Metro Philadelphia Power Women 2023

Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake is a reverend, philanthropist, and activist. She is a collaborator and convener in ensuring the health and well-being of her community. Her leadership and community service have been recognized by diverse organizations such as The Urban League of Philadelphia, Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter, The Philadelphia Business Journal 2023 Power 101 list, 2022 power of Diversity: Black 100 list by City and State Pennsylvania, WDAS-FM, and West Chester University. 

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
There has been progress for women in healthcare leadership positions, including women leading major health insurance companies and health systems like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. However, we need to do more, which is why it’s so important for me to mentor young women, especially young women of color, so that they won’t be limited in what they aspire to do or become. 

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
I applaud organizations that are already paving the way for women of all ages to succeed, such as the Urban Affairs Coalition and PA Conference for Women and Girls Scouts, which have been doing amazing work for decades. We need more organizations like these that provide leadership programming and mentorship, and encourage women to reach their highest potential.

Which women have paved the way for you?
Many women have paved the way for me – either by leading, or by supporting others from behind. For me, these women include my cultural “sheroes” — such as Maya Angelou, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Sojourner Truth — and my many mentors and role models — including Charisse Lillie, Delores Brisbon, Rev. Dorothy Watson Tatum, Anne Rice Mullin, my second- grade teacher Mrs. Koon, and my mother.

Elected to serve communities in Philadelphia and Delaware County in 2015, Joanna McClinton became Pennsylvania’s first woman Speaker of the House in February 2023.  A southwest Philadelphia resident, and Grace Temple Christian Academy, LaSalle University, and Villanova University School of Law graduate, she was a public defender and chief counsel to Senator Anthony Williams before being elected. McClinton has earned several distinctions, including City and State PA’s 40 Under 40 and Politico Recast’s Power List.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
2023 has been a landmark year for women in state government. The Speaker of the House, the Senate Pro Tempore and the Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court are all women. There are also a record number of women – 62 –serving in the state House. On the national level, Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation has more women than ever before, including Congresswoman Summer Lee, the first African American woman elected to Congress from Pennsylvania.

Which women have paved the way for you?
My mother was my first role model, and where I learned the value of public service. Other trailblazers like Crystal Bird Fauset, who represented Philadelphia in the state House and was the first female African American state legislator elected in the United States, and Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman to be elected to Congress, also inspire me. 

Corie Moskow is a wife, mother of two incredible sons, an entrepreneur, a connector, and a planner. Through her PR work, she specializes in hospitality, real estate, fashion, art, beauty, and fundraising, as well as matters like place-making and real estate development, creative and impact economy, and the science of leadership. Founded by Corie in 2004, Gloss PR has been built completely by word of mouth referrals. The company partners with organizations to provide solutions through public relations, marketing, events and development strategies. 

Dr. Nikia Owens is the president and CEO of Campaign for Working Families, and provides the leadership and strategic direction for the organization. Owens has served in leadership roles in research, education and human services, and had positions on both state and local boards, working closely with state officials in analyzing public policy. Owens holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Social Work from Howard University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work Planning, Administration, and Social Science.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
Absolutely – women continue to make significant strides in education, human services, research, and policy. However, breaking glass ceilings, particularly for black women, remains a work in progress.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
If there is to be a more viable and vibrant Philadelphia, where women rise and hold positions not yet realized, women from all races and walks of life need to support each other – to elevate women who are empathetic leaders that are responsive, respectful, engaged, intentional, active, compassionate, strategic, timely, and authentic to others and self.

Which women have paved the way for you?
My mother is first credited with paving the way for me. It would be amiss for me not to acknowledge the black women like Sarah Remond, Ellen Craft, Harriet Tubman, Ona Judge, Elizabeth Freeman, Ida B. Wells, and the countless other black women whose shoulders I stand on, that paved the way for me to fulfill my potential and purpose – as freedom is not free.

Cherelle Parker is the Democratic nominee for Mayor of Philadelphia, a mother to her son Langston, a former educator, two-term City Councilmember, and five-term member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Parker was brought up by her grandmother, attending Philadelphia public schools and receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Lincoln University and the University of Pennsylvania, respectively. Parker is running to champion a safer, cleaner, and greener future for all Philadelphians.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
I have spent my entire life at the intersection of race and gender, so I can say with confidence that we have a long way to go, despite the strides that have been made in regard to gender equity. That is why, as Mayor, I am determined to be the champion for feminist causes and for Philadelphians of every race, gender, and creed.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
There have been 99 mayors in the history of our great city. I am proud to be poised as the first woman Democratic nominee for Mayor. The single most important thing that can occur in my Administration is having a leader who has the lived experiences that I’ve had. As Mayor, I am committed to being that advocate, for women and every Philadelphian who has ever felt devalued, rejected, or discriminated against.

Which women have paved the way for you?
I stand on the shoulders of many women who have inspired me throughout my life. I would be nowhere without my grandmother, aunt, and all of the matriarchs who raised me, as well as my professional mentors City Councilmembers Marian Tasco and Gussie Clark, who saw something in me long before I saw it in myself.

