Mayoral Candidates Forum 

Photo Credit: Chris Grant phillymusicvideos.com
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Presented by Citizens and sponsored by 6abc
Meet the Next Mayor 
Contributed by 10k Independents Project and chatGPT

On March 8, the Center City Business Association hosted a forum for the candidates running for Philadelphia mayor. Meet the Next Mayor was moderated by Rick Williams, a veteran news anchor for Channel 6 Action News, and featured all of the candidates who have announced their run for mayor.

The forum was an opportunity for the candidates to share their plans to improve Philadelphia, make it a great place to live and work, and to open, grow, and sustain a business. The candidates were asked a variety of questions by business leaders from all over the city, including members, the board, and business leaders who have spoken at Center City Business Association programs throughout the year.

What Are Your Top Three Priorities to Attract and Retain Successful Businesses in Philadelphia? The top priorities mentioned by the candidates were:

• Jeff Brown: Safety, strong leadership, simplify business regulations, address poverty.

• Jimmy DeLeon: Safety, reduce gun violence become a hub for black and brown initial public offerings, reduce generational poverty

• Allan Domb: Violence, leadership, education, taxes to attract more business

• Derek Green: Safety, reduce taxes, make it easier to do business

• Helen Gym: Vibrant residential and business-friendly corridor, education for families and our future, cleanliness,

• David Oh: Safety and police, attract investment and employers, tax reform

• Cherelle Parker: Attract and retain businesses, safety and cleanliness, provide access to economic opportunities, grow hope and pride, get our own hose in order

• María Quiñones Sánchez: Tax reform, workforce development, education

• Rebecca Rhynhart: Safety, criminal justice reform, cut down on red tape, tax reform

Other questions covered included:

• What specific steps would you take to address your priorities?

• The challenges that we hear about the most from businesses, are crime, homelessness/aggressive panhandling, and trash. How would you solve one of these issues?

• In regard to the proposed Sixers Arena on Market Street East adjacent to Chinatown: Do you support or oppose the construction and operation at that proposed site? Do you think the major governmental decisions regarding the Sixers Arena should be left to the Next Mayor and City Council who will have to deal with the implications of these decisions?

• What have you done, or accomplished that SHOWS us that you have what it takes, the stamina and the determination, to lead the city?”

The forum showcased the candidates' differing priorities and approaches to improving the city. However, there was a common theme among all the candidates: the need to make Philadelphia a safer city. Each candidate offered their own unique ideas for how to achieve this, including increasing police presence, reducing gun violence, and improving technology and infrastructure.

Additionally, several candidates emphasized the need to make it easier for businesses to operate in Philadelphia, through tax reform and simplifying regulations. Education and workforce development were also key issues, with candidates proposing plans to improve schools and provide training for the city's workforce.

The forum offered a glimpse into the candidates' plans for the future of Philadelphia, and provided an opportunity for business leaders and residents to hear directly from the candidates about their ideas and priorities. As the election approaches, it will be interesting to see how these plans evolve and which candidate ultimately emerges as the next mayor of Philadelphia. 

You can view a full recording of the event HERE.

Remember to vote!

Member of the Month: Chris Vassallo

My name is Chris Vassallo. I’d like to share a bit about myself, my family, and my business and look forward to learning the same about you.

I live in Southwest Center City Philadelphia with my wife, our son, and our dog. I’m not a huge sports person but my son is showing strong interest, especially in baseball, so needless to say, I’m ramping that up!

The clients I and my firm, RTD Financial, help daily are people who want, need, and value professional advice when it comes to their financial planning and wealth strategies. When people first come to us, they’re usually panicked about the markets (a lot of that right now), stressed that they don’t know when they can confidently retire, confused about how to maximize the value of their efforts, feel they’re paying too much in taxes, have no idea if they’re invested properly, or really have no clarity of whether they’re on track toward whatever objectives for which they’re accumulating money.

Our clients tend to be in one of three categories:
1. Young families who are getting started and are in the accumulation phase.
2. Business owners and the self-employed.
3. People within 10-15 years of retirement or who are already retired.

At RTD Financial, our 4 primary differentiators are:
1. We are fiduciaries – we take a moral, ethical, and legal oath to always act in clients’ best interest.
2. Our fees are a fixed fee for service; this helps eliminate conflicts of interest.
3. We are so much more than just a money manager. We help clients develop, implement, and monitor plans, track their progress, and understand the impact of various changes and decisions.
4. We know how to listen. We take the time to learn about our clients’ lives’ before we learn about their money. Said another way, the questions we ask our clients and the counseling we provide – on matters that go far beyond the dollars and cents – brings tremendous value.

Clients partner with RTD to receive one, some, or all the following service categories:
1. Personal Wealth Management: We help families and individuals navigate financial decisions, developing an evolving plan focused on their unique needs and desires.
2. Employer Retirement Plan Solutions: We partner with business owners and executives to design and manage effective retirement programs.
3. Nonprofit Investment Management: We work closely with boards and finance committees to develop and maintain high-impact investment plans.
4. Trust Investment Management: We work closely with individual and corporate trustees to develop and maintain high-impact investment plans.

More about Chris:

What are you reading right now (or what is a go-to book you would recommend to others)? Right now, I’m reading Progressive Education in a Time of Existential Risk by Steve Nelson

What is a non-profit that you support? CHOP

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Even though I’m a “planner” financially, I much prefer not having much of my day planned out when it comes to personal, family, or vacation time; I like to see where the current takes me.

What is the first place you’d recommend to someone that’s never been to our city?
Go get something to eat at Café Ida on 17th and Passyunk – best food and nicest people; Ida is so sweet!

Where did you spend December 31, 1999?
Playdrome Bowling Alley on Kings Highway in Cherry Hill, NJ. I remember my father had to work that night “in case all the computers crashed” (he had a career in data/IT).


Chris Vassallo
Vice President of Client Development, RTD Financial
215-557-3815
chris@rtdfinancial.com
www.rtdfinancial.com
LinkedIn Company Page Twitter YouTube

Member of the Month: Jess Trinca

Hello! I am a recent Philadelphia transplant. I moved out from California in March 2022 with a desire for a new life adventure on the East Coast, proximity to family, reduced time difference with my EU clients, and the freedom to work remotely. Thank you to all who have extended such warm welcomes already! 

I founded my own business operations consultancy in 2018. Jess Trinca Consulting was born out of my passion for identifying challenges and inefficacies that prevent productive business growth. After more than a decade of progressing through various verticals of the entertainment industry (advertising, content marketing, digital gaming, and digital agency services) and working with a few startups, I claimed my strength as a business operations leader. No matter the company, or the industry, operations are the bedrock of any organization. Sound operations prove a company’s commitment to its people, its culture, working smarter (not harder), and of course continuously strengthening its bottom line.    

Jess Trinca Consulting provides strategic thinking and operational design to early-stage start-ups to support the growth of their business and empower management teams to realize and achieve their goals.  

Specializing in high-growth, vision-backed start-ups, I immerse myself in my clients’ businesses. I identify urgent needs and blockers to help my clients’ organizations calmly and confidently move forward with the support, foresight, and operational thinking that teams need to grow.  

