PHL Diversity Podcast

PHL Diversity is excited to speak with Brennan Tomasetti, Co-Owner of Civetta Property Group which recently opened The Guild House Hotel. The Guild House Hotel, a national historic landmark, is an elegant, lovingly refurbished rowhome in the heart of Philadelphia, and was once the headquarters for one of the oldest and most remarkable women's organizations in the country, the New Century Guild. Each room in the hotel pays special homage to the ladies of the Guild. Brennan has been investing in real estate with her husband mike Mike since 1999. They have acquired over 70 properties, developing both single family and multi-unit buildings. Brennan is a board member of the New Century Trust.

PHL Diversity is excited to speak with Dr. Jen O'Ryan, Founder of Double Tall Consulting. Dr. O'Ryan is an Inclusion and Diversity strategist focused on helping people build authentically inclusive and welcoming companies. Leveraging two decades of experience in organizational change and a PHD in human behavior, she understands the challenges leaders can face in developing a culture of inclusiveness for employees, clients, and consumers. A data geek at heart, Jen has an extensive understanding of how people interact with technology, with each other, and with change. Dr. O'Ryan is also the author of “Inclusive AF: A Field Guide for Accidental Diversity Experts” -- a three-part roadmap for anyone implementing inclusion and diversity initiatives in the workplace. This is a MUST LISTEN podcast addressing organizational culture changes, why inclusion and diversity is so important.

PHL Diversity is excited to speak with Hilina D. Ajakaiye, Executive Vice President of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau and Founder & Executive Director of R.I.S.E. Women's Leadership Conference. R.I.S.E (Realizing Inspiration & Sustaining Excellence) envisions a world free of adverse social norms that impact all women and girls in the workforce.

PHL Diversity is excited to present a conversation with Andrea Custis, President & CEO of the Urban League of Philadelphia. Dedicated to creating a self-reliant African American community, the Urban League of Philadelphia advocates for policy changes and provides direct service programs to promote economic independence. Since 1917, Urban League of Philadelphia has been a leader in empowering African Americans offering career services, assisting home buyers, and supporting entrepreneurs. Andrea Custis was named President and Chief Executive Officer in July 2017. A seasoned corporate executive, Andrea has 30 years of sales, marketing, human capital, and operations experience with fortune 50 companies. She has been recognized as “One to Watch”- Ebony Magazine, “One of 25 Influential Black Women In Business”- Network Journal, and “Executive of The Year” – Consortium of Information and Telecommunications Executives and Hispanic Support Organization. During the interview she discussed the importance of the return to meetings and shares her recommendation for two conventions to return to Philadelphia; The National Urban League Conference and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated National Convention.

PHL Diversity is excited to present a conversation with Tony Coles, President of the Black Information Network and Division President for Metro Markets at iHeartMedia. Black Information Network is the first and only 24/7 comprehensive national audio black news service dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news coverage with a black voice and perspective. Tony has been recognized as an industry leader in leadership and management. He is a two-time recipient of the World Wide Radio Summit Senior Programmer of the Year award. He volunteers with and works with several industry organizations, including the National Association of Broadcasters and the Alliance for Women in Media. An advocate for educating the next generation of media leaders and personalities,

PHL Diversity is excited to present a conversation with Gregg Caren, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) and Mike Gamble, President and CEO of SearchWide Global and Founder and President of Tourism Diversity Matters. Mike co-founded SearchWide Global, one of the hospitality industry’s leading executive search firms. He is also the founder of Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM), an exciting and important initiative launched in February 2021. Prior to SearchWide Global, Mike was SVP of Sales and Marketing for PHLCVB and held various leadership roles with Marriott International. Gregg is approaching one year as President and CEO of PHLCVB. He joined the destination marketing organization with more than three decades in the tourism industry, most recently as EVP, Sales and Strategic Business Development with ASM Global (formerly SMG). PHLCVB is a founding partner for this collective impact model dedicated to eliminating disparities in the tourism and meetings industries through advocacy and education. TDM’s mission is to be a resource to foster diversity, equity and inclusion practices in collaboration and cooperation with all industry initiatives. Mike and Gregg join Greg DeShields (TDM’s Executive Director) for an inspirational and thought-provoking conversation highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion within the tourism and events industry operations.

