Metro Philadelphia Power Women 2023

Cynthia F. Figueroa is the president and CEO of JEVS Human Services. Cynthia is a dynamic leader with 25 years of experience in the government and non-profit human service sectors. She builds high-performing, diverse teams, and develops outcome-based programs and services. She is also a creative problem-solver, a staunch advocate for vulnerable communities, and skilled at leading effective collaborations. Prior to JEVS, Cynthia was City of Philadelphia Deputy Mayor, Office of Children and Families.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
The social services sector has a large representation of women. Senior leadership does not always reflect this. I was excited to join JEVS Human Services as its first woman and ethnic minority CEO since its founding in 1941. One of my early activities was a gender pay equity study. Using data, we assessed and made adjustments that bring equity. In the Philadelphia region, the gap between women and men is 18%. We brought JEVS to 5.6%.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
Women must be present in all levels of government leadership as well as in the private sector – both as staff executive leadership and in the boardroom. Plus, we need to create career pathways for women that allow them to support their families. Another way we can support women in the workplace is by ensuring benefits include maternity leave and healthcare, and having the flexibility to accommodate child-rearing responsibilities.

Which women have paved the way for you?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have numerous women pave the way for me. Professionally, I’m grateful for Alba Martinez, Carol Tracy, Sharmaine Matlock Turner, and Charisse Lillie. They have supported me throughout my career with expert advice and guidance. Their advice and mentorship have been invaluable. Personally, my mother and my sisters paved the way for me. They demonstrated how to lead with sincerity and heart.

Lynne Fox is the international president of Workers United, the union supporting Starbucks Workers United, a campaign that’s captured the spirit and future of the labor movement. Fox is manager of the Philadelphia Joint Board, Workers United, Chair of the Amalgamated Bank, Chair of the Workers United Health Funds, Chair of the Amalgamated Life Insurance Company, member of the Philadelphia Airport Advisory Board, and a VP on the Philadelphia and NJ AFL-CIO Councils.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
I am the first female international president of our union since it was first chartered at the turn of the 20th century. Our general executive board is diverse and resembles our general membership.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
I hope for the day when leaders will be judged for their work and accomplishments, and not for how they look or identify.

Which women have paved the way for you?
I stand on the shoulders of all of the women – and men – who founded our union in the early 1900s. It is their collective legacy that guides all of my decisions and moves me to lead an organization that has grown and achieved so much since it was given to me to guide, grow, preserve and protect.

Marianne Fray is chief executive officer of the Maternity Care Coalition. MCC’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of families, while enhancing school readiness for children ages 0-3 years old. MCC’s comprehensive approach includes direct services, advocacy, and research and evaluation. Marianne earned her MBA from St. Joseph’s University, her bachelor’s from Bryn Mawr College, is a Certified Association Executive, holds a certificate in nonprofit management, and earned her certificate in project management.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
The growing movement within Black communities demanding reproductive justice and to own our birth journeys is heartening. We need to stay focused on the intersecting fights for gender and racial equity. The increase in awareness of doula services, advocacy for legislation addressing the US maternal health crisis, and the recently extended postpartum Medicaid coverage are all big strides towards a future where women can birth with dignity, parent with autonomy, and raise healthy, thriving babies. 

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
MCC’s policy priorities include equitable and accessible health coverage for pregnant people, protecting comprehensive reproductive health access, and support for paid parental leave. We see firsthand that a combined approach of direct service, advocacy, and research and evaluation helps create effective programs, such as MCC’s evidence-based home visiting programs, where we bring supportive services to meet clients where they are. Programs using this comprehensive approach support women and families in Philadelphia.  

Which women have paved the way for you?
Many smart, strong women inspired me throughout my life. My mother and two sisters remain my inspiration, and are a reminder to fight for racial and social justice. The renowned poet Sonia Sanchez was my undergrad professor at Bryn Mawr College and helped me find my voice. My fellow Founders of Women of Color in Pharma encouraged me in my role with MCC to think big, and to act boldly. 

With over 25 years of experience in healthcare administration and operations, Kathleen P. Gallagher is nationally recognized in providing financial, strategic, and operational expertise to academic medical centers and teaching hospitals. Among Ms. Gallagher’s responsibilities are the oversight of university operations and administration, management of the university’s strategic plan, and coordination of corporate services and administrative responsibility for academic affiliations and partnerships.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
I am grateful to see an increasing number of women being named to positions of leadership in higher education. Their candidacy is not because they are women – it’s talent, expertise, experience, empathy, and capability that are embraced for leadership positions… and they are women. I am so advantaged to work with exceptionally diverse leaders at Jefferson who are Deans of colleges, who hold leadership positions in critical administrative areas, and who are across the faculty and staff.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
I believe that what we all want is to live in a fair and equitable society, in Philadelphia and beyond. Awareness, focus, and active dialogue, as well as investment in education, can go a long way – recognizing individuals, companies, and organizations who celebrate equity and are proud of the advancements in gender equity should be regularly acknowledged. The value of sharing lessons learned in a forum for dialogue, resource access, and mentoring is immeasurable.

Which women have paved the way for you?
Local inspirations such as an early nurse manager, Karen McGough; Dean of the Nursing Administration Program at Penn, Cynthia Scalzi; Judee Von Seldeneck; Dr. Marion Siegman, the first woman chair at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Jefferson; and Joann Epps at Temple University. From afar, Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and probably more importantly the nameless people whom I will never meet who advocate and support gender equity every day.

