Cynthia Ann Bennett

The below Black women-owned businesses will be present at this year's event to showcase their collections. Be sure to stop by early on Wednesday to shop! A percentage of the event proceeds will be donated to our selected charity of the year, Cradles to Cryaons.

Amber Koko Allen

Harriett's Bookshop

Historical Dream Iconic Jewelry

LiYvette Jewelry by Yvette Orre-Everett

Dyana Williams is an entertainment powerhouse, who is a beloved advocate and authority in popular, American culture, especially Black music. The veteran award winning on-air personality and journalist, is a trailblazer in broadcasting, music activism and celebrity media strategy.

She's been a staple in radio and television since the 70s, and has been a frequent commentator on the highly acclaimed TV One music series, UNSUNG. Along with Mark Rowland, Dyana co-executive produced the Teddy Pendergrass episode of UNSUNG, which garnered a NAACP Image Award that season. In 2022, Williams was nominated for the Radio Hall of Fame.

Fondly referred to as "The Mother of Black Music Month," Dyana helped establish June, Black Music Month (with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Kenny Gamble and broadcaster Ed Wright) and was recognized for her music activism in the White House by Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush.

Dubbed by the New York Times as "hip-hop's artist whisperer," Williams has engineered media strategies for her celebrity clientele who have included multiple GRAMMY Award winners, many platinum-selling performers, executives, actors, athletes and other notables. Some stellar clients have included Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Jazmine Sullivan, Kirk Franklin, Jack Harlow, Brandy, Saweetie, among others. 

A popular speaker on Black music and culture, Dyana has been featured on The Breakfast Club, The New York Times, Good Day Philadelphia, Sway in the Morning, Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta, Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell, Tidal magazine and other media outlets. Additionally, Williams has been a featured speaker at The House of Commons in London, Howard University, Harvard University, The University of Pennsylvania, Hampton University,  her alma mater Temple University, Warner Brothers Records, YouTube, Amazon, Tidal, NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, as well as numerous institutions and corporations. Her presentations on Black music have also been shared with audiences in Paris, France, Florence, Italy, Japan,  and Johannesburg, South Africa, 

Williams sits on the board of the Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University, the National Museum of African-American Music in Nashville and the Recording Academy (GRAMMY organization) Philadelphia Chapter, where she also served as a past president.

Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker is a single mom who was born and raised in Philadelphia by her grandparents. Cherelle’s family was poor, and food stamps helped put food on the family table. But those early struggles didn’t stop Cherelle, they taught her the importance of community and giving back. Cherelle went on to Lincoln University and The University of Pennsylvania. Her first job was as a high school teacher. Cherelle was elected to the State House of Representatives, where she became the chair of the Philadelphia Delegation. Later, she served on City Council and was elected Majority Leader. A mom, a teacher, and an experienced strong leader, Cherelle Parker is now Philadelphia’s 100th Mayor and the first Woman Mayor in city history. Her paramount goal is to create a safer, cleaner, greener city with economic opportunity for all.

Ayana and Ayinke, twin sisters collectively known as AAries, have always known they wanted to sing. Born and raised in Alexandria, VA, their father introduced them to Jazz, Soul, R&B and Gospel; this is where their love of music began. Their mother fostered the discipline by insisting they sing in church and in chorus; and before the pursuit of a musical career even entered their minds, the two were no strangers to gospel and classical music. At the age of 14, the sisters showcased their talent on Showtime at the Apollo in Harlem, New York. After graduating high school, Ayana and Ayinke headed to Lehigh University, where Ayana earned her degree in International Business and Ayinke in Sociology with a Master’s in Professional Counseling. Upon graduating college, Ayana and Ayinke set their sights on Philadelphia, where they made it home. Soon after, the two were recognized from their work with Musiq Soulchild. Ayana and Ayinke were featured on such hits as “Girl Next Door,” a cover of Patrice Rushen’s “Settle for My Love” and Grammy-nominated records “Love” and “Forthenight.” AAries went on to sign with both Atlantic Records and Sony.

