Metro Philadelphia Black Power Players 2024

Yvonne Roberts is the director of Triad Strategies’ Philadelphia office and is a seasoned lobbyist, negotiator, and community relations specialist. She employs a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving, giving her clients an edge while working with Philadelphia City Council, the state of Pennsylvania, or the United States Congress. Her relationships with a wide variety of Philadelphia special interest groups and her understanding of local politics have allowed her to resolve conflicts, find common ground, and deliver on initiatives that benefit all of Philadelphia.

Haniyyah Sharpe-Brown is the senior manager of operations and strategic programs for Accenture’s Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offices. Her work is instrumental in strengthening Accenture’s relationship with the local business community, coordinating internal operations and cultivating collaborative opportunities that result in social impact. Haniyyah serves on the governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs; co-chair, Girls Scouts for Eastern Pennsylvania Take the Lead Awards; co-chair, Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia’s Annual Luncheon; board of directors for Philadelphia Works.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
It will in fact work out. Everything you had to go through, you had to grow through so that you could glow too. I am proud of you.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
There are so many moments of pride in 2023 — my children — honor roll students. The moments that allow me to combine my passions with my work: being selected to serve on our city’s FIRST woman mayor’s Commerce and Economic Development subcommittee; opening a new Accenture office for the 2300+ employees; strengthening the work Accenture is prioritizing around workforce development and apprenticeships. In  2024 I am looking forward to being where my feet are planted.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
I will do you one better and recommend two spots where you can purchase some really good books and swag for Black History Month: Harriet’s Bookshop, Ida’s Bookshop, Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Jasmine Sessoms, founder and executive director of Center 1968. Center 1968 at the Community College of Philadelphia’s core mission is to educate individuals about the intricacies of running for political office, engaging in governmental roles, and assuming leadership positions in labor unions. This initiative is deeply inspired by the spirit of civic involvement and leadership. Kristal Bush, the founder of  Free My Weedman, a social advocacy brand; and, Dr. Ashely Jordan, the president and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia.

Julius S. Sharpe Jr. was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Howard University. Julius’s professional career has primarily been in the financial services industry. Over the preceding twenty years he has served successfully as a mortgage loan officer, housing counselor and in loss mitigation as a foreclosure prevention counselor. He currently serves as community reinvestment mortgage loan officer for Fulton Mortgage Company in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. In this capacity, he serves as one of the point persons for Fulton Bank in its efforts to ensure that each citizen in the Philadelphia vicinity be informed and have access to financial resources that can assist them in attaining homeownership and, just as importantly, maintaining homeownership.

Evelyn F. Smalls is the president and CEO of the United Bank of Philadelphia, a minority-owned full service commercial bank. She has over 30 years of experience in banking and community development, and her leadership has helped the bank achieve consecutive “outstanding” ratings from the Federal Reserve and FDIC. Evelyn also serves on several boards, including the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers, and the American Bankers Association.

Kiera Smalls, a dedicated leader, passionately advances equity across industries. She currently serves as the executive director for the Running Industry Diversity Coalition and as Philadelphia’s lead for Johnson & Johnson’s Health Equity Innovation Challenge. Kiera’s impactful contributions include funding idea-stage startups and securing nearly $1 million in grants during her tenure as the former executive director of Philly Startup Leaders. Notably, she played a pivotal role in the successful launch of Indego bike-share.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Remain steadfast in your personal mission of connecting available resources and power to those who need it most, a mission shaped by your upbringing in challenging circumstances. Embrace challenges with unwavering determination while ensuring the elevation of underrepresented voices, as these values have been instrumental. Trust in the impact of your thoughts and work, and stay dedicated to making a positive difference. For you, genuine success is in paying it forward.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
In 2023, my team and I released a series of three studies on racial representation in running participation and industry employment. These in-depth analyses provide first-of-its-kind research to establish a baseline measure for progress toward racial justice. In 2024, my team and I will be launching an ownership program to address the wealth gap, increase entrepreneurship, and promote generational wealth for Black business leaders.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month
For historical fiction: “The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois” by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers. For fantasy fiction: “The Fifth Season” by N. K. Jemisin. For personal growth and healing: “Set Boundaries, Find Peace” by Nedra Glover Tawwab.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Dyymond Whipper-Young is an incredible artist and art teacher for our city’s youth

