Business On Board
SESSION 1: TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024
8:30AM Breakfast | 9:00AM – 12:00PM In-Person Participatory Session | 12:00PM Informal Lunch
Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia (200 S Broad St Ste 700, Philadelphia, PA 19102)
SET THE STAGE
Laura N. Solomon, Esq., Founder, Laura Solomon and Associates
Laura N. Solomon, Esq. is the founder of Laura Solomon & Associates. LS&A is a law firm devoted to the representation of nonprofit, charitable, and other tax-exempt organizations and philanthropic individuals. Ms. Solomon and her associates serve as outside, general counsel to hundreds of organizations, providing a full range of corporate and tax legal services that include representation for mergers, joint ventures, affiliations, and complex financings. LS&A clients include public charities and private foundations, community foundations, museums, hospitals, schools, religious groups, business, environmental, animal welfare, amateur sports organizations, social clubs, and political action committees. These organizations range in size from small start-up organizations to large social service providers and multi-national charities that conduct international grant-making.
Jenn Richards Founder/Principal, High Gear Consulting Group
Jenn Richards is a nonprofit consultant with over fifteen years of experience in fundraising, strategic communications, project management, and program design. She has worked with nonprofit organizations including Teach for America, the Association for Public Art, and the Girl Scouts. In 2018, Jenn founded High Gear Consulting Group to provide leadership and integrated strategic support to nonprofit leaders and boards during times of change or growth. She frequently serves as Interim Executive Director for organizations undergoing leadership transitions.
SESSION 2: THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024
3:30PM – 5:00PM | Virtual Recorded Webinar
SET THE STAGE
Laura N. Solomon, Esq., Founder, Laura Solomon and Associates
Laura N. Solomon, Esq. is the founder of Laura Solomon & Associates. LS&A is a law firm devoted to the representation of nonprofit, charitable, and other tax-exempt organizations and philanthropic individuals. Ms. Solomon and her associates serve as outside, general counsel to hundreds of organizations, providing a full range of corporate and tax legal services that include representation for mergers, joint ventures, affiliations, and complex financings. LS&A clients include public charities and private foundations, community foundations, museums, hospitals, schools, religious groups, business, environmental, animal welfare, amateur sports organizations, social clubs, and political action committees. These organizations range in size from small start-up organizations to large social service providers and multi-national charities that conduct international grant-making.
Jenn Richards Founder/Principal, High Gear Consulting Group
Jenn Richards is a nonprofit consultant with over fifteen years of experience in fundraising, strategic communications, project management, and program design. She has worked with nonprofit organizations including Teach for America, the Association for Public Art, and the Girl Scouts. In 2018, Jenn founded High Gear Consulting Group to provide leadership and integrated strategic support to nonprofit leaders and boards during times of change or growth. She frequently serves as Interim Executive Director for organizations undergoing leadership transitions.
SESSION 3: TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024
8:00AM – 10:00AM | Virtual Participatory Session
REFINING ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Peter Mostachetti, Global People & Culture Leader, TC&IS, IBM
A 24-year IBM veteran, Peter Mostachetti started out as a storage specialist, and eventually followed his passion to Leadership Development, and Talent Transformation. With experience engaging audiences in the U.S., South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Peter specializes in engagement, feedback, managing dilemmas, fostering collaboration, transformational leadership, and using Agile techniques to drive cultural transformation. Peter is an accomplished actor having performed in and around the Hudson Valley and Off-Broadway. He is a sought-after speaker at both national and international conferences, and a four-time speaker at the United Nations. As a NYS Licensed Master Social Worker, he has always been committed to mentoring, coaching, leading teams; helping people to find their hidden strengths and values with a mind toward moving forward. In his spare time, he’s an executive coach, and works with local area schools through the Gay, Lesbian, Education Network (GLSEN) to develop students and educators, making schools safer for all.
