2025 Tea & Hat Awards Program by Meginmanayunk

The 2025 ea & Hat T Awards

May 18, 2025 | 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Belmont Mansion

2000 Belmont Mansion Avenue

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

Today’s Events

1:00 p.m. DOORS OPEN

1:30 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 from songstress Ashli Rice Allen

2:00 p.m. LUNCH

2:30 p.m. PROGRAM BEGINS

Welcome message from Shari Williams WomanUp Initiatives Customer Story with Joy Wedderburn-Dorsey Community Donations Presentation In Memoriam Initiatives

2:45 p.m. GUEST SPEAKER | “ONE-ON-ONE WITH YEE”

Angela Yee, Entrepreneur, Media Personality, Philanthropist & Community Leader

3:00 p.m. WOMANUP INITIATIVES FIRESIDE CHAT

Angela Foreshaw-Rouse

Dr Tyra Gardner

Makita Jones

Dr. Parisnicole Payton

State Representative Regina Young

3:30 p.m. AWARD CEREMONY

Led by Shari Williams and Joy Norman

4:00 p.m. CONCLUSION OF PROGRAM

Led by Shari Williams

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

DIAMOND SPONSORS

CAMPUS APARTMENTS

URBAN ART GALLERY

PLATINUM SPONSORS

LEHIGH VALLEY ADULT SERVICES

OPERATORS FOR SKILL PAC

GOLD SPONSORS

AARP

LABORER’S DISTRICT COUNCIL

LABORER’S EMPLOYMENT COOPERATION AND EDUCATION TRUST

SILVER SPONSORS

AMERI-HEALTH CARITAS

COALITION OF 100 BLACK WOMEN

FRIENDS OF SHARIF STREET

JIM CAMPENELLA, PROPERTY DEVELOPER, CAMPENELLA DEVELOPMENT

KEYSTONE FIRST

MAVEN-INC

FRIENDS & FAMILY DONATIONS

KARO SHARPE

ROB MURRAY

RANDALL SIMMS

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!

The Recipients of the 2025 Tea & Hat Awards Career Excellence Award

Doreen Brown

Regional Director Community Relations of AmeriHealth Caritas

Melonease Shaw

Entrepreneur, Trailblazer, Mentor, Advocate and Boss Bae

Stephanie Vaughn King, Esq. Attorney

Angela Yee

Entrepreneur, Media Personality, Philanthropist and Community Leader

Community Champion Award

Michelle Kerr Spry

Founder & President, The Echo Collective

Monica Robinson Community Leader and Labor Advocate

Hero Award

Dr. Candice Chipman-Shaw

Board-Certified General and Bariatric Surgeon

Legacy Creator Award

Dr. Dianne Patricia Alston-Jones Spiritual Leader, Entrepreneur and Speaker

Melissa Heller Lobbyist Founder of Commonwealth Strategies

Shirley Kitchen Senator

Productivity Pioneer Award

Markeeda McLean Community Leader & Activist

Aissia Richardson

Deputy Chief of Staff for State Senator Sharif Street

Cindy Thompson Chief of Staff for Campenella Development

Rising Star Award

Shemesha Burton

DEI Enterprise Leader, Wholesale Financial Crimes Operations

Ashley Campenella Family Strategist

Tiffany DuBois-Morales Founder & CEO, DuBois PR, LLC

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 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

Angela Yee

Entrepreneur, Media Personality, Philanthropist and Community Leader

GuestSpeakerand CareerExcellenceAwardRecipient

Variety Magazine describes Angela Yee as “one of the media’s best-known multi-hyphenates” True to form, the award-winning media personality co-hosted the popular nationally syndicated radio show, The Breakfast Club for 12 years before launching her own nationally syndicated show on IHeart Radio, Way Up with Angela Yee, hosts her own Lip Service podcast, owns several businesses, is a philanthropist and community leader and she’s just getting started Angela helped launch Eminem’s clothing line and that early connection led her to Sirius Satellite Radio, which commenced her successful radio career

