In 1993, Gamble co-founded Universal Companies with her husband, Grammy-winning producer and songwriter, Kenneth Gamble. Their mission was to revitalize South Philadelphia by providing a holistic approach to community development in an area that had faced a great deal of crime and poverty.
Christine Brown has dedicated more than 25 years of advocacy work with the Beech Companies, a community development corporation whose mission is to improve the quality of life for North Philadelphia residents. She serves as the director of Beech Community Services, a nonprofit within Beech Companies and program director of the Alston Beech Foundation. Brown began in 1992 as an administrative assistant and was promoted through the organization to her current role.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell is a seven-term representative of the 3rd District in the City Council of Philadelphia. She was elected to City Council in an historic election that saw her husband elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, the late Congressman Lucien E. Blackwell, on the same day that she was elected to City Council
Celebrating Philadelphia Region’s Women Of Influence
Sheikh Siddique is the first immigrant and Asian American councilman in the history of Upper Darby. He was honored to be a part of a township that thrives on diversity and unity. He prides himself on representing a multicultural, multilanguage, multinational city.