Valerie V. Gay is a nonprofit administrator, recording and performing artist, and Certified Financial Planner. Val is deputy director and chief experience officer for the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. A serial entrepreneur since 2006, the companies and organizations Val leads have at their core the mission of improving the lives of others, and includes an arts nonprofit, business consulting and a lifestyle apparel brand. Val holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of the Arts and achieved a Master of Music from Temple University.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
According to Ithaka S+R, female employees represent over 75% of museum staff. From 2015 to 2022, female employees in museum leadership increased from 58% to 66%. From an entrepreneurial perspective, there has been a 114% increase in female entrepreneurship over the past 20 years, and according to the Harvard Business Review, black women entrepreneurs are the fastest growing demographic group.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
I think we need to continue efforts already begun, including access to subsidized, high quality childcare; paid time off for hourly workers to care for family members when needed; access to paid internships and education continuation/completion incentives; increasing opportunities for advancement in the workplace, especially to C-Suite positions; and increasing opportunities to join corporate boards. In general, making it easier for women to actualize their potential.

Which women have paved the way for you?
My mother, Viola Gay. Women who have (informally) mentored me: Mrs. Evelyn Pugh, Mrs. Alice Anderson, Dr. Constance Clayton, Dr. Eileen Cline, Margaret Goldfarb, Karen Minyard, Arlene Yocum, Rosanna Celluzzi, Charisse Lillie. Women whose professional careers I’ve admired: Jessye Norman, Kathleen Battle.

Errin Haines is editor at large and a founding mother of The 19th, a nonprofit, independent newsroom focused on the intersection of gender, politics, and policy. Errin was previously national writer on race and ethnicity for The Associated Press. She has worked at The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Orlando Sentinel. Errin has also taught classes on race, gender, and the 2020 election at the Georgetown University Institute of Politics and Princeton University.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
There have been! Most notably, I would say the creation of our newsroom, which was started to address the lack of representation in political journalism for women and people of color. Our industry has also seen women taking the helm of some of our most storied newsrooms, including the Associated Press, The Washington Post, the Charlotte Observer, the Houston Chronicle, and the Miami Herald.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
Continue to close the wage gap! Support for caregivers, teachers, gig workers, and other fields in which women are disproportionately represented.

Which women have paved the way for you?
My mother! She was the first woman to believe in me and encourage me. My mentors in journalism and many of the trailblazing Black women in journalism who have done groundbreaking work under circumstances tougher than those I face today.

A Drexel graduate, seasoned marketing and community relations professional, Tanya Hall has experience in healthcare and hospitality. Prior to joining Aetna, Tanya spearheaded numerous initiatives that positively impacted Philadelphia’s hospitality and tourism industry. Known for her ability to understand business goals at enterprise and functional levels, Tanya is respected for creating community initiatives that set her apart as a differentiator and trailblazer.  Her 12-person team designs and leads community programs that grow membership, revenue, and brand.  

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
In 2021, Karen Lynch was named CVS Health CEO with a goal for us to touch the entire spectrum of an individual’s health journey. As a health services company we seek to provide more transparent, equitable, and accessible healthcare for women. From medical services and products we may need most, to policy change and strategic partnerships, CVS® supports women’s mental and physical well-being. Examples include our comprehensive heart health care and pink tax initiatives.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
In my opinion, women in the Philadelphia region benefit from access to mental and physical healthcare, education, job training and employment, safety, childcare, and other life essentials like affordable housing, nutritional food, and fair wages. Having opportunities to build successful networks, mentors and sponsors enable professional growth, development, visibility, and advancement.

Which women have paved the way for you?
I’ve benefited personally and professionally from many women. My mother was a fierce example to me as a go-getter who pursued her goals and brought a sense of humor and grace to every room. Other African-American women who are and were hospitality and tourism trailblazers including Marcia Rafig, Valerie Ferguson, and Ahmeenah Young each stretched and challenged me early in my career and gave me wisdom filled nuggets that I still cling to today.

Sheila Hess was appointed by Mayor Jim Kenney as Philadelphia’s City Representative in 2016 to serve as an ambassador. Her office tells the City’s positive and good news stories with PR and marketing, and produces ceremonial and special events while celebrating diversity and commitment to civic engagement. Involved with various nonprofits and tourism/hospitality boards, Sheila is known as “Philadelphia’s top cheerleader.” Last month she delivered a Commencement address at Rosemont College and received an honorary degree during its 100th commencement ceremony.

Which women have paved the way for you?
Personally, I am blessed to have a Mom who paved the way for me. She is my inspiration and role model. She lives every day to the fullest with a positive outlook and leads a life of faith. She has taught strong family values, a great work ethic; to give back, make a difference, and be grateful for what we have. Professionally, Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake is my mentor, shero, and a leader whom I admire and respect.

Since becoming chief defender in November 2021, Keisha Hudson has brought local and national attention to the critical role played by public defenders in maintaining and reforming our criminal justice system. By combining her background as an accomplished lawyer, leader and activist, she has improved the Defender’s delivery of services to its clients, achieved pay parity for Defender attorneys and staff, and refocused the Defender’s mission to be a more people-focused and inclusive organization.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
In my tenure, we undertook an exhaustive review of salary and have ensured that women are earning the same pay as men.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
As a whole, salary equity across the board for women in similar positions and comparable tenure. Additionally, financial assistance to ease the cost of childcare.

Which women have paved the way for you?
My mother, Marcia Scott-Hudson, who emigrated here, leaving her young children behind, so that she could make a better life for my brother and me.

Erika H. James is dean of the Wharton School. Trained as an organizational psychologist, Dean James is a leading expert on crisis leadership, workplace diversity, and management strategy. An award-winning educator, accomplished consultant, and researcher, she is the first woman and person of color to be appointed dean of the Wharton School. Her latest book is The Prepared Leader: Emerge from Any Crisis More Resilient Than Before.