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, The Evoluer House.

Harx4 | @harx4

Ocean is Deep | @donna_oceans

Urban Folk Art | @susanurbanfolkart

Amazulu Jewelry | @amazuluphilly

Harriett's Bookshop | @harriettsbookshop

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.

Adult & Children's Books

3:00pm

Mickalene Thomas was born and raised in New Jersey and lives and works in New York. One of the most influential artists today, her innovative practice has yielded instantly recognizable and widely celebrated aesthetic languages within contemporary visual culture. Not only do her masterful mixed-media paintings, photographs, films and installations command space, they occupy eloquently while dissecting the intersecting complexities of black and female identity within the Western canon. Outside of her core practice, Thomas is a Tony Awards nominated co-producer, curator, educator and mentor to many emerging artists. While embarking on her own monumental solo shows, she simultaneously curates exhibitions at galleries and museums. Thomas’s work has become an undeniable force within the contemporary art world and an indispensable inspiration to younger generations of artists.

Thomas received a B.F.A. from the Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY in 2000 and an M.F.A. from Yale University School of Art, New Haven, CT in 2002. Solo exhibitions of her work have been organized at Musée de l'Orangerie, Paris (2022); Levy Gorvy, New York, London, Pairs and Hong Kong (2021); Galerie Nathalie Obadia, Paris (2021); the Baldwin Gallery, Aspen, CO (2019); The Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL (2019); The Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore, MD (2019); Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, LA (2019); Galerie Nathalie Obadia, Paris, France (2019); Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, ON (2018); The Dayton Art Institute, OH (2018); Wexner Center for the Arts, Columbus, OH (2018); Henry Art Gallery, Seattle, WA (2018); Pomona College Museum of Art (2018), Claremont, CA (2017); Georgia Museum of Art, Athens, GA (2017); Newcomb Art Museum, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA (2017); Spelman College Museum of Fine Arts, Atlanta, GA (2017); Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (2016); Aspen Art Museum, CO (2016); Aperture Foundation, New York (2016); George Eastman House, Rochester, NY (2014); Brooklyn Museum, New York (2012-13); Santa Monica Museum of Art (2012); Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston (2012); Hara Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo (2011); and La Conservera Contemporary Art Centre, Ceuti, Spain (2009). Select group exhibitions featuring her work include Orlando, Aperture, New York, NY (2019);You Are Here: Light, Color, and Sound Experience, North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, NC (2018); Figuring History: Robert Colescott, Kerry James Marshall, Mickalene Thomas, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, WA (2018); The Color Line: African American Artists and the Civil Rights in the United States, Musée du quai Branly, Paris, France (2016); SHE: International Women Artists, Long Museum, Shanghai (2016); No Man’s Land: Women Artists from the Rubell Family Collection, Rubell Family Collection, Miami, traveled to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington D.C. (2015); 30 Americans, Corcoran Gallery, Washington, D.C. (2011), which has traveled extensively around the United States (2011-2017, ongoing); and Americans Now, National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C. (2010). Thomas’s work is in numerous international public and private collections including The Museum of Modern Art, New York; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Art Institute of Chicago; MoMA PS1, New York; Brooklyn Museum of Art, New York; Studio Museum in Harlem, New York; Yale University Art Collection, New Haven, CT; and Hara Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo.

Thomas has been awarded multiple prizes and grants, including the Pratt Institute Legends Award (2022); Rema Hort Mann Foundation 25th Anniversary Honoree (2022); Artistic Impact Award, Newark Museum (2022); Glass House 15th Anniversary Artist of the Year (2022); Yale School of Art Presidential Visiting Fellow in Fine Arts (2020); Legend in Residence Award, Bronx Museum (2020); Pauli Murray College Associate Fellow at Yale University (2020); Meyerhoff-Becker Biennial Commission at Baltimore Museum of Art (2019); Visionary Award, Pioneer Works (2019); USA Francie Bishop Good & David Horvitz Fellow (2015); Anonymous Was A Woman Award (2013); Brooklyn Museum Asher B. Durand Award (2012); and the Timerhi Award for Leadership in the Arts (2010). She is the cofounder of the Pratt>FORWARD ‘Artist in the Market’ incubator for post-graduate students, and serves on the Board of the Trustees for the Brooklyn Museum and MoMA PS1.

Catapulting South Carolina into the national spotlight, Dawn Staley has made the Gamecocks a mainstay in the battle for SEC and national
championships. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have reached many firsts – National Championship, NCAA Final Fours, No. 1 rankings, SEC
regular-season and tournament titles, SEC Player of the Year, National Player of the Year, WNBA No. 1 Draft pick and No. 1 recruiting classes – to
name the most notable.