Jenn Richards Founder/Principal, High Gear Consulting Group
Jenn Richards is a nonprofit consultant with over fifteen years of experience in fundraising, strategic communications, project management, and program design. She has worked with nonprofit organizations including Teach for America, the Association for Public Art, and the Girl Scouts. In 2018, Jenn founded High Gear Consulting Group to provide leadership and integrated strategic support to nonprofit leaders and boards during times of change or growth. She frequently serves as Interim Executive Director for organizations undergoing leadership transitions.
SESSION 4: THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024
3:30PM – 5:00PM | Virtual Recorded Webinar
REFINING ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Peter Mostachetti, Global People & Culture Leader, TC&IS, IBM
A 24-year IBM veteran, Peter Mostachetti started out as a storage specialist, and eventually followed his passion to Leadership Development, and Talent Transformation. With experience engaging audiences in the U.S., South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Peter specializes in engagement, feedback, managing dilemmas, fostering collaboration, transformational leadership, and using Agile techniques to drive cultural transformation. Peter is an accomplished actor having performed in and around the Hudson Valley and Off-Broadway. He is a sought-after speaker at both national and international conferences, and a four-time speaker at the United Nations. As a NYS Licensed Master Social Worker, he has always been committed to mentoring, coaching, leading teams; helping people to find their hidden strengths and values with a mind toward moving forward. In his spare time, he’s an executive coach, and works with local area schools through the Gay, Lesbian, Education Network (GLSEN) to develop students and educators, making schools safer for all.
Jenn Richards Founder/Principal, High Gear Consulting Group
Jenn Richards is a nonprofit consultant with over fifteen years of experience in fundraising, strategic communications, project management, and program design. She has worked with nonprofit organizations including Teach for America, the Association for Public Art, and the Girl Scouts. In 2018, Jenn founded High Gear Consulting Group to provide leadership and integrated strategic support to nonprofit leaders and boards during times of change or growth. She frequently serves as Interim Executive Director for organizations undergoing leadership transitions.
SESSION 5: TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024
8:30AM Breakfast | 9:00AM – 12:00PM In-Person Participatory Session | 12:00PM Informal Lunch
Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia (200 S Broad St Ste 700, Philadelphia, PA 19102)
INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Jennifer Blasy, CPA, Associate, Your Part-Time Controller
Jennifer Blasy, CPA, is a client Manager in the Philadelphia market. She is a nonprofit accounting professional with a broad range of experience in audit, forensic accounting, consulting, and nonprofit accounting leadership. In her roles as a nonprofit Controller, she has managed annual operating budgets with a focus on budgeting and financial statement analysis as well as cash, investment, banking, and risk management. As a former auditor and certified fraud examiner, she performed a variety of forensic accounting and litigation support services.
Chaya Scott, Vice President of Consulting, Nonprofit Finance Fund
Chaya Scott inspires organizations to achieve their goals by creating governance structures, assessing community needs, and implementing systematic change in community-based organizations. With more than 22 years of experience as an executive leader in the nonprofit sector, including establishing and growing two nonprofit organizations, Chaya utilizes best practices, evidence-based strategies, and data-informed approaches to help clients build their capacity. Through strategic thinking, organizational development, capacity building, and leadership training, Chaya ensures organizational leadership has the tools to effectively and efficiently advance their missions.
Jacki York, Associate Controller, Your Part Time Controller
Jacki York is an enthusiastic accounting professional with over ten years of experience in auditing and small business consulting. She works hard to ensure that her clients are prepared for day-to-day success and can take advantage of new opportunities. Her expertise includes month-end closing procedures, financial statement preparation, audit support, risk assessments, internal controls evaluation, creating policy and procedure, and fraud investigations and remediation. Jacki volunteers with both professional and community organizations.
SESSION 6: THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024
3:30PM – 5:00PM | Virtual Recorded Webinar
INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Jennifer Blasy, CPA, Associate, Your Part-Time Controller
Jennifer Blasy, CPA, is a client Manager in the Philadelphia market. She is a nonprofit accounting professional with a broad range of experience in audit, forensic accounting, consulting, and nonprofit accounting leadership. In her roles as a nonprofit Controller, she has managed annual operating budgets with a focus on budgeting and financial statement analysis as well as cash, investment, banking, and risk management. As a former auditor and certified fraud examiner, she performed a variety of forensic accounting and litigation support services.
