As the Executive Director of the Office of Engagement for Women, Jovida Hill focuses on addressing issues facing women in Philadelphia. She leads the Philadelphia Commission for Women, which promotes civic, educational and economic policies that enhance the lives of girls and women. Hill previously served as an administrator in Mayor Jim Kenney’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion.

Celebrating Philadelphia Region’s Women Of Influence

Sherri Darden has worked incredibly hard to get to her current position. After graduating from high school in 1987, she went to work for the Philadelphia Council for Neighborhood Organizations as a secretary/bookkeeper. During her time there, she became a young mother and went to work at the Defender’s Association where she worked for 29 years working her way up from clerk/typist to human resources manager. While there, she worked to advance the mission of providing criminal defense services to people who cannot afford legal representation. She worked behind the scenes to enable those on the frontlines to complete their daily work.

Dr. Akosua Ali-Sabree is a multifaceted leader who has built a successful wholistic health and wellness business. Dr. Ali-Sabree is president and chief executive officer of the Kuumba Family Institute, Inc., an organization that seeks to uplift the community by providing resources, vocational training, cultural, education and holistic health and wellness programs.

After returning to school later in life, Aminata Sy, went all in. She began by pursuing a career in journalism. That led to her writing for publications such as The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Philadelphia Tribune and The Daily Pennsylvanian. Her stories focused on the African-American and African immigrant experience. In 2016, Sy interned at Philadelphia City Hall and wrote talking points for the mayor.

As the CEO of A Lawful Truth Enterprises, LLC, Andrea Lawful-Sanders focuses on helping to develop children and adults into the best versions of themselves. She is the chair of SE PA Cares, an arm of the national CARES mentoring movement spearheaded by Susan L. Taylor. She also acts as a consultant for police departments, helping them improve community relations.

From a young age Archima Major knew she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, she knew she wanted to find a way to help those who didn’t have access to services they needed. She found her path in ophthalmology, a male-dominated eye care field. She resiliently pushed through and achieved numerous degrees and completed multiple placements. She holds the distinction of being the youngest person to ever receive a fellowship with the World Council of Optometry in the history of the institution.

Bobbi Booker has a hefty resume; she has worked across the journalism industry in both radio and print. This multimedia reporter found her niche reporting on culture, lifestyle and entertainment. Her experiences include serving as the host of “Spirit Soul Music on Ovations,” a specialty music show on WRTI-Fm 90.1, an NPR-affiliate as well as writing for news outlets throughout Philadelphia. During her time reporting, Booker has interviewed many of America’s biggest stars including Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder. Booker recently accepted the position of President of the Pen & Pencil Club, the oldest press club in America.