Trailblazers
The City & State 2026 Black Trailblazers
Meet Pennsylvania’s most dynamic and accomplished African Americans, from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia
From left to right: Mark McKoy, Chaudron Carter Short & Quincy Stephenson Provided; Temple Health; Provided
Shattering glass ceilings, setting records and making history in a variety of sectors, this year’s City & State Black Trailblazers are an inspiring group of Pennsylvanians. Together, they’re advancing health equity, shaping inclusive policy, growing the commonwealth’s local economies and building its infrastructure – both literally and through grassroots community initiatives – from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia.
Sheila Alexander-Reid
Sheila Alexander-Reid leads diversity efforts at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, where she has relaunched the PHL Diversity Advisory Board and leads efforts to showcase the city as an inclusive destination for Black, Brown, LGBTQ, and faith-based events and gatherings. Recently, she has connected Philadelphia’s Hispanic community to a Hispanic STEM conference, promoted tourism careers for Cheyney University students, and helped secure conferences for a major fraternity and sorority. Previously, she led the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs in Washington, D.C.
April Ashe
As executive director of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, April Ashe leads policy and advocacy efforts around criminal justice reform, mental health equity, economic development, public safety and maternal health. Her work elevates marginalized voices, particularly those of women and communities of color, within legislative and civic spaces. She previously served as a training specialist for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and brings a trauma-informed approach to leadership that is grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience.
Connie Alston
Connie Alston serves as the chief administrative officer for the Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance, an anti-poverty organization that promotes community empowerment and social enterprise. Drawing on her experience with nonprofits, auditing and financial management, she works to ensure the alliance has sound finances, efficient operations and maximum impact. She holds an accounting degree from Temple University and a doctorate in organizational leadership, and is a certified nonprofit accounting professional.
Tinesha Banks
Public health leader Tinesha Banks is currently president of Legacy Treatment Services, an affiliate of the Woods System of Care. Known for her commitment to excellence, equity and impact, she previously served as executive vice president and chief quality and performance officer for Woods, a population health management organization that serves more than 55,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and behavioral or medical complexities across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She holds a master’s in public health and recently earned a doctorate.
Rochelle Bilal
Sheriff Rochelle Bilal is Philadelphia’s first elected African American woman sheriff, leading this centuries-old office. A 27-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, she has served in specialized units including sex crimes and drug trafficking, as well as on FBI and DEA task forces; she also taught at the Police Training Center. A champion of criminal justice reform and community engagement, she has presided over a 75% increase in fugitive apprehension, $87 million in Sheriff Sale revenue and major seizures of illegal drugs and firearms.
Tempest Carter
Tempest Carter directs strategic tech initiatives for the City of Philadelphia’s Commerce Department, where she is committed to bettering her hometown. She created the department’s “Tech Talks” Series to engage industry experts with the community and launched a competition for aspiring tech entrepreneurs, which has so far awarded $70,000. The Temple University graduate fell in love with economic development while serving in the Peace Corps, then spent a decade working in the field at Esperanza, The Enterprise Center and elsewhere.
Michael Coard
The self-proclaimed “angriest Black man in America,” defense attorney and civil rights activist Michael Coard takes on racially charged battles in both the courtroom and the court of public opinion. Most recently, as co-founder and chief strategist for the Avenging The Ancestors Coalition, he led the crusade to restore exhibitions about slavery to the President’s House, a national historical landmark in Philadelphia, which he was instrumental in getting memorialized at its inception. Coard is also a host on WURD Radio and has taught at Temple University.
Donald Crenshaw
At GMA Development Group and Blue Rock Construction, Donald Crenshaw builds affordable housing and sustainable communities across Greater Erie, his hometown. His mission is not only to provide housing, but also to champion economic empowerment for his community. Energy efficiency is central to that vision, along with opportunity: Crenshaw partners his ventures with CareerLink and other community organizations to employ locals and build people’s financial security.
Kyle Darby
Kyle Darby brings high-profile lobbying experience to his Philadelphia-based government relations firm, Darby Public Strategies, which has secured nearly $4 million in city and state appropriations for clients over the last three budget cycles. A veteran of Wojdak Government Relations, Bellevue Strategies and Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, he has served U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and advised Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s mayoral campaign. He currently leads the U.S. African Trade Alliance, which last year became The World Bank’s private sector liaison for small to-medium-sized African enterprises.