Chaya Scott, Vice President of Consulting, Nonprofit Finance Fund
Chaya Scott inspires organizations to achieve their goals by creating governance structures, assessing community needs, and implementing systematic change in community-based organizations. With more than 22 years of experience as an executive leader in the nonprofit sector, including establishing and growing two nonprofit organizations, Chaya utilizes best practices, evidence-based strategies, and data-informed approaches to help clients build their capacity. Through strategic thinking, organizational development, capacity building, and leadership training, Chaya ensures organizational leadership has the tools to effectively and efficiently advance their missions.
Jacki York, Associate Controller, Your Part Time Controller
Jacki York is an enthusiastic accounting professional with over ten years of experience in auditing and small business consulting. She works hard to ensure that her clients are prepared for day-to-day success and can take advantage of new opportunities. Her expertise includes month-end closing procedures, financial statement preparation, audit support, risk assessments, internal controls evaluation, creating policy and procedure, and fraud investigations and remediation. Jacki volunteers with both professional and community organizations.
SESSION 7: TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2024
8:00AM – 10:00AM | Virtual Participatory Session
LEVERAGE YOUR PRESENCE AND NETWORK
Peter Mostachetti, Global People & Culture Leader, TC&IS, IBM
A 24-year IBM veteran, Peter Mostachetti started out as a storage specialist, and eventually followed his passion to Leadership Development, and Talent Transformation. With experience engaging audiences in the U.S., South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Peter specializes in engagement, feedback, managing dilemmas, fostering collaboration, transformational leadership, and using Agile techniques to drive cultural transformation. Peter is an accomplished actor having performed in and around the Hudson Valley and Off-Broadway. He is a sought-after speaker at both national and international conferences, and a four-time speaker at the United Nations. As a NYS Licensed Master Social Worker, he has always been committed to mentoring, coaching, leading teams; helping people to find their hidden strengths and values with a mind toward moving forward. In his spare time, he’s an executive coach, and works with local area schools through the Gay, Lesbian, Education Network (GLSEN) to develop students and educators, making schools safer for all.
Ruby Lopez Harper, Chair, Robert E. Gard Foundation
Mexican, Mother, Wife, Dancer, Photographer, Poet and Social Justice Warrior. Ruby is an expert Arts Administrator with 20+ years’ experience in the sector. She is Chair of the Robert E. Gard Foundation, on the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County board, the Aha Creative board in Ft. Wayne, IN, the National Coalition on Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response steering committee and serves on the WETA Community Advisory Council. Ruby’s work has focused on equitable access, grantmaking, supporting individual artists, community development, economic development, cultural tourism, marketing, and public art. She draws on a varied background that includes corporate affairs, community relations, volunteerism, employee engagement, marketing and communications, and business administration. She was selected as a 2019 Arizona State University Practices for Change Fellow. She is a 2017 National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures Advocacy Leadership Institute Fellow and Class of 2017 American Express Leadership Academy Alum.
SESSION 8: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024
3:30PM – 5:00PM | Virtual Recorded Webinar
LEVERAGE YOUR PRESENCE AND NETWORK
Peter Mostachetti, Global People & Culture Leader, TC&IS, IBM
A 24-year IBM veteran, Peter Mostachetti started out as a storage specialist, and eventually followed his passion to Leadership Development, and Talent Transformation. With experience engaging audiences in the U.S., South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Peter specializes in engagement, feedback, managing dilemmas, fostering collaboration, transformational leadership, and using Agile techniques to drive cultural transformation. Peter is an accomplished actor having performed in and around the Hudson Valley and Off-Broadway. He is a sought-after speaker at both national and international conferences, and a four-time speaker at the United Nations. As a NYS Licensed Master Social Worker, he has always been committed to mentoring, coaching, leading teams; helping people to find their hidden strengths and values with a mind toward moving forward. In his spare time, he’s an executive coach, and works with local area schools through the Gay, Lesbian, Education Network (GLSEN) to develop students and educators, making schools safer for all.