Staley’s 13 seasons at the helm of the Gamecocks include:
• 2017 NCAA National Championship
• Three NCAA Final Fours in the last six tournaments (2015, 2017, 2021)
• Ranking in the AP Top 25 every week since Dec. 10, 2012, including 95 weeks in the top five
• 25 weeks ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll, including the first-ever final No. 1 ranking in program history (2019-20)
• Nine 25-win seasons, including four 30-win campaigns led by a school-record 34 victories in 2014-15
• Five SEC regular-season championships (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020)
• Six SEC Tournament titles (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021)
• Three top-two recruiting classes (#1 in 2021, #1 in 2019, #2 in 2014)
• Seven NCAA Attendance titles, averaging over 10,000 fans each season (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)

While her coaching career is in full bloom, Staley is still recognized for her body of work as a one of the most decorated participants in
United States women’s basketball history. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame solidified that legacy with her enshrinement as part
of the Class of 2013. The Phoenix Club of Philadelphia established the Dawn Staley Award recognizing the nation’s top guard in women’s
Division I basketball in 2013 as well. Staley was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2012 and was one of
the final nominees for induction to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame the same year. In the summer of 2011, the WNBA recognized her as one of the
league’s “Top 15,” honoring the most influential players in the league’s history.

In 21 seasons as a head coach, Staley has led her teams to 11 25-win seasons, a total of 17 postseason appearances (two WNIT) and 128 weeks in
the Associated Press top 10, including 25 in the No. 1 spot. Also a force in USA Basketball, she was named the U.S. Women’s National Team head
coach for 2017-21, already leading the U.S. to 2018 FIBA World Cup gold to earn USAB National Coach of the Year honors. Prior to that
appointment, Staley led three other U.S. teams to gold medals – 2015 FIBA U19 World Championships, 2014 FIBA U18 Americas Championship,
2007 Pan Am Games – and served as an assistant on the Senior National Team 2006-08 and again 2014-16, during which the U.S. claimed gold in
the 2014 FIBA World Championship and the 2008 and 2016 Olympics.

At the helm of the Gamecocks over the last 13 seasons, Staley has twice been named National Coach of the Year (2014, 2020) with her 2020
unanimous selection making her the first former Naismith Player of the Year to earn the Naismith Coach of the Year award. She is a four-time SEC
Coach of the Year and was the 2012 BCA Female Coach of the Year. She is the only Gamecock basketball coach – men’s or women’s – to amass
300 victories at South Carolina and became the fastest coach to 200 wins in program history, needing just 277 games at South Carolina to reach the
plateau.

Staley has coached a National Player of the Year (A’ja Wilson, 2018) and a National Freshman of the Year (Aliyah Boston, 2020). Under her
leadership, Seven Gamecocks have collected 17 All-America selections, two have picked up five SEC Player of the Year honors, three have earned
SEC Defensive Player of the Year recognition a total of five times, one has been the SEC 6th Player of the Year and six were named SEC Freshman
of the Year. She has coached 16 Gamecocks to All-SEC honors a combined 31 times, including 16 first-team selections, and eight Gamecocks have
been selected in the WNBA Draft in the last five seasons, including 2018 No. 1 pick A’ja Wilson who went on to earn WNBA Rookie of the Year

honors a year after Allisha Gray became the first Gamecock to capture the honor in 2017. Two other Gamecock draftees have earned WNBA All-
Rookie Team honors as well.

On Staley’s watch, the Gamecocks are enjoying the most sustained success in program history. After posting back-to-back 25-win seasons in
2011-12 and 2012-13 for the first time in more than 30 years, the 2014-15 team broke the school record with 34 wins. South Carolina won more SEC
games than the season before in each of her first seven seasons, culminating in the 2015-16 team recording just the second 16-0 conference record in
league history. Her Gamecocks are the only SEC program with multiple 16-0 seasons in league history after they matched that mark in 2019-20.
Staley’s 152 SEC wins account for 70.3 percent of the program’s total 216 wins over its 30 seasons in the league, and her .738 SEC winning
percentage is second only to Tennessee's Pat Summitt in league history. Staley has delivered the only five SEC championships in program history,
and she has helped the Gamecocks to 10 of the program’s 11 top-four finishes in the league.

Leah Uko is an award-winning journalist most notable for her work at NBC10 Philadelphia, FOX11 Los Angeles, and ABC News 4 Charleston.

Her most prominent coverage includes leading breaking news incidents involving gun violence in Philadelphia, raging wildfires in Southern California and several civil rights advancements out West and in the Deep South.

Her story on the CROWN Act helped California become the first state to pass the law, which protects natural hairstyles in workplaces and educational institutions. Leah's award-winning coverage of land owned by descendants of families once enslaved in South Carolina helped prevent the city of Mount Pleasant from going forward with construction that would have displaced the land. To this day, descendants still own their families' properties and land.

She is a proud alumna of the University of California, Riverside, member of Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority, Inc., and the National Association of Black Journalists.

Mahmud is in her second year as Head Coach at the University of Delaware. In her first season with Delaware, the Blue Hens earned two CAA Boat of the Week honors during the spring season in April. UD also had two All-Conference honorees at the CAA Championships, and a program record 13 CRCA Scholar-Athlete selections.
 