After co-hosting on Shade 45’s Cipha Sounds Effect morning show, she earned her own radio shows: Lip Service and The Morning After with Angela Yee She quickly developed a name for herself as a burgeoning media star by interviewing top entertainers Nicki Minaj, Chris Rock, 50 Cent, and more and providing a platform for unsigned artists, like thenemerging Drake, Machine Gun Kelly, and Big Krit, with her segment ‘Don’t Quit Your Day Job’ Yee’s talent and work ethic led to job offers from radio stations across the country She took a risk and accepted a position at the underdog station in radio’s number one market, New York City’s Power 1051

Power 105’s The Breakfast Club morning show was formed in December 2010 with Angela, DJ Envy, and Charlamagne The program became nationally syndicated in over 100 markets and avid listeners would anticipate “The Angela Yee Rumor Report,’ ‘Ask Yee,’ and ‘Front Page News’ segments The Breakfast Club’s undeniable impact on the culture has garnered the trio several accolades culminating with the induction to the Radio Hall of Fame 2020 class

Last year, Angela bet on herself and left the success and security of The Breakfast Club to officially launch her own nationally syndicated daily radio show “Way Up with Angela Yee” The show’s intro is an upbeat vibe with listeners calling in to “Shine a Light on ‘Em,” acknowledging a person who has performed a positive act Yee is already renowned for having the inside track on celebrity news and current events thereby branding her “YeeTEA” entertainment segments as well as her “Under the Radar” benchmark focusing on important news stories impacting our community that may have been overlooked As a serial entrepreneur, Angela’s weekly “Wealth Wednesday” will highlight stories and information on economic empowerment, ownership, building your brand, and investing The “Tell Us A Secret” portion of the show gives listeners a safe space in a judgment free zone to confess real life scenarios they have never shared before On the side of familiarity, Yee has her popular advice segment “Ask YEE” daily

Angela also expanded her media presence in 2014 by launching her podcast Angela Yee’s Lip Service, where she and her girlfriends discuss intimacy and relationships with the hottest stars in hip-hop, R&B, sports, TV and film Guests include Lizzo, City Girls, Nick Cannon, Marlon Wayans, Chelsea Handler, Issa Rae and Cardi B

In 2019, Yee partnered with Live Nation on the nationwide Lip Service Live tour, was featured at the Roots Picnic, Twogtherland Festival, and Strength of a Woman event, and earned an ”Outstanding Podcast” Gracie Award

Transitioning to positions behind the scenes, Angela created and executive produced her own Facebook series, “Mastery of Comedy,” which paired veteran comics Aida Rodriguez, Donnell Rawlings, Karlous Miller, and Roy Wood Jr with upand-coming comics for mentorship and exposure She also executive produced the VH1 docuseries “My True Scam Story” detailing how Jennifer Williams from Basketball Wives was scammed out of her Range Rover from an ex-boyfriend and giving his other victims a platform to tell their stories

As her media persona continued to rise, Angela’s entrepreneurial spirit kicked in Her ventures include a coffee company Coffee Uplifts People (CUP) with a brick-andmortar location in Bed Stuy and distribution at Target, Whole Foods, and in select restaurants and all Chelsea Piers Locations Yee has invested in Detroit with the recent purchase of a 30-unit building in Midtown Her real estate portfolio includes multiple investment properties in Brooklyn, Detroit, Miami, and a short-term luxury rental in the Catskills in Upstate NY Not only has Yee invested in real estate, she is also a licensed agent at Nest Seekers with the goal of helping others establish their legacy Angela was appointed to the Mayor’s Small Business Advisory Commission to improve business services and programming in NYC.

