Metro Philadelphia Black Power Players 2024

Dr. Robin Cooper is the first African American, first woman and first African American woman to lead Teamsters Local 502: Commonwealth Association of School Administrators (CASA). In her role as president, she represents approximately one-thousand administrators, inclusive of principals for the School District of Philadelphia. In addition, Dr. Cooper, is the president of the Philadelphia and Vicinity Black Caucus, Eastern Region, chairperson of the Black Caucus, and the recording secretary of the Teamsters National Black Caucus.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
If I could give my younger-self advice, it would be to not waste time doubting your abilities. Instead, always be true to yourself by trusting your own voice when thinking outside of the box. When you have a vision that no one else sees, trust yourself! Don’t shrink back inside of your box! You are uniquely defined and you should always walk to the beat of your own drum for your own success.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
In 2023, despite being in bereavement, I campaigned and was elected chairperson of the Teamsters National Black Caucus for the Eastern Region of the United States while also simultaneously running and being elected recording-secretary Teamsters National Black Caucus. I was also proud that as a business owner, I am still operating despite the devastating impact of the pandemic. In 2024, I am looking forward to solidifying a positive partnership with the School District of Philadelphia.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
A movie that I would recommend is “Selma” due to its historical elements. The movie focuses on Dr. Martin Luther King’s march from Selma to Montgomery to bring focus to the widespread discrimination against Black people. The collective efforts of Dr. King and many others resulted in President’s Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. I recommend this movie because every year, I travel to Memphis, Tennessee in memory of Dr. King’s legacy.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
I would like to spotlight Dr. Don Anticoli who serves as secretary-treasurer, and a retired principal, because of his tireless work and his love for the teamsters and the School District of Philadelphia. No matter the task, Dr. Anticoli will assist regardless of whether he has help or if he is alone. He stays at work late helping others, attends funerals of our members, and spends his money helping those in need. He is a treasure.

James Cornish
Medical Director, Livengrin Foundation
Dr. James Cornish has been the medical director of the Livengrin Foundation for five years. He is an emeritus professor of psychiatry in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a substance abuse treatment expert who has spent his career investigating medications for opioid-addicted persons. He has led NIDA-sponsored studies of naltrexone pharmacotherapy for non-incarcerated criminal justice populations. He participated in several National Institute on Drug Abuse-sponsored clinical studies involving medication development, psychotherapy, and genetic research.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Keep on target for your dream.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
Bringing state-of-the-art treatment to our patients struggling with substance abuse. Continue training Nurse Practitioner Interns who plan to specialize in psychiatric care.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”, Ms. Lacks’ cancer cells transformed the understanding of cancer development and treatment. Her cell line exists today long after her tragic death.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Our CEO, Christopher Francis.

The son of a bus driver and a hairdresser, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis began his path to public service in McKeesport. After a shooting in his neighborhood, a 16-year-old Austin started a youth advisory council with the mayor and a gun violence prevention program at his high school. In 2018, he was first elected to the state House of Representatives, and in 2023 he became the first Black lieutenant governor in Commonwealth history.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
I would advise my younger self to be patient and enjoy the journey. Oftentimes we are so busy trying to achieve the next goal that we often forget that there is beauty and knowledge in the journey.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
Without a doubt, my biggest accomplishment in 2023 was becoming a dad to baby Harper and supporting my wife, Blayre, throughout the process. I’m looking forward to seeing her first steps and first words!

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
I’m currently reading “Son of Virginia” by Governor Doug Wilder, who was the first Black person to serve as governor of Virginia. In addition, I am also reading “The Other Wes Moore; One Name, Two Fates” by Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
The second lady and I are huge supporters of Gwen’s Girls, which offers holistic, gender-specific programs, education and experiences for Allegheny County’s at-risk children and young adults. We also love Café Momentum, an award-winning restaurant and culinary training facility that aims to transform young lives by equipping Pittsburgh’s justice-involved youth with life skills, education and employment opportunities to help them achieve their full potential.

Gregory E. Deavens is president and CEO of Independence Health Group, one of the nation’s leading health insurers and the parent company of Independence Blue Cross. Under his leadership, Independence is advancing equitable, whole-person health, including integrating physical and behavioral health and reducing racial and economic health disparities. Mr. Deavens has been named to Modern Healthcare’s “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare” and Savoy magazine’s “Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America”, among other honors.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
When you hear “no” you should use that as fuel to hustle harder. Be BOLD and take risks!

