Metro Philadelphia Power Women 2023

Dr. Nina Ahmad is an advocate for women and communities of color, and is the president of the Pennsylvania chapter of National Organization for Women, and Health Committee Chair of the PHL-NAACP. She’s a first-generation American, scientist, former Deputy Mayor of Public Engagement, and was appointed by President Barack Obama to his Asian American Pacific Islander Commission. As a small business owner, she makes responsible decisions on community investments with union-generated and labor-built partnerships.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
Reproductive healthcare is under attack nationwide. In response to the Dobbs v. Jackson decision overturning the constitutional right to abortion, Philadelphia City Council approved a package of bills aimed at protecting patients seeking abortion care in Philadelphia. This included making it harder for reproductive health-care providers and patients to face legal trouble related to anti-abortion laws in other states. It is critical to safeguard and continue the fight for bodily autonomy, both locally and globally.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
Public safety is critical for all Philadelphians, especially women. Homicides involving women victims are on the rise in Philadelphia, with an increase in both overall and domestic abuse related fatalities. We must make our public transit safer, address domestic violence, and understand the root causes of this uptick in violence. 

Which women have paved the way for you?
My mother, Asma Ahmad, survived wars, a famine, chronic illness, and displacement with grit and resilience. She imbued me with a sense of confidence, led by example, about rolling with the punches and still standing tall. Her deep reservoir of empathy, evidenced by her work as a social worker and then a trained teacher who was beloved by her students and fellow teachers, taught me to find the humanity in each person.

Michelle Aliprantis is the regional director of marketing and communications for Prime Healthcare Pennsylvania Region, which consists of three hospitals: Lower Bucks Hospital, Roxborough Memorial Hospital, and Suburban Community Hospital. She recently started overseeing marketing for the Roxborough School of Nursing located in Philadelphia. A veteran of the healthcare industry, Michelle brings nearly 20 years of health care strategy, business development, marketing, and communications expertise to her role at Prime Healthcare.

Have there been recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. There has been progress over the last decades, but more can always be done. Luckily, I work for a healthcare organization that is committed to improving and advancing healthcare equity.  We have  numerous women in high-level positions. They empower and motivate women to serve with purpose and kindness. Prime does a great job of promoting females into leadership positions.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
I would say focusing on advocacy initiatives relating to leadership development, education, and health and wellness. Another set of ways to support women is by influencing policies and creating opportunities for them. This would include work flexibility for women so that they can navigate all the demands in their lives, work towards equal pay and transparency in job opportunities, and adopt programs that support women through employee resource groups, benefits, and well-being strategies. In addition, focusing on female role models benefits and inspires women to be more ambitious and aim higher.

Which women have paved the way for you?
In 1861, during the Civil War, Clara Barton set up a system of nurses caring for injured soldiers. She was a European humanitarian who aided those injured in combat and started the American Red Cross. After the war, she opened the Office of Missing Soldiers, reconnecting more than 20,000 soldiers with their families. Although Clara devoted her life to healthcare improvements, her impact on history goes far beyond health; she was also a strong supporter of women’s equality and worked passionately to support their rights during a time when it wasn’t popular to do so. 

Anita Allegrezza has over 25 years of experience in sales, service, claims, and operations in the insurance industry. She started Freedom Insurance Group from scratch in an empty office with just a folding table and fax machine. Twenty years later, she is proud to say that Freedom boasts a 97% renewal rate. Her independent agency represents over 20 A+ rated companies, such as Progressive, Safeco, Travelers, The Hartford, AARP, Allstate, and more. The business even won the President’s Award from Safeco in 2020 and 2021. Anita and her team love serving this community.

Kate Boylan holds degrees both in the biological sciences and in creative writing. Kate utilizes her comprehensive background in autoimmunity testing to help researchers locate patient samples and clinical data that will advance diagnostic studies. She is committed to developing her company, PSG, into a leading diagnostic Biobank with access to rare patient cohorts that often go overlooked and underfunded.  

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
Yes. I have witnessed an unprecedented number of women participate in research by donating blood samples to our Biobank. The majority of our donors are women, and as many as 80% of all patients diagnosed with autoimmune diseases are women. So it’s incredible and critical to see this representation within our Biobank. I am beyond excited to see this shift in research and healthcare to a more equal, representative, and inclusive role for women.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
I think increasing wages and more access to education, childcare and flexible work schedules would be huge steps towards supporting women in Philadelphia. I also think recognizing, supporting, and shining the spotlight on women’s issues and successes are paramount.