Giving back to the community remains the core of all Angela’s business endeavors Her dedication to providing information and access to nutrition, financial literacy, education, and culture is reflected in her philanthropic associations She’s the first ever Global Ambassador for Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement for Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment (BSE) and the New York Public Library She sits on numerous boards including: American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI), Nile Rodgers’ We Are Family Foundation, and The Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute In 2018, the New York City mayor officially designated August 28th as Angela Yee Day Angela has her finger on the pulse of hip-hop, culture and business She is indeed a multi- hyphenate in every sense, and her two-decade career has solidified her as this generation’s renaissance woman

Ashli Rice Allen

Singer

Her vocal ability has been described as world class by the Philadelphia Inquirer Ashli Rice Allen was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA She performed in her ﬁrst concert at the tender age of six at Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Lansdowne, PA

She has been the official national anthem singer for Major League Soccer team The Philadelphia Union for 10 seasons. Also featured for the Anthem at Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center for the NCAA champions the Villanova Wildcats Basketball Team and 76ers’s Bluecoats Basketball Team.

She is a professional actress having performed both in the US and the People’s Republic of China where she was cast in the off broadway tour of the musical “FAME”

Notable Performances:

Featured Commencement Singer for Cheyney University's Graduation (2023)

Featured Performance by invitation for PA Governor Shapiro in Harrisburg at the Governor's Mansion

Featured Singer for one of the largest ovarian cancer awareness foundation’s Sandy Rollman's Ovarian Cancer Awareness Run in Philadelphia and Sea Isle City, NJ

Ashli is a recording artist and her debut single, entitled "Woman," is available on all streaming platforms Her lyrics empower women especially but it hits the heart of all who hears her music She has been seen on FOX 29, PHL17 and heard on WDAS and Reach Gospel radio stations

Ashli leads praise and worship at the Church of Christian Compassion in South West Philadelphia

As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Ashli is no stranger to serving her community She is often found singing and serving at the Chosen 300 ministries an organization that feeds the homeless in Philadelphia. Ashli is an HBCU graduate of Morgan State University and credits her many accomplishments to her start there and touring with Morgan’s world renowned choir.

Her favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11

Angela Foreshaw-Rouse

Senior Manager, Community Engagement and Operations

Angela Foreshaw Rouse serves as the Senior Manager of Pennsylvania, spearheading statewide community engag members and the 50+ population Angela guides Pennsy membership organization, harnessing the power and pas strategic partners In her role, she provides strategic direc engagement initiatives, as a cross-functional team leader

Since joining AARP in 2001 as the Communications Direc m 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.

Dr. Tyra Gardner

Founder and CEO, At A Moments Notice, LLC

Dr Tyra S Gardner is a distinguished psychotherapist, business strategist, and wellness expert with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and organizations navigate mental health, leadership, and personal development Known for her dynamic, no-nonsense approach, Dr Gardner is the founder and CEO of At A Moments Notice, LLC, a consulting firm that provides customized solutions in stress management, anger management, corporate wellness, and leadership training

In addition, Dr Gardner is the visionary behind The Wellness Center of Mindfulness, a space both virtual and in-person designed to support emotional healing, selfawareness, and mental clarity through therapy and holistic practices

Her passion for advocacy and community impact led to the creation of Menopause Matters, Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness, education, and support for women navigating the physical, emotional, and social challenges of menopause Through workshops, community outreach, and partnerships with healthcare professionals, Menopause Matters is shifting the narrative and creating a supportive network for women in every stage of life

With a career rooted in compassion, empowerment, and action, Dr Gardner continues to be a powerful voice in mental health, women's wellness, and social change

Makita Jones

Entrepreneur, Idealist, & Crafting Connoisseur

Makita is an entrepreneur, idealist, and r’s degree in Criminal Justice and Masters days in operations of ‘The Gigi and Me Foundation; an organization started in Honor of her mom, who passed away from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a muscular degenerative disorder. The foundation’s goal is to bring awareness to the disorder as well as raise funds to provide resources to caregivers of those living with the diagnosis.

