This year the Metro Philadelphia Power Women list honors the entrepreneurs, public servants, educators, artists, and leaders working to make Philadelphia a more equitable and innovative city. In the wake of states across the nation rolling-back a woman’s right to choose, the citizens of Philadelphia elected their 100th mayor, Cherelle Parker.
Mayor Parker is the first woman and first Black woman to be elected to the position and is a dedicated advocate for protecting a woman’s right to choose and maternal health. Within the world of Philly sports, women are at the top of their games – both on and off the court. Looking to the art world, women are also making their mark, with influential roles at institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and University of the Arts. Da’Vine Joy Randolph, for instance, a Philadelphia-native, won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress last week, and made history as the first Temple-graduate to do so.
Whether they’re representing the public in city, state, or federal office, leading world-renowned organizations, or bringing creative problem solving techniques to local issues, each of these Philadelphia women are powerful, multi-talented, and they’re here to lead Philly and the Commonwealth into the future.
This month, we turn to the Metro Philadelphia Power Women’s advice for the next generation of women and woman identifying leaders.
From Oscar awards to local stages, Philadelphia women are taking theater by storm. Jen Childs, the producing artistic director at Philly’s own 1812 Productions, said, “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.”
Dr. Kimberly McGlonn, CEO and founder Grant Blvd, advises young women to understand their own needs, reminding the next generation, “Tend to your own wellness and make time for stillness so that you can lead with tenderness.” McGlonn understands that leadership, and good leadership at that, takes significant personal energy and empathy.
City Councilmember At-Large Rue Landau understands the pressures of being a leader and the simultaneous necessity of good leadership. She said, “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.”
In similar fashion, Cherron Perry-Thomas, co-founder and CEO of Plant and People, wants the next generation of women leaders to “be curious, listen, ask questions and do impossible things.”
Although much Power Women’s advice is about how to develop leadership skills in a world created by and for men, others offered advice on how to lead. Lara Price, the chief operating officer of the Philadelphia 76ers, said, “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.”
City Councilmember Kendra Brooks had similar advice: “I want to remind young women leaders to take care of each other. Being a woman leader in our society can be very draining – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Many of the women I know are phenomenal leaders, who bring so much wisdom and care to their communities, but we also have to be mindful of the burdens we carry as women and save time and space for ourselves and for each other.”
Reading through various nuggets of advice, it’s clear that the 2024 Power Women have a distinct sense of self and the determination to achieve their passions and explore their curiosities. Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman, the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo, left a particularly memorable piece of wisdom for young women across Philadelphia. She said, “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.”
Brittney Rodas, the legislative and political representative at UFCW Local 1776, sums up what it means to lead and how to do it in her poignant piece of two part advice: “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.”
It seems at every turn—be it local, state, or national election—women are forced to defend their basic human rights. The Power Women of Philadelphia stand as a reminder of what perseverance and collective action look like and are inspirations for holding one’s head up high and meeting each challenge, personal, professional, political or otherwise, with tenacity and the vision of a better tomorrow.