I customize a suite of services to meet each client where their business is at. Services range from operations development & implementation, new corporation formation, M&A due diligence coordination, cross-functional workflows design & implementation, to leadership advisement & mentorship, and more.  

As an advisor, I serve as a thought partner, sounding board, and accountability coach to ensure each client reaches their highest potential in the workplace. In the early days of service, I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and do the work alongside Founders and their teams. When we’ve achieved designated goals, I turn my focus to equipping, training, coaching, and empowering the newly formed leadership and director-level teams to continue forward.  

I am looking forward to expanding my services here in Philadelphia, supporting the startup community and larger organizations alike.

More about Jess:

What are you reading right now (or what is a go-to book you would recommend to others)? The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz is one of my go-tos.

What was your first job?
My first job out of college was working on The Simpsons, as the Executive Assistant to the show’s Publicist. The first episode I worked on was Episode 401 He Loves to Fly and He D'ohs, with special guest Lionel Richie.

It’s Sunday at 10 AM. Where are you?
Any one of these three - at OCF Café on Fairmount, running along the Schuylkill, or having breakfast with my nieces on the Main Line.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have run 16 marathons to date, with sights set on more!

What is the first place you’d recommend to someone that’s never been to our city?
Having only called Philadelphia home for less than one year, I too am taking recommendations! That said, the Mural Arts walk, the Schuylkill River Path, the Barnes Museum, and Suraya restaurant…these are a few of my favorite things - so far.

Jess Trinca
Strategic Operations Consultant
Jess Trinca Consulting LLC
530-520-7554
Email
www.jesstrinca.com
LinkedIn
LinkedIn Company Page

Member of the Month: Carol J. de Fries

A multi-faceted senior executive, Carol de Fries has over 15 years of successful leadership experience in various sectors including economic and workforce development, philanthropy, business development, advocacy, and higher education. Ms. de Fries is the Vice President of Workforce & Economic Innovation at Community College of Philadelphia, where she is focused on expanding the College’s employer-led workforce and professional development programs and its career services. Carol leads the College’s entrepreneurial programs including the prominent Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses initiative and the neighborhood-focused Power Up Your Business program. An open admission institution offering more than 100 associate degree, academic and proficiency certificate programs, Community College of Philadelphia and its Division of Workforce and Economic Innovation attract instructors with a wealth of experience and partner with credible organizations to provide unique and innovative programming geared towards lifelong learning. 

Ms. de Fries’ previous roles include Vice President of Marketing & Business Development for PIDC, Executive Director of Government & Community Affairs for the University of Pennsylvania, and Special Assistant to the Director of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia.

Ms. de Fries holds a Masters in Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania's Fels Institute of Government and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgetown University. Ms. de Fries’ current board affiliations include Philadelphia250, Collegiate Consortium of Workforce & Economic Development, and ReBuild Economic Opportunity Plan Oversight Committee.

More about Carol:

What are you reading right now (or what is a go-to book you would recommend to others)? The Great Upheaval: Higher Education's Past, Present, and Uncertain Future by Arthur Levine and Scott Van Pelt 

What is your guilty pleasure TV show?
“Never Have I Ever” is a recent one, but there are usually 2-3 in the mix.

What is your favorite place you have traveled?
Portugal and Italy are favorites; traveling and experiencing new cultures is a passion of mine.

What was your first concert?
First non-teenybopper concert was David Bowie Serious Moonlight Tour. 

What is the first place you’d recommend to someone that’s never been to our city?
Any of the world class institutions along the Parkway.

Carol J. de Fries
Vice President, Workforce & Economic Innovation 
Community College of Philadelphia
215-496-6158
cdefries@ccp.edu
www.ccp.edu/solutions
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Before We Knew Covid: Waking Up From a Coma

Courtesy of Jefferson Health Magee Rehabilitation Hospital.

When Dan Dizio woke up from a coma and opened his eyes on May 1, 2020, his health was fragile and his body was frail...Dizio had no memory of the last five weeks.

It was one day before his 48th birthday. Rather than celebrating with friends and family, Dizio was in a hospital bed with with a paralyzed right arm. A feeding tube carried nutrients into his body through his esophagus into his stomach. A tube was inserted in his trachea, helped him breathe. The sound of a mechanical hum whirred from the ventilator.

It was the early stages of the pandemic and very little was known about the novel coronavirus.

At first, Dizio, CEO of the Philly Pretzel Factory, thought he’d picked up a mild cold, but within a few days, breathing felt more like choking. Dizio had no known underlying medical conditions. He was relatively young and active—he lifted weights, ran a seven-minute mile, and ate healthy. Still, it was no match for COVID-19.

Dizio spent six weeks recovering at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Five of those six weeks were in a medically-induced coma. Then he transferred to Jefferson Health’s Magee Rehabilitation Hospital for intensive inpatient rehabilitation to get strong enough to go home.

Due to the position of his neck while in his coma, his arm was paralyzed from nerve damage. He was plaugued by breathelessness.  He had lost 50 pounds during his hospitalization, and walking more than a few feet exhausted him. COVID-19 also caused brain damage—which required him to relearn how to walk and swallow.

Beyond the physical toll of the COVID, the pandemic had hit his business hard. Fifty of his stores temporarily closed. Sales fell by 70%. The road to recovery proved challenging in both his personal and professional lives.

However, that journey would not be traveled alone; the medical professionals at Magee were with him during every step of the healing process.     

Over the next month, Dizio worked with his Magee care team for hours every day to strengthen his mind and body. His health improved dramatically. Determined to heal, he insisted on extra rounds of physical therapy, and with the support of Magee staff, he did.

As his health improved, so too did the business. Philly Pretzel Factory began to offer delivery and an option for curbside pick-up. Most of the franchises recuperated and opened their doors once more.

In late May, Dizio was well enough for discharge and to continue his recovery at home. As he made his way out of the hospital, Magee staff lined the halls for a celebratory send-off. They were clapping, cheering, and offering words of encouragement Dizio’s therapists blasted the “Rocky” theme and they all danced together.     

As 2020 turned into 2021, Dizio’s health and business were on the upswing again. He was back to work and living in a state of gratitude. In Philly, nothing signifies love and appreciation like a soft pretzel. Dizio and his team delivered hundreds of soft pretzels and gift baskets to Magee staff as a way to say thank you to the team who helped him get back to living his best life.

Two years later, Dizio made a complete recovery. He enjoys many of the same activities he used to. Life, thankfully, looks normal again. Dan has expressed his tremendous gratitude to the Magee staff who helped him regain his health, saying “Thank you to the team at Magee for helping me regain my health and get my life back. You were the game changers for me.”

Member of the Month: Benjamin Lloyd

Bright Invention's mission is to use improvisation to empower people and organizations to unlock their potential. We have three program areas: The Bright Invention Ensemble offering long form improvisation shows and classes; Ability in Action, serving people with disabilities and other marginalized communities, and our consulting service Creative Corporate Training. Click here for a printable PDF.

From its founding in 2011, Ben has now guided Bright Invention to its current incarnation: as a flexible and dynamic performing arts nonprofit which does three things: improvise, corporate training, and creative work with marginalized communities.

