FunTimes Magazine

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.

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.

Mark Harrell is a community organizer at the Southwest Community Development Corporation (CDC) in Philadelphia and publisher of the organization’s newspaper The Southwest Globe Times. Harrell studied Political Science at Howard University and went on to Lincoln University where he majored in Human Services. Along with the many organizations of which he is a part, Harrell is also executive director of Men United for a Better Philadelphia

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