Lakisha Sturgis is responsible for promoting health equity by leading strategic initiatives in population health. She’s a passionate leader with 20+ years of experience. She spent most of her career addressing social determinants of health before it was fully defined. This fueled her desire to focus on health disparities and make a difference in marginalized populations. As a result, she leads a team utilizing an innovative and culturally diverse approach to service the community with dignity.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
You’re enough! There’ll be times you’ll be the only female or person of color at the metaphorical table; use your voice because change happens through diversity of thought. Take risks! I played it safe in aspects of my life. As a public-health practitioner, early in my career, I had desires of working for the CDC. I come from a close-knit family so I stayed in the area, but I wish I’d expanded my geographic horizons.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
Launching the “Healthy Together Hub” at Shoprite of Fox Street was a major accomplishment. The Hub offers health screenings, testing, and education, making it convenient for community members to access resources. My desire is to create a safe space for transparent conversations where community members feel empowered to take control of their health. Personally, my son is my best accomplishment. I’m excited for 2024, as he graduates high school and embarks on his higher-education journey.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
I’m intrigued by other people’s testimonies and triumphs, so I listen to a lot of biographies. I recently listened to Viola Davis’ biography “Finding Me,” which was captivating and inspiring.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
I live by the Kwanzaa principle “Ujima”, collective work and responsibility. I believe collaboration is essential. I’m fortunate to have a village of people and organizations that inspire me in countless ways. I’m intentional about maintaining relationships as well as learning from experts in the industry. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I’m inspired by my Sorors and other members of fraternities and sororities that work diligently to address disparities daily.

As president and CEO of VISIT PHILADELPHIA®, Angela Val is charged with building Greater Philadelphia’s image, driving visitation and boosting the economy through day and overnight leisure visitation. The tourism marketing agency’s work supports local businesses, creates jobs, generates taxes and ultimately enhances residents’ quality of life. A recognized trailblazer within Philadelphia’s tourism and hospitality industry, Val brings more than two decades of destination-marketing experience to her role, which she assumed in June 2022.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Stop worrying and start believing.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
In 2023, two accomplishments stand out. First, the strong working relationship and partnership between Visit Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, which reached new depths. Second, building a powerhouse team at Visit Philadelphia. Seeing how hard they work and the incredible collaboration is a major pride point. In 2024, I hope to partner with the City of Philadelphia and our partners to create a civic pride program promoting our entire community’s wellbeing.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
One of my favorites is the 1967 original film “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” which explores the cultural gap between white and Black Americans during the 1960s. Also, Heather McGhee’s podcast “The Sum of Us.” And to better understand the impact of discriminatory government policy decisions on the African American community, a must-read is “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” by Richard Rothstein.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
I really admire the Fearless Fund, a venture capital firm co-founded by Arian Simone and Ayana Parsons that is “built by women of color for women of color.” Businesses led by women of color are extremely underfunded in the venture capital space. Simone and Parsons saw the problem and took action, creating a solution that is laser-focused on building scalable growth of Black women-owned businesses.

Dr. Tony B. Watlington has been superintendent at Rowan-Salisbury Schools, North Carolina and chief of schools at Guilford County Schools, North Carolina. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, a master’s in American political history from The Ohio State University, a master’s in school administration and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He has training certificates from Harvard and Yale. Watlington is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He cherishes sons Tony Jr., Aaron, and Caleb.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that time is my greatest resource and use it wisely, personally and professionally.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I am proud to celebrate the incredible progress that we made last year, during the 2023-23 school year. From reducing the student dropout rate, increasing the number of students passing state tests while decreasing the number of students scoring at the lowest levels, and increasing student and teacher attendance – we are accelerating Philly!

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
I recommend Leslie T. Fenwick’s “Jim Crow’s Pink Slip: The Untold Story of Black Principal and Teacher Leadership”. Music: for inspiration, “Sounds of Blackness”; all Jazz, and R&B groups like Jill Scott and Boys to Men. Movie: “The Color Purple” with the lead actor who attended Overbrook High and Temple University, Coleman Domingo. 

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Organizations doing inspiring work include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the National Urban League, the Center for Black Educator Development, the Council of Great City Schools, and the Education Law Center.