Metro Philadelphia Power Women 2022

Katie Hansbro is the CEO and part owner of Design Science, a successful human factors engineering firm that’s now in its 31st year. Design Science started by conducting contextual inquiry in operating rooms to observe actual use and helped clients like Ethicon enhance their surgical tools to be both ergonomic and user friendly. Since Katie’s arrival at Design Science in 2014, Design Science has more than doubled in size and added Chicago and Munich offices in addition to its Philadelphia headquarters on South Broad Street. 

Prior to joining Design Science, Katie spent 10 years at Baxter in research and development for the transfusion therapies, medication delivery, and renal therapies divisions. Katie served as the lead system designer for a Baxter Top Project and received Baxter’s Innovation Award in 2012. 

Apart from her work at Design Science, Katie fulfills her passion for coaching lacrosse at Waldron Mercy Academy. Katie credits her love of STEM to her participation in Science Olympiad as a child and is pushing to expand the reach of Science Olympiad in Philadelphia and beyond. 

Driving a lemon? Make the call to Jacqueline Herritt. For 25 years, she has served as managing attorney of 1 800 LEMON LAW, personally handling over 30,000 Lemon Law and breach of warranty cases for distressed drivers. Jacqueline graduated from Temple University School of Law while raising two young children and working during the day as a paralegal. She’s been featured for 16 years as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer in an annual survey conducted by Law and Politics.

Lezlie has helped countless children from underserved communities in Philadelphia through the Work to Ride program. The program offers skills and constructive activities in the areas of horsemanship and equine sports and education. Kareem Rosser, an alum of the program, went on to become a national polo champion and is now working hand-in-hand with Lezlie to host the first annual Philadelphia Polo Classic. The large scale event is donating 100 percent of proceeds back to Work to Ride so it can continue to aid disadvantaged youth throughout the city.

Michelle Histand is the executive director of the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation, where she works with global nonprofit leaders who are changing the world. She is also an adjunct professor of creativity and innovation at Temple University. Michelle has led projects across Philadelphia, serving as executive director of B. PHL Innovation Festival, which she co-founded in 2019, and deputy director for Ready.Set.Philly!, an effort to restore Philadelphia’s economy post-COVID. She’s a proud Philadelphia native and lives in South Philly with three cats, two kids, one dog, and one husband.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
Angela Val, my good friend and the new CEO at Visit Philly.

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace?Let’s start with pay and funding equity. We deserve the resources to run our businesses and our households.

What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the workplace/in general?
I’ve been told I have a “strong personality” and it wasn’t a compliment! I think women are often given a hard time for acting the way their male counterparts do, and being assertive.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Ask for what you want and need–be assertive. Also, support other women!

Chanel Holland is the founder of the Chocolate Ballerina Company LLC. Chanel is a Temple University alumni, receiving her bachelor’s degree in Dance and Choreography. She has studied at the Alvin Ailey School, The New Freedom Theater, Complexions Contemporary, Koresh Dance Co., The Philadelphia Dance Company II, the University of the Arts, the National Dance Institute, and the Wissahickon Dance Academy. Chanel has also participated in the Jr. Sixers Dance Team, Black Theater Festival, Garden State Dance Festival, and numerous choreography and teaching artist development experiences.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
Maya Angelou and Michaela DePrince.

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace? I believe women need to be granted a choice and a chance at success. Women are power, women are the foundation of the community.

What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the workplace/in general?
I face the challenges of being underestimated and doubted. The expectations are high for me because I’m a woman of color, and if I do not meet those standards, I let my community down, and that is a challenge and an obstacle.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Keep going and never give up. Continue to move in your power and remain consistent; you will be successful!

YaYa Horne is the co-founder and CEO of Tiny Room For Elephants, a network of creatives that celebrates artists by giving them a well deserved platform. She loves creating space for creatives and brands to come together, discover, and build on existing synergies.This summer, YaYa and Tiny Room For Elephants will host their fifth festival at Cherry Street Pier. It is a multi-day living art gallery that incorporates various styles and mediums of artists. Upon completion, the works are celebrated over four days with live music, DJs, and dancing!

Who is a woman that inspires you?
How could I pick just one? Boss, mother, sister, friend, daughter, wife, mentor, confidant… As women we juggle so many roles on a daily basis, I’m inspired by all of us.