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
A 2023 highlight was celebrating Independence’s 85 years of service to this region. In 2024, I look forward to continuing our focus on advancing equitable, whole-person health – integrating physical and behavioral health and reducing racial and economic health disparities – and providing access to quality, affordable care for all of our members. We are deeply committed to helping create a fair and effective health care system on behalf of our members and their families.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
Books: “The Future of the Race” by Henry Louis Gates and Cornel West, “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own” by Eddie Glaude Jr., and “The Gumbo Coalition” by Marc Morial. Movies: “Hidden Figures” (2016), “The Color Purple” (1985 and 2023) and “Glory” (1989). TV: “Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr” (PBS).

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?

• Shelley Stewart III and McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility: influencing economic development in underserved, under-capitalized Black communities
• Damien Dwin and Lafayette Square: impact investing that is focused on economic inclusion and growing working-class jobs
• Jeff Flaks and Hartford HealthCare: innovating to improve equity and quality in healthcare delivery
• Don Mueller and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children: serving the needs of an underserved community here in Philadelphia

Founder of Cocolife.black, Alexia is a change-maker and award-winning international speaker,   mental health advocate, childbirth educator, and certified doula. Alexia is a collaborator, building relationships across disciplines. Her work supports moms in three stages, pregnancy, postpartum, and compassion (loss of child or partner) while promoting a community-empowered model of care through her MOMbassador movement. She offers specialized training for perinatal professionals and launched International Coco Mom Day making the cause global.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Know your purpose is attached to your passion and seek to serve where you’re planted.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I’m most proud of the relationships we built with amazing community-based organizations locally, to Philadelphia, and nationally. We also were able to train over 150 doulas from Alaska to Florida. For 2024, we are excited about publishing our support guides, further development of our curriculum review board and our second annual MOMbassador awards where we recognize influencers who are positively impacting the maternal health space.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“My Grandmother’s Hands” by Resmaa Menakem, “Memoir and Poems of Phillis Wheatley,  Native African and a Slave”, and “Legendary Woman: Partnering With God to Become the Heroine of Your Own Story” by Michelle McClain. 

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Cocolife.black the nonprofit (501c3) supporting moms pregnant, postpartum and compassion (loss of a child or significant loved one).

Dwight Evans is a lifelong Philadelphian. He has served as a U.S. representative since 2016 and is currently a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. He served as a state representative from 1980-2016 and was the first African American chair of the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee. From 1990-2010 he was instrumental in creating two Pennsylvania programs that became national models: Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative. Evans is the co-author of “Making Ideas Matter: My Life as a Policy Entrepreneur” with William Ecenbarger. He is a graduate of Germantown High School, Community College of Philadelphia, and LaSalle University.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
I would stress the importance of democracy, civic involvement, and civic engagement – especially in middle school or high school, there’s a need to focus on that like never before.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I’m proud of the $16,625,000 in federal funding that I secured in fiscal year 2023 for 14 Philadelphia community projects that will help with key local priorities such as affordable housing, job opportunities, mental health and crisis support, and access to fresh food. My office also returned over $16 million to constituents in 2023, including over $7 million just from IRS cases. We handled over 2,000 federal agency cases last year.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
The book “Build, Brother, Build: From Poverty to Economic Power” by Rev. Leon Sullivan. This had a profound influence on me, and I’m proud of our first African American female mayor, Cherelle Parker, and our new Council President Kenyatta Johnson – they both take seriously the responsibility to build and rebuild. 

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
I would like to honor and thank Sister Mary Scullion, who is retiring after more than 30 years of leading Project HOME. She has made an enormous difference in so many people’s lives! I was happy to host her as my 2020 State of the Union guest to call attention to her work and spotlight the importance of making progress on affordable housing.

Lauren J. Footman is a strategic leader, consultant, and coach, with experience across corporate, nonprofit, higher education and government sectors. Lauren recently served as the inaugural diversity, equity, and inclusion officer for a county government. Her formal education includes a bachelor’s degree from Bryn Mawr College, and a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing a doctorate of education from St. Joseph’s University.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Stay the course, and always keep your ethics in tact.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I am most proud of prioritizing all aspects of my health, and look forward to sharing my renewed light with others.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
I would recommend individuals watch “Rustin”, and read “Sisters of the Yam: Black Women and Self-Recovery” by bell hooks.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Yes, Black women who continue show up in spite of the barriers placed against them daily.