During her time in Philadelphia, Mahmud aided the Dragons to no less than a second place finish at the CAA Championships each season, including the best-ever in 2021-22 when the team tied for first. Her boats have captured 24 medals at the CAA Championships, including eight by the Varsity 8, six by the Second Varsity 8, seven by the Varsity 4, and three by the Third Varsity 8. She’s coached 21 student-athletes to All-CAA honors and 56 Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Scholar Athletes nods.
 
At the Dad Vail Regatta, Mahmud led her student-athletes to 20 medals, including seven first-place finishes. Drexel also won the Women’s Club 8 at the 2022 Head of the Charles.
 
In 2021 she coached the junior women’s four with coxswain to a gold medal finish at the World Championship in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. In the summer of 2022, she worked with the U23 team in Varese Italy, coaching the women's four with coxswain to a bronze medal finish at the World Championship in Varese, Italy. In the summer of 2023, she was the lead coach for the women's team at the CanAmMex Regatta, which saw the US take home 14 medals – eight of them gold. The summer of 2024 she coached the U23 women's four with coxswain to a silver medal finish at the World Championship in Saint Catherines, Ontario.
 
Mahmud is a USRowing Level 3 High Performance certified coach. In the summer of 2016, she was one of 14 assistant coaches selected out of a nationwide pool of applicants to attend the Pocock Coach-Con for coaching leadership. That summer, Mahmud also coached the Vesper Boat Club U23 lightweight and open women’s boats. At Club Nationals, she helped guide Vesper to the overall team points trophy and secured a win in the U23 women’s eight at Canadian Henley.
 
Before arriving at Drexel, Mahmud served as the varsity assistant at Bucknell University. Hired at Bucknell University in the fall of 2014, she served in a recruiting role and coached the women’s second varsity eight, which finished second place at the Dad Vail Regatta. Following the Dad Vail, she coached the second varsity eight to a second place in the Patriot League Championship.
 
Prior to Bucknell, Mahmud began her coaching career at her alma mater, Oakcrest High School. In her first year, she served as the varsity assistant coaching the varsity lightweight four and varsity four. The following year she earned a promotion to head coach. In her first year as a head coach, she earned both the Atlantic County Coach of the Year and Press of Atlantic City Coach of the Year awards.

As a Creative Director and Designer, Shannon blends over a decade of apparel and design expertise with a driven curiosity to create memorable products and campaigns, design immersive spaces and have a dedication to elevating the work of emerging artists. Her work spans creative direction, interior design, brand development, retail curation and cultural programming, with a focus on building platforms that tell incredible stories. In 2016, she founded YOWIE, evolving it from a small curated design shop into a multi-faceted brand encompassing a boutique hotel, café, and cultural hub in Philadelphia. Through thoughtful creative direction and strategic partnerships with brands like New Balance, Nordstrom, and The Philadelphia Museum of Art, she specializes in crafting authentic narratives and experiences that inspire connection and creativity.

Iola Harper has recently taken on the role of Executive Director at the Women’s Opportunities Resource Center (WORC), marking an exciting new chapter in her distinguished career. This position brings together her extensive experience and unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact on women, people of color, and refugees. With a career rooted in urban revitalization, diversity, and inclusion, Iola is uniquely positioned to lead WORC into its next phase of growth and impact.

Throughout her career, Iola has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to equipping underrepresented groups with the resources they need to thrive and succeed. Most recently, she served as the Senior Executive Vice President for The Enterprise Center and as Deputy Commerce Director for the City of Philadelphia. In these roles, she was instrumental in fostering economic growth, creating opportunities, and driving initiatives that empowered marginalized communities.

Iola’s leadership extends beyond her professional roles. As an active member of organizations such as The Forum of Executive Women and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women - Pennsylvania Chapter, she has strengthened her ability to create lasting change and build coalitions that drive progress. Her advocacy has earned her prestigious accolades, including being named one of Pennsylvania’s Top 50 Women in Business and receiving recognition from the Small Business Administration and the Philadelphia Business Journal for her pioneering efforts in diversity and inclusion.

A passionate relationship-builder and advocate, Iola’s work has always been focused on empowering others and ensuring their voices are heard. At WORC, she brings this passion and expertise to champion opportunities for those who are often overlooked, striving to unlock their potential and create pathways to success. This role reflects her lifelong mission to foster inclusive economic development and build stronger, more equitable communities.

Karen Taylor Bass is a dynamic keynote speaker, an award-winning media strategist, a Corporate Wellness Trainer, and an acclaimed Amazon Top 20 bestselling author. Her expertise and passions are as diverse as they are impactful, ranging from strategic media solutions to holistic wellness practices. With a unique blend of professionalism and warmth, Karen brings infectious joy and purpose to every endeavor she undertakes.

As a certified 500 (AYT ) Advance Yoga instructor specializing in Trauma-Informed Yoga, Karen brings empathy and understanding to her practice. Her holistic approach to wellness is further enriched by her Reiki Leader and Meditation Coach certifications, embodying her commitment to empowering individuals to lead their best lives. Karen's dedication to wellness extends beyond personal practice; she is the visionary behind International Soulful Yoga Day, an annual event that promotes mindfulness, self-care, and community connection.

