Power Women 2024

Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman is a native Chicagoan who grew up with a love of animals. In 2023, she became the first woman and woman of color to serve as Philadelphia Zoo’s president and CEO in its 164-year history. She previously held leadership roles at the St. Louis Zoo WildCare Park, Shedd Aquarium and Brookfield Zoo. Mogerman earned a Ph.D. in biology with a focus on foraging ecology from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
We changed our hours this year and upped our food game. Starting March through November, you can visit all of your favorite animals seven days a week. Come out and visit your Philadelphia Zoo.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
I will quote my mom on this one. “You came onto this earth by yourself. You will leave this earth by yourself. You have to learn to love yourself.” Lean into what you are good at, what brings you joy and what someone will pay you for. You have to stay curious about yourself and the world around you to be your best self.

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
Women as a group are not a monolith. Therefore, I would suggest continuing to enhance and create policies that allow women opportunities to explore, learn and become all the things they aspire to be in all of the areas in which they desire.

Angela Morley 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.

Amy Murphy is the co-founder and managing director of Arden Theatre Company in Philadelphia. Founded in 1988, the Arden is a nationally recognized regional theatre which produces a seven show season comprised of a main-stage and children’s theatre series, a comprehensive arts education program which includes: Arden for All, an in-school arts residency program; Arden Drama School, which provides theatre classes for kids ages pre-k through high school; Teen Arden, an after-school theatre program for area teens; and the Arden Professional Apprentice Program, a training program for young professionals. Amy led a $5.8 million capital campaign for the completion of the Hamilton Family Arts Center, an annex to the Arden’s two-theatre performing arts center in Old City which serves the Arden’s home for new play development efforts, small performance series, and education programs. She oversees the theatre’s daily operations including all marketing, fundraising, and financial operations. She is responsible for all union negotiations and all contracting, including building leases and purchases, co-production contracts, and rental contracts as well as artists, staff and designer contracts. In addition, she oversees the theatre’s long-range planning process (five-year Strategic Plan) and ongoing planning and works closely with the Board of Directors and Board committees. This year the Arden is celebrating its 30th anniversary season.

Dr. Nikia Owens is the president and CEO of Campaign for Working Families (CWF) providing its overall leadership and strategic direction. Prior to joining CWF Dr. Owens served as the deputy executive director of Family Supports and Basic Needs with the City of Philadelphia. Dr. 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 from Clark Atlanta University.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Campaign for Working Families (CWF) is excited to be expanding its offerings! Starting July 2024, CWF will launch its Tax Administrative Assistant Apprenticeship and Family Stability programs. CWF’s tax preparation services are available through October 15th (not just April 15th) and can help meet the needs of unemployment compensation and public benefits.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
“Trust yourself. Think for yourself. Act for yourself. Speak for yourself. Be yourself. Imitation is suicide.” – Marva Collins

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
Economic Empowerment and Equal Pay: Implement comprehensive policies to ensure equal pay for equal work, addressing the gender wage gap that disproportionately affects women, particularly women of color. Healthcare Access and Reproductive Rights: Guarantee access to affordable/comprehensive healthcare services, including reproductive health care, prenatal and postnatal care, and mental health services. Childcare Support and Family Leave: Invest in affordable and accessible childcare solutions and enact policies that provide paid family leave for all parents.

Cherelle Parker is the 100th mayor of Philadelphia, a mother to her son Langston, a former educator, two-term city council member, and five-term member of the Pennsylvania general assembly. She is the first woman and the first Black woman to be elected the city’s mayor. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Parker attended Philadelphia public schools and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Lincoln University and the University of Pennsylvania, respectively. Inspired to public service by Council Member Marian Tasco, for whom she interned, Cherelle worked in Tasco’s office and rose to serve as a senior staffer where she – among other things – oversaw the implementation of all economic and community development initiatives. She later made history as the youngest Black woman elected to the state House and was eventually elected to chair the House’s Philadelphia Delegation. A single mom, Cherelle lives in Northwest Philadelphia with her son, Langston and their dog, Max.

Darisha K. Parker was elected to serve her first term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in November 2020. She is a native Philadelphian and understands the issues that matter most to the people and their families. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Bennett College and is a proud graduate of Germantown High School. Representative Parker understands that a quality, public education is critical, and she’s committed to fully funding Philadelphia schools.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
A silent issue that women are often too embarrassed to talk about is a lack of access to menstrual products for women and girls. Too many of them must go without these necessary products and it causes them to miss out on work or school. House Bill 850, which I wrote, would help mitigate this problem by allowing period products to be purchased using the SNAP or WIC program. It passed the House during our last legislative session but it’s currently stagnant in the GOP controlled Senate. Sen. Michelle Brooks refuses to bring this bill up for a vote – denying thousands of women and girls in Pennsylvania a sense of dignity and opportunities. House Bill 1977: I partnered with my colleague Rep. Roni Green to introduce legislation that would require businesses to clearly post a sign that displays any extra charges a consumer may be charged during a debit or credit card transaction. I want to ensure that all Pennsylvania consumers are informed and can make a fair purchase. Also, it protects business owners from angry customers who were charged an extra fee. 

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
Protect your ideas and creativity because “loose lips sink ships.” Make sure your plan is solid and keep it close, because not everything is for social media. Most importantly, remember to take time to rest, soothe your soul and meditate. Slow down, it’s a sprint not a marathon so you should take your time and stick it out.

