Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Iola Harper, the Executive Director of the Women's Opportunities Resource Center (WORC) discussed their mission to promote social and economic self-sufficiency primarily for economically disadvantaged women and their families in the greater five-county Philadelphia metro. She spoke of their programs WORC provides training, individual business assistance, incentive savings program, job placement, a...

Vince Stango, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the National Constitution Center and Amy Needle, CEO & President of Historic Philadelphia, discussed the 52 Weeks of Firsts, a year-long celebration of Philadelphia for the country’s 3250 birthday. Beginning in January with a celebration of the nation’s first hot-air balloon launch, through the last week of 2026, the Na...

Kathy Stokes, Senior Director of Fraud Prevention Programs at AARP Fraud Watch Network discussed the holiday scams and ongoing rip-offs that are circulating today, especially the digital cons. Nearly 9 in 10 adults have experienced at least one type of fraud in the past year including fake toll-payment requests and fraudulent charity requests. We touched on the usual crimes such as packa...

Dr. Robert Cain, President and CEO, The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Chair, The Health Professions Association discussed the history and holistic philosophy behind osteopathic medicine and why it’s a growing field for MDs. He spoke about their latest study on the colleges and graduates; their placement within rural areas and with their graduates choosing to stay a...

Kelly Richards, President and Director of the Free Library discussed what he calls, ‘The People’s University,’ a valuable resource for all.  He spoke of the vast collections, the latest books, video and audio, as well as musical instruments, that are available for loan, as well as the tens of thousands of events they host each year - almost all for free. He discussed the job services off...

Sue Daugherty, CEO of MANNA discussed this vital resource for people with serious illnesses who need nourishment to heal. MANNA provides medically tailored meals to individuals and meals for their dependents. She discussed its 1990 beginnings in a church kitchen offering food and comfort during the early AIDs crisis, growing to support people dealing with cancer, heart dis...

Erika Joy Erb, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation discussed their work in the development, programming, maintenance, and operation of six miles of Waterfront from South Philadelphia to Port Richmond, opening the waterfront for recreation, attractions and events year-round, through eight parks and 3.5 miles of multi-use t...

Aimee Prange, MSW, LCSW, the Clinical Consultant for the Jack Duffy Empowerment Foundation, discussed the non-profit founded by his parents to honor his life by promoting personal empowerment of physical and mental health for teens and young adults. We discussed the warning signs of suicidal ideation, extreme behavior change, words indicating thoughts of self-harm, and the need to speak up and ask...

Robin Shine Maddox, Founder and Visionary behind She Shines discussed the 6th annual conference, November 1st a New Covenant Church in Germantown; how it and her Celebrating Sisterhood campaign were inspired by her breast cancer journey and her desire to gather women to network, educate and inspire each other. The pillars of the free conference are Civic Engagement/Voting Rights, Health/Wellness/S...

Michael Norris, Executive Director of Carpenters’ Hall and The Carpenters Company of the City and County of Philadelphia discussed the well-known, but little understood, “Birthplace of Liberty”, Carpenters' Hall.  Designed by Robert Smith and built by the Carpenter gild as a showcase of their skill and an apprenticeship for young builders, the building hosted the First Continental Congre...

Vince Stango, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the National Constitution Center discussed the private, nonprofit organization, which serves as our country’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate. We talked about visiting the museum; it starts with a 15-minute performance piece, We The People, winds through interactive programs and exhibits and concludes in...

Bill Perthes, Bernard C. Watson Director of Adult Education at the Barnes Foundation, and Wendy Lewis, CEO, The Parkinson Council discussed their pilot program, Create & Connect. This free workshop is designed to support individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners through meaningful experiences with art and creative expression to make connections—between participan...

Majors Martin and Leanne Cordner discuss their experiences relocating from their native UK – Leanne is from Northern Ireland and Martin, England – to a post in the US, the differences and the things that remain the same, everyone needs a bed and a way to put food on the table. They spoke of their mission and the Salvation Army’s commitment to serving Delawareans where they live, with programming f...

Erin McLeary, PhD, Senior Director of Collections and Research, and Sara Ray, PhD, Senior Director of Interpretation and Engagement, and co-leaders of the Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia discussed the history and ongoing mission of the fabled institution. We discussed medical education in the 18 and 19th centuries, its reliance on personal...

William Baldwin, Esquire, CEO, Mary Anders, Deputy Executive Director and Katie Moyer, Development Director, of Montgomery Child Advocacy Project discussed their mission is to end and prevent child abuse and neglect in Montgomery County through legal services, advocacy, and education.  Their team of staff and trained volunteer attorneys represent and support child victims of abuse, neglect an...

Ellie Ettman Director of Clinical Services, and Kayla Jasper, Clinical Team Leader, discussed the work of FamilyMatters, providing barrier-free, personalized in-home support services to children and families facing crisis, trauma or overwhelming life challenges. They describe their work as ‘navigators,’ empowering families - many with a-typical to neurodivergent children - with the resources, skil...

Michael F. Lamma, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention discussed their mission, to help people better understand suicide, give them the tools to help others in crisis and address a leading cause of death through direct education, state and federal advocacy, and loss and healing support for anyone affected by suicide. He notes AFSP...

Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) Director A.J. Schall discussed their charge, coordinating the State’s efforts to prepare, respond and recover from emergencies, including hurricanes, flooding, chemical spills or accidents. Preparing involves us and he advises us make a plan, have a kit ready for evacuation or sheltering in place, have an emergency contact list and a meeting point, downl...

Zabeth Teelucksigh, President of the Global Philadelphia Association discussed the association that acts as liaison between the city, the Organization of World Heritage Cities and the 200 area cultural organizations that make Philadelphia a dynamic, international city.  She discussed Philadelphia’s multi-cultural vibe, their slogan is ‘Meet the World Here,’ showcasing the incredible opportunities...

Brandon Trombetta, Executive Director of Keystone Opportunity Center discussed its simple mission, to help individuals and families achieve long-term stability and independence through integrated services in case management, education, food, and housing.  Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Souderton, Keystone annually supports more than 5000 families and individuals in need through a array of so...

Valerie Gay discussed Philadelphia’s newest office, Creative Philadelphia, overseeing the city’s arts and culture and its creative economy. She discussed how it will offer opportunities for all Philadelphians to thrive through the arts. Known before as the Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, their goals are to increase public access to arts and culture, partner with local creative c...

Deborah Buckson, Executive Director of Historic Odessa Foundation discussed their mission, to preserve and promote the five buildings and nearly 70 acres of surrounding landscape, outbuildings, and gardens, helping educate the public on the history of the town and the state of Delaware in the 18th and 19th centuries. We talked about its history and its programming for children and families, schola...

Dennis Pullin, health-care executive and author of “Suited for Leadership: How to Show Up with Purpose and Have a Lasting Impact” discussed his new book on developing your leadership skills. Using the metaphor of a well-fitted suit— fit, confidence, and attention to detail—he explains how true leadership requires emotional intelligence, integrity, vision, and purpose. We discussed his Texas upbrin...

We Can't To We Can founder and President Trinity Jagdeo, discusses the non-profit organization for families with disabilities that she founded at the age of 18. Trinity spoke of her friend, Alexus and how her battle with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, also known as SMA, revealed to her the lack of opportunities and role models her friend had. She began with a series of ‘superhero’ books based on kids wi...

Ann Deschamps, Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center returns to discuss their work in educating and training individuals, businesses and communities about the Americans with Disabilities Act as it celebrates its 35th anniversary.   We discussed who is covered by the ACT, a wide range that includes anyone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activi...