Ruby Lopez Harper, Chair, Robert E. Gard Foundation
Mexican, Mother, Wife, Dancer, Photographer, Poet and Social Justice Warrior. Ruby is an expert Arts Administrator with 20+ years’ experience in the sector. She is Chair of the Robert E. Gard Foundation, on the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County board, the Aha Creative board in Ft. Wayne, IN, the National Coalition on Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response steering committee and serves on the WETA Community Advisory Council. Ruby’s work has focused on equitable access, grantmaking, supporting individual artists, community development, economic development, cultural tourism, marketing, and public art. She draws on a varied background that includes corporate affairs, community relations, volunteerism, employee engagement, marketing and communications, and business administration. She was selected as a 2019 Arizona State University Practices for Change Fellow. She is a 2017 National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures Advocacy Leadership Institute Fellow and Class of 2017 American Express Leadership Academy Alum.
SESSION 9: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2024
FringeArts (140 N Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106)
11:30 AM | Lunch Served
12:00PM – 5:00PM | In-person Participatory Session
5:00PM – 7:00PM | In-person Alumni Reception
INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE IMPACT
Candance Kenyatta, Co-Founder and Managing Partner (Client Solutions | Business Development), Grovider
Candace Kenyatta is an esteemed practitioner with two decades of experience as an educator, learning and development professional, change management leader, executive coach, researcher, and knowledge management consultant. Candace is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Grovider, a knowledge management consulting firm committed to optimizing organizational performance and enhancing human lives. Candace uses her practitioner experience and her training in quantitative and qualitative research methodology to design research and data-informed solutions for leaders across industries.
OBSERVERSHIP CHECK-IN: WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2024
9:30AM– 10:30AM | Virtual Participatory Session
2023 Cohort
Rosana Anchondo-Isaack (she/her)
President, Anchondo and Associates
Helping the community has always been a passion. As President of the Philadelphia Rotary Club, Rosana partnered with several non-profit organization leaders to provide grants and services to help organizations achieve their goal.
Renee Androckitis (she/her)
Coordinator, Economic Competitiveness, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
Renee Androckitis works at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, managing efforts to encourage regional, inclusive, and equitable economic growth. Renee is a member of the Delaware Regional Valley Planning Commission’s Regional Technical Committee; Program Chair for Philadelphia’s League of Women Voters; and Instagram content lead for Impact100 Philly’s Young Philanthropists cohort. Renee received her Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Drexel University (2017) and Master’s degree in Political Management from George Washington University (2021)
Michelle Atherton (she/her)
Impact Analyst, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Michelle J. Atherton is the Impact Analyst within the Strategic Initiatives Group. She joined Ben Franklin to lead any collaborative efforts to coordinate data and research for the development of regional or statewide projects and other evidence of successes to inform internal audiences and engage external supporters, with a particular focus on emerging impact investment strategies. She has more than 20 years of experience in developing educational programs, public policy, public finance, data and program analysis, and community development. Prior to joining Ben Franklin, Ms. Atherton was a consultant on “future of work” issues, such as workforce development, city planning, and the impact of rapid technological change on education, the environment, health, and public policy. She also helped lead the Institute for Public Affairs and Center on Regional Politics at Temple University for 12 years. There, her research and analysis were instrumental in the development of a new statewide Basic Education Funding Formula for K-12 public schools; the financing of the City of Philadelphia’s pension fund through the reinstatement of the 1% additional sales tax; and the restructuring of the City’s pension plans for union members.
Ajene Atkins (he/him)
Controller, Visit Philly
Ajene A. Atkins, a native Baltimorean, is a graduate of Hampton University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Accounting and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He has held several corporate positions in accounting, auditing and finance. After 10 years of teaching middle and high school Business Management, Accounting and Financial Management, he returned to the nonprofit sector to work at Visit Philly. Ajene is excited to be working with Visit Philly as a newcomer to the area. He is forging great business and professional relationships. As a husband, father and grandfather, he constantly new ways to engage his family in all that Philadelphia has to offer.