Their work ushered in opportunities to write and record their song “Come Inside” for the movie soundtrack, “The Johnson Family Vacation,” starring Cedric the Entertainer and Vanessa Williams. They earned the opportunity to be in a national Coca Cola campaign, alongside musical legends Amir “Questlove” Thompson, Amel Larrieux, Angie Stone and Musiq Soulchild. They have provided background vocals to artists such as Joe, Chris Brown, Lee Fields, Skillz and Rated Art. They’ve released a single with the house music collective “Reel People” for the dance floor hit “Don’t Give It Up” and an EP of cover songs called “Cover Girls.” The group has been working on their upcoming EP with the help of talented producer, song writer, artist and the Philadelphia Chapter President of the Recording Academy, Marcus John Bryant (a.k.a. RatedArt.) and mixing by Ivan (Orthodox) Barias. AAries recently released a single off their EP entitled, “Better Days.'' This song celebrates our culture in the most encouraging manner, keeping the power we have, ALIVE. It reminds us how beautiful, nurturing and creative we are while uplifting our inner resilience.

Multi-disciplinary artist and wearable art designer, Amber Koko Allen is melanated multi-hyphenate with a vision. Amber’s artist dreams began at the age of five, and she has lived her life pursuing this dream. Amber’s art reflects her life’s journey; both the struggles and the triumphs. It was a setback after graduating college that forced her to pivot and postpone her artist dreams. With a bun in the oven and no job prospects in the design field, she had to rebuild her life completely. Using her art to gain clarity while declaring her aspirations for the future; she created a new blueprint for her life. Her pivot during a time of uncertainty, was the catalyst to the brand and the mission she has built today. It was the lessons she learned from the setback that gave her all the tools she needed to succeed. Using her life as the blueprint and her creativity as the connector, her mission is to empower others to look good, feel good, and dream bigger. Today, Amber wears many titles; artist, entrepreneur, educator, wife, and mother. Continue following her journey and stay up to date with new artwork, design
services, her latest wearable art collections, workshops, events, and more by subscribing to her newsletter at www.amberkokoallen.com

Karida L. Brown is a sociologist, professor, oral historian, and public intellectual whose research centers on the ontologies of systemic racism and the fullness of Black life. An educator, public speaker, author, and humanist, she is known for empowering her readership, students, and organizations to be active participants in driving equity and justice. Dr. Brown's body of work combines her expertise in data-driven social science research, her vast experience in navigating complex global organizations, and her love of the arts. These insights bring actionable and reparative knowledge to the public.

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Dr. Brown graduated from Uniondale High School in Long Island, New York and attended Temple University in Philadelphia, from which she graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in risk management and insurance. After a six-year career in the commercial insurance industry, Brown returned to school, and subsequently earned a master’s in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Brown University.

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She is a Professor of Sociology at Emory University where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on race and racism, sports and society, and historical archival methods. In addition to her books, her research is published in various peer-reviewed academic journals such as the American Journal of Cultural Sociology, Southern Cultures, and The Du Bois Review. Dr. Brown is a Fulbright Scholar, and her international research has been supported by national foundations such as the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Hellman Fellows Fund. Brown currently serves on the board of The Obama Presidency Oral History Project.

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An educator, public speaker, author, and humanist known for her ability to empower her readership, students, and organizations to be active participants in driving equity and justice. She has been featured in such media outlets as Politico, Forbes, The LA Times, Sports Illustrated, and WUNC. Literary agency Serendipity represents her for book projects and Knowledge Arts Holdings manages her speaking engagements.

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Brown lives in Atlanta, GA, with her husband, fine artist and illustrator Charly Palmer, and their two pugs, Pugsly and Blu.

Emily F. Pollard, MD, FACS, is a distinguished board-certified Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience serving the Greater Philadelphia area. As the former chief of Plastic Surgery at Lankenau Medical Center, she has been at the forefront of her field.

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She holds the distinction of being the first African American woman in Pennsylvania to be elected to the prestigious American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. This groundbreaking achievement underscores her trailblazing career and her commitment to advancing diversity and excellence in her field

With a commitment to education and advocacy, Dr. Pollard has made significant contributions to public understanding of plastic surgery. Her appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show and numerous other TV programs, as well as her publications, have helped to demystify the field and promote informed decision-making.