While managing and navigating the business of an NFL Player is at the forefront of her daily responsibilities, Makita can also be found supporting and distributing an equal amount of Love and attention to her other 2 children; Davion and Dari

Makita is the cohost and Producer of a Podcast called ‘Fuschia Intelligence’ and she also shares her time and talents as a Substitute Teacher for the students of DPSCD (The Detroit Public School Community District). When not doing all of that, Makita enjoys Karaoke, riding Motorcycles, and all things that have Anything to do with designing and decorating. She is extremely excited and honored to share her experience as a mother, caregiver, and advocate for mental health and mentorship

Dr. Parisnicole Pay

Public Relations and Management Strategist

Dr. Parisnicole Payton is a highly respected figure in the sports public relations industry, specializing in representing current and retired NFL players. Her expertise extends beyond the realm of traditional publicity; she develops and implements comprehensive communication strategies designed to enhance her clients' professional images and personal brands

Currently contributing to the success of the Philadelphia Eagles organization, Dr Payton's dedication to her craft is evident in her commitment to navigating the complex landscape of professional sports.

Beyond her practical experience, she shares her extensive knowledge and insights as an adjunct professor of sports management, shaping the next generation of leaders in the field.

Her dedication to both practical application and academic excellence underscores her significant contributions to the world of sports

FiresideCha t

State Rep. Regina Young

State Representative Pennsylvania 185th Legislative District

State Rep Regina G Young, a product of public-school education and a native of New Haven, CT, was elected to represent the 185th Legislative District in November 2020

She is a community organizer, former educator, social service worker, a certified HIV and grief counselor Before running for office, she was a community schools coordinator in the Philadelphia Mayor’s office of education She founded and served as executive director of Empowered Community Development Corporation; an organization that helps establish community programs identified as needed by community members She was also a social service worker with Women’s Christian Alliance in Philadelphia

She earned a BA in communications from Central Connecticut State University where she was president of the Black Student Union, and a member on the Student Government Association She earned an MA in community development and urban studies from Eastern University She received her honorary Doctorate Degree in Divinity from Hearts Bible Institute University

She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc She was appointed to the School Safety and Security Committee by the State of PA She is a member of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

She is married and the mother of two children and dedicates her life to public service Her favorite sayings, “Teamwork makes the dream work” and “Because only good things can be produced when we work together”

The 2025 Tea & Hat Award Recipients

Career Excellence Award

Doreen Brown

Regional Director Community Relations of AmeriHealth Caritas

Doreen Brown is the Regional Director Community Relations of AmeriHealth Caritas’ Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Michigan, Delaware, and Florida Medicare VIP plans serving dual-eligible members. Her role is to lead AmeriHealth Caritas member engagement programs, and operational efforts to fulfill the mission to develop solutions that improve the overall quality of life of the communities served. She is also responsible for advancing solutions and innovations to position the VIP lines of business as premier plans of choice within the enterprise.

Brown began her career with AmeriHealth Caritas more than 35 years ago, holding a variety of key positions that demonstrate her extensive skill set and commitment to excellence. Her strengths include community relations, sales, marketing, and event implementation.

Brown received her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management from The Immaculata University In addition, Brown is a graduate of AmeriHealth Caritas Leadership Inc, Dale Carnegie Leadership, and Leadership Philadelphia Doreen is a devoted servant to her church and community she serves on several non-profit boards Aging At Home and United Negro College Fund committee of local and state She was a recipient of the Philadelphia Tribune Women Achieving Excellence award

Career

Excellence Award

Melonease Shaw

Entrepreneur, Trailblazer, Mentor, Advocate and Boss Bae

Melonease Shaw, with over 30 years of enterprise experience, has served in several roles as a senior executive in companies that generated over $80 million in annual revenue In 2004, she became founder and CEO of Maven, Inc, LLC

Before launching Maven, Ms Shaw provided leadership at PRWT Holdings, Inc, a national corporation specializing in technical and operations services, for more than 15 years As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at PRWT, she oversaw two subsidiary companies at 25 locations across the country, managing more than 1,200 employees Ms Shaw's relentless drive and vision for the company helped propel the exponential growth of PRWT during its critical formative years