From 1994 - 2013 Ben acted professionally on every major stage in the Philadelphia region, as well as in New York City, Edinburgh Scotland, Portland Oregon, and other places. His second novel, The Deception of Surfaces, was published in July 2011. It is a follow up to his first book The Actor’s Way: A Journey of Self-Discovery in Letters, published by Allworth Press in May 2006. He is also the author of various articles and pamphlets on theatre and Quakerism. He has a B.A. in Theater Studies from Yale College, an M.F.A. in Acting from the Yale School of Drama, and a Certificate in Diversity & Inclusion from Cornell University. He lives in Philadelphia.

When he’s not keeping his company afloat, he enjoys performing long form improvisation, practicing yoga, and training for Olympic-distance triathlons!

More about Benjamin:

What are you reading right now? In One Person, John Irving

What is your guilty pleasure TV show? Rings of Power, Amazon

What was your first concert? Styx, Boston Garden

What is your best networking tip? Listen, listen, listen. Networking success is based on the quality of the relationships you co-create.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? I’m actually pretty shy, and an introvert. Surprisingly, this is true of many performers.

Benjamin Lloyd
Executive Director, Bright Invention Incorporated
877-674-8338
845 North 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA. 19123
ben@brightinventon.org
www.brightinvention.org
www.creativecorporatetraining.biz

Member Spotlight: Dan Rottenberg

In Dan Rottenberg's words, "Philadelphia is in many respects an ideal place to practice the journalist’s craft." In addition to being an early CCBA board member — and current member — Rottenberg has been chief editor of seven publications, among them Center City’s fondly recalled weekly, the Welcomat. His career highlights include columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer and executive editor of Philadelphia Magazine, as well as a reporter for the Wall Street Journal. He received Temple University’s prestigious Free Speech Award in 1992 after successfully defending seven libel suits. 

Rottenberg's twelve published books include Finding Our Fathers, which launched the modern Jewish genealogy movement in 1977, and Death of a Gunfighter, which was honored as the best Western history book of 2008. In his most recent book, The Education of a Journalist: My Seventy Years on the Frontiers of Free Speech, he writes, "As a freelancer, I discovered, I possessed one unexpected advantage: my Philadelphia location. This once-ridiculed city, I found, is actually an ideal place to practice journalism: close to the centers of power (Washington and New York) without being in the center." 

Q: Dan, Philadelphia plays such an important role in your recent work. How do you think the media landscape has changed in Philly over the course of your career?
The big local media story in the ’60s was the transformation of Philadelphia Magazine from a Chamber of Commerce puff sheet to a hip and aggressive innovator in investigative journalism. In the ‘70s it was the transformation of the Inquirer from one of America’s worst daily newspapers to one of the best. In the ‘80s it was the transformation of the Welcomat from a pedestrian weekly shopper to a unique alternative opinion forum. Today’s big story is the Internet— which, like Gutenberg’s moveable type 500 years ago, will deliver untold blessings once we learn to handle its inevitable chaos. 

Q: You talk about experiencing a "renaissance" when you returned to Philly in the early 70s. Do you think we're experiencing another period of rebirth and innovation in Center City?
Sure. Center City is constantly experiencing rebirth, thanks to its uncanny ability to turn weakness into strength.

• In 1946, when commercial development threatened to overwhelm the Rittenhouse Square area and the Square itself suffered from years of neglect, nearly 300 neighbors organized the Center City Residents Association. They successfully pressed the city to maintain the Square and preserve the neighborhood’s residential character.

• In the ’50s, when most cities sought federal urban renewal funds to raze their downtowns and rebuild from scratch, Philadelphia’s inability to follow suit led instead in the opposite direction: hundreds of decaying or abandoned homes within the city’s historic district were preserved and restored. The resulting community, christened “Society Hill,” remains the envy of American cities everywhere.

• In the ‘60s, traditional merchants fled South Street to escape the impending construction of the Crosstown Expressway. When the Expressway plans fizzled, a hip Bohemian entertainment district sprung up on South Street as artists, artisans, foodies, and flower children occupied its cheap abandoned retail spaces. 

• In the ’70s, the end of the Vietnam War released the creative energies of a whole generation of youthful anti-war protesters— social activists who rejected corporate life and instead perceived restaurants as an ideal counter-culture outlet. Center City— with its unique combination of sophisticated population and relatively low property costs— proved the ideal incubator space for their gastronomic experiments. As a result, a city never previously known for its cuisine was suddenly celebrated nationally for its “restaurant renaissance.”

• In the ‘80s, the Welcomat was transformed from a pedestrian shopper into a unique weekly opinion forum written largely by its readers. In the process, it became the nation’s first profitable “alternative” paper and was cited by Advertising Age as “a vanguard of the future of big-city publishing.” But in fact, the Welcomat’s success couldn’t be replicated elsewhere, because no downtown community in America could match Center City’s combination of population size, household income level, education level, and proprtion of residents who both lived and worked within the same neighborhood.

• In the ’90s, South Broad Street was transformed from a commercial district into the Avenue of the Arts as empty office spaces were replaced by theaters, as well as apartment buildings housing culture-hungry empty nesters.

• Also in the ’90s, the city’s failure to adequately clean downtown streets prompted the creation of the privately-funded Center City District, which subsequently expanded its mission to a broad range of services. 

• And today, COVID and the consequent fear of crowded indoor spaces has forced restaurants to create outdoor “streeteries” in order to survive. The result: bustling new pedestrian life on downtown streets formerly dominated by gas-guzzling cars.

Q: What is your top advice for Philadelphia business owners in 2022?
A few timeless lessons from my memoir about confronting competition: Conventional wisdom is usually wrong. Don’t be misled by a dynamic façade (remember the emperor’s new clothes). Success invariably plants the seeds of downfall. The arrival or departure of a single individual can make a huge difference to any business. 

Click here for Dan’s memoir.
To purchase Rottenberg's book, click here.   
Dan Rottenberg
1315 Walnut Street, Suite 904
Philadelphia PA 19107
www.danrottenberg.com

Tricks that Will Treat Your Business Well

In the spirit of the season, this month, we asked members:  what tricks have treated your business well? As your employees and colleagues bring in their leftover candy, read through these tricks and apply them to your business or workplace!

Sean Boyce, Founder, NxtStep
Starting a podcast was one of the best business decisions I ever made. It’s great for networking and generating quality marketing content. I recently learned about a neat app called Blinkist. It provides a summary of key points from popular books to help you figure out which one you want to dive into next. Always make time to invest in and grow your network by meeting great people through events hosted by wonderful organizations like Center City Business. Take 5 is the candy to beat!

Paul Lindenmuth, Business Development, Domus
Make a concerted effort to remember the names of as many of the people you meet as possible. If you don’t have a natural aptitude for remembering names, take notes or utilize some other technique that helps you retain information. Being able to recall the name of a newly made acquaintance after months (or even years) have passed conveys they made an impression on you and that you genuinely valued your previous conversation. Remembering someone’s name is noticed, and appreciated.