Karen's journey is one of resilience and empowerment. Drawing upon her experiences of overcoming adversity, she motivates and inspires others to discover their inner strength and resilience. As an award-winning media strategist, activist, author, inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, and mother, Karen embodies the multifaceted roles that many juggle today. Her story and message resonate deeply with a broad audience, affirming that she is YOU.

Her contributions and thought leadership have been recognized and featured in prestigious media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Sirius XM, AARP, Fox News, USA Today, ABC Network, and Dr. Oz. Karen's influence and insights have made her a sought-after voice on platforms around the world.

In her speaking engagements, workshops, coaching sessions, and media appearances, Karen Taylor Bass's commitment to transforming lives shines brightly. She advocates for personal growth, well-being, and resilience with unwavering motivation, determination, and courage. In today's world, where pressing the reset button on life feels more urgent than ever, Karen Taylor Bass stands as a beacon of hope, guiding individuals toward a journey of renewal and profound transformation.

Shavonnia Corbin-Johnson describes her journey as “from the foster house to the White House”. A proud native of rural York, Pennsylvania, Shavonnia now works as the Vice President of Civic Affairs at Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, the parent company of prominent teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, NJ Devils, and Washington Commanders. Previously, she served as the Pennsylvania State Director for The Impact Project, bringing in $5 million to support advocacy groups and State elections in Pennsylvania. Her career includes roles as: Political Director for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, Chief of Staff for a State Senator, and Deputy Chief of Staff for a Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor. Shavonnia ran for US Congress in 2018 and was only 500 votes short of victory.

In Washington DC, Shavonnia worked for The Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics at as the right hand to the former US Ambassador to The Netherlands. Before this time, Shavonnia received a phone call from The White House and was requested to join the Obama Administration. She accepted and served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of Management and Budget under President Obama helping to administer the US’ multi-trillion-dollar budget while overseeing a team of 900 employees. She also worked in the US Capitol for former US Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania.

Shavonnia is a first-generation college student with a Bachelor’s from Georgetown University and Master’s from George Washington University, both in US Foreign Policy in India, Pakistan, and the Middle East.

On the personal side, Shavonnia owns a time management consulting firm, sits on three boards, has traveled to 30 countries, speaks 4 languages, enjoys dancing, and she has a black belt in taekwondo.

Michelle Thornhill is the Founder and CEO of Legacy & Hope, LLC, a boutique consultancy specializing in grief, loss, bereavement, and end-of-life care. As an Advanced Certified Grief Specialist and End-of-Life Doula, Michelle is recognized for her compassionate and integrative approach to guiding individuals and communities through life’s most challenging transitions.

As a consultant for Historic Eden Cemetery in Collingdale, Pennsylvania, the nation’s oldest continuously operating African American cemetery in the North, Michelle is a sought-after speaker, supports communities in crisis, and promotes the dignified treatment of human remains. Michelle has represented Historic Eden Cemetery with such high-profile social injustices as Penn Museum’s Morton Cranial Collection's unethical possession of human remains; the relocation of African Friends to Harmony Burial Ground, and current concerns involving The 1985 MOVE Bombing.

At the University of Vermont in collaboration with the Osher Center for Integrative Health, Michelle teaches the PACE End-of-Life Doula Certification Program.  She is Vice President of the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) and has been a member of NEDA’s Board of Directors since 2020, serving as chairperson of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Committee to advocate for equitable end-of-life practices for all. Michelle is also a member of the board of directors for New Jersey Death with Dignity.

Michelle’s dedication extends to her roles as an Advisory Board member for Girls Leading Africa, an Advisory Council member for Greater Hope Medical Center, and a collaborator with the University of Alabama on the Living Justice Project. Drawing on her leadership experience in such roles as Managing Director of historic cemeteries, Philadelphia Chapter President for the International Association of Women, and Family Readiness Program Instructor for the U.S. Army, Michelle empowers communities and organizations to navigate grief, end-of-life transitions, and uncertainty with resilience. A graduate of Eastern University and a VITAS Hospice volunteer, Michelle firmly believes that individuals can reach a level of satisfaction when given specific tools to maneuver their way through three transitions; preparing for life’s certainties and uncertainties, moving beyond the pain that comes with grief and loss, and living their best life.

Renee Hill is a visionary fashion designer, educator, and innovator with over a decade of experience in the industry. As the founder of Harx4, she is redefining fashion by embracing modular and circular design, creating timeless, modest multifunctional pieces that promote sustainability and individuality. With over 40 years in Philadelphia, Renee’s journey in fashion is deeply rooted in Philadelphia’s streetwear culture and Walnut Street luxury.

A Project Runway Season 17 contestant, Renee captivated audiences with her bold, avant-garde approach, earning recognition in top fashion publications. She honed her skills at Moore College of Art & Design and the Made Institute, where she developed her signature aesthetic—fusing artistic structure with effortless wearability. Beyond design, Renee is a dedicated educator, teacher at Harcum College, sharing her expertise with the next generation of creatives. She has been a featured speaker at Parsons School of Design, Jefferson University, Moore College, Tyler Temple, Made Institute and Drexel University, inspiring students with her commitment to pushing the boundaries of modern fashion.

