Metro Philadelphia Power Women 2023

Born in Toronto, Sasha Suda studied at Princeton University, Williams College and earned her PhD at NYU. She worked in the Medieval Department of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, then joined the Art Gallery of Ontario as Curator of European Art and the Elliott Chair of Prints and Drawings. She led international exhibitions and innovative digital initiatives re-contextualizing historical art. She served as director and CEO of the National Gallery of Canada, transforming its mission to focus on external stakeholders, justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. In 2023, she became Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
A recent New York Times article ran with the enticing headline “Increasingly, Women Are Running the World’s Great Museums”. While I was glad to be included in the article, I was thrilled that this recognition broadcasts something I’ve known for a while: that women bring unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership values to museums. This is more crucial than ever as museums nationally and internationally seek to create a more inclusive and diverse art historical narrative, broaden modern and contemporary collections, and open our doors widely.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
There is no finite equation or finishing line for support of women in Philadelphia or elsewhere.  Women bring powerful ideas, skills, leadership qualities, and more to all walks of life, both professionally and personally. We need to continue to support each other through dialogue, by creating opportunities for visibility and advancement, especially for women of color and those who have not enjoyed justice and equality, and by seeing each other and expressing our value of one another in daily life.

Which women have paved the way for you?
Barbara Boehm, my mentor and first boss at The Metropolitan Museum of Art; the renowned Canadian art historian Jean Sutherland Boggs, who was the first woman director of both the National Gallery of Canada and the Philadelphia Museum of Art; Anne d’Harnoncourt, the legendary director of the PMA; and my mother, Helena, who came to Canada from the former Czechoslovakia alone in 1968 to live a freer life.

When first elected, Senator Tartaglione was just the fifth woman ever elected to the Pennsylvania Senate. Now in her 8th term, she is the first woman ever to be elected Senate Democratic Whip by her peers, is the longest serving woman in Pennsylvania Senate history, and will soon become the longest serving woman in history of the Pennsylvania Legislature. Senator Tartaglione is a passionate advocate for women, families, and workers.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
Coming into the Senate in 1995, I was the fifth woman ever to serve in the Senate. Now in 2023, not only do we now have women serving as President Pro Tempore of the Senate and Speaker of the Pennsylvania House, but I have the honor of serving with 15 other women from across our commonwealth in the Pennsylvania Senate. Currently, there are 13 women holding leadership positions in the General Assembly.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
We need to empower women. Too often, barriers – be them systemic or individualized – exist that prevent women from reaching the top. We need to make sure every woman, beginning with little girls in grade school, up to women at the tops of their career, feel empowered to take on the world.

Which women have paved the way for you?
My mother Marge Tartaglione paved the way for me. Growing up, I never had to wonder what a woman could do. My mother was a trailblazer and made men in the “good ol’ boys” club take notice in a time when women were rarely working, let alone serving in politics. In an era where women were rarely afforded a seat at the table, she not only earned her seat – she demanded the whole table.

Tiffany Tavarez is SVP of Technology Diversity, Community and Sustainability at Wells Fargo.  This global team focuses on people strategy, cultural transformation, and sustainability. She serves on multiple boards and committees including the Pennsylvania Commission for Women, Monument Lab, Esperanza, and the Forum of Executive Women. She is a 2023 Marshall Memorial Fellow with the German Marshall Fund and is an alumna of both Temple University and University of the Arts.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
When it comes to the tech sector, women and non-binary people are severely underrepresented, especially those from marginalized groups. The challenge is cyclical: there are less women who graduate with STEM degrees, which limits the talent pool organizations can draw from, and young women not seeing themselves represented decreases their interest in pursuing technology as a career. You cannot be what you cannot see – there is power in intentional representation and true acceptance.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
In 2023, girls still have less – or no – access to quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, equal pay; representation in leadership roles across sectors, including government; as well as an increased likelihood of sexual violence and homicide. To do anything to support us, you need to first believe the data about the urgent state women, girls, and non-binary people across the world, including Philadelphia, are truly in. Significant denial negates insignificant progress.