Cherron Perry-Thomas is an experienced wellness professional with a strong passion for the power of plants in promoting health and wellbeing. As the founder of Green Dandelion Marketing and Sales, and co-owner of Plant and People, a plant wellness shop in West Philadelphia, Cherron has dedicated her career to helping people connect with the benefits of a lifestyle with plants. Her passion for wellness has made her a leading voice for plant wellness. 

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
As a self-proclaimed ‘plant pusher’, I have dedicated my career to advocating for the benefits of a whole plant lifestyle across various industries. I have navigated through male-dominated industries. I have observed that these industries are often controlled by men with established networks and resources, leaving women with a significant gap. Nonetheless, pursuing certifications has helped some women secure government and institutional contracts. The work to closing the gap continues to evolve. 

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
Many women-owned businesses in Philadelphia lack the necessary certifications to access support and resources required to grow. Government and institutional leaders must devise creative solutions to address this gap. A comprehensive platform that offers support and accountability could be one such solution. As an advocate of cooperatives and resource-sharing, we have to collaborate and promote each other more. We share a lot with our neighbors at INI Collective to feature both of our businesses. 

Which women have paved the way for you?
My mom has been instrumental in enabling me to pursue my path. She has always encouraged me to explore independently, without any judgment or expectation, right from my early years. I’m grateful to her for allowing me to be myself, which has helped me trust in my abilities and live a life that doesn’t need others’ approval. It has empowered me to do what’s right even when nobody’s watching. 

With almost fifteen years working for the city as a public servant – a decade for two different mayors and five years as the independently elected city controller – Rebecca Rhynhart has a proven record of creating real change for our city and a data-driven approach to making city government actually work for people. Most recently, she was a candidate for Mayor of Philadelphia.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
Pennsylvania has never elected a woman to serve as Governor or U.S. Senator, and it is long overdue for Philadelphia to have our first woman mayor. This was a historic primary with a number of highly-qualified women both leading the field and bringing important perspectives to the conversation throughout this race. The mayoral race was defined by trailblazing women, and I’m honored to be part of that milestone.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
From healthcare to housing and beyond, we need to take a lens of equity to every issue that affects women in Philadelphia and how women’s intersecting identities compound the challenges women face. For instance, we have an infant and maternal mortality crisis impacting Black mothers that calls for urgent action. We need leadership dedicated to developing solutions that address the needs of women across race and socioeconomic status.

Which women have paved the way for you?
As women, it’s important to lift up and support each other. As City Controller and in my run for mayor, I have had strong diverse women in leadership roles on my team. These women have helped me accomplish what I have been able to accomplish – I couldn’t do it without them.

Leslie S. Richards is CEO and general manager of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), the sixth largest public U.S transportation agency. Going beyond just transit, SEPTA supports equity and enhances quality of life by connecting people with opportunity, catalyzing the economy, and sustaining our environment. Richards, a staunch advocate for women and diversity in transportation and government, has been recognized for her leadership in the industry and continued commitment to public service.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
For the first time, the US Department of Transportation has centered equity as a department-wide strategic goal. Additionally, leadership at the DOT includes women holding key roles, such as Deputy Secretary and Federal Transit Administration, whose voices inform the progress forward. At SEPTA, we have put into place groundbreaking programs to foster a diverse, healthy, and vibrant workplace to ensure an inclusive environment for all who work here and do business with us.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
As leaders, we need to examine the metrics of diversity in leadership and boards with whom we do business, and set a quantifiable expectation that all voices are included across those organizations. Additionally, creating opportunities and support for women to enter or re-enter the workforce by realigning our infrastructure, our workforce, and our resources is key. Women require high-quality, affordable childcare; safe, accessible transportation options; and workplace flexibility to participate fully in Philadelphia’s workforce.

Which women have paved the way for you?
Upon re-entering the workforce after starting a family, I worked with two women-owned engineering firms whose support and mentorship demonstrated it was possible to build a career. Their encouraging, flexible workplace environment provided me a space to regain my professional footing and launch my career forward. WTS has also supported and provided me with opportunities to grow as a leader, support other women in transit, and amplify the message of equity and diversity within transit.

Angela Ringenary is a talented woman who always strives for excellence. She is driven by the mission of the Livengrin Foundation. Her exceptional skills and unwavering determination have made her an inspiration to many. With her passion for helping others to achieve and maintain recovery, Angela has become a leader in her field and continues to make a positive impact on those around her.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
There have been recent strides for gender equity in the addiction treatment field. According to a study published in PubMed, there is a need to implement and scale-up gender-responsive addiction programming and address the root drivers of substance use inequities among women.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
There are many organizations in Philadelphia, such as Livengrin Foundation, that offer recovery and support for women. We need to work on making programs such as peer-support, learning to respect yourself, self-care versus focusing on care for others, and self-reliance more readily available to women.

Which women have paved the way for you?
There are so many women who have paved the way for many female executives; Katharine Graham, publisher of The Washington Post and the first female Fortune 500 CEO; Indra Nooyi, and Mary Barra who were both known for being powerful businesswomen. For me, personally, the strong women of my family – my grandmother, mother, aunts, and sisters – have helped pave the way, while also serving as role models and a source of inspiration and motivation.