Through Harx4, Renee Hill continues to challenge industry norms through modest fashion, blending innovation, sustainability, and artistry to shape the future of fashion.

Lynette C. Townes is an entrepreneur, event producer, executive producer, and strategist. She is widely regarded for her artist-first approach to business, dynamic leadership, genuine love of music, and unwavering support for the gifted artists who make it.

Lynette has emerged as a valued force in music as the manager and business partner of two-time GRAMMY Award and Emmy Award-winning DJ Jazzy Jeff and as the manager of GRAMMY-nominated, renowned House music producer DJ Terry Hunter. She oversees all aspects of their multifaceted brands, which include live shows, global tours, music production, live streams and virtual events, television and film, podcasts, e-commerce, consumer products, and brand partnerships. Notably, Lynette co-founded the PLAYLIST Retreat, a multi-day event that brings music creatives together to inspire, motivate, and fuel collaboration. She is also the executive producer of DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Magnificent House Party and PLAYLIST Live.

With creativity, communication, and community at its core, Lynette's diverse career spans more than two decades, with a wealth of experience in PR, investor relations, corporate communications, marketing, and fashion, working with global companies such as FTI Consulting, IBM, and Gap, Inc. In 2010, she founded Remix Media Group, a boutique public relations and digital marketing agency.

Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Lynette holds a degree in Journalism from Temple University, a degree in Textiles and Apparel Merchandising from Northern Illinois University, and a Certificate in Advanced Social Media Marketing from the University of Delaware. She is a wife and mother of twins with strong family values and a deep commitment to serving her community.

Dixie James, Regional President, Jefferson Health, is a proven healthcare professional with more than 20 years of healthcare experience. Her strengths include strategy, business development, physician alignment and engagement, operations management and optimization, business intelligence and analytics, care coordination, clinical integration, and strategic affiliations/merger & acquisitions.  

In her current role, Dixie is the executive leader responsible for strategic growth, advancement of the organization’s goals and mission and day-to-day operations for a $3.3B region, including Jefferson’s flagship Center City hospital, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital as well as Jefferson Einstein Hospital, Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation and multiple ambulatory surgery centers. Oversight includes setting and maintaining operating and capital budgets, quality and patient safety, patient experience, employee engagement, physician engagement and alignment, regulatory compliance, business development, and community relationship management.  

Dixie currently sits on the Board of Directors for America’s Essential Hospitals, a national association dedicated to ensuring equitable high-quality care for all, the Philadelphia Foundation, a community foundation focused on increasing philanthropic civic investment across Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization where she serves as Board Chair. Dixie also served for 2 years Board Chair for the Southeastern Pennsylvania American Heart Association.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in health systems management from the University of Connecticut and a master’s in business administration from Loyola College. She also maintains active professional memberships with the American College of Healthcare Executives, the National Association of Health Services Executives, and the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

Dixie has been recognized for a number of leadership awards including Philadelphia Business Journal Top Minority Business Leader 2017, Philadelphia Business Journal Women of Distinction 2019, Philadelphia Magazine Trailblazing Women in Philadelphia’s Healthcare Revolution 2020, Philadelphia Tribune Regional Leaders 2021 and Most influential African Americans 2022, 2023 & 2024, City and State Above and Beyond Honoree 2022 & 2023 , March of Dimes 2023 Excellence in Healthcare , Alice Paul Institute 2024 Regional ERA Champion

Darcel Grant is a dynamic professional whose career spans across radio, digital media, marketing and real estate. With seven years of experience as a producer and radio personality in Philadelphia, Darcel established herself as a notable voice in the local media landscape. From 2018 to 2022, she excelled on the digital/ marketing sales team at BET, bringing her expertise to one of the most influential media networks. Her media journey currently continues with Influence Entertainment, where she works alongside the remarkable CEO Dyana Williams and team, contributing in various communication roles and showcasing her versatility and passion for the entertainment industry. She is also Co-CEO of BlakOWND Productions, a company dedicated to producing both scripted and unscripted content that authentically represents Black experiences, with care and integrity serving as the foundational principles. Since 2022, Darcel has been making waves in the real estate sector, where her commitment to excellence and client satisfaction shines through. A creative spirit and avid traveler, Darcel embodies a family-oriented approach in all aspects of her life, making her a true Woman of Substance and Style.

Kristin E. Holmes is a veteran journalist and writer with decades of experience covering education, courts, government, religion, and pop culture. She is currently deputy editor of the Chestnut Hill Local, an award-winning weekly that delivers comprehensive coverage of Northwest Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs. Before joining the Local, Holmes was a longtime reporter with The Philadelphia Inquirer. Holmes has written stories about West Chester University students using their own DNA tests to examine their connection to history; formerly enslaved Africans using newspaper ads to find their lost loved ones; and crippling divisions in religious denominations over theology, abortion and sexual orientation. Holmes’ work also has appeared in The Philadelphia Tribune; digital news sites including Chalkbeat, Love Now Media and WHYY; along with countless newspapers across the country.