Beyond her medical practice, Dr. Pollard is engaged in community service. She has served as the Associate Dean for Minority Affairs at Drexel University College of Medicine and has been involved with various organizations, including The Philadelphia Art Alliance, Philadelphia Award, and the Marian Anderson Award boards.

Comedian, actress, writer, producer, and more, Amanda Seales doesn’t just make you laugh, she makes change!

With an uncanny knack for taking serious topics (racism, rape culture, sexism, police brutality, etc.) and with humor, making them relatable and interesting, she combines intellectual wit, silliness, and a pop culture obsession to create her unique style of smart funny content for the stage and screens.

Amanda Seales is a comedian and creative visionary with a Master’s in African American studies from Columbia University. Seamlessly blending humor and intellect, her unique style of smart funny content spans various genres across the entertainment and multi-media landscape. She is best known for her iconic role as, “Tiffany DuBois” of HBO’s Insecure, her debut stand up comedy special, “I Be Knowin”, as a former cohost
on daytime talk show, “The Real”, host of NBCs “Bring the Funny,” and the host/writer of the groundbreaking 2020 BET Awards. Amanda speaks truth to change via her wildly popular instagram @AmandaSeales, weekly podcast, “Small Doses”, and book by the same name. Centering community building in her comedy, she is also the creator/host of the touring variety game show, “Smart Funny & Black”. Loved for fearlessly saying what folks are thinking, her Reach Media/Urban1 syndicated radio show + podcast, “The Amanda Seales Show” edu-tains audiences daily giving the culture what it’s missing in markets across the nation! A philanthropist, her efforts support Black girl focused organizations, education and animal conservation.

Always an advocate for Black voices, she produces and creates art as edu-tainment across the media landscape by any joke necessary

Jacqueline London is an Emmy award winning anchor and reporter for NBC10. You can watch her live weekdays during the 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 and 11 p.m. newscasts. Jacqueline is most passionate about sharing personal stories of people from the Greater Philadelphia area and informing them about imperative issues in their community.

“I love coming across viewers and hearing what they want to see in our coverage,” she said. “Whether I have the chance to meet them at a community event or just out on the street, I cherish every opportunity.” One of her most memorable moments while working with NBC10 was field anchoring coverage of Super Bowl 52 from the field right after the Eagles clinched the win! She also will never forget covering the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. While there, Jacqueline had the opportunity to interview many of the Olympians from the Delaware Valley. She was able to follow local athletes every step of the way from their grueling trainings, to the Olympic competitions and the medal stands. It was an honor for Jacqueline to cheer them on in person and share their journeys with the NBC10 viewers. Prior to joining NBC10, Jacqueline was the evening anchor at WKMG-TV in Orlando, Florida. She is the recipient of ten Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards and two prestigious Edward R. Murrow awards. An active member in the community, Jacqueline has emceed numerous events for a variety of causes such as the Philly Heart Walk for the American Heart Association, the NAACP Awards Gala, Urban League of Philadelphia Gala, the Blue Tag Gala & the Blitz, Bowties and Bourbon Fundraiser. When Jacqueline is not on the news, she enjoys traveling in her free time and trying new restaurants in the Philadelphia area.

Alana Andrews is the Gen Z Author, Speaker, CEO & Founder of The SWEY Corporation & So Positive, LLC., and a sophomore at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. From her second book, “Creating Confidence,” Alana founded the So Positive Initiative (SPI) where she builds self-confidence and leadership skills within thousands of elementary and middle school students through their national programs, assemblies, and 12-part book series. Along with her community driven
initiatives, Alana is a professional motivational speaker, and has spoken at venues including the largest women’s business conference in the state of Virginia, the State of the County Address, and the Education First (EF) Summit in Berlin, Germany.