Hope Horwitz, Vice President/Partner, Feldscher Horwitz Public Relations
My best trick is knowing myself and I know that I don't do "it's business, not personal" well. So I've learned to embrace that. I like to be personal in my professional life. When working with people, I bring them to a comfortable place where we can just be people working together instead of all of the worry about our corporate hierarchy. I pay a lot of attention to how comfortable the person (people) I'm talking to is (are) and be sure to adjust accordingly. So far, I'm able to build quality, effective (and fun) relationships that bring success for all.

Damaris Alvarado-Rodriguez, Executive President, Latinos Educando Juntos 
As a new non-profit organization and a Latina in business, I have been able to connect with many childcare organizations ran by other Latinx/Hispanic owners to create a platform/hub where they meet once a month, find resources, information, and other tools needed to help them strengthen their business practices and to become sustainable. My professional tricks are having over 20 years of experience in the Early Childhood Field and knowing how to pivot when the time is right. Creating strategic moves is important in my field and sharing these tools, wisdom, and the "how to" with other childcare business owners, with a holistic approach, especially through these difficult times of staffing shortages, is essential for economic growth.

Bob Cosgrove, General Manager, Sonesta Philadelphia 
I would say something that overlaps both personal and professional is getting to know people. When leaders take an interest in a person, it sends a great message to the person on the other end. Remembering and learning a person's name and not seeing them for a while but surprising them you remembered. Calling upon someone when you do not need anything but saying hello. These are my personal and professional tricks.
 
Learn More and Get Involved
From networking with other like-minded business owners to making a concerted effort to remember names, there are always tricks to learn and remember in the professional world. Thank you to these leaders for sharing these insights, and for their support of Center City Business Association. You can learn from them and connect with more business leaders at our upcoming networking events.  

To inquire about being featured in these types of member roundup articles, please contact ccba@centercitybusiness.org.

Member of the Month: Sean Boyce

Sean Boyce is a consultant that helps nonprofits double their impact in half the time.  His passion is leveraging his skillset to drive positive social change for nonprofit organizations so they can expand the impact of their programs.  Sean’s expertise is software and technology.  He holds degrees in engineering and business from Drexel and Penn State.  

Sean was born in Philadelphia and bleeds Eagle green.  He loves to travel, but can never stay away too long because he’ll miss the food.  Sean loves spending time with his wife Jen, studying languages (French and Spanish) and learning instruments (Guitar and Piano).

More about Sean:

What are you reading right now (or what is a go-to book you would recommend to others)? 
I love reading and always have books to recommend.  I’m currently reading Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits and just finished Lean Impact: How to Innovate for Radically Greater Social Good.

What is your favorite app right now?
I love the app Blinkist which is like the modern day equivalent of cliff notes on your phone. It provides a great summary of tons of popular books so you can review the key points before you decide whether or not to read the whole book.

What is a non-profit that you support? Other than CCPA?
I specialize in working with nonprofits and I always support all of my clients.  Additionally, I have served on the board and continue to support numerous nonprofit organizations like the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia, Habitat for Humanity and the Reading Terminal Market.

What is the first place you’d recommend to someone that’s never been to our city?
Reading Terminal Market.  See if you can get a tour from someone who works for the organization.  In addition to the amazing food from local businesses there is an incredibly rich history which is fascinating to learn about.

What is your best networking tip?
Join an organization with great members that runs amazing networking events like CCBA :).

Sean Boyce, NxtStep
484-758-0263 sean@nxtstep.io
Website - LinkedIn - Podcast  - Articles

Call Your Mom: Seven Takeaways from Women Changing the City Women Changing the City

On Wednesday, September 21, our “Women Changing the City” event was held at the Academy of Music, where attendees began their morning by enjoying a light breakfast, networking, and hearing from five remarkable women: 

• Valerie Camillo, President & CEO, Spectacor Sports & Entertainment

• Dr. Jayatri Das, Director of Science Content and Chief Bioscientist, The Franklin Institute

• Romana Lee-Akiyama, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement

• Mia Mendoza, President and CEO, Mendoza Group, Inc.

• Leslie Patterson-Tyler, Vice President of Program Communications and Partnerships, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc.

The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Brandi Baldwin, CEO, Millennial Ventures Holdings.

While the panelists each have different careers, backgrounds, and perspectives – they also share a number of perspectives.  Check out seven of the commonalities that emerged from the panel discussion. 

Call your mother.  When asked what a typical day looks like for them, there was one commonality in all of their schedules: calling their mothers!  For each of the women, they found that turning to their mothers provided them strength, support, assurance, and guidance.   

Establish a good rapport with everyone – from executives to interns.  Dr. Jayatri noted that everyone has a perspective to learn from.  Leslie added that it’s “important to be interested in who people are – it’s kind, it’s human, and it’s necessary”.  Romana agreed, saying, “When I look at my team, I recognize the multiple elements that we each bring. So our physical being, our mental being, our emotional being and our spiritual and cultural being. And all of that is really important to be able to have a balance.”  For all of the leaders, getting to know and learning from colleagues of all levels of leadership is crucial towards becoming a successful leader.

Overcoming challenges through hard work.   As the daughter of political refugees who came to the country with nothing, Romana had the importance of hard work ingrained in her at a young age as she learned from them and their work ethic.  According to Valerie, “some people don’t see the value in hard work anymore, but you have to keep learning, educating yourself on subject matter, and serving as a model for others in the organization.”

Hold others – and yourself – accountable.  As leaders, how do we go about holding others accountable in the workplace?  According to Romana, “start with yourself.”  All of the panelists agreed that in order to hold others accountable for their actions, you need to first serve as an example and truly represent the values of the organization.  Valerie emphasized the importance of building a team of close individuals who are equally committed to organizational goals, missions, and values.  “It’s about what you chose to tolerate,” she added.

Overcome setbacks by focusing on the good and not taking things personally.  As leaders and as women, all of the panelists have faced their share of setbacks and challenges.  But keeping a good outlook and perspective is essential.  According to Mia,  “I don't believe in good and bad days. I believe in lessons and blessings.”  Dr. Jayatri emphasized the importance of self-confidence, saying that during difficult times, it’s “important to remind yourself that you’re good at your job...to celebrate the good things, and build confidence from there.”  Valerie added that in the professional world, you can’t take criticism personally.  Rather, “use criticism to learn and to grow.”

Take risks – and learn from the “no’s”.  The panelists discussed how sometimes, women may shy away from making bold professional moves and taking risks.  Leslie encouraged people to pursue new opportunities anyway.  “Apply for the job you think you may not get,” she said.  “There are so many opportunities – even if you don’t feel qualified, you can learn on the job.  And if you’re told no – that’s okay.  All of my ‘no’s’ have been lessons so far.”  For Valerie, being told “no” isn’t something to get upset about – “I always say, ‘Count me out at your peril’”, she added.

Empower and support other women.  The panelists agreed that supporting other women is not just important – it’s necessary.  In order to succeed in a society where women are often pitted up against one another, it’s vital to stand up for one another, or even do small things like saying something positive. 

We thank all of these women for sharing their insightful and inspiring stories, and we also thank our sponsors who make these events possible including Republic Bank, ITDATA, PIDC, Rivers Casino, and Temple University School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Enjoying the final weeks of summer in Philadelphia

Summertime in Philadelphia is truly something special.  While many flock to the beaches or the mountains, locals and visitors alike enjoy the many activities taking place in the City of Brotherly Love.  Fall may be on the horizon, but there are still plenty of fun happenings around the city that you can enjoy in these final weeks of summer – all while supporting businesses and the local economy while you’re at it!   

