Power Women 2024

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 vice president on the Philadelphia and New Jersey AFL-CIO Councils.

Jamie R. Gauthier represents West and Southwest Philadelphia as the 3rd District city council member. Since assuming office in January 2020, Council Member Jamie Gauthier has fought for her constituents’ right to live with dignity and remain in the neighborhoods they’ve called home for decades. She is the only elected official in the city of Philadelphia with a planning degree, offering her a unique perspective on a range of social and economic issues.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
As part of my Defying Displacement campaign, I introduced a package of legislation that tackles our city’s housing crisis head-on. The bills provide tax relief to low-income homeowners, crack down on illegal discrimination against renters using housing vouchers, and ensure communities with rapid development benefit from density bonus payments made to the city. As the chair of the City Council’s committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless, I will keep working to combat displacement.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
Craft a vision for what you want to do and where you want to be. Then, be in spaces and near people that will give you the experience you need to achieve your vision. Do not be afraid to ask for help, and do not be afraid to take calculated risks. Follow your gut, and don’t forget that glass ceilings are meant to be broken, so why not you?

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
Lawmakers have to make sure that we women have the support and resources we need from our government to sustain ourselves, remain healthy, and thrive. Especially in this political climate, Pennsylvania lawmakers must continue to defend our fundamental right to reproductive health care and ensure we have access to childcare, housing, and fair wages. And most importantly, we deserve to be listened to, and we deserve a seat at every single table!

Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson is currently serving her second term as an at-large member of Philadelphia City Council. A lifelong Philadelphian, she shattered glass ceilings following her historic election when she became the youngest woman in Philadelphia to be elected citywide and the youngest Black woman ever elected to Philadelphia City Council. She is focused on addressing Philadelphia’s most pressing issues and creating a safer, more resilient City of Philadelphia for us all.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
The rapid increase of Philadelphians experiencing homelessness is an ongoing concern of mine. This year, I introduced legislation to address the city’s Office of Homeless Services’ (OHS). This resolution will authorize the council’s committee on finance to investigate the operations of OHR as well as the quality of services being provided. I am also working with my colleagues and SEPTA’s leadership team to ensure that the Bus Revolution plan is fair and equitable for all communities.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
Always remember, keep God first, and do the follow-up and the follow-through. Nothing is more important in life or your career than being reliable, dependable, and keeping your word. As you embark on the next steps in your professional career, remember that the best way to advance is to take action and work hard until the work is done.

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
From the newly launched Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus that will change the trajectory of Maternal health outcomes to expanding paid parental leave across the commonwealth, I am so excited about the amazing work our officials have been doing in Harrisburg. The best way our policymakers can support the interests of women across the commonwealth is to continue advancing policies that protect our rights and advance our quality of life.

Roni Green was elected to represent the 190th Legislative District in 2022. Prior to her election she served as a community and labor organizer for more than 30 years, most recently as a business agent for SEIU Local 668. She had a local civic association to improve the communities in which she lived and has been a lifelong activist for all working people in Philadelphia and beyond. She also serves as a Democratic committee member.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Yes, I currently have legislation pending on Raising the Minimum Wage as a proud co-sponsor of House Bill 1100. House Bill 1130 Safe Community Grant Program – to install lighting and cameras in high crime areas. Each of these bills now sit in the Senate awaiting passage. Ask your state senators to pass these bills now! Although I have 17 pieces of legislation these are the two top priorities to get passed at this time.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
Know the constituents you are serving, be involved and engaged in the community, and fight for what you believe in, even if you have to fight alone. Also, no man is an island unto himself – learn to work with others who are like minded on the other side of the aisle.

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
Continue advocating and protecting the rights of women in all areas of their lives, i.e. child care, lowering maternal mortality rates, housing insecurity, and economic and community development.

Kate Houstoun serves as chief impact officer of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. For the last twenty years, Houstoun has worked to forge partnerships and support solutions that improve the lives of people experiencing poverty throughout the region. Previously, she has served as a nonprofit manager, fundraiser, and grantmaker, giving her an important perspective on the challenges that nonprofit leaders face. Houstoun co-founded a “friends and family” lending circle that works to close the capital gap for Philadelphia entrepreneurs called the Circle of Aunts and Uncles.

Keisha Hudson has been the chief defender at the Defender Association of Philadelphia for the past two years. Prior to this position, she was the managing director at the Justice Collaborative and the Appeal. She spent the first 16 years of her career as a public defender, first with the Defender Association of Philadelphia, then with the Federal Defender for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the Montgomery County Office of the Public Defender.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
We are working on changing the narrative of who our clients are – how they became entangled in the criminal legal system. We do so by building relationships with them and telling their stories in and out of the courtroom. When we change the narrative, our outcomes are so much better for them. Our defenders – and that includes everyone who does this work – are the best representatives for the most vulnerable clients in Philadelphia.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
You cannot have it all. In whatever you are doing at the moment, whether at work or at home – aim for balance.