Holmes also was a writer featured in “The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Cities,” writing a chapter about the gentrification of Philadelphia’s downtown neighborhoods and its effect on religious communities.

Holmes joined The Inquirer after earning degrees at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Temple University. She covered stories in Philadelphia and its suburbs, working out of multiple Inquirer news bureaus. While based at the newspaper’s Center City headquarters, Holmes wrote Spilled Inq, the publication’s first-ever blog. In 2021, Holmes joined the Chestnut Hill Local where she edits, writes and helps craft news coverage.

Holmes is a founding board associate of the recently-formed National Association of Black Journalists Philadelphia Chapter and served as a longtime member of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ), a professional organization co-founded by her mentor Acel Moore, the associate editor emeritus of The Inquirer and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who died in 2016. Holmes worked for Moore as an editorial assistant when he developed and founded what is now the award-winning Acel Moore High School Journalism Workshop, which trains aspiring journalists.

Holmes served in multiple offices with PABJ, serving as vice president/print, chair of the election and membership committees, and co-chair of the organization’s annual gala, which was the major scholarship fundraiser for the organization. She recruited and managed convention volunteers in 1995 and 2011 when Philadelphia was the site of the National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention. Holmes has twice received the PABJ President’s Award for her service to the organization.

At The Inquirer, Holmes won awards for team coverage from the Society of Professional Journalists, and earned fellowships to study religion and digital news. She won The Inquirer’s Ralph Vigoda Award for Journalism in 2019. At the Local, she has won several awards from the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association.

Holmes serves on the board of the Southwest Belmont Community Association, a more than 100-year-old organization founded by African American women and once known as the “Colored Women’s YWCA.” Southwest Belmont provided lodging, social services, recreation and a community center in South Philadelphia before transitioning to a mission that includes awarding thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Holmes chairs the organization’s Scholarship Committee.

Holmes also is a longtime member of FC Wesley Methodist Church in Philadelphia, where she serves as an officer of the congregation’s Scholarship Committee, which raises funds for scholarships and works to support and encourage Wesley students.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, where she currently resides, Holmes is a graduate of The Philadelphia High School for Girls, earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UCLA and a master’s degree in communications from Temple University. She enjoys attending the theater, collecting art, visiting museums, singing and traveling.

For the last 10 years Jeannine A. Cook has worked as a trusted writer and designer for several startups, corporations, non-profits, influencers, and most recently herself.

In addition to a holding a master’s degree from The University of the Arts and am MFA from Drexel University, Jeannine is also a Leeway Art & Transformation grantee and winner of the Black Girl Magic Award, South Philly Review Difference Maker Award, Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly, Women Leading the 175th, the PACDC Equitable Entrepreneur Award, and the Metro’s Power Women Award.

Jeannine’s work has been recognized by several national and international news outlets including New York Times, Vogue Magazine, Google, Forbes, Inc., Washington Post, Oprah’s Magazine, MSNBC, and the Today Show. She is a proud educator and mother with years of experience teaching creative storytelling in alternative environments from bodegas to city blocks.

She recently returned from Nairobi, Kenya and Birmingham, UK where she facilitated art and social change workshops with youth from 15 countries around the world.

Jeannine writes about the complex intersections of motherhood, globalism, activism, and the arts. Her pieces are featured in several publications including monthly critiques in the Broad Street Review, and articles/short stories in Princeton University Press, Philadelphia Inquirer, Mothering Magazine, Philadelphia Stories, Girl God, Mahogany Baby, Good Mother Project, Printworks, Adelaide Magazine and midnight & indigo.

Proudly Jeannine has interviewed a number of NYT bestselling authors for national publications including Nicki Giovanni, Nikole Hannah Jones, Dr. Ibram X Kendi, Will Smith, Jason Mott, Imbolo Mbue, and Alice Walker while hosting a monthly Instagram Live Cooking Show with celebrity chefs including Marcus Samuelson and Vallery Lomas.

In February 2020, Jeannine completed her first book of short stories, Conversations With Harriett and opened Harriett’s Bookshop in the Fishtown section of North Philadelphia. In 2021 she opened Ida’s Bookshop in Collingswood, NJ, and Josephine’s Bookshop (an bookshop installation that roves around in Paris), with the mission to celebrate women authors, women artists, and women activists.

Jeannine’s children’s book, affectionately named Harrietts was released in Fall 2022.

Her Harriett’s Coloring Jawn in partnership with The Philadelphia Airport is a coloring book that explores the power of the bookshop community. Released alongside an airport installation of Harriett’s in October 2024.

Jeannine is currently working on a new book thanks to a publishing deal with Amistad/Harper Collins and she will finish it soonish— if the creek don’t rise.