PHL Diversity is excited to speak with David L. Cohen, Senior Advisor for Comcast and Chair of The Philadelphia Award. Created in 1921, The Philadelphia Award is among the most meaningful, and prestigious awards conferred by, and for the Philadelphia community. The award is given each year to a Philadelphia citizen who has acted and served on behalf of the best interest of the community. David shares his thoughts on the 2019 Philadelphia award recipients include Reverend Luis Cortes Jr., Dr. Amy J. Goldberg, M.D., and Nicole Klingerman. They were presented the award for their dedication and service to improving the lives of underserved people and communities in Philadelphia through community development, anti-gun violence, and domestic workers protections. Additionally, David discusses the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion to the Philadelphia Award.

PHL Diversity is excited to speak with Pranam Lipinski, Co-Founder of Work With GEN Z. Work with GEN Z is an organization devoted to educating employers on practices for creating effective work environments for the next generation of workers. Based on real-world experience, Work With GEN Z built a Gen Z-focused college recruiting online platform that connects employers to diverse college student organizations. Pranam is passionate about bridging the understanding gap between GEN Z and other generations to create more empathy and effectiveness in the workplace. Join us for an in-depth discussion about the core characteristics of Gen Z (1995 – 2012), what they want and how Inclusion, Stability and Authenticity (ISA) is key to the chain collaboration. Param further discusses their role in the hospitality industry and common mistakes employees make when recruiting them.

In this episode, join us for an in depth conversation with Marlinda Henry, CEP, Chairwoman of the Board for the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals and Richard Lee Snow, Regional Development Director of the United Negro College Fund. Marlinda Henry is the current Chairwoman and Richard Lee Snow is Chair Emeritus of The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP), founded in 1983, is a. non-profit organization dedicated primarily to the training needs of African American meeting planners. NCBMP is the preeminent organization educating African American association executives and meeting planners in all aspects of the meeting planning profession. Richard Lee Snow is the Chair of PHL Diversity leading the charge in diversity and inclusion efforts and connects meeting and convention planners with the region’s diverse business community to ensure successful events. They join Greg DeShields to discuss the impact of the pandemic on black meeting professionals, the current state of black meetings and conventions, and the future of those meetings after COVID-19.

PHL Diversity is excited to speak with Melissa Cherry, Chief Operating Officer of Destinations International. As the world's largest resource for official destination organizations, Destinations International represents over 6,000 professionals from nearly 600 destination organizations globally. Melissa has 20 plus years of experience in the industry and is responsible for the development and execution of strategies to promote and elevate the association's mission and brand to drive awareness of its impact to advance the success of the destination marketing and management industry worldwide. Before joining Destinations International, Melissa was the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Cultural Tourism for Choose Chicago. Join us as we discuss the future of tourism, Destination International’s recently released 2020 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion study, and much more.

Diversifying Travel: A Conversation with Roni Weiss PHL Diversity is excited to present a conversation with Roni Weiss, Executive Director of Travel Unity, a nonprofit focused on diversity in travel. Travel Unity connects community groups and individuals with travel, cultural, and educational experiences to promote personal and professional growth. A key focus of Travel Unity is collaborating with organizations in the world of travel to broaden their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, including aligning with best practices for DEI. Through years of world travels, Roni has visited over 70 countries, including every country in Europe, six of seven continents, and taught English in Italy, France, Taiwan, and Chile, both to youth and professionals. From 2011 to 2016, Roni worked with Africa Tourism Association, assisting with, and speaking at a ATA’s events in NYC, DC, and multiple African countries. In 2013, RW Social launched the New York Travel Festival, an event focused on innovation and sustainability in the world of travel, which served as the genesis for Travel Unity, where Roni Weiss now serves as Executive Director. Special Announcement: Comcast RISE program, Comcast’s initiative to help business owners of color struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be awarding grants of $10,000 each to minority-owned small businesses in Philadelphia and Chester. Eligible businesses in Philadelphia and the City of Chester can apply from March 1 to 14 for a $10,000 grant; 100 recipients will be selected. More information and the applications to apply for either the grant program or the marketing and technology services are available at www.ComcastRISE.com.