Her entrepreneurial spirit has driven her to build her most recent company, SWEY to play (Strong Wise Energetic Youth), where she has worked alongside pediatricians, field experts, and NBA athletes in developing the natural modern sports drink made by Gen Z for Gen Z, which since its launch, has gained national exposure from outlets including The New York Times Upfront
and NBC4 Washington. Alana is heavily involved in leadership initiatives and has been recognized as a Harvard University Bold
Ambassador, as well as earning the honor of excellence in leadership by the Barnard College of Columbia University’s Athena Business program. Alana is a mentor to young entrepreneurs and aims to build avenues for the youth to make their visions move

Artisan architect, Princess Idia Gamble was born and raised in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.

Idia honed her artistic creativity when she studied at the respected Gemology Institute of America (GIA) in Carlsbad, California. It is there where she fell in love with creating one of a kind earrings, necklaces and bracelets, utilizing precious gems and unique whimsical items. Her designs have been featured at TRUNC in Philadelphia and are in the collections of several notable celebrities.

Idia’s creativity extends to fine art, given her explorations in oils and acrylic paintings. Additionally, Princess Idia is a singer/songwriter and performer, as well as a member of the Recording Academy aka the GRAMMY organization. Currently, Gamble is the creator and host of the Sounds of Philadelphia gathering at the Trestle Inn. During the pandemic, she released her debut album, I AM Idia, co-produced by her GRAMMY winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame father, Kenny Gamble and producer, Ben Ford. In 2023, Gamble performed songs from that album at the Wawa Welcome America Festival’s Avenue of the Arts Stage.

Jean Carn-Wolfe currently serves as a Senior Attorney for the City of Philadelphia, in the Child Welfare Unit, representing the Department of Human Services in child abuse and neglect cases. She has been serving the city of Philadelphia in this capacity for 7 years. Prior to her stint with the Child Welfare Unit, she was an Assistant Principal at a North Philadelphia elementary school for 5.5 years. Jean graduated law school in 2000 from the University of Southern California. She got to law school after years of searching for her passions. She spent the majority of that time singing and recording music, walking in the footsteps of her mother, international recording artist Jean Carne. Once she decided to pursue a career in the law, she didn’t look backward.

Jean is the current Co-Chair of the Law Department's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and prides herself on being a mentor and coach for incoming solicitors in her unit. Jean believes in helping others and leading them to their passions in her personal life as well. She is a certified personal trainer, a spin instructor and has competed in two bodybuilding competitions.

Jean is the mother of a college student and has been married for 20 years to filmmaker and advertising executive Todd Wolfe and is proud to call Philadelphia her home.

Leslie Willis Lowry has worked in collections management and as an archivist, researcher and consultant in a number of capacities, including special collections, exhibitions, films, television and publications for over thirty years, including the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection-Temple University Libraries, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, the International African American Museum in Charleston, the African American Museum in Philadelphia, The Museum of Afro-American History in Boston, The Studio Museum in Harlem, The Bronx Museum of Art, Scholastic Books, among others. As a curatorial and research assistant to Deborah Willis, the nation’s leading historian of African American photography and curator of African American culture, Leslie has cataloged the work of individual photographers, photographic collections and groups of photographs that are part of an exhibition and publications; in addition to researching and planning for photographic exhibitions. After years of working in management, supervising hundreds of employees, and as liaison and consultant to many cultural institutions and religious organizations, Leslie’s career has been divided into two distinct areas – archival and education – within the broad areas of photographic history, visual culture, African American history and popular and material culture. Within these fields she has consistently emphasized the importance of the use of the archives to build programming, education and community connections.