David Davis
David M. Davis is the managing director and the lead for Accenture’s public service practice in Pennsylvania, having worked with national clients including the U.S. Postal Service, the U.S. Department of Defense and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His recent accomplishments include expanding the company’s recruiting efforts statewide, launching the Keystone Innovation and Talent Hub, and supporting the commonwealth’s reforms around permitting, licensing and certification. He was appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro to the Board of Trustees of Penn State, his alma mater.
Sierra Dunn
Sierra C. Dunn serves as executive director for Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs, guiding the administration on issues affecting the commonwealth’s African Americans, including healthcare, housing and violence prevention. She developed a statewide action plan to combat food insecurity and helped craft an agenda advancing workforce, health and economic opportunities for rural Black Pennsylvanians. Previously, she led large-scale voter outreach as regional organizing director for the Harris-Walz campaign and, at McKinsey, worked on initiatives to close the racial wealth gap.
Anthony Gay
As vice president and general counsel for PECO, Tony Gay leads a team of attorneys that manage legal affairs as well as the claims department for Pennsylvania’s largest electricity and natural gas utility. Prior to this role, Gay served as vice president of governmental and external affairs, with responsibility for state and local government relations, community outreach, marketing and economic development initiatives. He is a political science graduate of Penn State and earned his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Harvey Green
Having distinguished himself in executive leadership positions at organizations ranging from Morehouse School of Medicine to Johns Hopkins University, Harvey Green joined WellSpan in 2022 to lead the philanthropy team. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he brings two decades of experience in successful fundraising campaigns and is known for cultivating strategic relationships with communities and organizations. He currently chairs the Development Leadership Committee for the American Academy of Medical Colleges and is a Fellow of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy.
Tyrone Hampton Jr.
Devoted to expanding opportunity, Tyrone Hampton Jr. directs workforce partnerships at Philadelphia Works, leading regional strategy and managing grants, contracts, and special initiatives. He also leads the Good Jobs Challenge in the Southeastern Pennsylvania region, a $22.7 million grant funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce focused on partnerships across sectors important to Philadelphia, including healthcare, life sciences, energy and infrastructure. He is a 2025 graduate of LEADERSHIP Philadelphia.
Jacqueline Harris
Jacqueline Harris is the chief information technology officer for the Philadelphia Parking Authority, leveraging 15 years of experience leading large-scale technology transformation across public-sector, educational and commercial environments. At the PPA, she oversees mission-critical systems supporting one of the nation’s largest parking authorities and leads initiatives in AI strategy and cybersecurity, including establishing the agency’s first 24/7 Security Operations Center. A doctoral candidate in organizational leadership, she received the 2021 Government Technology Innovation Award in Leadership from AT&T and Government Technology Magazine.
Jodie Harris
As president of PIDC, Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation, Jodie Harris drives economic growth and opportunity. Under her leadership, in 2025, PIDC leveraged nearly $100 million to support Philadelphia businesses and organizations. She oversaw the Navy Yard’s quarter-century celebration of its redevelopment as an innovation hub, supporting more than 150 companies and 16,000 jobs. Harris previously worked in the federal government; as director of the CDFI Fund, she managed a $300 million budget and supervised $3 billion in pandemic recovery funding.
Christian Holland
Christian Holland is the executive vice president of the Philadelphia Youth Network, where he advances equitable education and workforce policy across the city and state. In the role, he has led large-scale organizational redesign, secured nearly $6 million in multi-year public and private funding, and strengthened accountability processes. He oversees portfolios spanning out-of-school time, paid work-based learning and the recently launched Opportunity Youth Collaborative, with workforce pathways serving more than 1,000 young people annually.
Abe Ibrahim
Abe Ibrahim is the regional president of the Philadelphia region at Mid Penn Bank, where he leads the bank’s expansion across the Greater Philadelphia market. With deep experience in corporate and commercial lending, he recently closed on a $10 million real-estate refinance deal for a local religious organization and a $2.5 million refinance deal for another client. Beyond banking, he is committed to economic and community development, holding numerous civic and nonprofit roles – including with the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation.
