HopePHL

Asali Solomon → Philadelphia-born writer Asali Solomon is known for her acclaimed novel Disgruntled, named a best book of the year by The San Francisco Chronicle and The Denver Post. Her debut story collection, Get Down, earned her a Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers’ Award and a National Book Foundation “5 Under 35” honor. Solomon teaches fiction and African diaspora literature at Haverford College and lives in Philadelphia with her family. ?? Discover more inspiring Philly-connected women: bit.ly/WOMEN2025

?? 3rd Annual Community Hero Award: Leroy's Barbershop ?? For 40 years, Leroy’s has been more than a barbershop—it’s been a pillar of the community. Known for top-tier haircuts for men, women, and children, they also give back through bookbag giveaways and a food cupboard to support local families. Read more in our March newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eZtAVG_Y ? #CommunityHeroes #LeroysBarbershop #HopePHL

Joan Myers Brown → Founder of PHILADANCO and The Philadelphia School of Dance Arts, Joan Myers Brown has been a trailblazer in the dance world, advocating for African American artists. She served as the honorary chair of the International Association of Blacks in Dance and held academic roles at the University of the Arts and Howard University. In 2012, President Barack Obama awarded her the National Medal of the Arts for her lasting impact on dance. ?? Explore more inspiring Philly-connected women: bit.ly/WOMEN2025

?? 3rd Annual Community Hero Award: Rev. W. Nick Taliaferro ?? A devoted leader, Rev. Taliaferro has pastored three Seventh-day Adventist churches in West Philly, hosted Evenings WURDS with Nick Taliaferro on WURD-FM, and even lent his vocals to Grammy-winning artists like Celine Dion and Teddy Pendergrass. He also served as Deputy Mayor under John F. Street and is an active participant in HopePHL’s Men’s Coffee Talk. Read more in our March newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eZtAVG_Y ? #CommunityHeroes #HopePHL #NickTaliaferro

?? 3rd Annual Community Hero Award Winners! ?? ?? Hero Organization: Blackwell Cultural Alliance ?? Since 2018, Blackwell Cultural Alliance Inc. has been uplifting youth through the "How Dope Are You?" talent contest and promoting anti-violence initiatives. It also runs regular food distributions and impactful community service projects powered by a dedicated team of volunteers and staff. Read more in our March newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eZtAVG_Y ? #CommunityHeroes #BlackwellCulturalAlliance #HopePHL

Grace Kelly → Born in Philadelphia, Grace Kelly rose to fame during Hollywood's Golden Age, starring in classics like High Noon, Rear Window, and The Country Girl, which earned her an Academy Award. After marrying Prince Rainier III, she became Princess of Monaco, dedicating her life to philanthropy, especially for children and the arts. She also founded the Princess Grace Foundation and AMADE Mondiale. ?? Explore more inspiring Philly-connected women: bit.ly/WOMEN2025

Brené Brown, Ph.D., is an American writer, researcher, speaker, and social worker. Specializing in empathy, shame, vulnerability, and courage, Brown has spent the past two decades researching human emotion and educating others. She uses platforms like TED Talks and podcasts to empower people to lead healthy and fulfilling lives by leaning into these emotions. ?? Read more quotes from inspiring women with Philly ties: bit.ly/WOMEN2025

Last week, kids at the Maynes Family Digital Learning Lab began learning the basics of flight through our simulation program in partnership with the Philadelphia Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. Only 4-6% of pilots worldwide are women, and around 3% are Black — we're working to change that. ?? Stay tuned for May - June session registration!

Jill Scott → Born in North Philadelphia in 1972, Jill Scott is a multi-talented artist known for her work as a singer, songwriter, poet, and actress. Her platinum debut album Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds Vol. 1 (2000) was followed by several successful albums and acting roles in films like Why Did I Get Married? and the BBC/HBO series The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. In 2020, she co-hosted the first all-women livestream battle with Erykah Badu, drawing over 700,000 viewers, including Michelle Obama and Janet Jackson. ?? Read more quotes from inspiring women with Philly ties: bit.ly/WOMEN2025

Shanon Skipworth, founder of You're Beautifully Made, created the organization to support others struggling with depression and self-esteem, inspired by her own journey. With mentorship programs for young girls and a focus on empowering women, she’s been a leader in her community for over a decade. Shanon highlights the importance of building confidence in young women and honoring their achievements. Learn more about her inspiring work at https://lnkd.in/eZtAVG_Y.