Metro Philadelphia Power Women 2022

Akayla “Dimplez” Brown is the founder of Dimplez 4 Dayz, a nonprofit organization that keeps smiles in the hearts and minds of children, youth, and families. She also founded the Dimplez Dreamz Resource Center located in West Philadelphia. The resource center is the first youth-founded and youth-led community resource center in the city. In 2021, Akayla was awarded the prestigious Bill and Melinda Gates Scholarship and took her talents to Howard University. Akayla believes that with access to the right resources, people can become empowered by their abilities.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
My mother always inspires me the most. In the toughest situations, I’ve seen her push through to the top, figure out solutions, and strive for greatness.

What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the workplace/in general?
When I talk passionately it can be viewed as aggressive. I am ignored sometimes because I’m a woman, I have to dress a certain way because I’m a woman, the list goes on. The critiques will come, but it’s up to you to push through all of the criticism.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Always be yourself, remember to listen, but always be your own leader in the classrooms. You won’t get too far sitting in the back of the crowd trying to mock everyone else. Remember to be your own person, and follow your passion.

Jamie J. Brunson is dedicated to amplifying voices, especially those typically unheard. As such, Jamie carries parallel careers–producing live, virtual, and cinematic storytelling events over the past decade as executive director of First Person Arts, an organization helping individuals transform their lived experiences into art for the stage, film, on-air and online–and in her own narratives (plays, memoir, and performance). She is a 2022 National Education Association, Delaware Division of the Arts Fellow in Literature.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
My late grandmother, Ernestine Logan.

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace? Women empowering each other.

What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the workplace/in general? Silencing of women’s voices in the workplace. Inequity.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Stand tall. Bring your whole self to work. Those experiences in other areas of your life give you an edge.

Valerie Camillo is president of business operations for the Philadelphia Flyers and Wells Fargo Center. In this role, she directs all business activities for the NHL franchise and one of the country’s busiest arenas. Valerie was the first woman hired as president of an NHL franchise and is a member of the NHL’s Board of Governors. She also oversees Spectacor Events and Entertainment, the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League, and the Maine Marines of the East Coast Hockey League.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
I’m still inspired by Madonna. Love her or hate her, she has been unapologetically herself for four decades, and as a result, she’s remained relevant and continues to command attention and drive discussion around the world. 

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace?
Leveling the playing field for women in the workplace is a multi-generational challenge, so we have to think big, and that starts with instilling confidence in girls and young women from an early age. Confidence is critical in the workplace, and too often, women begin their professional careers with a confidence deficit that they shouldn’t have. So, while mentorship and concentrated development of young women early in their professional careers is important, we have to start even earlier by building confidence in young girls and young women that will follow them into adulthood.

What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the workplace/in general?
Of course I’ve faced challenges in my career as a woman, but I’m always conscious of focusing on opportunities rather than challenges. I’ve tried to pay more attention to the advocates and mentors–men and women–who have been there to help me and other women advance in their career. Those are the people who matter, and anyone who won’t treat you fairly because you’re a woman isn’t worth your time, anyway.

What advice would you give to the next generation of females?
What I always tell young women is that whatever their dreams are, they’re not big enough and not ambitious enough.  Look at me–my dream was to be the president of a sports team. I’ve achieved that in my 40s, and I’m not done yet. Young women tend to set more humble and supposedly ‘realistic’ goals than their male counterparts, and that can limit what they believe they can achieve. Women can do anything and everything, and every young woman should know that as they start their own career. 

Dana Canalichio has over 25 years of proven excellence and leadership in the food and beverage industry, making her a top operational director in the Philadelphia area. Dana started working in restaurants while attending West Chester University, which led to a food and beverage career. She previously worked for N9ne Group in Las Vegas. Born and raised in Philadelphia, love of family brought her home. Dana then landed a dream job as director of premium services at Lincoln Financial Field. Now working as director of operations for FCM Hospitality, Dana’s professional dedication is only matched by her passion for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
Suzanne Kolber, the Philadelphia Sportscaster.

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace?
Hiring women into this industry, training them, and paving the way for their success.

What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the workplace/in general?
The constant struggle to be an active voice in a male dominated environment.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Love what you do, stay focused, balance work life with home life. 

Kate Carr has over 15 years of marketing experience and joined Garces in 2015. Prior to joining Garces, Kate worked in marketing and public relations throughout a variety of industries, including healthcare, technology, and hospitality. At Garces, Kate is responsible for the overall strategy and coordination of initiatives throughout all divisions: restaurants, events and catering, and corporate. Kate has served as the PRLA Philadelphia Chapter’s secretary since 2020 and volunteers at various nonprofits. Kate lost most of her vision after being diagnosed with a genetic disorder, and is visually impaired.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
My sister, Megan. She still makes me laugh every day.

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace?Cultivating talent while creating leadership opportunities for everyone on your team. I work with a great group of people who supported me and I hope to continue that tradition with my teams.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
The world is conspiring in your favor, even when it doesn’t feel like it! With every experience, learn something and apply it to help get you where you want to be. The path to success is not straight, so take a deep breath and keep going.

Morgan Cephas was elected to serve her first term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in November 2016. As a lifelong public servant and native of West Philadelphia, she has worked to forge cross-sector collaborations to solve some of the community’s biggest challenges. In the General Assembly, Morgan’s priorities include expanding access to healthcare, increasing educational opportunities and career pipelines for youth, job creation, and ensuring women and girls are a priority. She has also been consistently involved in various volunteer efforts, serving on several Boards and commissions.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
My mother and Shirley Chisolm.

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace?We need to improve pay equity and secure paid family leave for all. As primary caregivers and those most impacted by family structures and challenges, women deserve security in their work and equitable pay for the roles they play.

What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the workplace/in general?
Like most of us, as a woman in a male dominated field, I have been shut out and shut up at times. I have had to fight that much harder to be present and be heard in some places.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
I would tell the next generation of female leaders to not be afraid to be the only one in the room. When you get into the room (or pull your seat up to the table), make room for and bring others like you with you.

Jennifer Childs is the co-founder and producing artistic director of 1812 Productions, Philadelphia’s All-Comedy Theater Company. She has created over 25 original works of comedic theater for 1812 Productions, including their annual political humor show, “This Is The Week That Is.” Her solo shows, “Why I’m Scared of Dance” and “I Will Not Go Gently” have been performed across the country. She is a graduate of the University of the Arts and a three-time Barrymore Award-winner.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
Mae West. She redefined words like sexy and funny, made her own work, controlled her own career, pushed boundaries, and never apologized.

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace?There is so much! But right now, given the potential legislative limitations on our rights which will have an impact on who is in the workplace, we’ve got to raise our voices and vote.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Every “no” is an opportunity to get creative about how you reach a goal. If the front door is locked, there’s always a window in the back you can bust open.

Robin Cohen is the co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation. She is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society and the Society of Gynecologic Nurse Oncologists. She has been recognized as one of the 75 Greatest Living Philadelphians and is the 2016 recipient of the Cindy Melancon Leadership Award. In 2020, she received Cure Magazine’s Ovarian Cancer Hero Award. She is the vice president of the Board of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance and the vice chair of the Board of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
I’m inspired by the women I meet every day, by the challenges that I see them face and the strength they have to overcome them.

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace?I think a woman should have a seat and a voice around every table.

What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the workplace/in general?
I’ve learned to trust myself and trust my own voice.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Most people wish they started sooner. Take the step–big or small. I would also say to work together with other women, whether it’s through networking or in another way. Working together on behalf of other women is how we change the world.