You don’t have to be Welsh to enjoy Welsh Week in Philadelphia, happening August 27 through September 4, which celebrates three centuries’ worth of rich Welsh traditions in Philadelphia. Look out for all kinds of entertainment throughout the weeklong fest, including live music at the Kimmel Center, food- and drink-centric events, films and historic panels. 

During Labor day weekend on September 3 and 4, make your way down to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to enjoy the 2022 version of Jay-Z’s massive outdoor music festival, Made in America, which features two-days of performances, including headliners Bad Bunny and Tyler, the Creator, and opening acts like Jazmine Sullivan, Lil Uzi Vert, Burna Boy and Victoria Monét. 

And in the nighttime?  Eastern State Penitentiary’s night tours offer visitors the opportunity to explore the historic cell blocks as the sun goes down. Admission includes an audio tour, along with access to the award-winning exhibit Prisons Today and points of interest like Al Capone’s cell. Cool off after at the pop-up beer garden on the penitentiary’s baseball diamond, offering craft beer from Triple Bottom Brewing Co. and other hands-on activities.  

On September 3 at approximately 8:30 PM, make your way down to Penn’s Landing during this free fireworks display over the Delaware River. If you’re looking for the best vantage point, check out Visit Philadelphia’s guide to where to watch fireworks on the Delaware River waterfront.  While you’re on the waterfront, Spruce Street Harbor Park and its neighboring Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest are open for all your Labor Day weekend fun. Both spots offer summer carnival vibes, with Ferris Wheels, carnival games, outdoor roller skating and floating beer barges. Hammocks swaying in neon-lit trees give you a chance to slow down to take in the lively scene.

Of course, you can always eat and shop local at Reading Terminal Market, open daily from 8 AM - 6 PM!  Center City Business Association member Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager of Reading Terminal Market, described the summer fun taking place at one of America’s largest and oldest public markets:  “Working in the heart of Center City at Philadelphia’s historic public market and most-visited tourist attraction is a lot of fun in itself! In the summer we love shopping the local produce and seasonal items available at the 70+ small businesses inside Reading Terminal Market – there’s certainly never a shortage of great lunch options for our team. There’s some serious office chatter about what to bring home for cook-outs too!” 

Another member, Lee Huang, M.P.A., President and Principal of ESI Econsult Solutions, described how his workplace enjoys the summer while also supporting the economy.  “One of the great initiatives that is currently taking place at the firm is ‘ESI Eats’, where our staff is incentivized to go out and explore the restaurant landscape in the surrounding area. In the spirit of encouraging team building and supporting the downtown economy, every staff member gets an allowance that can be used when two or more people go out to lunch or coffee. With the onset of this initiative, we have noticed folks on our team bonding, sharing food, and becoming more connected. Aside from this being an incredible way to connect on a personal level, it also helps with our push towards supporting local businesses.”  (Check out Visit Philadelphia’s list of places where you can enjoy a bite outside). 

 And if you’re looking to escape the summer heat but still want to socialize while supporting the local economy?   Kar Vivekananthan, President of OhmComm, Inc., says “we incorporate fun into our business culture by planning outings that the whole team might enjoy, like bowling or ax-throwing.”  (For more ideas, take a look at TripBuzz’s list of 153 indoor activities to enjoy in Philadelphia.)

In short, there are still a ton of ways to enjoy summertime in Philly – whether night or day, outdoors or indoors, with friends or with colleagues.   Get planning and enjoy the rest of summer while it lasts!

To inquire about being featured in these types of member roundup articles, please contact ccba@centercitybusiness.org.

Member of the Month: Tom Verdi

Tom Verdi is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and entrepreneur. He grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia (Havertown, then Newtown Square) and now resides in Center City. He owns Discontent Media Group, which serves as the parent company to three independent subsidiaries—TAV Films, The Film Fund, and FF Branded. He produces his passion projects through TAV Films, funds independent films through The Film Fund, and produces branded films and video content for startups and large corporations alike through FF Branded by using his network of award-winning filmmakers. Having just completed a branded documentary project for Comcast NBCUniversal and Travis Manion Foundation, Tom is excited to become more involved in the Philadelphia business community as he grows FF Branded’s client roster.

Using his unique storytelling and producing background, Tom loves getting to the heart of every brand with which he works. He conveys the problem they solve for their customers with branded film. He thinks traditional commercials are outdated and wants customers to be entertained and engaged by brands.

Tom studied English with a concentration in creative writing with minors in film studies and entrepreneurship at Lehigh University, where he also received his Master of Engineering in Technical Entrepreneurship.

He worked as a digital producer at an agency after he graduated from Lehigh, quickly learning that he’d rather be on set than in a cubicle.

Tom also strongly believes in having a healthy work-life balance. He enjoys boating and the beach, film photography, takes piano lessons in an attempt to join (or form?) a Grateful Dead cover band, participates in a bowling league, and tries to never work weekends! He also thinks dogs rule, although he doesn’t have one of his own yet.

More about Tom:
What are you reading right now? I’m reading It by Stephen King.
What is your favorite place you have traveled? Definitely Croatia. I was there for my friend’s wedding!
What was your first job? I put wristbands on guests at a water park.

Tom Verdi
FF Branded LLC
610-675-6776
tom@ffbranded.com
ffbranded.com
Instagram instagram.com/ffbranded
Facebook.com/ffbrandedagency
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/71188296

Lunch With the City’s Leaders – Angela Val, Visit Philadelphia

On Wednesday, July 27th, Members and Guests gathered at the Hyatt Centric in Center City for our sold-out Lunch with the City’s Leaders event.  Attendees enjoyed networking, reconnecting, and lunch while hearing from Angela Val, President and CEO of Visit Philadelphia.  Angela was interviewed by longtime friend and colleague -- Tiffany Newmuis, Director, Corporate Administration/Local Media Development at Comcast.

Angela shared her personal and professional story with the audience, specifically what led to a career in the tourism industry in Philadelphia including her current role.  After decades of experience, she shared that when she received the job offer at Visit Philadelphia, “Something just felt right. It’s where I’m supposed to be.”

Among many questions, Tiffany asked Angela, “If you could wave a magic wand, what would you like to see change in Philadelphia?”.  Laughing, Angela said, “I have a list.”

Below are ten of the many ideas that Angela believes would make the City of Brotherly Love a better place to live, visit, and work. 

1. Share in a common mission to better the city.  Angela explained that we all have our own unique goals to improve professionally and personally.  But, in addition, we have to ask ourselves what we can do, as individuals and professionals, to improve Philadelphia and create a better environment in the city.  We need shared goals, a common mission, and dedication to the city. And this mission starts with asking ourselves the question, “What do we want the city to be like post-pandemic?”

2. Look to other cities as examples.  “Why reinvent the wheel?”, Angela asked.  Reflecting on her own travels, she noted that she looks to other cities for inspiration.  She noted that Madrid generates enormous volumes of trash, but the trash collection system was so efficient that the streets would be completely clean right after every trash day.  In Shanghai, public transportation is ubiquitous, efficient, and allows people to go to areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. In Bangkok – the most visited city in the world – businesses and individuals cater to tourists and tourism.

