Metro Philadelphia Black Power Players 2024

Fulbright scholar Dr. Derrell Acon is an award-winning leader who understands the power of the arts to foster human compassion and catalyze conversations on challenging subjects. He has extensive experience as an organizational strategist and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access (EDIA) practitioner, and is a frequent presenter throughout the U.S. and abroad. Dr. Acon is known for his work in dismantling oppressive systems in opera and has taught at all levels on topics in 19th century opera and artistic activism.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Be more selective with your energy. I cannot remember a time in my life when I was not in one heated conversation or another about my next big set of ideas. It took me a while to learn that not everyone has the right reasons for being interested in what I have to say. I would say that solid discernment is one of my best qualities today … but goodness was it hard-earned.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
The whole year felt like an accomplishment. I made an intentional decision to travel less and commit to fewer professional engagements outside of my demanding position at the Opera. It made all the difference, and I feel focused and energized for an awesome 2024! This year, I will strive to be kinder to my body and work for better balance in all things. I also want to continue deepening my ties to the community in Philadelphia.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
Check out a phenomenal artist-icon who exists at the intersection of Blackness, opera, and the month of February in Ms. Leontyne Price, who turned 97 years old on February 10th. A few of my favorites include her 1985 farewell performance of the aria “O patria mia” from Verdi’s AIDA, her 1982 performance for the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the famous black and white video recording of Puccini’s “Tu, tu, piccolo Iddio”.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
I would like to spotlight two extraordinary women with whom I have the honor of serving on the senior management team at Opera Philadelphia. Veronica Chapman-Smith is our VP of community initiatives and provides exemplary leadership for educational and community-centric programs and partnerships. Gina J. Range is our VP of development and, even in her less than one year with the company, has already made transformative strides in our advancement and philanthropy efforts.

Patience Ajoff-Foster serves as the assistant vice president for inclusive culture and belonging at Drexel University, where she co-leads the implementation and success monitoring of Drexel’s antiracism and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, fostering a sense of community and belonging. A certified diversity executive, Patience is a long-time higher education professional with experience in academic and student affairs. Patience, who also serves as vice president on the board of AccessMatters in Philadelphia, is fluent in five languages. She has worked with community-based and non-profit organizations in local communities here in the U.S. and Africa. A DEI scholar-practitioner, Patience employs systems approach to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. She has published and speaks nationally on these topics. Patience resides in Phoenixville with her husband and seven-year-old son.

Donna E. M. Bailey is a distinguished professional with a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to making a difference in the healthcare industry. As the interim CEO at Community Behavioral Health (CBH), Donna combines her dedication to service with a unique blend of expertise and empathy. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College, an MBA from Pennsylvania State University, and a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Donna lives in Mt. Airy with her husband.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
You are enough.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
My proudest accomplishment in 2023 was the opening of the services on the Public Health Management Corporation, Public Health Campus at Cedar, which brought much-needed services to the West Philadelphia community. For 2024, I’m looking forward to CBH partnering with more community-based organizations to address social determinants of health for our Members.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“The Color Purple” is a must-see.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
It’s really my familial elders who sacrificed so much so that I could be successful in life.

Joann Bell is the director of the Philadelphia government office at Pugliese Associates. Throughout her professional career she has a distinguished record of achievement which has accrued to the direct benefit of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its citizens. In 1992, under then Governor Robert P. Casey, Joann was appointed the first executive director of the governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs. In March 2023 she was honored by the City Council of Philadelphia for her limitless contribution to the city. She is a former special projects manager for Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and a co-founder of the Black Women’s Leadership Council. In that capacity, Joann participated in the development of private and public works projects with a collective value of over $50 million dollars.

Sheriff Rochelle Bilal was sworn in for a second four-year-term to lead the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office. She is the first elected African American woman Sheriff, in the 181-year history of the Philadelphia sheriff’s office. Sheriff Bilal, a 27-year veteran of the PPD, formerly served as secretary of the Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP for more than 14 years, and she is the former president of the Guardian Civic League, for more than 13 years.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
I would tell myself to always lead by example and demonstrate integrity. To continuously improve your skills and think innovatively. To build strong relationships with the community because the community you serve is your biggest asset. Society may try to define you based on the color of your skin and background, but never let that diminish your self-confidence or limit your aspirations. Always trust that God will never give you a battle you cannot fight.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I’m proud of being able to engage with the communities across the city with community outreach by providing them with food at an uncertain time and helping families with resources on how to keep their homes. In 2024 I look forward to achieving an innovative sheriff office by updating our technology, expanding our community engagement, and developing programs for our youth to help minimize violence in our neighborhoods.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?

• “Black in Blue: The First Four African American Patrolmen in the Philadelphia Police Department” researched and compiled by Art Matthews and Ben Scott
• “Black and Blue: The Creation of a Social Advocate” by retired LAPD Sgt. Cheryl Dorsey
• “ROOTS”
• James Brown’s “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud” 

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Black Males Community Council of Philadelphia and the Charles Foundation, because they are both boots on the ground organizations that aid the youth by providing them with resources and jobs to prevent violence in our neighborhoods.