As a certified minority and woman-owned and operated business solutions firm headquartered in Philadelphia, Maven specializes in business development, community engagement, economic inclusion planning and implementation, government affairs and state/federal lobbying Maven, Inc uses its connections to large corporations, diverse small businesses, community organizations, elected and appointed officials, and federal, state, and local government agencies to help clients achieve specific business goals and objectives Maven’s client list includes Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), Rivers Casino, PECO Energy Company and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), among others

Throughout her career, Ms Shaw has demonstrated a keen interest in supporting women and uplifting communities of color Ms Shaw has worked to improve the skills of women transitioning from welfare to work, and designed and implemented career-counseling programs, including developing curriculum, and training materials She has also shared her time and talents with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Mayor's Commission for Women, the Pennsylvania Women's Campaign Fund, and the Cradle of Liberty - Boy Scouts of America

Melonease has served on many boards, as well, including the Pennsylvania Economy League, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, and is currently a member of the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council, the African American Government Relations Group, the Pennsylvania Association for Government Relations, and is a board member of the African American Chamber of Commerce She is in the process of launching a Pennsylvania chapter of the National Black Professional Lobbyists (NBPLA), staying true to her mission to build pathways for other government affairs professionals to be successful and supported

With passion, professionalism and community commitment, Ms Shaw continues to lay the groundwork for the legacy she wants to leave, by serving as a professional role model, raising the bar, and encouraging others to step up to their daily challenges with aplomb

Career Excellence Award

Stephanie Vaughn King, Esq. Attorney

Stephanie Vaughn King is an attorney based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Overbrook High School, class of 1969, and pursued higher education at Swarthmore College

She earned her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Professionally, she has served as a Senior Attorney for the City of Philadelphia She is currently affiliated with the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Community Champion Award

Michelle Kerr Spry

Founder & President, The Echo Collective

Michelle Kerr Spry is a Philadelphia-based educator, writer, and advocate dedicated to community empowerment and gun violence prevention She is the Founder and President of The Echo Collective, an organization committed to developing a new generation of dynamic women

Her advocacy work is deeply personal In 2005, her 18-year-old son, Blain Spry, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in Northeast Philadelphia This devastating loss led her to join Mothers In Charge, a nonprofit organization supporting families affected by violence Since 2006, she has served in various roles within the organization, including board member, trainer, facilitator, and currently as Director of Programs

In her professional capacity, Michelle Kerr Spry is a seasoned grant writer, storyteller, and nonprofit funding strategist with over 25 years of experience She also contributes articles to Sixty and Me, where she shares insights on topics such as aging, personal growth, and family life

Beyond her written work, she actively participates in community events and summits focused on reducing gun violence Notably, she joined other advocates and survivors at the “Safer America” summit hosted by the Philadelphia Eagles, which highlighted a 40% drop in gun-related homicides in the city

Michelle Kerr Spry continues to be a powerful voice for healing, justice, and systemic change in Philadelphia and beyond

Community Champion Award

Monica Robinson

Community Leader and Labor Advocate

Monica Robinson is a Philadelphia-based community leader and labor advocate with over two decades of experience in social justice, workers’ rights, and civic engagement. She currently serves at the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, where she focuses on community engagement and coalition building. Her professional background includes roles as a public servant and labor organizer, and she is known for her visionary and disruptive leadership style.

In 2024, Robinson was listed as a Democratic delegate candidate for Pennsylvania’s 2nd Congressional District, pledged to support President Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention.

She is also an alumna of Temple University and actively participates in community events, such as the Re-entry Second Chance Job Fair, where she advocates for union opportunities and support for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Hero Award

Dr. Candice Chipman-Shaw

Board-Certified General and Bariatric Surgeon

Dr Candice Chipman-Shaw is a highly respected, board-certified general and bariatric surgeon affiliated with Abington Jefferson Health’s Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery She specializes in minimally invasive procedures, including advanced Da Vinci robotic surgery, and has dedicated her career to improving the lives of patients through surgical weight loss and metabolic care.