PHL Diversity is excited to speak with Chris Mullins, Sr. from McGillin's Olde Ale House. Shortly after the Liberty Bell cracked and long before ground was broken for City Hall, McGillin’s threw open its doors. Its beer taps have been flowing since 1860 (the year Lincoln was elected) — making it the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia. McGillin’s has outlasted Strawbridge’s, the Civil War and even Prohibition. McGillin’s celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2010. Family ownership is definitely one of the reasons for McGillin’s longevity and success over the years. Join us as Chris shares his insights about operating a restaurant during the Covid-19 pandemic (the tavern’s second pandemic), his favorite three memories and McGillin's iconic sign collection.

Join PHL Diversity for our first podcast of 2021 as we speak with George R. Burrell, Partner with Kleinbard LLC, Attorneys at Law. George talks about the future of Philadelphia, its tourism and hospitality industry, current cultural events, his experience as a panelist on 6abc Action News Inside Story, and the always popular “Burrell – Smyler – Pratt - Smalley Multi-Cultural Networking Breakfast” (a must attend). George Burrell has been a leader in the business, civic, and political affairs of Philadelphia for more than 30 years. He served as a ranking official in the administrations of two mayors; a member of Philadelphia City Council; president of a minority-owned investment management business; general counsel to one of America’s premier African American-owned businesses; and a partner in two prominent Philadelphia law firms. George brings the knowledge and experience he has developed as a lawyer, businessman, and public official to clients as Of Counsel member of Kleinbard’s Business and Finance Department and a member of the Firm’s Government Relations Group. George advises clients on building effective relationships with state, local, and federal officials; advocating on public policy and legislative initiatives; and competing for public and private sector procurement opportunities. He also serves as a strategic adviser to for-profit and nonprofit executives and board members on issues with public implications related to long-range planning and crisis management, and the development of coordinated corporate messaging for public affairs and government relations departments.

In this episode, we are excited to speak with Neil Goldfarb, President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health. The Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health seeks to increase the value of health benefit spending for its employer members by improving workforce and community health, increasing healthcare quality and safety, and reducing health care costs. The coalition represents employer interests in working with health plans, health care providers, benefits consultants, suppliers and other system stakeholders to address population health priorities and to ensure that when health care is needed it is accessible, affordable, high-quality, and safe. Mr. Goldfarb spent over 30 years in healthcare research, quality improvement, and management positions. As Associate Dean for research in the Jefferson College of Population Health, he was responsible for leading the school’s research agenda, while concurrently serving as director of ambulatory care performance improvement for Thomas Jefferson University’s faculty practice plan. Join us for a timely conversation about the consistent concern by employers regarding healthcare quality and reducing health care costs and the future of healthcare plans and healthcare providers post COVID-19.

PHL Diversity is excited to speak with Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, President and CEO and Elliott Francis, Director, Diversity, and Inclusion with Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). BIO is the world's largest biotechnology organization, providing advocacy, business development and communications services for more than 1,200 members worldwide. BIO produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. The BIO International Convention is a repeat customer having been hosting in Philadelphia four times. Most recently held in 2019, the Convention welcomed more than 17,300 attendees. BIO will return in 2027 and 2031. Michelle McMurry-Heath assumed the leadership of BIO as President and CEO in June 2020. A medical doctor and molecular immunologist by training, Dr. McMurry-Heath is the third chief executive to steward the world’s largest biotechnology advocacy group since BIO’s founding in 1993. Elliott Francis is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of progressive and successful experience in both the private and federal sectors. Elliott joined BIO in April, as the Director, Diversity, and Inclusion, providing leadership and driving change through the development and implementation of strategic diversity and inclusion initiatives in the biotechnology and life sciences industry and within BIO. Join us as they share their insights regarding changes to the association industry during this challenging time as well as advancements biotechnology have made to produce a Covid-19 vaccine.