C. Frank Igwe
C. Frank Igwe is the president of Moravia Health, the home healthcare agency he founded and has grown to 7,000 employees serving 5,000 patients across 21 states. He is focused on expanding the company across Pennsylvania while growing philanthropic efforts via Moravia Cares, the nonprofit arm that delivers culturally sensitive, community-based services to low-income families. He holds master’s degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, a doctorate from Penn State University and is a 2008 Fellow of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Abike James
Dr. Abike James has devoted a quarter-century to advancing obstetrical and gynecologic care. She is the clinical director of women’s health for Philadelphia Department of Public Health - Ambulatory Health Services, as well as a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. She co-founded Penn’s Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Health Equity Taskforce, serving as vice chair for academic excellence and community engagement, and spearheaded the Penn Medicine Obstetrics & Gynecology Summer Research Program.
Kenya Johns
Kenya Johns brings an ethos of justice and community to her role as the youngest and first-ever African American mayor for the City of Beaver Falls. With a doctorate from Duquesne University and experience across civic leadership, higher education and nonprofit strategy, she has advanced equity-driven municipal leadership, centering historically marginalized residents in policy priorities and citywide initiatives. She has built cross-sector coalitions among local government, nonprofits, educators, faith leaders and residents, and led revitalization efforts to strengthen social cohesion.
Christie R. Jones
In July 2025, Christie Jones became the first African American to lead the Philadelphia Bar Association in its 224-year history. Previously, she was executive director of the International Association of Women Judges in Washington, D.C., and has participated in the Reykjavik Global Women Leaders Forum and the U.N. General Assembly’s Advancing Women’s Leadership in Law and Economics convening. For her research on gender- and race-based conflict, she was awarded George Mason University’s James H. Laue Memorial Endowment Prize.
JP Julien
JP Julien is a partner at McKinsey & Company, helping private investors, foundations and governments accelerate economic mobility. He is also a founder and leader of the McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility, an internal think tank focused on inclusive economic growth. He recently helped a state initiative that developed a strategy that yielded 200,000 new jobs and some $800 million in investment; he also helped grow an impact fund and supported a financial institution that both focus on underserved and economically insecure communities.
Taro Landis
Since 2017, Taro Landis has served as Carlisle’s chief of police. He collaborated with local ministers to found the Carlisle Bridge Builders, which brings residents together for dialogue, and cherishes his role as a mentor to police officers. Prior to this role, he was a lieutenant with the Tredyffrin Township Police Department for 27 years. He serves on the board of Safe Harbour, a housing advocacy organization.
Chad Lassiter
Chad Lassiter is the executive director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, where he has led initiatives around fair housing, promoted civil and human rights clubs at commonwealth schools, and spearheaded outreach on behalf of the commission across Pennsylvania. He was appointed by President Joe Biden to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunities for Black Americans, where he co-chaired the Civil Rights in Education Committee. He has also taught race relations and mentored social work students at West Chester University.
Ken Lawrence
As Highmark Blue Shield’s senior vice president for corporate affairs, Ken Lawrence works closely with corporate and regional leadership to advance the company’s commitment to Southeastern Pennsylvania. He also chairs SEPTA’s board of directors and was previously chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. A regular on power lists – including, in 2025, Philadelphia Magazine’s 150 Most Influential People and the Philadelphia Business Journal Power 100 – he previously led his own public affairs firm and held leadership roles at Temple University and Merck.
Keith Leaphart
At Jefferson, physician Keith Leaphart serves as enterprise executive vice president and Humana chief health equity and community impact office, leading efforts to advance population and community health and strengthen local partnerships. He established Jefferson’s Healthy Communities Framework, oversees the Jefferson Community Health Collaborative and launched JeffCARES, the system’s enterprise volunteer and community engagement platform. He also expanded Jefferson’s Community Health Worker Academy, building a trusted workforce that connects communities to care and resources.
Summer Lee
In her second term in Congress, U.S. Rep. Summer Lee has been a forceful voice for progressive values – most recently, calling for a halt to funding for the Department of Homeland Security and the impeachment of its secretary, Kristi Noem, amid the controversial federal immigration crackdown. The first Black woman elected to Congress from Pennsylvania, Lee previously served two terms as a state representative and has long been known for championing environmental justice, workers’ rights and criminal justice reform.