Cristina Barsony (she/her)
Client Advisor, Univest
Cristina Barsony is a Vice President and Client Advisor in Univest’s Integrated Client Strategies (“ICS”) Group where she applies a comprehensive and holistic approach to building long-term, trusted relationships. She has worked with diverse clientele comprised of high-net-worth to identify and provide solutions for their complex personal and business financial matters. Cristina brings nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry where she worked at both Wilmington Trust and US Trust.
Scott Barnes (he/him)
Director, Events & Hospitality, Comcast
In his current position as Director, Events & Hospitality at Comcast Corporation, Scott successfully plans and orchestrates 75+ executive level meetings and events annually for Comcast NBCUniversal’s senior leadership and external partners. He plays a lead role on the Campus Experience team, which is responsible for almost 300 events per year. Scott’s work ethic and attention to detail create an atmosphere for our employees and partners to have meaningful conversations, push productivity, and drive the business forward.
During the pandemic, Scott has effortlessly pivoted to hosting virtual and hybrid events. He supported our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team with a speaker series that educates our employees and encourages essential dialogue throughout the entire Comcast NBCUniversal community, as well as our Internet Essentials team with our Lift Zones initiative – promoting digital equity for more Americans and to further invest in connecting our communities.
Robert Bickford (he/him)
CFO, Community Behavioral Health
I have been a Finance Professional in Managed Care for thirty-five years, most of which was at the CFO level. I am also a published author of Murder Mysteries. I am also a singer songwriter with over 150 songs to my credit and have performed in various musical organizations, bands, and solo over the past decades.
David Borden (he/him)
Chief Technology Officer, MRO Corporation
Jeff Brown (he/him)
Chief Growth Officer, Community Behavioral Health
Michael Brunner (he/him)
Project Lead, SHI Corp
I am a current IT professional who has had enough of the corporate world and is driven to help make the world a better place for all humans, but doesn’t know where to start.
Annie Chiu-McCabe (she/her)
Consultant, Annie Chiu-McCabe Consulting
Megan Cooney (she/her)
Owner, India!Pink
Megan Giles Cooney is a communications professional whose life’s work has been devoted to making things better! Whether as a journalist, through the reportorial process, she strove to be fair and objective and make her community and state better by telling interesting and truthful stories, or as a communications professional and media trainer, Megan strives to connect with people to make written and oral language better and more compelling. Megan writes a newspaper column that is published in a Northern Michigan newspaper. Megan works as an art educational consultant, who specializes in working with college-bound high school seniors to make improvements to their art portfolios for college applications.
As a hobby, Megan paints acrylic artwork and abstract collages. She loves creativity and creative environments. She is a mother of two children, who are now young adults and have totally different personalities. She has learned through motherhood deep compassion for others and to really put herself in someone else’s shoes. She is a great multitasker, is deadline-oriented, and I am new to Philadelphia. Another interesting fact about her is that she has lived abroad multiple times, and values different perspectives.
Elena Cupingood (she/her)
Director of Operations, Schools Division, Age of Learning
Shawna Dandridge
Chief of Staff and Operations, Community Behavioral Health
Shawna Dandridge, LCSW, is Chief of Staff and Operations at CBH, where she is responsible for ensuring that day-to-day operations are poised to effectively execute the company’s vision, strategy, and direction. Shawna oversees CBH’s Project Management Office, Communications and Government Affairs Department, Members Services, and Facilities.
Shawna brings 15 years of experience in operations management, public policy, and strategy which has been instrumental in driving efficiency and growth at CBH. She has held several roles during her time at CBH, including Senior Advisor to the CEO and Special Assistant to the Chief Medical Officer.
Shawna is a licensed clinical social worker and received her master’s degree in social work from West Chester University.
Beverley Ferguson (she/her)
Executive Director, Comcast Corporation
Prior to Comcast, Bev served as a Vice President for various financial service companies (including JPMorgan Chase, American Express, TD Bank and Citizens), where she led teams responsible for mergers & acquisitions, forecasting, pricing, data analytics, and strategic planning across various lending products.