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace?Let’s start by championing one another at work! Men have each other’s backs all the time. Let’s take a page from their book. Women need to support women! If we don’t, who will?

What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the workplace/in general?Imposter syndrome is real. It shows up as self doubt. Makes you feel like you “lucked” into success vs. earned it. I don’t know who needs to hear this today, but you are enough. You are worthy. And you deserve every success you have achieved.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Kindness and compassion go hand in hand with success. Never forget to pay it forward.

Alexandra Hunt is a public health researcher, a girls’ soccer coach, an advocate for social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, and a community organizer. She is a daughter of teachers and a sister to a twin brother. Alexandra’s twin brother grew up with a learning disability. Seeing the systemic obstacles her brother faced inspired Alexandra to become an advocate and challenge barriers on the basis of race, gender, class, and ability.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
When they talk over you, get louder. It’s okay to get knocked down, but don’t stay down. When they insult you, use that wind to fan the flames of your fire.

Mary Isaacson was elected state representative for the 175th District in Philadelphia in November 2018. Mary’s priorities include education funding, protecting our waterways, common sense gun legislation, fighting for LGBTQ+ and women’s rights, affordable healthcare for all, and a government that is transparent and accountable to citizens, particularly in redistricting and campaign finance reform. Prior to becoming state legislator, Mary served as chief of staff for the late State Representative Mike O’Brien for 12 years, working to improve life in the 175th and advance an agenda that puts people before special interests.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
Nancy Pelosi is a woman that inspires me on a daily basis as a woman legislator in a very conservative general assembly. I admire her ability to negotiate without compromising her values. I also appreciate her ability to get things done.

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace?I am an author of an equal pay bill and have cosponsored others. I also am fighting for paid leave, universal childcare and a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the workplace/in general?
I often face sexism and discrimination, specifically when it comes to my leadership and knowledge in policy and politics. While I am often underestimated, I never let it stop me. They can then be surprised by my success.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
If you want something, ask for it. No one is going to give you something unless you ask for it. And don’t be afraid to ask. If you don’t ask, someone else will.

Susan Jacobson is an award-winning communicator, strategist and advisor, bringing decades of experience to her work as president and CEO of Jacobson Strategic Communications, a leading Philadelphia-based public relations firm. Actively engaged in the community, Susan is the current chair of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, vice chair of the National PBS Foundation Board, a commissioner on the Governor’s Pennsylvania Commission for Women, and a contributor to Forbes.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
My mother, Frances Jacobson, inspired me throughout my life. An educator and patron of the arts, she was passionate about helping children, particularly those at risk. She lived a truly selfless life and continues to inspire everyone whose lives she touched.

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace? We must continue to promote flexibility in the workplace, especially since so many women were forced to leave the workforce due to COVID-19. Flexibility empowers women to thrive in their careers.

What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the workplace/in general? Throughout my career, I’ve often been the only woman with a voice at the table–that’s unacceptable. We need to do better to ensure women are equal in the workplace and our voices are valued.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
I was fortunate to have founded a successful company at age 50 and was chosen by my peers to lead the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia at age 60. For future female leaders, I say–don’t ever let your age or gender hinder your success.

Naeemah Johnson is a licensed cosmetologist. For the past two decades, Naeemah has established herself as a successful entrepreneur and beauty expert, as well as salon owner, brand developer, educator, and hair stylist to the stars. She is the creator of Nbeauty Inc. Hair Salon and under the Nbeauty Inc. brand has developed a signature hair and skin care line. Naeemah’s skills paired with her passion for business and marketing allowed her to make an impact on the industry and provide first-class service to everyone who sits in her chair.

Who is a woman that inspires you?
My mother. She always held a corporate job and had a business. We used to make craft baskets and sell them. I went with her to salons on Saturdays as she sold clothes. She owned a salon for 15 years. My mother was my first example of a hard-working businesswoman. 

What do you think needs to be done to level the playing field for women in the workplace? More women need to be respected and trusted to run businesses, and given access to the resources needed for their businesses to grow.

What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the workplace/in general?
Most of the vendors and decision makers that I need to connect with are men. Some are respectful, others talk to you as if you’re not educated enough to have a conversation with them.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
My advice would be to hone your craft and stay ahead of the game.