Arts + Business Council for Greater Philadelphia

Congratulations to the 2024 #DesigningLeadership graduating cohort! Veteran facilitator Peter Mostachetti, LMSW led the cohort through "disaster scenarios" - what to do when things go up in smoke when they're out of your control. The day ended with a peer coaching session delineating between coaching, mentoring, and sponsorship, before we celebrated with program alumni and special guests during the reception. Designing Leadership is the only cohort-based program for professionals across sectors in the area that leverages a theme to approach leadership in unconventional and nuanced ways. The highly curated content, combined with an intentionally non-linear approach, allows advanced concepts, deep conversations, and innovative solutions to emerge quickly. Leaders and managers engage in professional self-reflection and discovery that unlocks new tools, strategies, and resources to enhance their performance. Donald Duncan, CAMLS Scott Barnes Mechele V. A. Dustin Almon, NCIDQ, WELL AP, LEED AP Ryan Aungst Roger Lee Lanisha Otuonye Swabreen Bakr Sofiya Ballin Isabella Bartenstein Ellie Clark Jeanette Coppinger Monica Olivio Crane Daniel de Jesús Tiffani Donaldson-Berry, M.Ed Emily Edelstein Nicole Edmonds-James Alexus Encarnado Alaina Ewins Elethia Gay Napoleon W Gladney Evelyn Heldon Haley Hnatuk Laurel Hostak Jones Keanu Ibarrondo Tia James Tara Keating Collin Keen Zoe King Sandy Knese Mark Kuberski Stephen Maccari Caitlin Mongan Lexi Morrison Karen B. Mulry Branda O'Neil Tamika Pitchford Amy Ricci Angela Rohacek

ABC attended?Kun-Yang Lin Dancers?home season performance, featuring repertoire by?Kun-Yang Lin?(Mandala, excerpt),?Evalina W. Carbonell?(Koyl), and Weiwei Ma (Dragon, alongside the world premiere of "Breath Into Air" at?FringeArts.?KYL/D is a contemporary Asian-American professional dance company probing at the limits of national identity. The ensemble is trained in the company's unique Chi Awareness Practice that is deeply rooted in Asian art forms, contemplative practices, and philosophies. ? ABC attended the opening reception for "Futures Without Guns," a multimedia speculative art exhibition investigating gun violence as a health equity issue at?University City Science Center. Working in a variety of mediums, nine artists present new artworks and design propositions envisioning the possibilities for a future free from gun violence. With a focus on Philadelphia, the project invites community members affected by gun violence to share their experiences and, in several instances, inform the artists’ processes. ? Abington Art Center?held their Art + Fine Craft Fair over the weekend, where visitors perused local artists and makers while listening to live music and exploring the sculpture park. ABC stopped by?NextFab?Rebecca Ledbetter's art tent! Located on a historic 27-acre campus in Jenkintown,?Abington Art Center?presents exhibitions, programs, classes, and events. ? ABC had a great time at the fifth annual "Bandsaw Bash" which celebrated the?Museum for Art in Wood?with a festive evening party and silent auction at the?Fleisher Art Memorial. This was an opportunity to gather in support of the Museum’s unique mission while connecting with friends and supporters in the Museum’s vibrant community.?We listened to live music by the David Brodie Trio. Hung out with?Jennifer-Navva Milliken, Executive Director + Chief Curator and?Fabio Vitali?(#BusinessOnBoard'23),?Emily Edelstein?(#DesigningLeadership'24), Executive Director,?CraftNOW Philadelphia,?Kimberly Winkle, and Daniel Zobel. Shout out to Kate Hawes + Greg Mazur, Paul Maraldo, Adam John Manley, Teresa Audet, Thomas Scurto-Davis, Carol & Mark Hall, Michael Kehs, Katie Hudnall, Jason Schneider, Edgewood Made, Terry Holzgreen, Larissa Huff, Derek Weidman, John McDevitt, Brad Stave + Graeme Priddle, John Conver Lutz, Mira Nakashima, Sam Maloof, Philip Hause, Miller Knoll, Sutherland Welles, Craig Edelbrock, Philadelphia Eagles, Arrowmont , Mark Sfirri, Peter's Valley, Center for Furniture Craftsmanship Woodschool, David Fisher, David Beker. ? The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia Elizabeth (Liz) Thompson Ajené Livingston