PHL Diversity is excited to present a conversation with Erin Morton, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships and Felicia Rinier, Administrative Director, both of the Philadelphia Collaborative for Health Equity (P-CHE) with Thomas Jefferson University/Jefferson Health. The Philadelphia Collaborative for Health Equity is a broad-based community collaboration, and action network that addresses health inequity challenges in Philadelphia. By taking a grassroots approach to build trust, the Collaborative is committed to empower communities by investing in the right resources, infrastructure, and partnerships to reduce health disparities in and around Philadelphia. Erin Morton is the Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships. In her role, she is a contributing strategist on all aspects of development and implementation, working directly with Jefferson senior executive leadership to design and launch discreet community-driven projects at Jefferson and secure the financial resources necessary to implement and operate them. Felicia Rinier serves as the Administrative Director. She facilitates the daily operations and works across the Jefferson enterprise to implement the collaborative's strategic vision. Together, they share their thoughts on their work and how it impacts Philadelphia.

In this edition of the PHL Diversity Podcast, we are excited to speak with Kyrus Keenan Westcott, Motivational Influencer & Producer of the “Vibe with Ky.” Born and raised a Jersey guy, Kyrus loves telling stories and sharing his life experiences with the world. An actor, model, writer, producer, visual artist, and motivational influencer, Ky works day-in and day-out to encourage positivity, offer reassurance, and put a smile on your face.

This week’s episode features S. Shani Saunders, Brandywine Realty Trust’s Property Management and Bjorn Henriques, Fox Television Stations and Co-Chairs of The African American Chamber of Commerce For PA-NJ-DE. Join us as they discuss the state of black businesses and the upcoming "African American Chamber of Commerce For PA-NJ-DE 27th Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony Thursday, October 29th.

In our second episode, we feature PHL Diversity Brain Box and Lead Generation Committee members Tami Sortman, Vice President of the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus, Janice Sykes-Ross, Director of The Belmont Mansion and Carol Watson, General Manager Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia. The Brain Box Committee guides PHL Diversity’s journey of innovation by creating new ideas, concepts, and practices. The Lead Generation Committee cultivates and filter leads to increase Philadelphia's share of the diverse/multicultural meetings and conventions. Together, they are producing our upcoming webinar “Welcoming Multicultural Meetings and Conventions Back: How Philadelphia’s Transportation Hubs are Preparing for Visitors” scheduled for Wednesday, October 14th.

We are thrilled to launch our sixth season of PHL Diversity Podcast with Alissa Carpenter, a multi-generational workforce expert, author, speaker and training facilitator. Alissa joined Greg DeShields for a in-depth conversation about working from home, being heard and the importance of an inclusive workforce.

On the series finale of the PHL Diversity podcast, Gregg Caren, the new President & CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), joins to discuss the future of tourism in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.

Laurie Wu Ph.D., Assistant Professor a consumer behavior and service marketing researcher and Dr. Debra Blair, Ed.D. specializing in Sports and Recreation Management Temple University School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, joins PHL Diversity Podcast to discuss further dimensions of COVID-19’s impact upon Philadelphia’s Restaurant and Parks and Recreation Industries.

Andy Toy, Development and Communications Director, Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Associations Coalition (SEAMAAC), joins PHL Diversity Podcast to discuss SEAMAAC and how it has pivoted programs and services during COVID-19 highlighting the “Fight for our Future” initiative. Also, during these challenging times, Andy shares his top (3) recommendations for immigrant communities over the next 6 months. Founded more than 30 years ago by refugees, SEAMAAC stands as one of the oldest and largest refugee-founded agencies in the region committed to serving constituencies from as many as 18 distinct linguistic communities. SEAMAAC is committed to serving people regardless of race or national origins, building a stronger society based on the principles of justice and equity for all. As Director of SEAMAAC, he successfully led the conceptual plan for Mifflin Square Park in South Philadelphia moving towards implementing a $5.3 million improvement.Prior to joining SEAMAAC, Andy was the managing director of the now built Chinatown Community Center project the Krane on Vine Street in Chinatown, a $77 million mixed-use community development. Andy has been recognized as a thought leader and innovator regarding community and economic development.

