DRIVING CHANGE with Sharmain

The COVID-19 pandemic forced UAC’s annual in-person fundraising breakfast – always held the Friday before Thanksgiving – to go virtual in 2020, but the racial unrest over the past year propelled the organization to put its more than 50-year legacy of driving change to prioritize ending systemic racism and inequality in Philadelphia once and for all. This episode is a forward-looking, future-building, thought-provoking conversation from UAC's special forum – “Ending Racism: This is Not a Moment” between Sharmain and Daniel Hilferty, immediate past CEO of Independence Blue Cross (IBC), who, as long-time colleagues and influential civic leaders, initiate a blueprint for building a just and equitable society in our communities. Through this conversation, UAC is proud to introduce "The Ending Racism Partnership" - a citywide, participatory collaboration of Philadelphia residents, leaders, and influencers from community, business, government, and philanthropy to end racial injustice and economic inequality. The Partnership is co-convened by Urban Affairs Coalition, Independence Blue Cross, and Rev. Dr. Mark Tyler, Pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church, supported by a Steering Committee of 20+ leaders representing government, philanthropy, arts & entertainment, and community power across the city. To watch the entire “Ending Racism: This Is a Movement, Not a Moment” event, you can watch it in its entirety on the UAC YouTube Channel. To learn more about the Ending Racism Partnership and how to get involved click here.

In this episode of “Driving Change,” Sharmain sat down with UAC Executive Vice President Arun Prabhakaran, a dreamer and doer whose personal journey personifies UAC’s forward-looking mission. While Arun may be one of the most recent additions to our esteemed team, he is no stranger to the great work of the Coalition. In this special episode, Arun shares invaluable wisdom from his experience as a tireless activist in Philadelphia, what inspired him to work as chief of staff in the DA’s office, and ultimately, what revolutionary work brought him back home to UAC.To find out more about the on-going work of the Coalition please visit uac.org

In this podcast episode, Sharmain speaks to Kevin Harden, a West Philly native and famed Philadelphia attorney fighting for civil rights and justice. From being shot five times at point blank range, to recently winning a record-setting $6.25 million dollar settlement on behalf of Terrance Lewis, who was wrongfully incarcerated for a crime he didn’t commit, Kevin has truly driven change in Philadelphia. Listen as Kevin shares his story of how he turned his life around through committing himself to his education, rehabilitating his reputation, and now acting as a mentor to inspire other young people in Philadelphia.To find out more about the on-going work of the Coalition please visit uac.org 

In this episode of “Driving Change,” Sharmain speaks with her mentor, Ernest “Ernie” Jones, Esq., former UAC President & CEO. Ernie has a true passion for driving change and continues to be a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion. In this memorable episode, Ernie talks about his life journey, shares what led him to UAC, and walks through some of his many great accomplishments throughout his career that have positively impacted lives, such as involving minorities and women in many large construction projects in Philadelphia.To find out more about the on-going work of the Coalition please visit uac.org

Nonprofits, small businesses, and the citizens they serve – particularly those within our communities of color - have been impacted particularly hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. We know the recovery process is going be a community effort; but we also know that recovery will be quicker and more affective with direct help from private and public government assistance. In this special episode of Driving Change, Sharmain is joined by Philadelphia City Council Councilmember At-Large - Derek Green to talk about the efforts being made – so that Philadelphia is stronger than before on the other side of this pandemic. To find out more about the on-going work of the Coalition please visit uac.org

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world around us in more ways than we could have ever anticipated. Philadelphia’s youth have been hit particularly hard, dealing with changes to the way they learn, interact, recreate, earn money, and even eat.  Summer jobs have always been and still are a critical experience for many Philadelphia youth. And while it’s going to look a little different this year, WorkReady Philadelphia is #STILLin4WorkReady and its partners remain committed to ensuring young people are engaged in workforce experiences this summer. In this special episode Sharmain speaks with the Philadelphia Youth Network, President and CEO Chekemma Townsend.To learn more about #STILLin4WorkReady please visit workready.orgTo find out more about the on-going work of the Coalition please visit uac.org

In this episode, Sharmain introduces you to one of the recipients of the Urban Affairs Coalition's inaugural Founders Award - Wells Fargo. This award is an honor that recognizes a UAC partner who has rendered distinguished, long-term service to the Coalition. Wells Fargo has been an active partner of the Coalition for 45 years, and its predecessor bank date back to First Pennsylvania and Bank Company, which was a founding board member of the Philadelphia Urban Coalition. For the past ten years, Wells Fargo has helped thousands of individuals through its support of UAC’s Community Economic Development (CED) Program, Capture Greatness, Global Citizen 365, The Black Writers Museum, Teenshop Inc., Summer Youth Employment Program, and Warmth in Winter. Accepting the award on behalf of Wells Fargo at the 50th anniversary breakfast, and joining Sharmain in this episode is Joseph Kirk.       To find out more about the on-going work of the Coalition please visit uac.org And to learn more about the UAC’s 50th anniversary breakfast and the founders award, please visit UAC2020.org 

Join Sharmain Matlock-Turner, President and CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition, in her new podcast Driving Change with Sharmain! This year, the Urban Affairs Coalition is celebrating a major milestone - 50 years of helping friends, families and neighbors across the Philadelphia region create stronger, more vibrant communities.     The UAC is a Coalition of 75 plus partner organizations, large and small, working on diverse issues that immediately affect communities by shaping public policy and delivering programs that respond to urgent community needs. In Driving Change, Sharmain introduces you to the programs, people and partners that make its mission possible. You’ll also meet some very special corporate sponsors that have been with the UAC for 50 years and continue to help them drive change with their continued support. And more importantly, you’ll find out how you can help us continue to drive change for the next 50 years from the bottom up. To learn more about the UAC please visit www.uac.org