Big thank you to Phila Cultural Fund, Gabriela Serena Sanchez, Camille Halsey for organizing a community outing at Libertee Grounds. It was great to catch up with 2024 #BusinessOnBoard Host Organizations CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia, Ariel Elizabeth Shelton, Melinda Steffy, ArtReach, and Philadelphia Young Playwrights, LaNeshe Miller-White (#DesigningLeadership '17), Dawn Frisby Byers (#DesigningLeadership '15) at PA Humanities, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, and Wilfredo Hernandez. ? On March 28th, the Philadelphia Department of Commerce and partner organizations hosted the Second Annual Creative Economy and Arts in Education Celebration. The goal of this event is to celebrate creatives and entrepreneurs across Philadelphia and share resources that the City and partner organizations offer. They shone a light on the vibrant creative economy of Philadelphia, sharing and spreading awareness on the importance of building up and supporting creatives and entrepreneurs. It was an evening of networking, resource sharing, creative activities, an awards ceremony, and food! ? The Department of Commerce designated the month of March as Creative Economy and Arts in Education Month in Philadelphia. ? The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia?#GoodBizPHL Ajené Livingston Elizabeth (Liz) Thompson

Last Thursday, #DesigningLeadership kicked off its season exploring #empowerment in the workplace. Facilitator Helanah W. guided the sold out 54-person cohort through a series of exercises and guided conversation on holistically understanding what makes up your unique power, including leveraging your power and value thoughtfully and effectively by assessing work within your control and influence. ? The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia #GoodBizPHL Mechele V. A. Dustin Almon, NCIDQ, WELL AP, LEED AP Ryan Aungst Swabreen Bakr Scott Barnes Isabella Bartenstein Renee Bundy Ellie Clark Jeanette Coppinger Monica Olivio Crane Daniel de Jesús Tiffani Donaldson-Berry, M.Ed Donald Duncan, CAMLS Emily Edelstein Nicole Edmonds-James Alexus Encarnado Alaina Foster Elethia Gay Napoleon W Gladney Evelyn Heldon Haley Hnatuk Laurel Hostak Jones Keanu Ibarrondo Tia James Tara Keating Collin Keen Sandy Knese Mark Kuberski Roger Lee Stephen Maccari Caitlin Mongan Lexi Morrison Karen B. Mulry Lanisha Otuonye Amy Ricci Angela Rohacek Caroline Slama Sharifah Stephens

Making Moves | A roundup of our community’s new projects, promotions, awards, publications, and other news to know. We are excited to share that Gabriel Procaccino?(#DesigningLeadership’22) Director, Member Engagement, will be speaking with members of the?Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association?next week for their second GPHA Spotlight Series featuring The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia?Find more information along with registration info?https://lnkd.in/eaRYq2zk. We are proud to announce that Marcia Perry Dix (#BusinessOnBoard’21) Founder, Perry Media Group, received?Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ), Lifetime Achievement Award. Cheers to all the honorees... Congratulations to Evan Skalski (#BusinessOnBoard’18) for his promotion to Director at?Alpha FMC. ? We are also excited to share Roger Lee (#DesigningLeadership’24) Dean of College, Philadelphia Performing Arts: A String Theory Charter School’s interview with?John Lee Dumas?on Entrepreneurs On Fire at?https://lnkd.in/dhRZgh39. The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia?#GoodBizPHL?Ajené Livingston?Elizabeth (Liz) Thompson

"Too often, in very small cultural organizations, professional development is not prioritized or seen as critical.? But if we want employees to be happy and productive and continue to grow in their careers, it’s an important investment, especially in organizations with few employees.? Each person’s contributions are magnified in these micro-organizations, so any improvement in skills and vision can have an outsize impact. We are excited by this year’s theme of empowerment as it can help underscore how any person in an organization has and can power effectively both for themselves and on behalf of the larger mission." -Tuomi Forrest, Executive Director at Historic Germantown Historic Germantown is supporting Libbie Hawes, Preservation Director, Cliveden of the National Trust, Branda O'Neal, Deputy Director, Awbury Arboretum Association, Amy Ricci, HISTORIC RITTENHOUSETOWN, Sara Leven Stevenson, Executive Director, Awbury Arboretum Association, Caitin Mongan, Manager of Operations + Partnerships, Historic Germantown, and Caroline Slama Manager of Archives + Collections, Historic Germantown in this year's cohort. ? This year’s theme is #empowerment. Gain a deep understanding of your power as a leader and how it shows up in the workplace, leverage your strengths and value in your role to successfully advocate for your priorities and set boundaries, develop clear expectations and accountability processes that foster ownership and trust with your team, and build a toolkit to navigate situations outside of your control and how to maintain agency for you and your team despite obstacles. ? Designing Leadership is the only cohort-based program for professionals across sectors in the Greater Philadelphia Area that leverages a theme to approach leadership development in unconventional and nuanced ways. The highly curated content, combined with an intentionally non-linear approach, allows advanced concepts, deep conversations, and innovative solutions to emerge quickly. Leaders and managers engage in professional self-reflection and discovery that unlocks new tools, strategies, and resources to enhance their performance. With dozens of participants each season, the experience provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect and network with a wide range of professionals across disciplines and backgrounds. ? The Historic Germantown is an educational and research center dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the original German Township in northwest Philadelphia. Encompassing the contemporary neighborhoods of Germantown, Mt. Airy, and Chestnut Hill, greater Germantown is a dynamic and diverse community. ? @chamberphl #GoodBizPHL @ajenelivingston @lizforart