On the PHLCVB Podcast, Dr. Heather Steinman, Vice President for Business Development/Executive Director of Technology Transfer at The Wistar Institute and co-chair of the PHL Life Sciences Advisory Board, discusses the role of PHL Health Advisors. This newly created PHLCVB task force, the only of its kind in the nation, draws from the strength of the Philadelphia region’s renowned scientific and medical community.

Judge Renée Caldwell Hughes, President and CEO, Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), joins the PHL Diversity Podcast to discuss the progress she has made since taking over the organization in January. The esteemed organization, founded by Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan in 1964, has helped tens of thousands achieve self-sustainability through workforce opportunities. Judge Hughes is an accomplished executive, formerly of The Hughes Group and American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania, who served for 15 years on the City of Philadelphia’s court system.

On the PHLCVB Special Edition COVID-19 Podcast, Angela Val, Chief Administrative Officer for the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, discusses the current landscape of the region’s convention and tourism industry, the travel industry’s national response to the pandemic and plans for recovery and reopening.

Dave Ryan, CTC President, Skål USA, joins the PHL Diversity Podcast to talk about his work leading one of the country’s oldest global travel networking organizations. Since 1950, Skål USA has provided networking and leadership opportunities, guidance, and friendship to more than 1,700 members and 45 clubs across the country. Ryan has experienced turbulent times during his career, and he offers positive news and recommendations for businesses trying to weather the current storm.

Iola Harper, Deputy Director of Commerce, City of Philadelphia, joins the PHL Diversity Podcast to talk about her 30 years’ experience advocating on behalf of diverse and community-focused businesses in the city. The West Philadelphia native shares some of the initiatives the city is taking to connect with and support these critical businesses during uncertain times. The proud public servant has been recognized nationally by the NAACP and U.S. Small Business Administration for her accomplishments in local government.

Bill Gehrman, Founder & CEO, En Route Marketing, discusses his personal and professional accomplishments and what it means to represent Philadelphia as a destination for travel and tourism. As an entrepreneur and advocate, he has built his career around important causes, like creating opportunities for small businesses to grow and founding the Independence Business Alliance (IBA). The former PHLCVB director of marketing opens up about how the industry is changing amid this unprecedented global health crisis.

Richard Lee Snow, Regional Development Director for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and Yasmine Mustafa CEO & Co-Founder ROAR for Good, join the PHL Diversity Podcast to discuss their work to promote diversity, inclusion and equity in the business community. Richard and Yasmine, who serve as chair and vice chair, respectively, of the 2020 Philadelphia Diversity and Inclusion Conference (October 5th-6th), share their strategic approach to business with anecdotes and personal experiences.

Sharmain Matlock-Turner, President and CEO, Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC), discusses the path that led her to become the organization’s first female president and CEO. The Temple University graduate has deep ties to Philadelphia, and she shares her passion for eliminating poverty in some of the city’s most vulnerable communities. Recently, she was appointed to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s Pennsylvania Redistricting Reform Commission, and she serves on the Census 2020 Complete Count Commission and Philadelphia City Council’s Special Commission on Poverty Reduction and Prevention.

Sybil Davis, National Accounts Manager, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, discusses final preparations for the highly anticipated Business Opportunity Luncheon on February 24th, 2020. The 14th annual event brings together diverse and multi-cultural business leaders from the area, with meeting planners and convention organizers who will be seeking partners to engage with during events held in Philadelphia. Davis, who is a results-driven sales leader in the hospitality industry, talks about some of the luncheon highlights and how the city positions itself nationally for diversity-related events.

Kevin Chemidlin, founder of Cue9 Podcasts and host of the “Philly Who?” podcast, joins “PHL Diversity Podcast” to discuss the development of entertaining and authentic content that tells stories through podcasting. “Philly Who?” features some of Philadelphia’s most interesting doers, thinkers, and performers. Chemidlin also shares how he’s gained the attention of listeners and the most interesting person he’s interviewed. Since launching in May 2018, the hour-long show has released 67 episodes, had over 75,000 listens, and was named one of the most popular podcasts in Philadelphia by Billy Penn.