Keir Bradford-Grey is running for Pennsylvania attorney general. She was formerly Philadelphia’s chief public defender and was the first Black woman to lead Montgomery County’s public defender offices. If elected she would become Pennsylvania’s first Black attorney general. She would also be Pennsylvania’s first attorney general whose legal experience was predominantly as a public defender. Bradford-Grey plans to restore everyday Pennsylvanians’ sense of security by addressing public safety holistically, addressing the root cause of crime. Her other priorities include access to quality health care, housing insecurity and climate change.

Joan Myers Brown is the founder of PHILADANCO! (The Philadelphia Dance Company) and the Philadelphia School of Dance Arts. She is the honorary chair person for the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD), which she established in 1991. Brown was honored as one of the “Dance Women: Living Legends” in tribute to five African American women who founded distinguished modern dance companies. She’s a two-time winner of the National Medal of Arts; the nation’s highest civic honor for excellence 2012 and again in 2023. 

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Stay prepared in case your time comes!

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
Receiving the National Medal of the Arts for the second time with the founding ladies of the International Association of Blacks in Dance. Not many people can say they have two! In 2024 I’m looking forward to spending less time in the office and more on the beach.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month
“Becoming” by Michelle Obama and “Glory: A Life Among Legends” by Dr. Glory Van Scott

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
At this point I’m not inspired by anyone. I feel as though we set the bar, and many others are following what we do.

Dominique Casimir serves as the senior vice president, chief of staff of the Jefferson Enterprise. She engages in enterprise-wide initiatives, overseeing sponsorship and security for all of Jefferson Health, Thomas Jefferson University (TJU) and Health Partners Plan. She collaborates with executive staff, external affairs, and provides support to the TJU board of trustees. Dominique also works closely with Jefferson academic, clinical, and insurance leaders. Her background is finance, economic development and commercial real estate.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Be comfortable in speaking up. Be comfortable in not agreeing/pleasing everyone and be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I am looking forward to completing a Triathlon in 2024, which will mark my 10-year anniversary of getting involved. In 2023 I am most proud of accomplishing taking leadership positions on boards and organizations that I’m involved in, and making an impact in the Philadelphia metropolitan region.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“Black Fortunes” by Shomari Wills

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
2024 is an exciting milestone year for Jefferson. We recently launched “Jefferson 200,” a year-long bicentennial celebration marking two centuries of excellence in higher education, health care, and commitment to our community. We’re also excited about a campaign planned for this spring when we open The Honickman Center, a state-of-the-art outpatient care center in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. Every detail has been designed to create an exceptional patient experience.

For over 30 years, Della Clark has been a tireless advocate for minority businesses as president of The Enterprise Center. Under Clark’s leadership, businesses have obtained more than $631 million in contracts and $131 million in intermediary financing, as well as more than $15 million in loans through The Enterprise Center Capital Corporation. Recently, she launched Innovate Capital Growth Fund, a $50 million SBIC aimed at changing the paradigm of equity investing for minority businesses.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
The biggest thing I have learned in my time working for the benefit of minority business owners is that you cannot train away poverty. For many years, I believed that we could create enough programs and train enough people to make our community thrive. What I learned is that successful entrepreneurs don’t need programs to help them grow, they need capital. We need to change our beliefs and dismantle roadblocks to investing in minority entrepreneurs.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
This past year I was both honored and humbled to have an opportunity to help steer the economic direction of the incoming Parker administration towards minority businesses. I’m particularly invested in creating a larger strategy around economic development to impact every neighborhood in Philadelphia. For 2024, we are most excited to complete our $50 million raise for Innovate Capital Growth Fund and make the fund’s first investments, helping to truly bring successful minority-owned businesses to scale.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
Two books: “The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap” by Mehrsa Baradaran and “Start Here: Your Guide To Building Your Money Management System”

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
I have known Maria Frizelle Roberts for over 30 years and I have been one of her biggest champions. As an African American female, Maria is a trailblazer who maneuvered her business through capital constraints while experiencing racial inequities in contract selections. Maria is a model for African American women and more generally, all women. Maria demonstrates that while the path to success can be difficult, commitment and persistence are the keys to overcoming challenges.

Ashley Coleman was appointed executive director of Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in January 2023. She has been a fixture in the LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia for over ten years having previously served as executive director at galaei and senior events manager at Mazzoni Center. She led galaei through the production of Philadelphia’s 50th Pride parade and festival in 2022. Her activism began as a youth leading queer youth initiatives for nonprofits in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Prioritize your own life moments. Take time off to go to that wedding, baby shower, or holiday event. Life moves quickly, you are the only one that can hit pause to experience the journey.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
Making Lehigh Valley PRIDE more accessible, diverse, and free for the first time! I am looking forward to the radically diverse programming to come in 2024, it’s time for those who are often intentionally forgotten in our community to have the space to shine.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“Ain’t Gonna be the Same Fool Twice” and “Coffee Will Make You Black” by April Sinclair are two of my all time favorite books. Both take us through the journey of Stevie, a young Queer Black woman. Her experiences of coming out and becoming herself are relatable across generations.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Sebrina Tate of Bebashi is not only a powerhouse advocate but an incredible human. Her and her team work tirelessly to bring care to the most marginalized in our community. Tyrell Brown and the mighty staff of galaei, their drive to do better for all of Philadelphia will have a positive impact on the community for generations to come.