Which women have paved the way for you?
In all honesty, there are more women than I can name and those I can’t who have made it possible for me to be where I am today. However, I have to acknowledge my mom, who always set the example for an incredible work ethic and overcoming adversity through community support. My business partner, Nichelle Porto, also has been an incredible influence and continues to help forge a path with me.

Rochelle (“Chellie”) L. Cameron is the president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, representing 600,000+ employees across eleven counties. Under Chellie’s leadership, the Chamber is driving business advocacy and growth in the Philadelphia region. Previously, Chellie served as CEO of City of Philadelphia’s Division of Aviation, where she oversaw the Philadelphia International and the Northeast Philadelphia Airports. She is a United States Air Force veteran.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
My appointment as the first female president and CEO in the Chamber’s 222-year history was an important step towards gender equity among Philadelphia’s civic and business community. As I lead the Chamber, I will continue to prioritize diversity and equity. Economic inclusion is a critical part of what we do as a Chamber as we work to build a stronger, more diverse business community in the city and the region. 

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
Working women and women who own businesses contend with a wide range of challenges, such as finding reliable and affordable childcare, and access to capital to grow their businesses. We must do more to support them. I am so proud of the Chamber’s Paradigm Award and scholarship programs, which recognize women business leaders and help working women from Chamber companies finish their degrees. This year, we awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to working women. 

Which women have paved the way for you?
My mother often talks about when she went to college, there were two “acceptable” majors for women: nursing and teaching. She taught me never to take opportunities for granted and to fight for more. There is also an amazing group of women CEOs of airports in the U.S. & Canada who hold up and promote women in aviation. They are some of my best friends and include the most inspiring women I know.

Nicole A. Cashman is the founder and CEO of Cashman & Associates, one of the most recognized marketing and communications agencies in the region. Nicole leads a team of strategic marketing and communications professionals, specializing in the tourism and hospitality, retail, wellness, sports and entertainment, non-profit, and real estate industries. Nicole transformed the public relations industry in Philadelphia and her innate ability to market brands to influential consumers attracts high profile and emerging brands.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
There are more women in the industry than ever before, and they’re doing incredible work.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
Women in Philadelphia are forging opportunities and innovating in all aspects. I’m inspired by the dedication of our local leaders and believe there are incredible things on the horizon for the City of Philadelphia and surrounding region.

Which women have paved the way for you?
There are so many, but I must give credit to women like my mother and grandmother, whose entrepreneurial roots and steadfast work ethic have fueled me my entire career. Their integrity and intellect have always been a driving inspiration for me, and are values that guide me in my everyday work and life.

Ms. Dominique Casimir serves as the senior vice president and chief of staff of the Jefferson enterprise. She engages in enterprise-wide initiatives, and oversees sponsorship and security for all of Jefferson Health, Thomas Jefferson University, and Health Partners Plan. She collaborates with executive staff, external affairs, and provides support to the TJU board of trustees. Dominique also works closely with Jefferson academic, clinical, and insurance leaders. Her background is in finance, economic development, and commercial real estate.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
There have been strides in representation of women in leadership roles in healthcare. However, we still have a long way to go to ensure equal representation, especially for women of color. In recent years, there has been some progress in gender equity in healthcare. Historically, women have been underrepresented in clinical trials, leading to a lack of gender-specific data. Efforts have been made to include more women to ensure the safety and efficacy of treatments.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
Women need to ensure they are mentoring women, especially in fields where we do not see a predominant amount of women. We need to leverage our ideas and best practices so that we can build our own network to implement and support change where needed.

Which women have paved the way for you?
My mother and grandmother. They taught me to dream bigger and better dreams, but also do the work necessary to achieve it. To be kind, courteous, and greet everyone with a warm smile. They instilled in me that perseverance, passion, and prayer go a long way.