The legendary, Joan Myers Brown, founder of The Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO) and The Philadelphia School of Dance Arts joins PHL Diversity Podcast to discuss the 50-year celebration of PHILADANCO, the International Blacks in Dance Conference coming to Philadelphia from January 14-19, and her legacy being documented in the book “Audacious Hope of the Black Ballerina” by written by Brenda Dixon Gottschild. Throughout her lifetime, Myers Brown has received a host of accolades from local awards to the National Medal of Arts presented by President Barack Obama.

Women hold fewer than 40 percent of all hotel managerial positions and less than 20% of general management roles. The Philadelphia Mona Lisa’s, a membership organization supporting black women in the hospitality industry, is working to change this statistic. The next PHL Diversity Podcast guests are seasoned executive and founder of Mona Lisa’s, Darnell Belford; an aspiring industry administrator and member of ML’s, Kelly Acy; and future hospitality graduate, Shyanne Gaston. They discuss the importance of establishing Mona Lisa’s in 2016 and its impact on the industry, how they are preparing the next generation of industry leaders, and much more.

Stephanie Reid, executive director of Philly Counts 2020—the city’s effort to support the next U.S. Census—joins PHL Diversity Podcast to share key insights on how the 2020 Census works and her team’s efforts to ensure every Philadelphia resident is counted. She also talks about the paid opportunities available for those interested in assisting with the census and the launch of the Philly Counts 2020 Action Fund, which supports local organizations raising awareness about the importance of the census.

Tony Lopes, creator and host of the “Self Made Strategies” podcast and private attorney, joins “PHL Diversity Podcast” to share key insights on how small businesses can access and manage government contracts, the state of business, and top challenges for entrepreneurs and small businesses. He also discusses his podcast journey and how its 39 episodes inspire listeners to add maximum value to their organization.

Tony Lopes, creator and host of the “Self Made Strategies” podcast and private attorney, joins “PHL Diversity Podcast” to share key insights on how small businesses can access and manage government contracts, the state of business, and top challenges for entrepreneurs and small businesses. He also discusses his podcast journey and how its 39 episodes inspire listeners to add maximum value to their organization.

Richard Lewis, a leader in media and marketing for more than 40 years and recent retiree as region president of iHeartMedia in Philadelphia, returns to the PHL Diversity Podcast to talk all things media. He shares insights on the continued fast-growing podcast industry and reflects on his career in broadcast radio and digital audio. Lewis also talks about his transition from the busyness of corporate life to a slower, more enjoyable pace of retirement and launching his business blog, CareMoreToday.com, which is inspired by various aspects Philadelphia.

Donna Frisby-Greenwood, president and CEO of the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, shares a detailed overview of the inaugural Class of Philadelphia Homecoming Weekend that’s happening November 7-9 and is generating excitement across the city. PHLCVB is a proud sponsor of this series of events that will celebrate all alumni of Philadelphia Public Schools and honor five individual alumni at an awards gala including Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and actress, Jill Scott. She also talks about her extensive career in education where she secured and managed more than $40 million in grant funding.

Steven Bradley, president and CEO of Bradley & Bradley, as well as chair of the African-American Chamber of Commerce Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware discusses strategies for improving economic conditions within the regional African American Community, the challenge of Black businesses accessing capital and ways to secure financing, and the importance of succession planning. Bradley also talks about his 35-year journey in the insurance industry and his own entrepreneurial, civic leadership, and philanthropic experiences.

Rebecca Hirsh, M.D. and Judd D. Flesch, M.D. at Penn Medicine Program for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Health discuss the State of LGBT Health and Penn Medicine Program for LGBT Health’s multidisciplinary approach to providing quality care that’s free from discrimination to the LGBT community. They also share their passion and commitment to medicine, as well as Penn Medicine’s plans to launch a LGBTQ Clinical Practice that will serve all patients.

The Honorable Nelson A. Diaz, Partner, Dilworth Paxson LLP, shares his passion for Philadelphia and the hospitality industry on the season five premiere of the PHL Diversity Podcast. With a career in politics and law, he’s become a man of many ‘firsts’, including Philadelphia’s first and youngest Latino judge. In the episode, Diaz tells stories from his recent autobiography, “Not From Here, Not From There: No Soy De Aqui Ni De Alla”.