Marianne Fray is president and chief executive officer of Maternity Care Coalition (MCC). MCC’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of families, while enhancing school readiness for children ages 0-3. MCC’s comprehensive approach includes direct services, advocacy, and research. Marianne earned her MBA from St. Joseph’s University, bachelor’s from Bryn Mawr College, is a certified association executive (CAE), holds a certificate in nonprofit management (IOM), and earned her certificate in project management (CAPM).

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
You are enough! Your hopes, your dreams, and all your experiences (positive and negative), set you apart for service to yourself and others. With this understanding and humility, you can be confident that you will use your gifts to positively contribute to the world. Your contributions will be much more valuable when you prioritize having fun along the way. Listen way more than you talk!

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I am proud of leading the successful collaboration of Maternity Care Coalition’s staff and board teams to strengthen organizational infrastructure and position the agency to be awarded a large, transformational gift. I am also proud of our overall agency growth. I look forward to learning about, leaning into, and beginning to implement the recommendations from our strategic planning process that will be completed mid-year.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
Sonia Sanchez’s poetry inspires me to think critically, act courageously, and to believe in my own power! I met Ms. Sanchez in college – I took every course she offered. She helped me find my voice. I encourage everyone to read her work, a favorite is “This is Not a Small Voice”. I love this rendition of the Black national anthem: “Lift Every Voice and Sing” sung by Alicia Keys, narrated by Anthony Mackie.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
I am proud to count Dr. Aasta Mehta as one of MCC’s partners and supporters. She centers community voices as medical officer of Women’s Health at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), leader of the Philly Maternal Mortality Review Committee and the Philadelphia Organized Voices for Action (OVA), and an organizer of the inaugural Birth Justice Philly summit. Dr. Mehta is an expert in maternal and infant health at the forefront of improving health equity and birth outcomes for parents and babies in Philadelphia.

Leading Philadelphia’s only community college for almost ten years, Dr. Generals brings decades of experience to serving approximately 25,000 credit and noncredit students from diverse social, cultural, and educational backgrounds. He has held leadership roles at Mercer County Community College, the Katharine Gibbs Schools, SUNY Rockland Community College and Passaic County Community College. Dr. Generals earned his doctorate from Rutgers University, in addition to leadership and management certificates from Cornell and Harvard universities.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Be more committed to community service including coaching. The lessons and values from sports transcends all aspects of life. I would have spent more time coaching, for the purpose of teaching athletic skills but also life skills.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
With the loss of thousands of students due to the pandemic, we have been able to reverse the trend and move our enrollment in a positive direction by recruiting and retaining more students. We concluded capital projects including the fitness center and multiple STEM labs. The 70,000 sq. ft. Career and Advanced Technology Center had a successful roll-out during the 2023 academic year. The college will roll out a number of new workforce programs at our north east campus in 2024.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“Caste” and “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson. “The 1619 Project” by Nikole Hannah-Jones and “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
I think the work that the Wallers are doing at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church is phenomenal.

Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson is currently serving her second term as an at-large member of Philadelphia City Council. A lifelong Philadelphian, she shattered glass ceilings following her historic election when she became the youngest woman in Philadelphia to be elected citywide and the youngest Black woman ever elected to Philadelphia City Council. She is focused on addressing Philadelphia’s most pressing issues and creating a safer, more resilient City of Philadelphia for us all.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Take your time, life is a marathon not a sprint. Don’t be anxious about anything. Pray, keep God first and let God lead, guide and direct your life.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
In 2023, I was most proud to have seen my Career and Technical Education five-point preference go into effect. Earlier this year, the city named Mastbaum graduate Tyrek Johnson as its first hire under the new preference. Tyrek serves as an auto trades helper in the Department of Fleet Services. I am most looking forward to serving my council colleagues and the City of Philadelphia in my new leadership role as majority leader.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
As the daughter of two pastors, I have always put God first. I recommend Tye Tribbett’s album “All Things New” and his song “Only One Night Tho.” I had the incredible honor of presenting Tye with the key to the City during his Reunion Tour last October. I highly recommend “Kiki Finds her Voice” by Grammy-nominated singer and actress Kierra Sheard-Kelly. I’m currently reading this book to my children.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Our Madam House Speaker, the inspiring State Representative Joanna McClinton!! A “Herstory” maker, I am always so proud and inspired by the work that she has done and continues to do on behalf of the Commonwealth and all Pennsylvanians. I also want to spotlight my sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and the incredible work they are doing to push for the passage of the Momnibus Act on the federal level.