Dr. Chipman-Shaw is recognized as a Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, reflecting her commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in the surgical field

In addition to her clinical work, Dr Chipman-Shaw is passionate about education, wellness, and community engagement. She actively shares medical insights and promotes health awareness through her professional platform on social media as @dr.cut2health.

Dr. Chipman-Shaw provides personalized, compassionate care with a focus on empowering patients to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Legacy Creator Award

Dr. Dianne Patricia Alston-Jones

Spiritual Leader, Entrepreneur and Motivational Speaker

Dr Dianne Patricia Alston-Jones is a distinguished spiritual leader, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Bethlehem of Deliverance Church (BOD Church), where she continues a legacy of faith and community service.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Dr. Alston-Jones was married for 40 years to the late Pastor David Aaron Jones, who previously led BOD Church. Together, they nurtured a family of three adult children and five grandchildren With over two decades of experience in ministry, she has held various leadership and counseling roles, emphasizing empowerment and personal growth

Beyond her pastoral duties, Dr. Alston-Jones is a licensed and ordained pastor, life coach, and business owner. Her work as an Impact Leader integrates spiritual guidance with coaching and entrepreneurship, aiming to inspire individuals to lead purposeful lives.

Legacy Creator Award

Melissa Heller

Lobbyist and Founder of Commonwealth Strategies

Melissa Heller is a seasoned lobbyist with over 20 years of experience and the founder of Commonwealth Strategies, a woman-owned business committed to driving meaningful change

Throughout her career, Melissa has worked closely with legislators, City Council members, and state journeymen to advance projects and policies that impact communities across the region.

Known for her strategic acumen and deep dedication to public service, she has also been a proud sponsor of this event for many years Melissa is not only a respected professional but also a trusted ally and friend to many

Senator Legacy Creator Award

Shirley Kitchen

Shirley M Kitchen (born September 18, 1946) is a retired Democratic politician who served in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1996 to 2016, representing the 3rd District, which includes parts of Philadelphia She was the second African-American woman to serve in the Pennsylvania Senate and, at the time of her retirement, was its only AfricanAmerican woman member

Born in Augusta, Georgia, Kitchen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Antioch University in 1979 She also obtained certificates in child care, behavior modification, and economic development from Temple University

Kitchen began her public service career as a poll worker in Philadelphia from 1970 to 1976 She worked as a social worker for Philadelphia County and served as Director of Constituent Services for Philadelphia City Council President John F Street from 1986 to 1987

In 1987, Kitchen was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 181st District, serving until 1988 She was later elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate in a 1996 special election following the death of Senator Roxanne Jones Kitchen served in the Senate until her retirement in 2016

During her tenure, Kitchen served on several committees, including Public Health and Welfare (as Minority Chairwoman), Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Transportation, and Urban Affairs and Housing

Kitchen’s career is marked by her dedication to public service and her role as a trailblazer for African-American women in Pennsylvania politics Her work has had a lasting impact on her community and the state

Productivity Pioneer Award

Markeeda McLean

Community Leader & Activist

Markeeda McLean is a dedicated community leader with a passion for community sustainability, youth development, engagement and social justice With over 15 years of experience in strategic planning and 10 years of experience in community organizing, program management and advocacy, Markeeda has consistently demonstrated a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of Philadelphia residents, students and families She is known for her kindness, ability to lead with grace, and helping others find supports, solutions and hope Her collaborative approach, ability to inspire others and strategic thinking is a lifeline for many

Markeeda currently works for the City of Philadelphia anti-violence community partnership grant, managing 63 community organizations

Markeeda successfully launched THE GRACE PROJECT, a networking initiative that inspires, connects, gives and uplift She spearheaded successful fundraising campaigns, toy drives and clothing giveaways

Markeeda’s heart work is creating a more inclusive and equitable environment, fostering stronger community partnerships and supporting local businesses She’s knocking down walls and building bridges!