From 2002 to 2005 she appeared on Trading Spaces as part of a revolving cast of interior designers. While planning and decorating rooms for the participants she also started a Non-Profit Organization: Sacred Living Spaces, Transitional Housing for men and women  seeking to Rebuild and Transform  their Lives.  After Trading Spaces, Steave-Dickerson hosted the American reality television series Renovate My Place on TV One.

Her biggest Production to date was in 2007 when she gave birth to her son, she took a seven-year hiatus from film/Television before returning as a Property Master for Creed  I and II, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Servant and Hustle just to name a few.  A recipient of the NBMBAA-Wells Fargo Entrepreneur Excellence Award, Steave-Dickerson's Company K.I.A. Design and Construction, Inc. has worked as an Interior designers and/or Construction Manager on several notable projects including but not limited to: Howard University Cramton Auditorium, the PA Convention Center Expansion, The First District Plaza of the African Methodist Episcopal Headquarters, Mother Bethel Church and most recently New River Presbyterian Church.

Kaisha Askins Blackstone is the embodiment of the phrase “well rounded musician.” She has been a touring background singer for Billboard topping artists and is an accomplished businesswomen specializing in music and media publishing, branding, and finance in the music business.

While recording and singing around the world, her desire for business never faded and her strength in cultivating and promoting quality music grew. In 2001, Blackstone launched Ray’s Sister Publishing, LLC, a Music Publishing Administration and Web, Print and Media Branding company. In 2009 Blackstone partnered with her husband, to start BASSic Black Entertainment, LLC (BBE). BBE is a full music service company that provides live music production, connecting artists and musicians, and studio production. Continuing to build for the next generation, in 2022, Kaisha joined the The Westphal School at the Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA as professor in the Music Industry program.

Kaisha's expansive background keeps her as a sought after resource for the music community and as her core values of faith and family center her, she continues to expand her musical empire.

Dr. Knights is an exceptional physician and leader in the field of healthcare and OB/GYN. As the Associate Chief Medical Officer at Jefferson Health New Jersey, she is a Physician executive versed in medical management, evidence-based practice and hospital-physician collaboration.

• Accomplished educator adept at training both clinical and non-clinical audiences 
• An initiator and implementer who consistently exceeds target goals 
• Focused team leader who encourages creative problem-solving
• A pivotal role in ensuring high quality healthcare

Dr. Knights has a special focus on health equity and work around ensuring quality and ensuring progressive change in learners and trainees in medicine.

Dr. Rashidah Abdul-Khabeer, PhD, MHS RN, is currently the Program Development Coordinator and Grant Writer for Concilio, a community-based non-profit organization. She has successfully garnered more than $15 million in funding over the last 5 years, assisting in expanding Concilio’s critical human services to the Latino communities in Philadelphia. She is the past Director of Community-based Health Services for AccessMatters, a reproductive health services organization overseeing medical and reproductive services throughout Southeast Pennsylvania Philadelphia. At the onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and as founder of BEBASHI, Dr. Khabeer, as an activist and advocate, worked diligently for medical and social services for the underserved communities of color impacted by HIV/AIDS both locally and nationally. She received her Nursing education from Drexel University (Medical College of Pennsylvania), her master’s in human services from Lincoln University (Pennsylvania), and her PhD in Human Services, Research and Evaluation from Capella University. Dr. Abdul-Khabeer has actively served the Muslim communities of Philadelphia on various boards and committees and teaching Islamic Studies for Women in several masjids in the City.

Celebrity hair stylist Samina Adens-Daurov has styled the tresses of Mary J Blige, Megan Good, Jill Scott, Keyshia Cole, Kindred Family Soul and many more. For more than 20 years, she mentors homeless women in shelters and fulfills Christmas lists for their children. Each year, she also adopts 50+ families to feed during the Holidays with all the trimmings, makes hundreds of holiday baskets for women in need at shelters, and gives away huge gift baskets for the start of the year for first born babies.

To help stop violence in the streets of Philadelphia, Samina takes groups of children to fishing derbies in Elkins Park to teach them how to fish and adopt nutritious eating habits, and take them out of their normal environment. In 2019 Samina won numerous awards for raising the most funds to build urban gardens in impoverished neighborhoods. Additionally, she volunteers her time to do the hair of disabled senior citizens.

Dr. Charlene Glenn is a lifelong learner and committed to the education of children and adults. She is passionate about educating adults and youth through impactful experiences in and outside of the classroom.

She is a Fulbright Scholar recipient with 20+ years in higher education as a professor, researcher, and administrator. She has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels in postsecondary education; led customized training nationally and internationally; and facilitated on topics including: business management and operations, leadership, ethics, entrepreneurship and business innovation

Through her Fulbright in 2020-2023, she facilitated a professional development series – Developing an Agile Mindset for the Competitive Business Landscape for business and industry professionals in Barbados; led a Business Continuity session for the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Barbados; and served as a guest lecturer at Barbados Community College for a Small Business and Entrepreneurship course.  