Bev started her career in law as a corporate bankruptcy attorney before transitioning over to traditional financial management and banking. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from New York University and a masters from Columbia Business School. She is also a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and is licensed to practice in New York and Pennsylvania.
She currently lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and two children.
Rolanda Footman (she/her)
Principal Consultant, Thomas and Lee Business Solutions LLC
Rolanda Footman is a native of Philadelphia, PA where she was educated in the public school system. Rolanda graduated with honors from Saint Joseph’s University receiving Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Master’s Degree with a concentration in Behavior Counseling studying the principles of Behavior Analysis. Rolanda is an accomplished business management and implementation consultant with over 18 years of experience. Rolanda is also an entrepreneur and Personal Development & Relationship Coach, Motivational Speaker, and Author.
Christina Fryman (she/her)
IT Project Manager, Global Center for Excellence, Cigna
Michael Garden (he/him)
Principal, The Garden Group
I have been a real estate professional since 2006 after moving to Philadelphia in 2005. My practice focuses on working with buyers, sellers and investors of residential and small scaled commercial real estate. Prior to that I lived in NYC for 20 years working in the art and antiques business, culminating as the founding Director of Elizabeth Street Gardens and Gallery. Since moving to Philadelphia I have served on the boards of Friend of the Rail Park, BlackStar Projects, and most recently as Chair of Ars Nova Workshop.
Elethia Gay (she/her)
Founder, Alexander Q
Elethia holds her MBA and certifications in wellness coaching, NASM personal training, and yoga. She trained in the corporate, government, education, and wellness segments for 20+ years. Elethia is founder of Alexander Q. Their Roots to Wellness program helps athletically driven moms find space to reset, restore and rise from their roots. Her nonprofit experience includes Dress for Success, Monster Worldwide, Rachel’s Challenge, and Art of Life Charities as a speaker, trainer, and board member.
Tamara Hobbs (she/her)
Program Director, Internal Mobility, SEI
Andrew Herman
Associate Attorney, Blank Rome LLP
Andrew Herman is a senior associate in Blank Rome’s Labor & Employment practice group. He is a trusted adviser who partners with employers to achieve business objectives and navigate legal challenges. Andrew has experience with a variety of matters, including:
– Litigation, actions for injunctive relief, and disputes involving restrictive covenants, confidential information, and trade secrets
– Traditional labor relations
– Litigation in federal and state courts and administrative agency proceedings of single-plaintiff and class action employment claims
– Employment agreements and independent contractor agreements
– Employment policies, practices, and legal compliance
– Labor and employment due diligence and risk assessment related to mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions
Edward Isaack
Retired, Self Employed
Kelly Jung (she/her)
Program Manager, Hurford Center for the Arts and Humanities, Haverford College
Kelly Jung is the program manager for Haverford College’s John B. Hurford ’60 Center for the Arts and Humanities. In her role, she oversees the development and execution of inclusive and interdisciplinary faculty and student programs that promote collaborative engagement of the Haverford community and beyond. Kelly has worked as a middle school language arts instructor in South Korea for three years, and has volunteered with organizations in Philadelphia including Asian Arts Initiative and Breakthrough Philadelphia.
Marguerite Kranick (she/her)
Philanthropic Associate, Bank of America
Tanya Latortue (she/her)
Regulatory Project Manager, Sidney Austin LLP
Tanya L. is a consultant and project manager with experience in various sectors, having focused much of her professional career on managing environmental and regulatory compliance programs. Over the years, she has sharpened her understanding of developing and maintaining stakeholder relationships as the result of overseeing projects that require cross-functional integration and relies on relationship-building and continuous skills-building to navigate change and achieve success. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering, running, and architectural photography.
