela Foreshaw Rouse

Senior Manager of Community Engagement and Operations, AARP Pennsylvania Angela Foreshaw Rouse serves as the Senior Manager of Community Engagement and Operations at AARP Pennsylvania, spearheading statewide community engagement and operations for the state's 1.8 million members and the 50+ population. Angela guides Pennsylvania's largest non-profit, nonpartisan membership organization, harnessing the power and passion of staff members, volunteers, and numerous strategic partners. In her role, she provides strategic direction on policy, advocacy, and community engagement initiatives, as a cross-functional team leader.

Since joining AARP in 2001 as the Communications Director and becoming part of the state leadership team in 2014, Angela has played a crucial role in elevating the organization as a leader in social change, dedicated to empowering people to choose how they live and age. A fearless champion of innovation and impact, she is widely recognized as a thought leader, a driver of breakthrough results, and a steadfast driver of positive relationships.

Angela's journey with AARP began as the Communications Director, where she successfully led impactful statewide communication campaigns, innovative marketing initiatives, and dynamic social media engagements that significantly enhanced the organization's visibility and outreach. Her exemplary ability to inspire community partners and elected officials to work innovatively on behalf of the 50+ population has earned her notable recognition.

Before joining AARP, Angela built a distinguished career in media relations, starting at Court TV (a Time Warner Company), where she managed corporate communications and worked with prominent on-air personalities such as the late Johnnie L. Cochran and Nancy Grace. She then transitioned to ABC Daytime Television, overseeing national publicity campaigns and representing all ABC daytime television on-air talent.

Angela has earned several distinctions for her commitment to community engagement, including the Philadelphia Tribune's 40 Under 40 Award, City & State's Above and Beyond: Honoring Distinguished Women in Pennsylvania, and City & State's Black Trailblazers Award.

Angela earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media Studies from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, followed by a Master of Science degree in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania. She currently resides in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, with her husband and two children.

RISING STAR AWARD

Courtney Bennett & Rushener “Sheen” Brown Co-Founders, Strength & Resilience Nonprofit, Inc. Courtney Bennett and Rushener ‘Sheen’ Brown represent the very essence of what the Rising Star Award was designed to recognize emerging leaders whose vision, grit, and passion are already shifting outcomes of some of the most vulnerable in our society – our children.

As co-founders of Strength & Resilience Nonprofit Inc., and the driving force behind the launch of the SR Sensory Lounge—a sensory gym intentionally designed for neurodivergent children—they have moved beyond concept into execution at a pace and level of impact that demands attention. Their work is hands-on, communityembedded, and delivers real value to families who are often underserved, dismissed or overlooked.

Courtney brings clinical depth through her background in occupational therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), ensuring that the programs and activities at the sensory gym are grounded in developmental science. Sheen complements that with operational tenacity and behavioral health expertise as a registered Behavior Technician, navigating the realities of startup development—from funding constraints to zoning barriers—without losing momentum. That combination of technical competency and execution discipline is rare, especially in individuals who have been in their careers for a short time.

What makes the Rising Star designation appropriate for them is how they’ve translated expertise into access. The SR Sensory Lounge is not just a facility, it’s a structured environment where children can build sensory tolerance, improve motor skills, and develop social confidence through programming like Mommy & Me yoga, STEM-based learning labs, social skills groups, and open sensory play. At the same time, they are building a parallel support system for caregivers, which is often the missing piece in pediatric developmental services.

The Rising Star Award calls for someone whose contributions “make waves” and signal long-term promises. Courtney and Sheen (this wonderful dynamic duo) are doing exactly that. They are addressing a clear gap in care delivery for neurodivergent children, particularly where access to support is inconsistent, and they are doing it with a model that prioritizes inclusion, dignity, and measurable developmental outcomes. That’s the kind of upstream impact that helps families in real time and provides tangible results.

For these young health care professionals and entrepreneurs, their path and intentions are clear. They are not just launching an engaging space for children, they are building a platform for long-term change and support for children, their families and their communities.

That is exactly what Rising Stars will do!

RISING STAR AWARD

Taryn L. Smith, MBA Manager, Clinical Operations Taryn L. Smith, MBA is a native of Philadelphia, now residing in Delaware County.

She is a graduate of LaSalle University with a Master of Business Administration, specializing in Health Systems Management, and Temple University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management. Taryn is a clinical technology professional in the pharmaceutical industry where she focuses on vendor governance, portfolio management, system implementation, and validation in compliance with Good Clinical Practice guidelines. In 2024, Taryn was inducted as a charter member into the Kappa Kappa Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri Alpha) First-Generation Honor Society and was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi)– both at LaSalle University. In March 2025, Taryn was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society via LaSalle University.

Taryn is also heavily involved in civic and community engagement, donating her time and talents to several organizations and causes. In 2025, Taryn was elected as an Inspector of Elections in Clifton Heights for the third ward, second precinct, and was also appointed to the Zoning Board Committee for the Borough in 2026. She is also a proud and active member of both the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated Pennsylvania Chapter and the Chester (PA) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, for which she has held elected leadership positions in both organizations.

JUNE 14 | 1:00-5:00 P.M.

BELMONT MANSION

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SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! www.shariwilliamsenterprises.com