Power Women 2024

Representative Donna Bullock is a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives representing the 195th Legislative District in north Philadelphia and the greater art museum area and has served as such since 2015. In the house she is chair of two committees, the children and youth committee and the ethics committee. Bullock sits on the executive board of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and is a former member of the Appropriations Committee. She resides in Strawberry Mansion with her husband, Otis Bullock, and their two sons.

Rochelle “Chellie” L. Cameron is the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, representing over 600,000 employees across 11 counties. Under Chellie’s leadership, the Chamber drives impact and business growth in the Greater Philadelphia region. The Chamber works to amplify the impact of business in the region, advocate for a more competitive business climate, and grow a vibrant and diverse business community.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Greater Philadelphia’s rich talent base is among its greatest assets and opportunities. At the Chamber, we seek to build bridges between industry and the organizations that prepare and train the current and future workforce. Through a series of services, programs, and engagement opportunities, the Chamber provides connection points that proactively build Greater Philadelphia’s talent pool for the high-quality jobs of today and tomorrow.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
I would advise the next generation of women leaders to let their passions guide their careers. For me, that meant pursuing a passion for service through serving my country, community, and employees. If your career isn’t fueled by your passion, it’s never too late to pivot.

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
Working women contend with numerous challenges, such as finding reliable and affordable childcare and access to capital to grow their businesses. For many working women and their families, economic prosperity is dependent on access to affordable childcare. The average cost of childcare in Pennsylvania was between $9,000 to $13,000 last year. We must ensure women have access to the resources they need to grow their careers and businesses and support their families.

Since 2011, Stephanie Catarino Wissman has led the American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania (API PA), a state affiliate office of the American Petroleum Institute, representing all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry. Wissman was appointed to Governor Shapiro’s transition team; and was selected to serve on the Philadelphia liquified natural gas (LNG) export task force, which was established to explore the potential for an LNG export terminal to harness our rich natural gas reserves and help supply our allies with reliable energy.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
The natural gas and oil industry is essential to supporting a modern standard of living for all by ensuring that communities have access to affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy, and we are committed to working with local communities and policymakers to promote these principles across the energy sector. Our top priority remains public health and safety and proactive community engagement and feedback aimed at fostering a culture of trust, inclusivity and transparency is paramount.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
Work hard and stay focused. It is so important to know your craft and the subject matter you are representing. Women should strive to be a resource to their audiences on their areas of expertise and when carried out, you will be respected. Do more listening than talking. Attention to detail and responsiveness will never go out of style and are key ingredients to being successful. Never forget to keep a sense of humor!

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
Creating a level playing field and advancing policies that provide career and workforce opportunities can help support women regardless of whether they are starting college or a business. In Pennsylvania, we need to do a better job of attracting and retaining talented women. Policies that encourage economic growth and a skilled, diverse workforce can help empower and retain women while investing in our future.

In November 2016 Representative Morgan Cephas was elected to serve her first term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. She is a West Philadelphia native and a  lifelong public servant, working tirelessly to forge cross-sector collaborations and partnerships to solve some of the community’s biggest challenges. After earning her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Virginia, Cephas served as deputy chief of staff to Philadelphia City Council Member Curtis Jones Jr. There, she helped ensure families in the district were able to live, work and play in thriving neighborhoods. Throughout her time in the house of representatives, Cephas has introduced legislation to reverse the trend of maternal mortality and improve healthcare for mothers and children, reduce gun violence, and to bring dignity to incarcerated women. 

Jen Childs is the co-founder and producing artistic director of 1812 Productions, Philadelphia’s all-comedy theatre company. For 1812 she has created over 25 original works of comedic theater including their annual political humor show, “THIS IS THE WEEK THAT IS”. She is a three-time Barrymore award-winner and her work as a writer, director and performer has been seen on stages across the country. She believes the world needs more comedy.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
1812’s education program has been in residence at South Philadelphia High School and the Widener School for Children with Disabilities for the past 26 years. Our education director, Tanaquil Márquez, and all of our teaching artists do an amazing job at using theater and comedy to teach life skills, ESL, playwriting, design and so much more. It is active learning and a way for students to see what is possible through theater, laughter and joy.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
As a leader, I used to think I needed to have all the answers. As I’ve gotten older I realize there is great power in being able to say “I don’t know”. Allowing yourself to live in the question gives time to explore creative possibilities, find collaborative solutions and listen deeply to the people and the world around you. It makes the place you arrive more meaningful and the things you do know more clear.

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
Protect our right to choose.