Sheila Ireland has over 25 years of experience leading human resources, training and workforce development in the non-profit, healthcare, consulting, government, and manufacturing fields. Sheila is known for developing programs that improve organizational performance and achieve bottom-line results. In 2022 Sheila took the helm as the President and CEO of Philadelphia OIC and its for profit affiliate Progressive Ventures, Inc. Since 1964 Philadelphia OIC has the led the fight for social justice and economic empowerment utilizing workforce development as it’s operational strategy to level the playing field for Philadelphia’s most vulnerable citizens. Previously, Sheila served as the Deputy Secretary, Workforce Development, Department of Labor and Industry at Commonwealth of Pennsylvania where she oversaw Pennsylvania’s public workforce development system. Her purview included oversight of a staff of 600+ employees and management of a $270M+ annual budget that was utilized to grow Pennsylvania’s workforce and increase worker’s access to well-paying jobs. In her previous role as Executive Director of Workforce Development for the City of Philadelphia, Sheila managed Philadelphia’s first citywide workforce strategy, “Fueling Philadelphia’s Talent Engine.” In this position, she coordinated strategy and communication between local government, education, and training programs, along with employers and service providers to create opportunities for vulnerable populations. Ms. Ireland was also the founding director of the University City District’s West Philadelphia Skills Initiative and launched UCD’s first social venture, Green City Works. Ms. Ireland has received many awards for her work in nonprofits and workforce development including must recently one of the 100 most influential labor leaders and one of the most influential black leaders in Pennsylvania. Sheila has earned an A.A. S. degree with Honors in Finance from Community College of Philadelphia, a B.B.A. in Human Resources from Temple University and a M.S. in Human Capital Development from La Salle University.

Present Affiliations: Secretary, Board of Trustees; Chair, Workforce Development Sub-Committee, Community College of Philadelphia Member, Board of Trustees, Peirce College Northeast Region Director, Association of Community College Trustees Member, Forum of
Executive Women Member, CHIEF

Native Philadelphian Regina Farrell is a true community servant. Over the years, the North Philly resident of the 1200 Block of Wallace Street has super served her neighborhood in a myriad of roles, from being Block Captain for the past 20 years to co-chair of the RCO (Registered Community Organization), as well as being the community liaison P.D.A.C. (Police District Advisory Council) to help resolve citizen’s issues with members of the force. Regina is also the committee person for the 14th ward. Inspired by her loving and caring mother before her, Regina has dedicated her life to lifting her neighbors and improving the conditions for residents in the North Philadelphia area.

For the past 28 years, Farrell has been a member of the Greater Exodus Baptist Church, where she has also served as a deaconess. Her annual Christmas Toy Drive, fueled by private donations and a partnership with Playwest, provides joy each year to young children every Christmas morning! Regina is gift of a human being and the definition of Philly love with her special brand of Sisterly Affection service!

Dr. Stephanie R. Allen (she/her/hers) is the Director of Equity, Diversity & Belonging/Chief Diversity Officer at Montgomery County Community College. Over the years, she has held leadership positions at West Chester University, Immaculata University, and The Baldwin School. In these roles, Stephanie has developed intentional strategies to address the needs of students, employees, and other constituents, facilitate and mediate critical conversations, conduct assessments, and implement positive sustainable changes. In addition, she has created valuable educational moments through the triangulation of learning among stakeholders. Stephanie is passionate about education and ensuring that policy, and procedures are fair and equitable.

In November 2023 she became an elected official as a Board Director for Phoenixville Area School District, becoming the first Black woman to hold the elected seat. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Rho Chi Zeta Chapter, and the National Council of Negro Women, DelVal Chapter. She is serves as a committee member for the Advisory Council on Equity for Montgomery County.

Stephanie holds her Ed.D in Educational Leadership and Administration from Widener University, a Master of Science in Counselor Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. In her free time, she loves spending time with her son, Samuel, and their pup, Shadow.