"Creating pathways for employees to explore growth fosters a culture of continuous learning and models the type of leaders you hope they develop into. It's vital to support employees?not just in their current roles, but as whole individuals. Investing in journeys rather than one particular destination gives autonomy to them and the paths they choose. When asking others to deliver for you, it's critical to ask how you can empower their success; to find their unique voices as leaders.?I hope our staff make durative connections with the facilitators and peers in the cohort. Most of all, to be energized by the continued evolution and success of themselves and of those with whom they lead and collaborate." - Matt Nelson, Managing Director, Asian Arts Initiative Asian Arts Initiative is supporting Kong Yang, Youth Education Programs Manager, and Jino Lee, Marketing and Communications Supervisor in this year's cohort. This year’s theme is #empowerment. Gain a deep understanding of your power as a leader and how it shows up in the workplace, leverage your strengths and value in your role to successfully advocate for your priorities and set boundaries, develop clear expectations and accountability processes that foster ownership and trust with your team, and build a toolkit to navigate situations outside of your control and how to maintain agency for you and your team despite obstacles. Designing Leadership is the only cohort-based program for professionals across sectors in the Greater Philadelphia Area that leverages a theme to approach leadership development in unconventional and nuanced ways. The highly curated content, combined with an intentionally non-linear approach, allows advanced concepts, deep conversations, and innovative solutions to emerge quickly. Leaders and managers engage in professional self-reflection and discovery that unlocks new tools, strategies, and resources to enhance their performance. With dozens of participants each season, the experience provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect and network with a wide range of professionals across disciplines and backgrounds. Asian Arts Initiative is a multidisciplinary arts center offering exhibitions, performances, artist residencies, youth workshops, and a community gathering space. The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia #GoodBizPHL Ajené Livingston Elizabeth (Liz) Thompson Photo credit (all): Albert Yee

Making Moves | A roundup of our community’s new projects, promotions, awards, publications, and other news to know. We are proud to announce that Christine Cox, (#AdvisoryBoardmember), BalletX Artistic & Executive Director, was honored by City & State PA with the Above & Beyond: Women Award, honoring distinguished women in Pennsylvania. We are excited to share that Adela Smith, MSW (#DesigningLeadership’20) has joined the DiverseForce Executive Search team as a Senior Talent Solutions Partner! Congratulations to Lindsay Bedford (#DesigningLeadership’21) on starting a new position as the live-in Brand Ambassador at Jasper House! The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia?#GoodBizPHL?Ajené Livingston?Elizabeth (Liz) Thompson

"Supporting employees through professional development is fundamental because it not only fosters individual growth but also fortifies the collective expertise of an organization. Leadership development, especially under this year's theme of 'Empowerment,' is crucial as it equips our staff with the confidence and autonomy to make impactful decisions and lead with innovation. I hope participants emerge from this experience with enhanced skills, a renewed sense of purpose, and the drive to inspire and empower those around them. It's about nurturing leaders who are not only visionaries in their fields but also catalysts for positive change in their communities." - @iamchadericsmith, Senior Director of Communications and Brand Management at @muralarts Mural Arts is supporting @ehc1189, Director of the Project Management Office, and Alaina Ewins, Project Manager, in this year's cohort. This year’s theme is #empowerment. Gain a deep understanding of your power as a leader and how it shows up in the workplace, leverage your strengths and value in your role to successfully advocate for your priorities and set boundaries, develop clear expectations and accountability processes that foster ownership and trust with your team, and build a toolkit to navigate situations outside of your control and how to maintain agency for you and your team despite obstacles. Designing Leadership is the only cohort-based program for professionals across sectors in the Greater Philadelphia Area that leverages a theme to approach leadership development in unconventional and nuanced ways. The highly curated content, combined with an intentionally non-linear approach, allows advanced concepts, deep conversations, and innovative solutions to emerge quickly. Leaders and managers engage in professional self-reflection and discovery that unlocks new tools, strategies, and resources to enhance their performance. With dozens of participants each season, the experience provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect and network with a wide range of professionals across disciplines and backgrounds. Mural Arts Philadelphia is the nation's largest public art program, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For 40 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative process, rooted in the traditions of mural-making, to create art that transforms public spaces and individual lives. @chamberphl #GoodBizPHL @ajenelivingston @lizforart