Influential People

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.

As Area Development Director of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Lyles is responsible for fundraising strategy and execution for the Philadelphia Area which includes the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia and Southern New Jersey.

Before coming to UNCF, Lyles was executive director of Haddington Multi Services For Older Adults, in West Philadelphia. He was responsible for the leadership, strategic direction, business development and operations of the organization. Lyles also served as development director for the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania (UWSEPA), was executive director of the West Philadelphia YMCA and served in numerous positions with the Cradle of Liberty Council, Boy Scouts of America

In 1982, the Honorable Edward G. Rendell, then District Attorney of Philadelphia, appointed Washington to the position of Assistant District Attorney. In 1985, Washington left the DA’s office and joined a center city law office where he received an opportunity to develop his own practice: In 1997, he was elected to serve as Judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court and in 2005, was ordained Deacon at Salem Baptist Church in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania

Onyemaechi Emmanuel Okoro is a lawyer and coach, personal motivator dedicated to inspiring youth and young adults, especially those with behavioral problems. Okoro is also author of the books ‘God’s Best Gift in an Ugly Wrapping’ and ‘The Ultimate Victory’ which was described as ‘thrilling, motivating and inspirational’ by the New York Times Book Review.

Okoro is vice-chair of the Igbo Nigeria Catholic Community in Philadelphia, PA. and as such represents and helps lead the church community at events hosted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Igbo Catholic National USA and African Cultural Heritage.

Native Philadelphian, Mercer A. Redcross, III, co founded the October Gallery with his wife, Evelyn, in 1985. The gallery’s first location was in the Powelton Village section of the city; it is now in the Germantown section, where it continues to promote African American art, artists and consumer education.

Dr. Reid is President and CEO of the South West Nu-Stop Recovery and Educational Center (SWNSREC) , a substance abuse and treatment facility. SWNSREC serves the Philadelphia area via two robust multifaceted, treatment facilities located in Southwest and North Central Philadelphia. Both community focused and people-centered endeavors exemplify Dr. Reid’s passion for liberating people struggling with poverty and urban infused behavioral health and cooccurring disorders, as he and many inner-city youth have experienced

International athlete, strategist, innovator, mentor and entrepreneur, Jeremiah J. White, III, is a highly sought-after sports professional. His broad range of expertise, experience and confident disposition, have added to his success as a business owner.

Known for his creative ability and technical expertise, White’s strong business acumen derives from a professional background that includes athletics, technology, globalization, marketing and strategic planning. His aptitude in foreign relations and linguistics have opened the doors for international business opportunities in Liberia, Ghana, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the UK. White is also responsible for connecting American businesses with companies abroad to diversify their portfolios.

Chief Eke; Ochiri is the founder and CEO of Infotex Systems Inc, which started in 1995 in Plainfield, NJ. The company demonstrates vast and diverse leadership and support in computer technology across U.S. along with consulting services from IT consultants and engineers to businesses such as IBM, AT&T, MCI, Sprint, and Digital Corp.