3. Shed light on the good happenings in the city.  “Bad things can happen in the blink of an eye,” she said, “but good things take time”.  Despite the negative things that happen in Philadelphia, which are very easy to report and focus on, there are also good and exciting things happening everywhere.  And those good things must be highlighted if we want to attract tourists and create more of a sense of pride in our city.

4. Clean up and beautify the city.  Angela said it’s always been a dream to have a city-wide clean-up – getting rid of waste, scrubbing graffiti away, and creating a cleaner, more welcoming city in general.  Having a clean city would make Philadelphia feel more like a home, as well as attract people from other cities.  “We want residents to take pride in their home.  I think of coming home to a clean living room versus a messy one.  It’s the same thing with the city.  When we have a clean home, we take pride in it and we feel better about where we live,” she said. “And the city is an extension of our home”.

5. Create a better environment, not just for tourists, but for residents too.  While the mission of Visit Philadelphia may seem like it’s geared to attracting tourists, it’s essential that we be mindful of people who already live here and call Philadelphia their home, she said. And we must cultivate a sense of pride, safety, and belonging among residents, just as we must do the same for tourists.

6. Create a safer, more welcoming environment for businesses, especially those owned by Black and Brown populations.  “Sixty-one percent of the city is Black or Brown,” she noted.  And we must make the city business-friendly for them and for potential business owners.  She added that in 2026 during the World Cup, “people will be coming from parts of the world that aren’t just white.  We need to be prepared for that and we need them to feel welcomed.”

7. Helping those who are unhoused in Philadelphia.  “There must be a way to fix this problem”, she said, adding that Philadelphia has a relatively low population of unhoused individuals compared to other major cities such as Los Angeles or San Francisco.  She noted that there are already projects and initiatives that are addressing ways to help those who are unhoused, and we all must support them to enact positive change.

8. Make Philadelphia more pedestrian-friendly.  Angela said that as an avid walker herself, she supports having “pedestrian-only” blocks for a few days out of the week.  So many people in Philadelphia travel by foot, and making the streets safer and more accessible for them is a must.

9. Collaborate. The business community, government, nonprofits, and residents all must embrace a willingness to collaborate.  “You can’t build a house without a good foundation,” she said, “and you can’t do this without collaboration”.  She added that all entities must ask themselves what they would like Philadelphia to be like in 2026 – and we must all challenge ourselves by asking what it will take to get there and what we’re willing to do to accomplish our goals. “When it comes to issues and challenges, we can’t always just tell ourselves, ‘I’ll let someone else handle it’”, she said. We all have to take part in overcoming obstacles.

10. Have faith in each other.  Angela said that she’s often asked, “What makes Philadelphia different from any other city?”.  Her answer is always the same:  the people.  Philadelphia has a uniquely rich history, and the people here have grit and determination.   We must focus on the positives of the city, work towards improving it and remembering who we are as Philadelphians.

We thank Angela Val for sharing these insights and Tiffany Newmuis for leading an insightful and inspiring discussion. We also thank our sponsors who make these events possible including Citizens Bank, Comcast Business, Community College of Philadelphia, Friedman LLP, KYW, LevLane, Oval Project Management, PECO, Post Brothers, and Visit Philadelphia.

To reserve your tickets for the next Lunch with the City’s Leaders event featuring City Commerce Director, Anne Nadol, on September 14, click here.

Member of the Month: Laura Fehrle, Regional Director, Garces Events

Laura Fehrle is the Regional Director for Garces Events. Laura joined the group in 2017 and has over a decade of experience in catering events. Laura has worked at notable accounts including Comcast, Drexel University, and Temple University.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Laura has a passion for extraordinary food and events. A graduate from DeSales University, Laura enjoys spending her time away from work down the shore with her son and husband.

More about Laura:

What are you reading right now (or what is a go-to book you would recommend to others)? I just finished the Secret Life of Addie LaRue but I always find myself buying the Five People you Meet in Heaven for friends. It is a true favorite of mine.

What is a non-profit that you support?
Broad Street Ministries is very near and dear to my heart.

What was your first job?
My first real job (besides babysitting) was phon-a-thon for the University I attended. I often won the award of most donations that night.

If you “played hooky” how would you spend your day?
I would plan a day to get out with my husband and son. Maybe to the zoo or the beach, anything out doors- that’s where we seem to be the happiest.

What is something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done yet?
I would love to visit Greece. I remind my husband almost every day.

Laura Fehrle
Regional Director, Garces Events
215-670-2322
Laura.Fehrle@Garcesgroup.com
philadelphia.garcesevents.com

Lunch with the City’s Leaders - Councilmember at-Large, Derek S. Green - June 15, 2022

Our latest Lunch with the City’s Leaders event was held in the heart of Philadelphia at The Union League of Philadelphia, where members and guests enjoyed time to network and chat, followed by lunch and a presentation from City of Philadelphia Councilmember at- Large, Derek S. Green. Councilmember Green spoke about the many challenges that face Philadelphia – but also of the hope and potential that the city has. Below are four key takeaways from Councilmember Green’s presentation. 

Challenges and hopes for small businesses 
Councilmember Green acknowledged the challenges of opening and maintaining small businesses in Philadelphia, particularly the way regulations and taxes can negatively impact small business owners. In his proposed legislation*, taxes such as income receipt taxes would be reduced as well as wage taxes for residents and nonresidents. He also pointed to statistics which show that certain populations, such as African Americans, only own 6% of businesses in Philadelphia despite making up 43% of the population, noting that the city needs to be more business-friendly for all. Philadelphia has the potential to be a global leader in life sciences but the industry and other corporations need better coordination and must be able to work together, not against each other.

*Editor's note - since publication, City Council passed a budget with tax reductions for homeowners, businesses, and workers. See City Council Weekly Report HERE.

Investing in, and improving, education 
Councilmember Green refers to himself as a “teacher’s kid”, fondly noting that his mother spent her life teaching in Philadelphia. He discussed the need for Philadelphia to invest in education, as well as ensuring that all students have a great education, not just some. Many years ago, his mother dealt with asbestos in her school building. Incredibly, his son just graduated from a local high school which is dealing with the same problem decades later. Both personally and professionally, Councilmember Green takes education very seriously, adding that no matter where students go to school, they need to have a great education.

Improving public safety while still honoring accountability 
“The most important title I hold is that of father,” he said. And as a father, he worries about safety, particularly for his son, who was diagnosed with autism and is now “going out into the real world” as a high school graduate. He acknowledged the high crime rates in the city, but added that in addition to investing in education, another crucial part of the solution is creating jobs – and jobs are created by small businesses. No business owner should have to live in fear, he said. He added there also must be justice and accountability among law enforcement. We can strive towards safety as well as justice, he noted, but without safety we can’t increase economic vitality especially after the effects of the pandemic.