Qi (Ricki) Li
CEO, YD Fortune
Qi is an Asian business woman who owns companies in real estate development and the construction material sales, she is also a board member of Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, and the president of Chinese American Construction Professionals of Greater Philadelphia. She is now actively cooperate with Time Gallery in New York to promote artist residency program in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
Bonita Linton (she/her)
Program Analyst, Naval Supply Systems Command
Ruby Lopez Harper (she/her)
Executive Director, CERF+
Mexican, Mother, Wife, Dancer, Photographer, Poet and Social Justice Warrior. Ruby is an expert Arts Administrator with 20+ years’ experience in the sector. She is Chair of the Robert E. Gard Foundation, on the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County board, the Aha Creative board in Ft. Wayne, IN, the National Coalition on Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response steering committee and serves on the WETA Community Advisory Council. Ruby’s work has focused on equitable access, grantmaking, supporting individual artists, community development, economic development, cultural tourism, marketing, and public art. She draws on a varied background that includes corporate affairs, community relations, volunteerism, employee engagement, marketing and communications, and business administration. She was selected as a 2019 Arizona State University Practices for Change Fellow. She is a 2017 National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures Advocacy Leadership Institute Fellow and Class of 2017 American Express Leadership Academy Alum.
Siah McCabe, MHSA, MBA (she/her)
Senior Strategy Consultant, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals
Siah McCabe moved to Philadelphia in 2017 for an administrative fellowship program with Trinity Health which she completed at Mercy Health System of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Upon completing the program Siah received a Master’s in Health Services Administration and Business Administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Siah is a passionate health care professional committed to advancing access to healthcare and improving population health outcomes. Outside of her career she is dedicated to serving the Philadelphia community which she now calls home through volunteerism and advocating for social justice.
Tanesha McFarlane
Remediation Project Manager, FMC
As a person living with multiple invisible disabilities, I have learned to structure both my private and work life to work for me. I am extremely passionate about disability advocacy and would love to be involved with any organization in that sector. I look forward to lending my knowledge and experience to an organization working to better the lives of persons living with disabilities.
Samir Nichols
Board Member, South Jersey Cultural Alliance
Samir Nichols, 26, is the Executive Director for Superior Arts Institute, Prior to graduating from Creative Arts High School, his spirit for activism led him to serve as a Student School Board Representative to the Camden City School Board of Education and served as the Youth Co-Chair for the Education committee on the Mayor’s Youth Council.Currently Samir serves as Vice Chairperson for the Camden City Arts, Cultural and Heritage Commission. Also, he serves as a commissioner on the Camden County Cultural Heritage Commission at Camden County College and is a Board member for the South Jersey Cultural Alliance.
Quynh-Mai Nguyen (she/her)
Director, Creative Services, PIDC
Quynh-Mai Nguyen is the Director, Creative Services at PIDC and is responsible for driving the creative vision and design implementation for PIDC’s digital and print marketing. As a former entrepreneur and adjunct professor, Quynh uses her spare time for social change by telling stories and changing narratives for local community organizations. She also enjoys paint nights with bassy dance music, achieving “sweaty” status with her nephews on Fortnite, and experimenting dinner ideas with leftovers.
Denis Okema (he/him)
Director, Diversity and Inclusion, SEI
Stacy Olkowski (she/her)
Board Member, Media Arts Council
Chanelle René (she/her)
Artist/Entrepreneur
Chanelle René is a New Jersey-based, award winning artist exploring themes of diverse beauty, freedom and self-discovery. She uses bold color and painterly brush strokes to create immersive portrait paintings in oils and mixed media. Current projects include Grant Street Beach, a series of paintings highlighting African-American generations on the segregated beach of Cape May, New Jersey from the 1920-60s that reference Chanelle’s own family photographs. Chanelle has exhibited throughout New Jersey and internationally at venues such as the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition, Noyes Art Museum, Atlantic City Arts Foundation public installation, Cape May MAC, The Curator’s Salon and the Ocean City Arts Center as Best of Show awardee. Chanelle is self-taught who pivoted midlife from a career in digital marketing to professional artist.
Rennia Rodney (she/her)
Talent Strategy Coordinator, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
Rennia Rodney is a multidisciplinary artist with a broad creative appetite. She earned her BFA in Theatre Performance at the University of Michigan with an emphasis on physical theatre and devising original work. Since graduating in 2018, she has expanded her toolkit to include ceramics, jewelry-making, printmaking, and painting. When she is not working at the Chamber of Commerce, she enjoys exploring Philly’s music, visual art, and dance communities.
