Influential People

Born and raised in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia, Rev. Elisha Morris is a 1975 graduate of Germantown High School and a 1984 graduate of Cheyney University of PA. Licensed to preach in 1986, he was Ordained in 1994 by Bishop O. T. Jones, Jr. Rev. Morris was an Associate Minister/Elder at the Mount Airy COGIC, founded by Bishop Ernest C. Morris, for 30 years. Currently he serves as the Second Assistant Pastor at the Higher Ground Temple COGIC under Superintendent Edward M. Barron in Camden, N.J. Rev. Morris is involved in many community organizations.

Dawn Angelique Roberts is an award-winning communications professional with over 20 years’ experience. As the Director of Media Relations and Communications for Elite Access Running, LLC and volunteer endurance running coach for the American Cancer Society, Determine Nation program, Dawn runs and coaches beginning and experienced runners to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker proudly serves the Ninth Council District in Philadelphia, which stretches through northwest and northeast communities including East Mt. Airy, East and West Oak Lane, Olney, Lawncrest, Lawndale, Burholme and Oxford Circle. As chair of Council’s Labor and Civil Service Committee, Cherelle is working to ensure that all workers have financial security in their retirement. She is also focused on addressing deteriorating infrastructure and an overall lack of investment in middle neighborhoods, illustrating her passion for stabilization and home preservation

Cherri Gregg is the community affairs reporter for KYW Newsradio 1060. Cherri has a B.S. from Boston University, a J.D. from Howard University School of Law and a M.J. from Temple University’s College of Communications and Theater. She is the past president of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and is a member of the Pennsylvania and Georgia Bars.

Aiisha Herring-Miller is a native of Harrisburg, PA and has lived in Philadelphia, PA, since 1998. For 16 years, Aiisha has worked for the City of Philadelphia focusing on community and economic development initiatives. She is currently the Director, Economic Development Zones for the Department of Commerce. She is responsible for leading efforts for the Empowerment Zone’s legacy program, the Neighborhood Funding Stream, a $31 million endowment that provides resources for commercial and industrial development, business development, financial literacy, and job creation.

The nation’s historically Black college and universities (HBCUs) play critical role in the economic mobility of African Americans. These institutions were created during the 1800s, at a time when educating Black students was not encouraged in this country.

Donavan West is a forward- thinking executive with a focus on social services and public affairs. With over 18 years’ experience in developing, creating, and envisioning systematic blueprints to manage community partnerships and workforce and development initiatives, he is an expert in relationship management and key principles that drive stakeholder interests.

Dr. Samuel F. Quartey has more than 30 years of experience as a podiatrist specializing in foot and ankle surgery. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Temple University and the College of Podiatric Medicine in New York. The native of Accra, Ghana, is a graduate of the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi and University Legon, Ghana. He taught at Accra High School prior to moving to the U.S.