Influential People

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.

Prison walls contain the body, not the mind, and Darrell Alston can confirm that. While growing up Alston definitely had a business sense; he started selling drugs as a teenager. Eventually, the law caught up with him and he ended up doing time in Graterford Prison. While in prison, Alston said his Mom told him if he wanted to be successful he had to start his own business. He said inside the prison gym one day he noticed a mural of boxer, Bernard Hopkins.

George James is the Program Director of the Master’s in Couples and Family Therapy Program offered in conjunction with Thomas Jefferson University. James specializes in helping couples improve the quality of their relationship, reconcile conflicts and overcome intense situations such as affairs, lack of communication, parenting struggles and much more. He also works extensively with professional athletes, adult and young adult men on various issues including defining manhood, career and work-life balance.

Solomon Jones is an Essence bestselling author and award- winning journalist who has been featured nationally on NPR’s Morning Edition, CNN Headline News and Essence Magazine. Jones is currently an award-winning columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News and morning host for Praise 107.9 radio in Philadelphia. In addition, he is a blogger and frequent on-air commentator for NPR-affiliate WHYY.