Thembi Maiden
Since joining Philadelphia’s Urban Affairs Coalition in 2019, Thembi Maiden, the vice president for talent operations, has overseen a modernization of the organization’s human relations policies and organizational culture. During her tenure, the coalition has grown its revenue to more than $100 million while supporting 450 employees across 80 nonprofits helping a quarter of a million Philadelphians. She holds a master’s in human capital development and was the 2024 Delaware Valley HR Person of the Year in the small company division.
Jarah Mbutho
Experienced in both state and federal advocacy, Jarah Mbutho is an advisor at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, where her clients include nonprofits, universities and community-based organizations. In this role, she has helped garner millions in public funding for clients across the commonwealth; she also played a role in the legislation regulating Pennsylvania’s milk banks. She began her career working on issue-based campaigns, serving as a staffer for a member of Congress, and was a 2023 Pittsburgh Business Times “30 Under 30” honoree.
Joanna McClinton
Joanna McClinton, Pennsylvania’s first female House Speaker, was also the first woman to be elected Democratic Caucus Chair and Democratic Leader. A lifelong resident of Southwest Philadelphia, she has represented communities in Philadelphia and Delaware County since 2015, after serving as a public defender and chief counsel to state Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams. She has been recognized as a Rising Leader with NewDeal, a national network of progressive officials, and the University of Pittsburgh’s Elsie Hilliard Hillman Lifetime Achievement Awardee for Excellence in Public Service.
Mark McKoy
Last year, Mark McKoy became vice president of continuous improvement at Essential Utilities, which he joined in 2020 as vice president for operations for its Aqua division. Most recently, he built Essential’s first-ever Continuous Improvement team and identified approximately $3.5 million in opportunities within the first six months. The veteran of water utility finance and operations leadership previously served as vice president and general manager of SUEZ North America’s New Jersey water utility.
Reggie McNeil
As the state’s secretary of general services, Reggie McNeil oversees the government agency responsible for goods and services procurement, non-highway capital projects, the commonwealth’s real estate and facilities portfolio and expanding contracting opportunities – including, recently, $1 billion in annual spending with small businesses. An engineer by training and a 22-year U.S. Navy veteran, he previously served as capital projects lead for the COO of the School District of Philadelphia. Most recently, he launched the first comprehensive analysis of the commonwealth’s real estate and space utilization.
Rob Murray
Since 2024, Rob Murray has overseen development, community engagement and government affairs for Comcast Spectacor, the sports and entertainment division of Philadelphia-based Comcast. In this role, he recently announced a banking partnership between Bank of America and the Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia 76ers and Xfinity Mobile Arena. A Colgate University graduate, he previously served as director of strategic partnerships for state Sen. Anthony Williams.
Michael Newmuis
In the nation’s first World Heritage City and the birthplace of American democracy, Michael Newmuis serves as 2026 director in the Philadelphia Mayor’s Office, ensuring the city’s readiness for the millions of visitors expected for the 250th anniversaries of America, the U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps – as well as the FIFA World Cup and other marquee sporting events. Newmuis previously held leadership roles at Visit Philadelphia and, most recently, served as head of impact at FS Investments and as executive director of the FS Foundation.
Jalen Nix
Jalen Nix, the executive director of the state Senate Democratic Campaign Committee, is a veteran of leadership roles with the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and served as COO for the Harris-Walz campaign in Pennsylvania. The grandson of a former Pennsylvania chief justice and the great-grandson of a member of Congress, he added to that political legacy after beginning his career in hospitality. He is also a Pennsylvania State Committee Member for District 4.
Sena Owereko
As Graduate Philadelphia’s inaugural vice president of marketing and communications, Sena Owereko amplifies the nonprofit’s mission of promoting postsecondary credentialing and regional economic mobility. She co-authored Graduate Philadelphia’s Career Integrated Learning Advising framework to help adult learners bridge education and career, and played a key role in the organization’s partnership with The School District of Philadelphia in relaunching SDP’s Parent & Family University. She previously served as Graduate Philadelphia’s inaugural vice president of programming and innovation and helped coordinate last year’s 20th anniversary events.