Rasmeet Sachdeva
Director, SEI
I was born and raised in India. I was fascinated by computers during my high school years and received my master’s in computer science in 1997. I travelled to the USA on a business visa multiple times before migrating in 2007 with my young daughter. I have worked in the financial services industry for more than 20 years. I have held multiple management positions during my tenure.
Nicole Sansone Ruiz (she/her)
Provost Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Pennsylvania
Nicole Sansone Ruiz, PhD is an academic and arts professional working at the intersections of art, technology, and social justice. She currently works at UPenn’s School of Social Policy and Practice. She previously held the role of Assistant Curator for GE’s corporate art collection. She has served as an advocate for arts education and equity in the workplace (most recently as advisor to The Norwalk Art Space) and for migrant rights in the UK.
Shoanne Seijas
Membership & Program Manager, South Jersey Cultural Alliance
Kevin Shumaker (he/him)
Connected Vehicle Production Manager, Subaru
Kevin Shumaker grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia with 5 siblings. He graduated from University of New Hampshire with a degree in Social Work. Kevin is a proud employee of Subaru of America since 2005. He supported our customers and retailers for 15 years in our Customer Advocacy Department, an inbound call center, and is currently responsible for the telematics and multimedia program – the vehicle’s ability to communicate with call centers, retailers, and customer’s smart phone as well as the full suite of infotainment that exists in the in-vehicle touchscreen display. Prior to Subaru, Kevin enjoyed 7 years working with youth and members of the YMCA.
Kevin currently reside in southern NJ with my partner of nearly 25 years, Jack. He is happiest outdoors amongst the trees, digging in the dirt or picking up litter! A good thrift store romp is also a past time. Kevin takes every opportunity possible to spend time with his parents, siblings, and 12 nieces and nephews. He is passionate about treating other human beings with kindness and respect.
Corinne Taylor-Walls
Director of Outpatient Rehab Services, Weisman Children’s Rehab Hospital
Jamie Thomas (she/her)
Executive Director, Brand Strategy, Comcast
Jamie has always had a connection to the arts through her career path in marketing and advertising. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Brand Strategy for Xfinity. While she previously spent time in New York, she’s called Philly home for the last 10 years. She’s a new mom to her daughter Evelyn, and spends most of her time listening to musicals (her favorite at the moment is In The Heights, but ask again tomorrow).
Fabio Vitali (he/him)
Vice President of Marketing, SOFIDEL
Fabio is an expert at driving strategy in new markets for multinational firms. As VP of Marketing and previously in a variety of roles in different companies and industries, Fabio delivered growing sales, developed awarding products and brand, strengthened new strategic relationships, restructured brands, expanded brand presence, implemented competitive cost saving measures and created more stakeholder’s engagement. Fabio is an Aresty Scholar at Wharton, holds a bachelor’s and a Master Degree and speaks 5 languages.
Cam Watts (he/him)
Programs and Research Associate, Mindful Philanthropy
Shawnna Regan (she/her)
Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, Morgan, Lewis, & Bockius LLP
Shawnna Williams serves on the D&I team at Morgan Lewis, and is the current VC of the YPC Advisory Board, where she co-founded their first DEI Subcommittee. The AL DÍA 40 Under 40 honoree is also an artist specializing in pencil-drawn and oil-painted portraits inspired by resilience, solidarity, anti-racism, and self-love. Williams enjoys serving on DEI committees within the Greater Philadelphia region, and is a volunteer artist for Bethesda Project’s Annual Portraits of Home campaign.
Brent Woods (he/him)
Senior Director of Arts and Culture, Montgomery County Community College
Resources
- Ajené Livingston, Manager, Arts + Business Council
P: (484) 553-5839
[email protected] - Elizabeth (Liz) Thompson (she/her), Director, Arts + Business Council
P: (425) 971-0103
[email protected]
Co-Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