Having faith in the city and its people 
Despite the challenges and improvements that are needed in the city, Councilmember Green said to keep the faith and to have the “Allen Iverson” spirit, referring to the iconic Philadelphia basketball player’s confidence and determination which “embodies the City of Philadelphia,” he said. “Remember we need to have Allen Iverson’s spirit and remember where we came from as a city. Just like Allen Iverson we can get through these issues together.”

Thank You Members and Sponsors!
Thank you to those who could attend our Lunch with the City’s Leaders' event, and thank you to our community, for all that you do to make Philadelphia's Center City the best place to do business. Additionally, we thank the generous sponsors for their support of Lunch with the City’s Leaders series, including Citizens Bank, Comcast Business, Community College of Philadelphia, Friedman LLP, KYW, LevLane, PECO, Post Brothers, and Visit Philadelphia.

JULY'S MEMBER OF THE MONTH: Paige Chin

Paige Chin was born and raised in Philadelphia and knows the city’s neighborhoods like the back of her hand. Whether buying or selling, she strives to carefully consider each client’s specific needs, as every individual’s priorities are important and unique. She prides herself in supporting people from all walks of life and circumstances, from first time home buyers to seasoned investors.  

Paige has a background in the arts and the fashion industry. She studied art history at the University of Pennsylvania and oil painting at Studio Incamminati. She has prior experience as a fashion model, working at QVC for clients such as Rachel Zoe, Jessica Simpson, and the Kardashians. She has also done print, fit modeling, and runway for clients including Urban Outfitters, David's Bridal, Sephora, Microsoft, Bulova, Nikon, Oscar de la Renta, Catherine Malandrino, and Isaac Mizrahi. Her extensive experience with client relations and her eye for design give her a competitive edge in today’s fast-moving market.  

Currently, Paige is excited to be marketing a substantial land-development opportunity in West Philadelphia near Penn and Drexel. Please contact her for more information! 

More about Paige:
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I studied a form of color theory that can be traced back to Monet.  

What is your best networking tip?
Listen to learn, not to be polite.  

What is your favorite place you have traveled?
One of the most charming places I’ve visited is Szentendre, Hungary, a small town outside of Budapest. A longtime haven for artists, the town itself is a work of art, with bright-colored houses, unique sculptures, and cobblestoned streets that wind along the Danube river.  

What is something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done yet?
Visit my father’s hometown in Malaysia.  

What was your first concert?
Jimmy Eat World.  

Paige Chin, PA Licensed Agent 
Keller Williams Realty 
267-252-9754
paigechin@gmail.com

Center City Business Association Launches Second Year of “Sustainable Philadelphia Series”

This article was written by David Lane, Vice President, Center City Business Association 

Joe Minott, Executive Director of the Clean Air Council kicked off the second year of CCBA’s Sustainable Philadelphia Series. Joe’s insightful comments about the air we breathe in our city, neighborhoods, and homes remind us of the critical work of the Clean Air Council and why we have launched this important series. 

We understand that a healthy city, with clean air to breathe, fresh water to drink, parks and open spaces for recreation, are the building blocks for strong economic activity, a city where people want to work, live, raise families, and enjoy life in a healthy urban environment. 

Our series has to date hosted many individuals involved in the important work of raising the quality of living in our city. Those featured include: 

• Christine Knapp, Director, Philadelphia Office of Sustainability 

• Nathan Boon, Senior Program Officer Watershed Protection, William Penn Foundation

• Marc Cammarata, Deputy Commissioner of Planning and Environmental Services, Philadelphia Water Department

• Jacquelyn Bonomo, President and CEO, PennFuture 

• Lori Brennan, Executive Director, The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapter 

• Julie Ulrich, Director of Urban Conservation, The Nature Conservancy 

• Joe Minnot, Executive Director, Clean Air Council 

Each of our series’ speakers has provided the opportunity for our members and guests to get involved in the effort to make our city one of the healthiest and best places to live in the country. We invite you to get involved.  

If you have comments or suggestions, we would love to hear them. Stay tuned for the next event in our series.      

Lessons Learned from the Past Two Years

It's been over two years since the world as we knew it was forever changed by the coronavirus pandemic.  For so many, it’s been a revolving door of fear, fatigue, uncertainty, suffering and loss. But despite the negatives, we’ve also experienced a surprising amount of adaptability, discovery, and perspective.  

Below, four members reflect on these last couple of years, and how they have applied some lessons learned to their personal and professional lives. 

Carol J. de Fries
Vice President of Workforce & Economic Innovation, Community College of Philadelphia

To be useful and productive, we need to be open to continuous learning and to be adaptable. The last two years taught us that almost everyone can adjust to circumstances that previously seemed impossible, as long as you provide support, resources, and guidance along the way. This requires a willingness to learn a new skill, learn a new program, learn a new format, and learn and create new processes. Sometimes the unimaginable can happen, and we also need to know how to reach into our toolbox and adapt to fit the new norm. 

Larry Ceisler
Principal & Founder, Ceisler Media & Issue Advocacy

The last two years have proven that you never know what tomorrow will bring. Being nimble, resourceful and flexible have always been valuable tools…they’ve now become an essential part of success in the workplace and in finding the balance between work and life. The more our work has changed—balancing in-person vs. remote, becoming more aware of health and safety in the workplace, learning about the broader social impacts that our work can have—the more we rely on those foundational elements that make a successful business where people want to work.

Carol Pate, Ed.D., FCPP
Vice President of Education and Research, EnvisionWell
The biggest lesson I’ve learned these past two years is that beauty and connections keep me sane and whole. During lockdown, it felt like my childhood where I was essentially locked in the middle of the desert with little to no resources. Now however, I had just purchased an iPhone 12 pro that brought flowers, trees, and plants to life. Facebook became my palate to share this beauty with family and friends. I now ensure I’m outside everyday under nature’s arena noticing its ever changing scenes. Travel has resumed to hug loved ones. I’m grateful. 

Dr. Rahmanda S. Campbell
Executive Director and Founder, The Reading Clinic, Inc. Dyslexia Services for Children and Adults
The biggest lessons I’ve learned over the past two years have always been an integral part of my life, yet in light of COVID-19, an unprecedented life-changing experience; gratitude, self-care, and resilience are paramount and valued on a much deeper level. I’ve learned personally and professionally that I have the capacity for resilience during hardship. Adaptability, flexibility, preparation, preparedness, and the ability to pivot are also highly regarded lessons that I’ve embraced from the past two years.

Through daily reflection, my observation became apparent as a result of an intentional focus on gratitude and self-care. Adapting to mandated shutdowns which isolated all of us from our normal day-to-day routines, I embraced solitude in an effort to enjoy my focus on self-care, allowing me to reflect, replenish, restore, and recharge to implement intentional daily life practices for spiritual, emotional, physical, and financial wellness; and develop innovative educational solutions through The Reading Clinic to reduce learning loss.

Children, especially those with learning differences and those from poverty-stricken families suffered significant achievement gaps during school closures. As a result, a generation of youth are at risk. I realized an urgent need to pivot and expand The Reading Clinic by designing a unique system of educational support to mitigate learning loss for kindergarten through 12th grade students. Hence, The Reading Clinic Cyber Academy and K – 12 Academic Recovery Plan were created which also includes options for adult learners.