Usher Ruth I. Jones, President, National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc., is joined by two colleagues: Board of Director Chairwoman Patricia Holmes and Jordan Nichols, from the marketing team on the PHL Diversity Podcast’s Season 4 finale. The group, discusses the mission of the organization and why it was founded in 1919. This summer they return to Philadelphia, their original host city, to celebrate the Centennial Convention.

Rebecca Fisher, Co-Founder, Beyond the Bell Tours, joins the PHL Diversity Podcast for an enlightening conversation about inclusive tourism and the experiences she looks to curate for her groups. A Philadelphia native and Haverford College graduate, Fisher is a passionate advocate for cultural engagement and social justice. She, along with co-founder Joey Leroux, have developed custom tours that incorporate the history of marginalized communities into the narrative of Philadelphia. On the podcast, she discusses the early success of her business and what’s next for the company.

Shalimar Thomas, Executive Director, North Broad Renaissance, joins the PHL Diversity Podcast to discuss her role in reshaping North Philadelphia’s future. With a bold ‘2020 Vision’ for the business and residential corridor, Thomas’ mission is to rally support for revitalization of the historic neighborhood and to put the wheels in motion with development and job opportunities. She highlights her leadership of the North Broad Renaissance, and talks about how some of her previous roles gave her the experience to lead such a bold and ambitious project.

Jennifer Ragan-Fore, Chief Events and Marketing Officer, International Society for Technology Education (ISTE), joins the PHL Diversity Podcast to discuss the organization’s upcoming convention in Philadelphia. Leading the development of a large-scale convention for academic professionals and technology advocates can be a clash of cultures. However, being able to draw on past experiences and the strength of her relationships has helped to market and raise the reputation of the convention. With approximately 17,000 expected to attend, Ragan-Fore talks about the program and the direction of the organization.

Tanya Marant, Director of Finance, Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square, shares her inspiring journey of perseverance and success in the hospitality industry. Marant progressed from a housekeeper to the director of finance position through a commitment to hard work and determination. The Philadelphia native offers sage advice for the next generation of hospitality professionals, highlighting the top qualities needed to advance in their careers. She also discusses some of the Sonesta’s new features, including a rotating lobby Art Gallery, curated by Philadelphia’s Center for Emerging Visual Artists.

Ben Shank, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, is featured on this episode of the PHL Diversity Podcast to discuss his role leading the city’s soon-to-open 219-room luxury hotel, towering 1,121 feet in the sky. With a rewarding career path in hospitality management, Shank discusses the strategies he will use to attract business and leisure travelers to the hotel. Located on the 48th to 60th floors of the Comcast’s newest office building, it will provide one of the best 360 degree views of the city. Shank’s appointment as general manager at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center marks an exciting homecoming for the Philadelphia native, who started his career in hospitality almost two decades ago at the original Four Seasons property in the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. In his position, Shank will focus on the operational efficiency and customer satisfaction of the innovative hotel brand.

Matt Cabrey, Executive Director, Select Greater Philadelphia, is a business leader and communicator with creative ideas for fueling the Greater Philadelphia region’s economy. On this episode of the PHL Diversity Podcast, he discusses his latest project – “Growing Greater Philadelphia” – which is a syndicated podcast, radio, and television program. In it, he highlights stories from emerging entrepreneurs and businesses who leveraged regional resources to make this early success possible. As the Executive Director at Select Greater Philadelphia, his job is to attract and retain businesses in the region, creating jobs and a sustained economic impact.

Chanell and Roy Burton, hosts of the Jawn Appetit Podcast, a popular weekly food podcast. With insightfulness and levity, the duo examines Philadelphia’s voracious appetite for food. To the outsider, it’s a cultural immersion show about where city inhabitants go to break bread. For the local, the Jawn Appetit appeals to the foodie connoisseur on a mission to find a new favorite spot. Tune in to the conversation, as we learn more about what inspired Chanell and Roy to develop this entertaining podcast.