Productivity Pioneer Award

Aissia Richardson

Deputy Chief of Staff for State Senator Sharif Street

Aissia Richardson is the Deputy Chief of Staff for State Senator Sharif Street (PA-3) She has served as Chief of Staff for two State Representatives in the 197 District from 2014 to 2018 th

Her professional career and volunteer experiences have focused on addressing unemployment, increasing economic development opportunities; supporting quality education and training; and establishing community partnerships with nonprofit organizations to decrease poverty and create a trained and educated workforce.

She served as the President of the African American United Fund (the Fund) from 2006 until 2014 and continues to volunteer with the organization She was responsible for creating the organization's fund development plan and organizing special events to raise funds and awareness about its mission and goals She implemented community festivals, concerts, conferences, workshops, forums and town hall meetings to raise funds for community economic development, social change advocacy and quality public education

As the Uptown Entertainment and Development Vice President Operations, she was responsible for creating and implementing the organization’s Fund Development Plan. She helped secure over $5 million in public and private funding for the renovation of the Uptown Theater in Philadelphia

She has served as a board member of Bread and Roses Community Fund; was appointed by City Councilman Wilson Goode as an Advisory Committee member for Digital Inclusion Group; was appointed by Mayor Michael Nutter to serve on the SEPTA Citizens Advisory Committee representing Philadelphia and was elected in 2010 as its chair; and, was elected in 2009 as the first African American woman to chair the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Regional Citizens Committee and was reelected in 2010 for a second term. Since 2020 she has volunteered as a board member for Affordable Housing Centers of Pennsylvania.

Productivity Pioneer Award

Cindy Thompson Chief of Staff for Campenella Development

Cindy Thompson serves as Chief of Staff at Campenella Developers, where she plays a critical role in managing day-to-day operations and administrative functions. She provides executive-level support, ensures smooth internal workflows, and coordinates strategic initiatives across departments.

Cindy also facilitates communication between leadership and staff, oversees key projects, and supports the CEO in driving the company’s development goals and community partnerships.

Rising Star Award

Shemesha Burton

DEI & Enterprise Leader, Wholesale Financial Crimes Operationss

Shemesha is a project and production manager with over 20 years of financial services and project management experience. Shemesha has 15 years of experience leading DEI strategies, including policy formulation, implementation and oversight.

Rising Star Award

Ashley Campenella

Family Strategist

Ashley Campenella is a dedicated wife, mother and integral member of the Campenella family business.

Married to James Campenella, Ashley plays a key role in both the professional and personal aspects of the family’s operations. She manages the family’s itinerary, oversees daily schedules, coordinates special events and ensures that everything from business functions to birthdays runs smoothly.

Known for her attention to detail and warm, organized approach, Ashley is the heart of the Campenella household and a vital force behind its continued success.

Rising Star Award

Tiffany DuBois-Morales

Founder & CEO, DuBois PR, LLC

Tiffany DuBois-Morales is the Founder and CEO of DuBois PR, LLC She is a graduate of Widener University, Class of 2019, with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a focus on Public Relations and Advertising Since Founding DuBois PR, LLC, Tiffany has worked with and for a variety of clients; from musicians, artists, non-profit organizations, to tech and hospitality DuBois PR, LLC specializes in Event Planning, Media Relations, Media Consulting, Media Coaching, Marketing, Crisis Communications, and Hospitality Consulting!

DuBois PR, LLC is proud to announce Tiffany’s Community Spotlight at Home, a podcast that highlights all the amazing people that Tiffany has worked for and with over the last six years in business DuBois PR works with everyone, regardless of industry She has worked with artists, nonprofits, for profits, small, and large organizations including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Girard College, LGBTQ+ communities, and more She is also the Creator of Cooking with Tiffany, and features original recipes at home