Cherelle Parker
Settled into her role as Philadelphia’s first female mayor, Cherelle Parker makes a point of tackling the issues her constituents complain about most – from snow removal to the drug epidemic and affordable housing. She recently unveiled a series of ambitious proposals to build and convert more homes, while giving a boost to local manufacturing. She’s also partnering with Jefferson Hospital to reduce street homelessness, while celebrating the city’s lower rates of poverty and violent crime.
Aston Pierce
In 2024, Aston Pierce took over management of the GO PA and GO Philly funds for Ben Franklin Technology Partners, serving on the Investment Committee for both funds. He recently helped close GO PA Fund II, a $35 million initiative, securing a new partner and expanding the firm’s engagement and reporting processes. His experience includes stints as a growth equity investor at Edison Partners and a venture capital investor at Blu Ventures; earlier, he held roles at The Rock Creek Group and an e-commerce startup.
Rodney Ridley
Rodney S. Ridley Sr. is the COO and vice president of research, economic development and strategic initiatives at Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, O’Pake has supported 300 local businesses, trained 75 students and awarded over $175,000 in microgrants – and he is now expanding the institute’s model nationally through a National Science Foundation grant. He also spearheaded an experiential entrepreneurial learning program for high school students and launched the Berks County Cultural Coalition and O’Pake’s Technology Transfer Office.
Geanina Riley
Since 2024, Nina Riley has served as PA Humanities’ community program manager, leading initiatives that use storytelling to bear witness to human experiences and build leaders and community advocates. Last month saw the debut of a workshop curriculum she designed for the Free Library of Philadelphia and out-of-school staff; she also spearheaded the development of a digital training program for Philadelphia senior center residents. Her experience also includes facilitating national youth programs focused on racial equity and LGBTQ communities.
Yvonne Roberts
For three decades, lobbyist Yvonne Roberts has leveraged relationships with leaders across the commonwealth and in Philadelphia, where she directs the city’s office for Triad Strategies. Her deep knowledge of Philadelphia City Council, state government and Congress gives her clients the advantage of multidisciplinary insights. The proof is in the funds she’s secured and policy wins scored for organizations ranging from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Comcast to the African American Historical and Cultural Museum of Philadelphia.
George Robinson II
George Robinson II oversees supplier diversity and inclusion for UPMC, Western Pennsylvania’s largest private employer, where he has led strategic planning and policy outreach for the Supplier Diversity Program since 2018. His accomplishments include championing UPMC’s Policy to Prosperity program and guiding a years-long collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh’s Small Business Development Center partners across the mid-Atlantic region. He previously held leadership roles with the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority and the City of Toledo, Ohio’s public utilities department.
Kyle Sampson
The first and only African American to serve as a Pennsylvania Real Estate Commissioner, Kyle Sampson is a longtime advocate for increasing African American representation in the real estate profession. He serves on the Advisory Board of Drexel University’s Real Estate Institute, advancing educational opportunity and industry diversity, and has championed the creation of real estate institutes at Pennsylvania’s two historically Black universities, Lincoln and Cheyney. He also serves on the West Philadelphia Economic Development Council.
Mungu Sanchez
Political organizer and labor advocate Mungu Sanchez brings a lifelong commitment to social justice and workers’ interests to the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, where he is deputy political director. His efforts have strengthened legal protections against wage theft, helped register thousands of voters nationwide through grassroots organizing, and supported Democratic campaigns across the country. He began his career working at the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and is currently a Democratic Party State Committee Member.
Thomas Segar
As vice president for student affairs at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Thomas Segar is responsible for admissions and financial aid, athletics, housing, dining, communications and student life. His tenure has seen the development of the Folger Student Center; the Crimson Scholars Circle, a specialized cohort program that provides comprehensive student support; and record rates of participation in meal plans and on-campus housing. He was an inaugural Aspen Index Senior Impact Fellow, a program for higher-education leaders, and serves on the Indiana Borough Police Civil Service Commission.