Which women have paved the way for you?
Some amazing women – including my mother – paved the way for me. One person who changed my life is Mrs. Kahse, my high school art teacher. In the way she supported me, she taught me that paying it forward is not a thing that you do, but rather a way that you live. She always reminded me that Van Gogh said “Normality is a paved road. It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow.”

A recognized trailblazer within Philadelphia’s tourism and hospitality industry, Angela Val brings more than two decades of destination-marketing experience to her role at Visit Philadelphia, which she assumed in June 2022. She plays an impactful part in positioning and elevating Philadelphia as a must-visit tourism destination amongst domestic leisure travelers, committed to bringing vibrancy to Philadelphia’s business and cultural communities. Val has played important roles in almost every major event the City of Philadelphia has hosted since 2000.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
The needle is moving but there is still a long way to go. Only over the last 10 years has there been a recognition of the value and importance of diverse leadership at the C-level. There has been growth at the director, VP, senior VP, and executive VP levels, as well as specific types of departments, such as HR or sales and marketing, but not so much at the C-level.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
There needs to be a commitment in all cities to intentionally address issues women across the country face. To support women advancing in their careers, start with the basics: don’t trivialize or undermine women’s efforts, provide equal compensation, don’t be biased towards working moms and recruit and mentor women for leadership positions. Meet with other women often, support each other’s work, give each other opportunities to lead and believe in each other and yourself.

Which women have paved the way for you?
My mom and grandmother instilled the belief in me that I could do anything. Wilma Dean, my 6th-grade teacher, changed my life by recognizing and helping me with my learning disability. Meryl Levitz, the founding and former president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia gave me a seat at the table. Julie Coker, the first and only Black woman leader I have worked for. Sue Jacobson expanded my network and gave me a chance to lead.

Robin Wiessmann oversees 16 divisions expanding affordable housing across Pennsylvania. She manages operations and initiatives promoting affordable housing, homeownership, housing counseling, local housing initiatives. Wiessmann’s public service includes secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, and Pennsylvania Treasurer and deputy director of Finance for Philadelphia. Her private career included a founding principal and president of Artemis Capital Group, the first women-owned investment banking firm on Wall Street, and leadership positions at Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
In the 2022 Qualified Action Plan, PHFA incentivized applicants to partner with women owned developers and subcontractors. We hope that these partnerships will grow the capacity of women owned businesses so that they can apply individually and reap the full benefits of LIHTC investments. Furthermore, PHFA announced its Developer Opportunity Fund, a $10M commitment to build the capacity of MWBE businesses by offering guarantees and loans to emerging developers.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia must raise its minimum wage to a living wage, $15/hour. In the last 60 years society has made progress in giving women economic autonomy, but there is still work to do. In order for women to provide for their family, leave dangerous relationships, live in decent homes, and feel personal gratification in their career, they must be able to make a decent living for themselves. Economic self-sufficiency is essential for a vibrant city.

Which women have paved the way for you?
All working women, particularly those balancing work and family, inspire me. Many years ago, the first woman partner at a major Philadelphia law firm, Lila Roomberg, of Ballard Spahr, made a deep impression on me, and was a strong role model.

Lisa Wilkins’ career in clinical research began 17 years ago by joining a small family business that focused on improving the quality of life. It was an honor for her to work side by side with the medical team to help bring better medications to the community for mental illness. She has been awarded the opportunity to meet so many amazing people in the Philadelphia community.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
The FDA encouraging clinical trial diversity.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
Providing education and information about the resources available to help them reach any and all of their goals.

Which women have paved the way for you?
Choosing any one individual is quite a challenge. My path continues to be paved by every woman that works hard and maximizes their potential. I measure success by growth in a position and by having a positive impact on others. Whether a stay at home mom or a top executive, everyone’s contributions are needed, valued, and appreciated.

Laura Burkhardt was born and bred in Baltimore. She moved to Denver to work for Guest Informant and spent over 15 years working in many cities for them. She moved back to the East Coast and found a new home at Where Philadelphia. Post-pandemic, a friend, Jeff Guaracino, suggested that she apply for her current position. Two years later, I am thrilled to be an advocate for the street that holds so many memories, the Avenue of the Arts.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
If women cannot support and cheerlead for other women, we will never get ahead. We have to collaborate and find ways to work together.