Metro Philadelphia Power Women 2022

Mia Fioravanti is the vice president of corporate affairs for The Bellwether District, a Hilco Redevelopment Partners project. Mia oversees HRP’s community outreach, philanthropy, and workforce development efforts as the company transforms the former PES refinery site into a state-of-the-art logistics and life sciences campus over the next 10 to 15 years. Outside work, Mia serves on six nonprofit Boards, including the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation and the Forum of Executive Women Foundation.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
My mother is my role model and a huge source of inspiration. She is proof that you can be both strong and kind.

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace? Leveling the playing field for women requires more women in leadership positions; women leaders have been shown to drive better outcomes for all employees.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Be yourself. Remember that each person’s leadership style is unique and that you have something worthwhile to bring to the table.

The 40 plus year resident of West Oak Lane has a passion for advocacy and for her community. When Representative Fitzgerald was told that she couldn’t get a promotion, she went to night school while raising two children and received her degree. She is a fierce advocate for youth safety, women’s health issues, economic development, and education. Simply put, representing the 203rd Legislative District is not a job for her. It is her passion, and she will continue to keep the agenda moving forward.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
Former Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco.

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace?First, I would say equal pay for equal work and recognize that women are extraordinary leaders and organizers. Give them the platform to do that and show their strengths. We should not have to fight to be recognized!

What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the workplace/in general?
For me, sometimes, not being respected and recognized for the good work you do and considering that you’re not a nice person if you speak out.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Don’t be afraid to articulate what you want or have to be other than who you are to get ahead. Believe in yourself and the skills that you bring to the job. Don’t be intimidated!

Jamie R. Gauthier, a born and raised West Philadelphian, was elected to represent the third Councilmanic District in November 2019. With two decades of experience fighting for fairness, equality, and justice in neighborhoods throughout the city, Councilmember Gauthier brings a depth of knowledge related to community and economic development, grassroots engagement, and nonprofit administration. During her short time in office, Councilmember Gauthier has prioritized creating and preserving affordable housing and combating the gun violence crisis.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
My Mom. She has persevered through challenges, is very disciplined, and very supportive of me and my siblings.

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace? Intentionality around creating more inclusive spaces and elevating the voices of women.

What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the workplace/in general?
I felt like I had to work twice as hard as male colleagues because men are afforded a baseline level of deference and respect in the workplace that does not apply to women.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
I admire and respect how younger women demand equity in the workplace. They should continue to advocate for a more just workplace where women can thrive.

Katherine Gilmore Richardson is serving her first term as councilmember at-large for the City of Philadelphia. She is the youngest woman ever elected citywide and the youngest American woman ever elected to Philadelphia City Council. She passes legislation that bolsters transparency and accountability in city government, requires businesses to provide information about workforce development training, cracks down on nuisance businesses, and integrates climate risk disclosure and sustainable investment decisions into the City’s Pension Fund operations.

Susan Gobreski is a career policy advocate focused on program development for improving public policy around equity and quality of life issues, such as democracy, education, environment, and economic opportunity. That work has been centered on integrating policy analysis, civic engagement, and organizing, and includes issue advocacy campaigns, coalition work, and leadership development. She runs Sedgwick Group, a consulting firm for program planning and strategic advocacy and is a volunteer board member with the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, leading the voting and elections policy work.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
My three daughters! I want to be like them when I grow up. Stacy Abrams too.

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace? People who have been kept from power must become fully represented – that means women, BIPOC people must be supported and promoted, must be selected for high level positions, must be elected.

What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the workplace/in general?
Men who are threatened by women’s success. Ugh – so tired of it, especially now. 

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Make sure other women get credit for their ideas and are listened to; fight for the Equal Rights Amendment, yes it still matters; fight to protect Roe; keep challenging old norms.

At The Good King Tavern and le Caveau, Chloé Grigri is the friendly face floating from floor to floor, slinging wine, and bussing tables. After a stint in the fashion industry, she jumped back into the restaurant business in 2013 to open The Good King Tavern with her father, Bernard. The objective was to open a true French “bistro”, like those near and dear to the Grigri family, but with Philadelphia flair. In 2019, she concepted their upstairs bar à vins, le Caveau, which after only 6 short months received a James Beard nod for Outstanding Wine Program. Her passion for French food, culture, and wine has established the corner of 7th and Kater as the watering hole for casual French fare and one of the city’s most accessible, elevated wine programs. Chloé enjoys all Philadelphia (and beyond) has to offer by way of food and drink, and she travels back to France often to visit family and friends and to gain perspective on her industry worldwide. When she isn’t pouring or talking wine, she is teaching barre at Tuck (because why not)!

Terry Gross has been the host of the NPR radio show “Fresh Air” since 1975. The show has received numerous awards, including the Peabody Award in 1994 for its revelatory interviews and unique insights. Terry has been hosting radio shows since 1973, and got her start at public radio station WBFO in Buffalo, New York. She is also the author of All I Did Was Ask: Conversations with Writers, Actors, Musicians, and Artists.

As president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce, Regina is a tireless advocate of Black-owned businesses. Through her transformative leadership, the AACC has launched programs to provide direct access to capital, fostered unique peership and mentorship opportunities, and facilitated significant corporate partnerships for the success of AACC members. A true thought leader, Regina has brought Philadelphia to the center of the national conversation by hosting and founding the National Convening of Black Mayors to spur innovative collaboration across the country.

Alexandria Hammond has built her career as a professional storyteller with various sports, health, and lifestyle brands. She currently is the marketing communications specialist for Rothman Orthopaedics, overseeing external communications and content creation for the largest private orthopaedic practice in the US. Alex is responsible for producing and hosting Rothman’s podcast “The Breakdown,” video content for the practice’s digital platforms, and media relations. When Alex is not busy coordinating interviews, you can find her rooting for her favorite sports teams or hanging out with her German Shepherd.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
That’s easy–my mother. She says what she means, means what she says, and does it in a way that people always respond to her and respect her.

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace?Diversity matters in the workplace—not only for women but for other underrepresented communities. Absolutely need more women and minorities in positions of power.

What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the workplace/in general?Women-on-women crime in the workplace is a real issue, and by that I mean I’ve felt unsupported by other women for various reasons. Once women realize just how powerful we could be if we uplifted each other, we could really rule the world.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself! What I’ve learned throughout my career is that you can’t expect someone to speak up for you so you need to be able to do that for yourself. Unapologetically.