Chaudron Carter Short
Chaudron Carter Short brings decades of nursing and health leadership to Temple Health, where, as executive vice president and chief nurse executive, she oversees nursing practice and operations across seven system campuses. She is also a professor and distinguished lecturer at Temple University, where her research focuses on intuitive leadership, decision-making and the inclusion of underrepresented communities in the nursing workforce. Active with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she also lends her expertise to numerous state and regional healthcare boards.
Quincy Stephenson
As executive director of The Center at Duquesne University, Quincy Stephenson brings an equity focus to his collaborations with students, administration, faculty and campus partners, coordinating community building efforts for student on-campus affairs. He also co-chairs the Building Education Awareness Team and serves as a Title IX deputy coordinator for the Title IX Office. He holds a doctorate in counseling, psychology and special education from Duquesne University, and is an advocate for mental health.
Blane Stoddart
Blane F. Stoddart is the president and CEO of BFW Construction Project Managers, one of Pennsylvania’s largest Black-owned construction project management agencies. Under his leadership, BFW has been involved with some of the region’s largest recent construction projects – with capital costs of nearly $6 billion – including the Comcast Technology Center, Penn First Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s new patient tower and Jefferson’s Honickman Center. He is also managing partner of RB Development, an affordable housing developer that is building 129 units totaling $57 million.
Reginald Streater
Reginald L. Streater is the longtime president of the Philadelphia Board of Education and a trial attorney at Feldman Shepherd, reflecting his passion for advocacy, justice, equal access to resources, and public education. Last year, he was recognized with the Drum Major Award for Equity in the Educational System by the Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for Nonviolence, which honored him at its annual Liberty Bell ceremony; his legal laurels include being named a SuperLawyers Rising Star.
Joe Tucker
Joe H. Tucker Jr., a nationally recognized trial lawyer, is the founder and managing partner of Tucker Law Group. He is also president of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, where he leads efforts to advance the rule of law and defend judicial independence and has launched public-facing initiatives, including a podcast he hosts, in response to attacks on legal institutions and democratic values. He serves on the Committee of 70’s board and is a past president of the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia.
Angela Val
For America’s 250th anniversary, Angela Val, Visit Philadelphia’s CEO, has positioned the birthplace of American democracy as a global stage for civic dialogue. Under her leadership, Visit Philadelphia is winning plaudits for its multi-year collaboration with TED Talks on the future of democracy. Val has also steered partnerships with the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau on projects like the annual Tourism Outlook event. Her background includes leadership roles with the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and Ready. Set. Philly!, a post-pandemic economic revitalization initiative.
Gibran Washington
Cannabis industry pioneer Gibran Washington is the CEO of Philadelphia-based Ethos Cannabis, a vertically integrated multi-state operator. Under his leadership, Ethos has nurtured a research-driven, patient-first approach spanning cultivation, production, wholesale and retail operations. A leading voice for responsible cannabis policy, scientific integrity and equitable industry growth, he has forged partnerships with academic and medical institutions to advance education and clinical research. Balancing operational discipline with long-term vision, he champions a credible, sustainable and inclusive future for the cannabis industry.
Aris Watson
At the Philadelphia 76ers, Social Responsibility Coordinator Aris Watson oversees youth and outreach programs that extend the NBA team’s engagement and impact with local communities. He joined the organization in 2021, having previously served as community liaison for the Delaware Blue Coats, an affiliate of the 76ers. He holds a degree in psychology from Delaware State University and has also worked in real estate and insurance.
Kesha Morant Williams
Scholar, communicator and higher education leader Kesha Morant Williams currently serves as vice president of academic affairs at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. She also chairs the National Communication Association’s Distinguished Scholars Award Committee, and recently published work on Black narrative traditions. Previously, she was a senior adviser in the federal Office of Civil Rights & Title IX; she has also collaborated with institutions such as Penn Medicine, Thomas Jefferson Medical School and Johnson & Johnson, and holds a doctorate from Howard University.
Thomas Young
Thomas Young brings a global perspective to his role as the first Black leader of World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia. The Philadelphia native played professional basketball in Germany before serving as chief of staff to former state Rep. Donna Bullock and supporting minority-owned businesses at Bellevue Strategies. He recently convened 300-plus World Trade Centers from 90 countries for 2026’s WTCA Global Business Forum; his economic development strategy has supported hundreds of jobs, trade projects and export actions, with a nine-figure economic impact on the region.
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