Tammi Toliver is a Philadelphia native and the Owner and Principle Artist of Fashion Facez Artistry, a Boutique Beauty Styling Agency, based in Chadds Ford, PA. She has worked as a Professional Makeup Artist & Cosmetics Account Executive for over 20 years. She has provided services in the Corporate, Television/Film, Fashion and Bridal beauty industries. She is also a proud wife and mother of three. Tammi began with college studies in Business Management, however found herself intrigued by a greater calling in the beauty industry and began her career at MAC Cosmetics in 2002. Tammi created the Fashion Facez Artistry brand, a Concierge on-site company that provides professional makeup & hair styling services in 2010. By 2014, the brand had grown significantly, and now incorporates an Agency for Makeup & Hair Professionals, a Cosmetics Brand, and an Artistry inspired Apparel Line. In 2017, Tammi was recognized and honored by The Fashion Foundation for Our Future for her years of service in the industry and community at large. In recent years, as the Fashion Facez company has grown, Tammi has utilized her brand in the realm of Philanthropy to help raise awareness and provide physical and financial support to many causes and Organizations, including Dress for Success (for women re-entering the workforce), Women Against Abuse (Domestic Violence awareness) and The Abramson Cancer Center (for respite services for patients undergoing treatment). Her most recent service project “Survivor Strong” was founded in 2021 to provide spa and beauty treatments to patients currently going through Chemo and Radiation, to give back and provide a source of support, comfort, and pampering as they bravely fight their most challenging battle. Fashion Facez was recently awarded “Best of Delaware County” for Concierge Beauty Services in 2022 and 2023. Tammi’s primary goal for herself and her Company are to use the talents and gifts that God has bestowed in service and ministry to others to advance the Kingdom of God.

Yasmeen "YAZZO" Caldwell, Hails from the Strawberry Mansion section of Philadelphia, PA. Infused with a deep-seated love and passion for hair, fashion, and beauty ever since her formative years, she learned from watching her late grandmother, Martha Robins, gracefully deliver thee Best press and curls in the city! Inherently creative, Yasmeen's early experimentation on her younger sister and friends, coupled with a dedicated study of top stylists in the city, gained her own clientele by the age of 14. Over the years she has become one of Philadelphia's most reputable hair stylists, w.inning numerous Hair Shows and awards throughout the tri State. Veteran Hair Stylist and salon owner with over two decades entrenched in the beauty industry, Yasmeen passionately likes to consider herself an ARTIST & VISIONARY, not just merely a stylist. Transferring her artistic abilities into the culinary world, she started a food Vlog from her very own kitchen and launched LOOK GOOD. COOK GOOD in 2018, including Recipe cards, pop-up tasting events, and a Gourmet line of seasonings. Famed for her prowess in all Aspects of hair artistry, Yasmeen is recognized for her boundless creativity and ability to envision her clients as raw canvases, artistically fashioning each into a masterpiece. Throughout her career she has been afforded the opportunity to work with Many celebrities, including Philly's own Jazmine Sullivan, Tierra Whack, Patti LaBelle, Dyana Williams, the Honorable Mayor Cherelle Parker, and a host of others. Leaving a mark across the globe as she fervently continues her passionate pursuit of crafting one "canvas" at a time. Striving to make her son and family proud daily.

Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Estremera Gauthier is an educator, humanist, expert facilitator, and equity practitioner who leads racial equity work across sectors. An innovative change agent and strategic thinker with 15 years of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) expertise in educating organizations and institutions to be champions of inclusive anti-racist culture while promoting workforce authenticity and well-being. She has developed a superior record of fostering dialogue in marginalized communities while strategically supporting the development of coalitions that work to solve societal issues nationally and across the Greater Philadelphia region. Her focus is on strategies of inclusivity that empower those who face oppressive systems to be decision-makers and the drivers of solutions. She currently serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Insight PA Cyber Charter School where she strategically supports all leadership and staff in creating an anti-racist, gender-affirming school community.

Dr. Cynthia holds a PhD. in English and Africana Studies from Lehigh University and taught extensively at universities about the Black and Latinx experience in America, identity development, white privilege, and racism. She is an accomplished writer having published in the Journal of Hip Hop Studies, HuffPost, The Feminist Wire, the Social Innovations Journal, and has co-authored a chapter in The Hip Hop & Obama Reader. As an adjunct professor of Women's Studies at Moravian University, she identifies as a scholar-activist dedicated to teaching the next generation to make an impact through a Black feminist lens. Dr. Cynthia serves as a member of the Advisory Board for The Evoluer House and Serene Consulting.

Dr. Cynthia frequently speaks in spaces that cultivate holistic well-being for women and other marginalized identities, while addressing racial injustice, power and privilege dynamics. She is a proud Philadelphia native of Kensington, a poet, and a mother of two young boys of color.