Jeannine A. Cook is a trusted writer and designer for several startups, corporations, nonprofits, influencers, and most recently herself. She is the owner and creative behind Harriett’s, Ida’s, and Josephine’s Bookshops. Jeannine’s work has been recognized by several national and international news outlets including New York Times, Vogue, Google, Forbes Inc., The Washington Post, Oprah’s magazine, MSNBC, and the Today Show.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Jeannine and her sister Jasmaine are currently hosting the Sisterhood Sit-In Trolley Tour – an annual tour that takes you to five other Black women owned businesses in Philadelphia. Last year’s tour attracted riders from 72 zip codes. This year’s tour is dedicated to the work of local literary legend, Lorene Cary and her book/play – “Ladysitting”. It takes riders to local business corridors anchored by Yowie, Coffee Cream and Dreams, Juiced by B, Amazulu, and Trunc.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
The path with no beginning is worth beginning.

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
Policymakers need to incentivize Black Women’s Business and Nonprofit Collectives that encourage small business owners and cultural institution leaders to purchase, maintain and pass down their own properties. Our vision is to form transformative collectives that work as a unified force, strategically distributing resources within the group, allowing us to own and operate our own land, fund our own projects, enhance our visibility, skill and resource share.

Aileen Dagrosa, Philadelphia Eagles’ senior vice president, general counsel and administrative officer, joined the team in 2007 as director of legal affairs. Dagrosa oversees legal and government affairs, human resources, league compliance, internal policies, and the team’s DEI initiatives. She advises on legal aspects of the Eagles’ business and football operations and Lincoln Financial Field. She earned a B.A. in psychology from Yale and J.D. with a certificate in sports law from Tulane Law School.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
One of our key initiatives that has quickly grown in popularity over the last few years has been our Girls Flag Football League. The Eagles believe that boys and girls of all ages should have equal access to the many benefits that sports provides. With 65 teams across greater Philadelphia, we are getting closer to our goal of making girls flag football an officially sanctioned high school sport in Pennsylvania.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
We are now at a point where it is commonplace to have women at the decision-making table. Do not be afraid to speak up and use your voice. Our opinions are not only valued and respected by those around us, but they are vital to the conversation. Be confident in your abilities and let’s continue opening doors for the next generation of women.

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
Continuing to advocate for women’s rights at both the federal, state and local levels will further drive change and advance gender equality. This happens by challenging current policies and laws, electing officials who can serve as a voice for those who do not have one, and understanding the key issues that women face in our personal and professional lives.

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.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Recognizing “Food Is Medicine” as a prescribed treatment. The term is used so broadly and causes confusion. MANNA doesn’t just provide meals. We provide meals that are prescribed by health care providers. These meals are scientifically designed to meet all the needs of the individual. For example, if someone comes to MANNA for high blood pressure and needs sodium control but also has diabetes and needs carbohydrate control, we tailor their meals to meet that.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
Surround yourself with other women leaders that inspire you. Never stop learning or being inspired. And, if you are feeling nervous to take something, that might just mean it is something that excites you!

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
In general, I believe we need to support and promote women, and most importantly, mentor one another. If you are in a position of power, it’s important to be intentional about uplifting and giving opportunities to other women.

Hazel is the Transgender Services program manager at Galaei. She has presented trainings across the country for thousands of service providers on anti-oppression. In 2016, Hazel co-authored the School District of Philadelphia’s Policy 252, which created protections for transgender students. Then, worked as a research assistant at the University of Pennsylvania, interviewing transgender students. The findings have been published in an academic journal titled, ‘Risk, Resilience, Resistance and Situated Agency of Trans High School Students”.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
I am also a nightlife performer and have produced a monthly show, “Luna’s Nightcap”, for the past three years. All bodies should be celebrated. My show’s mission is to center POC performers and sex workers alike. I cultivated this brave space from my own sexual trauma and history with survival sex work. When I perform, I feel empowered. My show uplifts folks who are doing sexual liberation work, grounded in bodily autonomy.

State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler serves the people of the 184th District in South Philadelphia. As a mother of two young children, she’s dedicated to fighting for quality public schools and has been a leader in the fight to repair hazardous school buildings. She works hard to pass legislation that benefits working people, improves women’s health, and addresses climate change. Before working in Harrisburg, Fiedler was a reporter at the NPR affiliate public radio station WHYY-FM.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
I have a bill called Solar for Schools (https://www.pahouse.com/Fiedler/Solar4Schools) that would help school districts fund the construction of solar arrays. Because energy costs are so high, districts generating their own solar power could save a lot of money – to spend on more staff or even on building repairs. Because of solar’s environmental benefits and our commitment to creating good jobs, the bill is supported by environmental organizations, labor unions, and education groups alike. It’s a win-win-win.

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
We must lower the maternal mortality rate, expand treatment for postpartum depression, and provide paid family leave and universal pre-k. Improving maternal health and helping parents pursue careers will make our whole commonwealth stronger. Women, of course, will benefit from all policies that help working people. That’s why I support repealing the uniformity clause (https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2023/10/pennsylvania-low-income-tax-forgiveness-constitution/), which will allow us to create a progressive tax system, fund public services, and lessen the tax burden on working people.