Due to her work in Barbados with women entrepreneurs, she was selected to serve as the instructor for a women entrepreneurship course in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia sponsored by the US Consulate in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and the International Strategic Accelerator for Women (iSAW) Foundation.

Additionally, she is committed to serving her community through various initiatives; serving as a guest speaker for the AKA Omega Mu Omega chapter community service outreach program; serving as a scholarship competition application reviewer for the debutants in the New Jersey Chapter of AKA; and she is currently working with K-8 students in preparing them for the collegiate environment. She does all of this work in a fashionable way through her shopping for unique, special, and sometimes on trend pieces.

Angie Brown is the owner and executive Chef of Soul Catering and Consulting Company. Angie has traveled worldwide creating delicious Southern and Creole dishes for decades. Previously, Angie has owned and operated four Restaurants, which include, Voodoo Lounge, Mt.Airy Cafe, Angie Brown’s and Soul BYOB. Angie Brown is Philadelphia’s Native Daughter.

Chef Angie has cooked for Celebrities, Diplomats and Politicians. Angie was the first Black Female Chef to be featured on NBC’s “The Chopping Block” With three star Michelin Chef Marco Pierre White. Chef Angie is also a Culinary Arts Educator and opened the first cooking school for Kids in Chestnut Hill . Chef Angie is a member of Les Dame D’ Escoffier International. Chef Angie has her degree in Culinary Art and Business from The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College. Chef Angie got her inspiration for cooking from three generations of cooks. The inspiration came from her Great Grandmother, Grandmother and Mother. Chef Angie Brown has two Children Samantha Carrie Johnson and Gabriel Carl Johnson.

In 1985, Charita Powell launched Amazulu Collections by traveling to fairs, shows, and special events throughout America. A staple at the historic Reading Terminal Market, her designs are a mix of unique, custom-designed, high-quality sterling silver jewelry.

Amazulu purposefully joins together the rich Ancestral history of Africa and African-American culture, and more broadly Amazulu gathers inspiration from cultures all over the world.
Her shop in the Reading Terminal Market is a vital source of global and African artistry in Philadelphia. Beyond Philly, her designs have won her multiple awards, including a nomination from Radio One's Dyana Williams for Joan Shepp's Women of Substance and Style in 2021
and an acknowledgment from The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Celebrity customers include, but are not limited to, Nikki Giovanni, Deborah Darden. and Iyanla Vanzant.

Inspired by her grandmother's entrepreneurial spirit as a property owner in South Philadelphia, Charita started a business at age nine cleaning marble steps for her neighbors, she continues to have the same ambition and has now gained global vet status.

If you get a chance to talk to Charita herself or any of the sales ambassadors in the Amazulu family you quickly realize that the business is focused on including and uplifting the local and global community. Locally, Charita often collaborates with other designers on Amazulu products, as well as shares her space so other Black female artists running their own businesses can have a platform. Today you can find Amazulu Collections/Urban Karma Wear in the Reading Terminal
Market in Philadelphia, the 1st and 3rd Floors of the BOK Building, and at festivals and

pop-up events throughout the United States and abroad.

Jacinth Headlam is an award-winning actor, author, filmmaker, and visionary entrepreneur whose work has inspired countless individuals to embrace resilience, creativity, and purpose. Born and raised in St. Mary, Jamaica, Jacinth’s journey is one of triumph, transformation, and trailblazing success across the creative arts.

As the creator of Love After Holidays, premiering 2025 on BET+ and BET Network, Jacinth has cemented her reputation as a powerhouse in film production. Her documentary, I’m Jacinth - Love After, and memoir, Love After, resonate deeply with audiences, offering guidance and inspiration for overcoming setbacks, trauma, and betrayal. These works empower individuals to reclaim their lives and walk boldly in their purpose.

Jacinth’s storytelling expertise extends to her role as Founder and CEO of Jacinth Media Productions, where she specializes in media, film production, and book writing/publishing. Through her company, she helps aspiring authors transform their stories into published works, build legacies, and create multiple streams of income while gaining recognition for their narratives.

Her dedication to empowering others is at the heart of the InnaStar Organization, a global movement she founded in 2022 to uplift youth in marginalized communities. InnaStar offers self-development workshops, mentorship programs, and educational initiatives, helping participants cultivate confidence, resilience, and a pathway to success. A centerpiece of this movement is the annual InnaStar Trailblazer Awards, which celebrate outstanding contributions in the arts and creative industries.

Jacinth’s vision is expanding globally with the upcoming InnaStar Awards - Jamaica in November 2025. This initiative will highlight Jamaica’s rich artistic talent and cultural contributions, further establishing InnaStar’s international impact.

Her achievements have earned her significant recognition, including the City of Allentown’s proclamation of “Jacinth Appreciation Day” on February 23rd, honoring her contributions to the community. As a devoted mother and passionate advocate for youth empowerment, Jacinth’s work continues to inspire hope and transformation on a global scale.

Through her resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to storytelling, Jacinth Headlam is leaving an indelible mark on the world, empowering individuals and communities to turn adversity into purpose and dreams into reality.