 As a certified prenatal Doula and ordained minister, Ciara Nobles works to address Black women’s maternal mortality and helping prevent the disproportionate number of pregnancy-related deaths in Black and Brown communities. Additionally, she does child care advocation and parent education in underserved communities of color. She’s an award-winning motivational speaker -- and for over 15 years, she has been in the community donating clothing and food to low-income and homeless families. She is a caretaker and advocate for elderly needs – works with local nonprofits to empower teen girls of color for success.

Sharon Reeves Battle is the CEO and Founder of Children of The Arts Foundation (C.O.T.A.), a non-profit community-based organization which supports artistically inclined youth who want to persue the performing arts. She is currently a Corporate Vice President of New York Life Insurance Company heading its State Regulatory Affairs are in Philadelphia. She has a long career within Government Affairs and Education. Her committment to youth stems from her understanding that human potential is the core of our community's success. Battle has found that by raising the bar along with non-judgemental support, our youth can shatter preconcieved limitations and soar to fufill their ambitions.

 JoAnn Troutt is the Founder and Executive Director of Children's Dream Celebrations Foundation.

JoAnn, a proud Philadelphian, was educated in the Philadelphia Public School system and received her Degree at Manor College. After a 30-year career in the financial and retail Industry, an entrepreneur in the event planning industry, as well as the CEO of Troutt Printing Co. JoAnn is thrilled to begin her charity work through the efforts of her non-profit she named "Children's Dream Celebrations Foundation", one which strives to bring children's dream celebrations to life.

JoAnn's lifelong passion has always been to see deserving children celebrated, uplifted and enlightened during difficult times, and times when accomplishments deserve to be celebrated.

Working in the event planning industry, JoAnn noticed there were a lot of deserving children whose families were unable to honor their children as they celebrated some of their biggest wins or overcame some of life's biggest challenges due to financial hardships or financial obligations, making it nearly impossible to bring their child's dream celebration to life.

That as well as other factors led her to create CDCF so our most deserving children could experience the positive impact her dream celebrations could bring, as well as, bringing together volunteers who strengthen the communities they live in and serve.

Since its inception, the Children's Dream Celebrations Foundation has been making dreams come true for kids of ALL ages. From celebrating children who survive life-threatening illnesses, to milestone birthdays, filling backpacks full of needed school supplies and hosting community events throughout the year, the team at CDCF is dedicated to serving deserving children in communities across Philadelphia and the tri-state region.

Donna Troutt-Daniel is a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, PA - growing up in North Philadelphia. She was educated in the School District of Philadelphia and obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in the field Nursing, from Temple University. She currently practices as a professional Registered Nurse. Donna's profession has also alloted her the opportunity to serve as a Health Education Specialist, teaching people about behaviors that promote wellness, developing strategies to improve the well-being of individuals and communities. She has also served as a mentor to young girls in her church's Youth Ministry.

Because service is central to her life's mission, Donna donates her time as CDCF's Intake Coordinator. In her role, she collects all relevant documentation, processes the data and reviews each Dream nominee alongside the Director, to determine celebration eligibility. Donna also assists in helping each child's dream celebration become reality.

"Perfeck Decision Academy is a high quality early learning program. We will provide a loving, clean, nurturing learning space. Our center focuses on the personal growth and development of each and every one of our children (ages 6 weeks - 10 years old). We believe that each student will thrive at their own pace. Our main goal is to challenge the inner “genius” in all of our scholars so that they are able to reach their full potential. Our babies learn through different experiences and events curated by our team. Ms. Lynn Coleman (owner) has 20+ years of experience working with children & Ms. Drelynn Coleman is our co-Owner and center director."

Georgerenee Jones, an award-winning nurse (LPN), philanthropist and support group facilitator know on Instagram as the “Solutionessz”-- the people’s nurse. For 20+ years she facilitates standing room only support groups for grief counseling, health and wellness for individuals to adopt the right habits to become the best version of themselves. She a lifelong philanthropist raising millions of dollars to help the homeless and other Charites like Philabundance.