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
The motherhood penalty needs to be addressed. The cost of child care often precludes women from moving into management/leadership. We need to ensure companies are supporting and providing avenues for advancement for mothers. We also need to make child care affordable.

Mary Isaacson was elected state representative for the 175th District in Philadelphia in November 2018. Her top priorities include education funding and quality public schools, protecting our waterways, transitioning to a green economy, and common-sense gun legislation. She served the people of Philadelphia for many years before stepping up to earn the people’s vote as an elected official. Mary holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and an associate’s in science degree in early childhood education.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
As an education advocate, I’m proud to have served on the Basic Education Funding Commission that recommended a groundbreaking plan to fully fund our schools. The report recommends $6 billion over seven years to address inadequacies in school funding across the state, delivering equity and predictability for all schools with at least an additional $1.4 billion in dedicated basic education funding. We also put forth more than $2 billion to fix toxic schools.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
Do not be afraid to ask for what you want and never assume that someone knows that you’re interested in that management position, internship, or next big step. Take up space in a meeting. Share your thoughts and provide feedback. Make certain that the room and tables you are at also welcomes other young women leaders. Be not only a friend, but a mentor too. And always lead by action – not just empty words.

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
As someone who believes that policy can push social change, I have introduced over 40 bills this session, taking on issues from an economic bill of rights to pay range disclosures to lactation protections to removing unnecessary barriers to abortion care. I am dedicated to implementing policies not only in my own office, but across Pennsylvania that are welcoming to women including flexible scheduling, remote work, paid leave, competitive and fair pay, and constitutional equality.

Michele Kessler is the secretary-treasurer of UFCW Local 1776 and has organized and represented workers with the UFCW since 1986. Michele is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in the workplace. She is the chair of the 2SLGBTQ+ constituency group for UFCW across the United States and Canada. In 2018, Michele was appointed by Governor Tom Wolf to the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs and currently serves as an appointee of Governor Josh Shapiro.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
Do your best to live each day as your authentic self. Lift up those you share space with each day and virtually. Find ways to empower others to find the value and joy in their work. Respect each other.

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
Support a woman’s right to make her own health decisions. Raise the minimum wage. Ensure workers have access to labor representation. Protect our democracy.

After winning in 2023, Council Member Rue Landau became the first openly LGBTQ+ member of Philadelphia’s City Council. A civil rights and housing attorney, she has spent her entire career fighting for social justice and equity for Philadelphia’s most vulnerable communities. Earlier in her career, Council Member Landau led Philadelphia’s civil rights and housing enforcement agencies, transforming them into national models for government and community engagement. As an at-large member of City Council, she serves all Philadelphians.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
My focus lies in creating a better Philadelphia for all residents. I recently introduced a resolution that will hold hearings to analyze the connection between neighborhood investment and violence. We must invest equitably in our neighborhoods in order to thrive and serve every community and individual in the city.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
To women and non-binary folks, we are too often told we shouldn’t be leaders or even be in the room. What I believe is – always live your truth and exercise your purpose. Take up space, take a seat at the table, and don’t be afraid to speak up for what you believe in. Don’t just fight for yourself – fight for the generations of women and LGBTQ+ people that will follow.

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
As policymakers, we must look through an equitable lens at our legislation and constituent services efforts. Single mothers, trans people, and survivors of domestic violence experience myriad barriers to accessing city services and are almost always left out of the conversation – let’s bring them in. Further, with our rights and freedoms again under attack at multiple levels of government, policymakers need to make sure that we are loud advocates when we have a platform.

Judith “Judi” Lawrence is the founder and CEO of Lawrence Institute for Notaries (LIN). Headquartered in Philadelphia, the company provides online education to notaries and those who facilitate international documentation transactions globally. Judith is also the founder and CEO of Center City Notary & Apostille Co. This company provides general notarization and apostilles to the public both live and remotely. A frequent keynote speaker, Judi is a strong advocate for women and supports aspiring entrepreneurs.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
LIN provides valuable resources and learning opportunities. The company is certified to educate notaries and individuals regarding international documentation through online courses and publications. This benefits businesses and plays a crucial role in protecting the public against fraud. We host an annual conference, attracting 150+ attendees to Philadelphia from across the country. This showcases LIN and reveals the essence of Philadelphia, underscoring our city’s commitment to providing education and fostering growth within the commonwealth.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
Be ready for the journey ahead. It is filled with challenges and excitement, shaping you into a strong leader. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who will help foster your growth. Embrace feedback. Own your mistakes, learn and move forward. And one small tip: keep a journal. Looking back after a decade will reveal your incredible journey from when you began to where you are today and may just enable you to write that book someday.

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
First, we must foster greater collaboration between large and small businesses. By organizing joint awareness events and initiatives, we can better educate the public about our mutual endeavors. Second, addressing the issue of safety is paramount. The prevalence of crime and homelessness dissuades young individuals from relocating to our city, and older people from returning. Leadership must be more proactive in understanding the root causes of these problems and work together toward effective solutions.