While we can all agree that academic success is imperative in today’s society, mental health wellness is essential to the personal growth and development of our youth. The increase in many reported mental health problems is a direct result of families trying to manage childcare, academic support, healthcare, food security, job loss, isolation and / or losing loved ones to COVID-19. For this reason, a Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum is now a fundamental part of educational and mental health wellness solutions through The Reading Clinic.

The past two years illuminates how we need each other to nurture and maintain healthy communication with loved ones, friends, and colleagues. Technology has played a beneficial role in helping to maintain healthy human connections with family, extended family, friends, and in some cases establishing new social connections. I have become an official Zoomer, Go to Meeting, and FaceTime Guru.

Whether it’s learning new skills and tools, finding a balance at home and within the workplace, or spending time with loved ones – the past two years have shaped our personal and professional lives, pushing us to not only survive, but to evolve, adapt, and find hope. 

Thanks to these leaders for sharing their stories, and for their support of Center City Business Association. You can learn from them and connect with more business leaders at our upcoming networking events. 

To inquire about being featured in these types of member roundup articles, please contact ccba@centercitybusiness.org.

Member of the Month: Natasha Bryant

Natasha Bryant, LCSW
Owner, Speak Life Transformation LLC

What is your favorite place to travel? Honestly, anywhere with turquoise blue waters and white sand. St. Maarten, Turks and Caicos, and St. Luica are just a few of my favorite places.
What is your favorite or go to meal? I love breakfast food. I could have brunch everyday.
What was your first job? Movie theater box office cashier
What was your first concert? Power House
If you “played hooky” how would you spend your day? In the summer months I would spend my day at the beach.

Natasha Bryant, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and CEO of Speak Life Transformation LLC, is on a mission to help women and teen girls unapologetically develop a powerful self-identity and an undefeated confident mindset. Having worked 14+ years in the field of social work providing mental health services within Philadelphia Public Schools and in outpatient settings, she has helped individuals overcome issues related to anxiety, depression, and attachment trauma. Natasha has a passion to expand mental health and wellness education and services beyond the walls of the therapy office. Speak Life Transformation offers mental health counseling to individuals and couples and mental wellness consultation to schools through school-based trauma informed care and to female owned businesses through corporate wellness care. Natasha has been featured in major publications, such as, Psych Central, Choosing Therapy, and Bustle, as an expert contributor. She is an author, a confidence coach, psychotherapist, and peace promoter. She is a self proclaimed foodie, travel enthusiast, hope dealer, and cool auntie.

To learn more about Speak Life Transformation and the services provided, visit the website speaklifetransformation.com.

To get connected with Natasha, email nbryant@speaklifetransformation.com or connect on LinkedIn.

To receive mental wellness tips and strategies follow Speak Life Transformation on Instagram, Facebook, and by subscribing to the Speak Life Transformation Youtube Channel.

Natasha Bryant, LCSW
Owner at Speak Life Transformation, LLC 

Getting Personal at "Women Changing the City"

As Philadelphia works to build an economically powerful, inclusive, diverse, and equitable city, it is critical that our city is safe, welcoming, and a place where economic prosperity is available for all, including women from all walks of life.  

On May 17th at Rivers Casino, we hosted, “Women Changing the City”, featuring four remarkable leaders who each bring their own talents to the city of Philadelphia.  Attendees enjoyed refreshments and a lot of coffee and networking before hearing from four panelists: 

Dr. Reetika Kumar, Vice President Strategic Clinical Solutions and Market Medical Executive, Independence Blue Cross
Devi Ramkissoon, Executive Director, The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia
Cornelia Samara, Regional Vice President & General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center
Dawn Summerville, Deputy Commerce Director, City of Philadelphia

From the corporate world to the public sector, these women have found their seats at the table as executive-level leaders who inspire and enact change in Philadelphia and beyond.  Despite their different career paths and backgrounds, common themes emerged from questions asked by the audience and moderator Jamie Cooperstein, CEO, J. Cooperstein Hospitality Consulting, LLC.       

Experiencing and facing inequalities
As women in the workplace, the path to success has not always been easy.  Summerville noted that throughout her professional career, she often worked with predominantly white men, prompting her to “deliver, and overdeliver, to gain trust and to gain respect” among her colleagues and the business community.  When asked about how she has handled any discrimination in the workforce, Dr. Kumar said, “I’ve left jobs before. I’d encourage everyone to make sure that you find a place where your talents are appreciated.  I hope that injustices in the workplace improve, but until then, we can either complain, or we can learn to work the system, speak up when we can, support each other as women, and keep working hard.”

Prioritizing mental health
When asked about how they tend to their mental health, the four panelists agreed that prioritizing mental health is essential to succeed personally and professionally.  Dr. Kumar noted, “If someone has diabetes, they can take medication and make changes to treat it.  Mental health should be the same.  My seven-year-old sees a therapist and I recently started seeing one, and it’s made a big difference”.  When Ramkissoon was called to assist with the humanitarian crisis of Afghan evacuees coming to Philadelphia, she recalled that every day, she would hear the traumatic stories of hundreds of people who had to flee Afghanistan, and that it affected her greatly.  “I realized I needed to take a step back and make sure my own mental health was on track if I wanted to help other people,” she said.   

Speaking up
Perhaps one of the most significant commonalities among these four leaders was their emphasis on “speaking up” and not being afraid to use their voices to enact change.  Whether it’s bringing new ideas to the table, admitting to those close to you that you’re struggling with your mental health, addressing microaggressions and injustices in the workplace, or raising awareness about important social causes, all of the panelists agreed that it’s important to speak up, even if it feels uncomfortable.

Overcoming cultural pressures
Their roads to success were not without trials and challenges.  For Dr. Kumar and Samara, who came from India and Israel respectively, they broke free of certain cultural and societal expectations.  Samara explained, “I grew up in a culture where women may or may not get an education; they’re expected to get married, to have and raise kids. For me to leave Israel, travel the world, live in different cities… I came a long way from what was expected of me.”

Staying involved in, and improving, our communities
Professionally, all four women have proven their dedication to improving lives of others in their respective career paths.  When asked about what they would like to see happen in Philadelphia, they raised a number of issues that they’re passionate about:  building a greener, more sustainable city, recognizing certain disadvantages in Black, Brown, and immigrant communities, improving schools and educational systems, supporting small and local businesses, fighting for women’s rights, pushing for affordable housing, among others.

Growing as leaders
All of the panelists agreed that as leaders, it’s paramount to never stop learning.  “We should never stop learning from others, evolving, or educating ourselves,” Samara noted.  Ramkissoon agreed, adding that she wants “to be the one who did the homework, is prepared and stays informed.”   Summerville, who described herself as a results-driven leader, said “I believe in getting used to feeling uncomfortable in different roles and situations,” adding that as a leader, she wants to make sure that everyone has a seat at the table and has room to grow.  

“Women Changing the City” is a series of events where accomplished women from the business community reveal the inner strength, vision and imagination that leads to motivation, influence and positive change. Events include time for Q&A and plenty of networking.  

Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible:  Republic Bank, Rivers Casino, ITData, Temple University School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) , and PIDC. 

Don’t miss another exciting Center City Business Association event - check out the upcoming schedule here.