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
We need to make sure that women are a part of the conversation by having roundtable discussions, meetings and implementing strategies that uplift women. Join a women’s organization to get their input and find out what they need to best succeed. Teach women to be advocates for themselves, their daughters and women in their communities.

Cherron Perry-Thomas, MBA, a trailblazer in wellness and entrepreneurship, established Green Dandelion Marketing and, alongside her daughter, co-founded Plant and People. As a social impact strategist, she initiated the Diasporic Alliance of Cannabis Opportunities (DACO), offering annual free conferences for underserved communities, and founded Black Cannabis Week to advocate for equity. Her commitment extends to influencing health policies and serving on various boards, dedicated to narrowing the divide between information and access in the health and wellness sectors.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
The B.A.P.S (Big Ass Plant Sale) event and marketplace is a plant enthusiast’s paradise, offering a vast selection of both indoor and outdoor plants to kickstart the growing season. Alongside plant treasures, attendees can enjoy vegan food, crafts, and plant vendors. With multiple DIY classes and work stations, the event aims to unite the community through a shared love of plants.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
Be curious, listen, ask question and do impossible things

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
Pennsylvania policymakers can significantly aid women by prioritizing affordable, educational childcare, and enhancing access to capital through targeted grants and loans for female entrepreneurs. Connecting women with dedicated investors and setting targets for awarding government contracts to women-owned businesses are critical steps. Additionally, ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare, including elder and reproductive services, alongside policies promoting work-life balance with flexible hours and family leave, are essential for supporting women’s interests across the commonwealth.

As chief operating officer of the Philadelphia 76ers, Lara Price oversees the Philadelphia 76ers’ business operations. She is one of the highest-ranked women in the NBA with more than 25 years of experience and currently serves as an ambassador between the 76ers organization and the city municipalities of both Philadelphia and Camden. She currently sits on the board for the Sixers Youth Foundation and is the board chair of the Wilt Chamberlain Memorial Fund.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
The work that we do with our Sixers Youth Foundation has been such a rewarding experience for me. Working alongside our Managing Partner Marjorie Harris and Executive Director Leslie Walker to positively impact the youth in our communities is one of my most fulfilling accomplishments. Collaborating with the city, our coaches, players and grantees use our platform to uplift the future generation. It is the best thing we do here.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
Be confident. Bestowing a high level of confidence is a powerful trait that shows maturity and passion. It is so important as a female leader to mentor young women in this industry and help instill in them the confidence needed to succeed.

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
Seeing women have a seat at the table in rooms where high-level decisions are being made is the best place to start. Knowing that women are representing us helps give us all a voice. The more we continue to bring women into positions of power, the better it will be for future generations of women across our city.

Devi Ramkissoon serves as executive director of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN). There, she oversees the organization’s strategic, programmatic, operational, and financial direction. Prior to joining SBN, Devi spent 20 years working in the international development sector, specializing in working with sustainable businesses for economic growth and poverty reduction. Devi holds a master’s of science degree in foreign service from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree in political science and English literature from Swarthmore College.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Since joining SBN as executive director, Devi has forged two new industry partnerships (in local food systems and urban forestry); created pathways to support the financial sustainability of local businesses by providing nearly $50,000 worth of financial assistance and services; and dramatically diversified the organization’s membership by reaching under-served communities across the region.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
Through my career, I have learned that we cannot advance our work without taking care of ourselves first. This includes paying attention to seemingly-basic needs that often get overlooked, such as sleep, nutrition, and taking time to do things that we love outside of work. I’ve also learned that there are different seasons of our lives and careers. Sometimes, life may take us in unexpected places professionally. Embrace the fluidity!

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
The three key areas that policymakers can do to support the interests of women include:

1. Recognize the gender wage gap and incorporate solutions to address this into future policies.
2. Recognize the need that women business owners have for contracting opportunities and incorporate that into diverse, local procurement guidelines.
3. Recognize the role that women-owned enterprises play in advancing the state’s sustainability goals and provide grant programs and financing opportunities to support them.

Brittney began her career in the general assembly before running for office in 2020. At 24 years old, she raised $1.2 million, and earned support from influential figures such as Presidents Obama and Biden. After a narrow loss she began lobbying for organized labor where she focuses on workers’ rights and helps oversee a state-wide political program. Brittney served as an advisor on Governor Shapiro’s 2022 transition team and will graduate from Widener Law in May.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
My work is built around uplifting vulnerable workers who provide essential services to communities like meatpacking/food processing workers, grocery clerks, long-term care workers, and more. Despite the significance of their work, they are often overlooked when policymakers are considering how they can improve workplace policies and economic conditions. I’ve been working with other labor partners to improve working conditions and provide better wages for these workers and I want to uplift the importance of that.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?
First and foremost, establish your values early on and consistently make choices that align with them. Overcoming inequality requires tenacity, and resilience and it’s easy to lose sight of your goals in the process. Secondly, prioritize moving the needle forward for women, no matter how incremental the step. Progress is only achieved by pushing boundaries and advocating for ourselves. Sometimes the process is uncomfortable but we’ll never get what we aren’t willing to fight for.

What can Pennsylvania policymakers do to support the interests of women across the commonwealth?
There’s the obvious answers: raise the minimum wage, paid sick time, reduce child care costs, ensure access to healthcare (and abortions) and equal pay. But, women’s interests extend beyond purely economic policies like safety, education funding, stable housing, and more. The most critical shift policymakers can make is a move towards inclusivity and empowerment, and begin making decisions WITH women, instead of FOR women. Only by engaging women as partners can policymakers truly advance our interests.