Jackie Cuddeback joined the Phillies as a vice president in 2018. In 2022, she was promoted to her current position as the first female senior vice president in the organization’s history. She’s a strategic sports marketing and entertainment executive with 20+ years of experience. Jackie spent many years in key leadership posts at Time Inc. including at People Magazine and People.com. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Jackie attended Germantown Friends School and graduated from the University of Vermont in 1996 where she played Division I lacrosse. Jackie and her husband John live in Radnor, PA, with their three children.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
The strides made for women in baseball have been seen at multiple levels. In the front offices, baseball continues to be the only North American male-professional league with a woman serving as General Manager (Kim Ng), with three additional women serving as Assistant GMs and two as presidents. Additionally, professional baseball has 19 women serving in on-field or player development roles – a new record, and an increase from just three in 2020. MLB’s “Take the Field” program has had a significant impact in this progress. 

What more do you think has to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
There has to be more grant money for female entrepreneurs and women owned businesses so they can flourish in a tough environment. There should be more women on major for-profit and nonprofit boards. Although there have been strides made, women are still in the minority. Boards should reflect the communities they serve. There are many bright, productive women that are highly qualified for major boards; they are just waiting to be recruited. In addition, I think that companies should remain flexible in terms of a hybrid work schedule. Working from home gives women more flexibility as they juggle family and work. Finally, I think there should be more mentorship programs. Successful women leaders at the top of the corporate ladder must pull others up with them. We learn by watching and listening to those that have already achieved. Few reach the top of their fields without someone showing them the way. 

Which women have paved the way for you?
The single biggest influence on me has been my mom. Early in my career, she gave me a small paper weight that read, “what would you attempt to do if you could not fail?” I have carried that paperweight with me to every job and it has been the measure of my success. That philosophy has driven me forward – to push the envelope, be more creative, and believe I can succeed even in the most impossible situations. I have learned, though, that no matter how powerful, most women are constantly struggling with life balance. My mom taught me that this phrase is a misnomer – because life just isn’t balanced. Although my mom had a successful professional life, she always found a way to be present for our family and for me. I watched her impressive career as she ultimately became president of the largest women’s conference in the state, and knew that I could have a family and a successful career too.

Tina D’Orazio enters her 19th season with the Philadelphia Eagles and her fourth year serving as the team’s senior vice president and chief of staff for the office of the chairman/CEO. In her role, Tina oversees the day-to-day operations of the chairman’s office, and is responsible for working with team executives on key priorities and initiatives of the organization and of the National Football League.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
For the past two years, the Eagles have taken proactive measures to help level the playing field for young girls by investing in sports bras and launching a girls flag football league. The benefits that come with participating in sports should be extended equally to both boys and girls of all ages. These two ongoing programs are removing the barriers to competition so that all girls can participate in sports, particularly football.  

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
Fostering a supportive community is key. Having allies that believe in your mission, are aligned with your long-term goals, and take action to drive measurable change can help advance interests for women and marginalized groups. We are fortunate to have amazing leadership – led by Jeffrey Lurie – and incredible partners like Operation Warm, manufacturing 30,000 sports bras for girls in Philadelphia, that empower us to be a voice for those who need it most.

Which women have paved the way for you?
I am extremely grateful to all the female teachers that impacted my life beginning in elementary school.  Along with my mother, a fellow educator, these impressive women have helped me realize my potential.

A native Philadelphian and proud graduate of Community College of Philadelphia and Immaculata University, Sue Daugherty, RDN, LDN, has spent a lifetime focused on improving the health of our communities through nutrition. Originally joining MANNA in 1999 as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and now serving as the organization’s CEO for the last decade, Daugherty has been instrumental in positioning MANNA as a leader in providing evidence-based medical nutrition services in the Greater Philadelphia Area. 

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
More needs to be done to broaden access and exposure for the RDN credential and various career paths for BIPOC women. I’m disappointed that starting in January 2024, the minimum degree requirement to take the registration examination for dietitians changed from a bachelor’s degree to a graduate degree, which will create a further barrier for access. Practical education and a two-year degree gave me the baseline needed for a career in this field.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
In Philadelphia, the gender wage gap broadens during the years of family expansion. The racial gender wage gap broadens even more at this same time. Both are clear indicators that more needs to be done to accommodate mothers in the workplace. In addition, the exposure and entry points into the field and obtaining a credential need to be supportive and accessible – not made more restrictive.

Which women have paved the way for you?
When I was 15, the manager at ShopRite who showed me how to be a working woman; an educator at CCP who pushed me to do my best and find a field I ultimately fell in love with; a clinical instructor and mentor who opened doors that would have never been opened; and several other female leaders, too, who in big and small ways have provided examples of how I’d like to lead.