Philadelphia Community Podcast

Guest Host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati gets up close and personal with Loraine Ballard Morrill about her recent trip to Spain.  Sharif El-Mekki, Founder and CEO for the Center for Black Educator Development talks about the upcoming #BMEC2024 Conference November 21-23 in Philadelphia.  El-Mekki was also the subject of Vanesse’s month feature “What is Philadelphia Reading?” https://thecenterblacked.org/p...

In these divisive times, it’s important to remember that there are remarkable individuals inspiring others to work for positive change. Champions of Caring was founded in 1995 to help middle and high school students create social change. The organization is currently producing a documentary, "The Coral Ring Legacy," to promote and inspire social activism for people of all ages and backgrounds. I s...

In 1988, 5-year-old Marcus Yates was caught in crossfire inside a corner store in Southwest Philadelphia. While the deaths of children to gun violence have become tragically commonplace, Marcus's death at that time galvanized the city and inspired me and many others to work to end gun violence. Over three decades later, the family took a courageous step toward healing by meeting with the men convi...

In 1988, 5-year-old Marcus Yates was caught in crossfire inside a corner store in Southwest Philadelphia. While the deaths of children to gun violence have become tragically commonplace, Marcus's death at that time galvanized the city and inspired me and many others to work to end gun violence. Over three decades later, the family took a courageous step toward healing by meeting with the men convi...

The Democratic National Convention is now in our rear view mirror with Vice President Kamala Harris accepting the DNC's historic nomination as candidate for President of the United States.  I spoke to  Philadelphia blogger, podcast host and influencer Andrea Lawful-Sanders about her impressions covering the Convention and the hopes and challenges facing Harris on the road to the November Election....

You probably know Vanguard best as an investment firm, which offers mutual funds, ETFs, financial advice, and retirement products. What you may not know as well is that Vanguard has very active community programming in our region, led by Aldustus “A.J.” Jordan. Throughout his career, A.J. has made significant contributions to exceptional nonprofits and responsible corporate entities that support c...

Join me as I chat with Nafees Norris, an inspiring scientist and the CEO and Founder of Nafees Innovations. Nafees shares his journey from being doubted by those around him to leading groundbreaking work with pharmaceutical companies. He is also passionate about increasing youth engagement in the sciences.  Website and Social Media: Website: nafeesino.com Instagram: @nafeesinnovations Quitting smo...

In this episode, I speak with Gregg Caren, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB). Gregg leads the bureau’s mission to position Philadelphia as a top destination for meetings, conventions, sporting events, and international tourism. He also collaborates closely with the Pennsylvania Convention Center, national industry associations, and the City of Philadelph...

You probably know Vanguard best as an investment firm, which offers mutual funds, ETFs, financial advice, and retirement products. What you may not know as well is that Vanguard has very active community programming in our region, led by Aldustus “A.J.” Jordan. Throughout his career, A.J. has made significant contributions to exceptional nonprofits and responsible corporate entities that support c...

The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia will soon close the special exhibition Okaeri (Welcome Home): The Nisei Legacy at Shofuso. This exhibit highlights the story of the Nisei, or second-generation American-born individuals of Japanese descent, and explores their unique contributions to Shofuso, including their activism during the Civil Rights Movement. I spoke with Rob Buscher, Market...

You probably know Vanguard best as an investment firm, which offers mutual funds, ETFs, financial advice, and retirement products. What you may not know as well is that Vanguard has very active community programming in our region, led by Aldustus “A.J.” Jordan. Throughout his career, A.J. has made significant contributions to exceptional nonprofits and responsible corporate entities that support c...

The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia will soon close the special exhibition Okaeri (Welcome Home): The Nisei Legacy at Shofuso. This exhibit highlights the story of the Nisei, or second-generation American-born individuals of Japanese descent, and explores their unique contributions to Shofuso, including their activism during the Civil Rights Movement. I spoke with Rob Buscher, Market...

To say that I’m travel phobic might be going too far – but it’s true that I haven’t scheduled a real vacation since my mini honeymoon almost four years ago  Well I’m taking the plunge and going abroad for a whole week  I speak to Travel guru and Lisa Niver who is  celebrated for inspiring others to seek out new experiences and embrace the transformative power of travel. https://lisaniver.com/ Firs...

As women we often put everybody else first before ourselves but at least we are working on self-care – aren’t we? But what about men? You deserve to treat yourself and Avenue 215 might just be the place for you. I speak to Chyvonne Shackelford and Tomika Branch, co-owners of Avenue 215 Self Care Studio about Avenue M - a new venture specifically designed for men, offering services tailored to thei...

Fresh from her trip to the Olympics in Paris, guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati talks about her travels.  She also speaks to Kimberly A. Lloyd, President and CEO of the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation, a public/private community development corporation that focus on neighborhoods and commercial corridors.  Lloyd is also President of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Soror...

 The Please Touch Museum is a haven for learning through play. I’ll share information The Ready-Set-School program which provides free admission Community Days on the last Sundays of June, July, and August, in partnership with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation.  I speak with Patricia (Trish) D. Wellenbach, President and CEO, Please Touch Museum and Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, President, I...

Oronde McClain was nearly killed by gunfire at 10 and overcame incredible odds, not only surviving but thriving as a powerful advocate for survivors of gun violence. His journey has been chronicled in news stories and documentaries, and now, a feature film about his life is in the works. I speak with Zonsiluo Gompah, President and Producer of Esther Egg Inc. Instagram: estheregginc#iamoronde https...

There’s an exciting partnership between Community College and Google that will give students access to certificate programs that offering skills training that could lead to life sustaining careers in tech. I speak to Rob Magliaro who  is the Ecosystem Partnerships Lead at Grow with Google. More information, including how to register for courses, is available here . Google Career Certificates   AI...

Celebrating America's 250th anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the nation's journey, honor its democratic principles, and acknowledge the diverse contributions of its people. This milestone allows Americans to unite in commemorating their shared history, learning from past challenges and triumphs, and envisioning a future rooted in equality, freedom, and justice. PHILADELPHIA250 is la...

Calling All Girl Bosses was developed by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) as a blueprint to give Philadelphia girls in grades 6-12 the skills they need to identify a community problem and take action to find a solution. Girls will discover their agency to make real, sustainable changes in their neighborhoods while working towards the highest awards in Girl Scouting. We speak with Kim...

We are living in politically divisive times, and the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump last weekend shocked the nation. The spread of misinformation and the rise of echo chambers amplify misunderstandings and deepen divides. This environment can lead to heightened stress and anxiety as individuals navigate conflicting ideologies in their communities, workplaces, and even withi...

We are living in politically divisive times, and the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump last weekend shocked the nation. The spread of misinformation and the rise of echo chambers amplify misunderstandings and deepen divides. This environment can lead to heightened stress and anxiety as individuals navigate conflicting ideologies in their communities, workplaces, and even withi...

We are living in politically divisive times, and the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump last weekend shocked the nation. The spread of misinformation and the rise of echo chambers amplify misunderstandings and deepen divides. This environment can lead to heightened stress and anxiety as individuals navigate conflicting ideologies in their communities, workplaces, and even withi...

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the First Continental Congress in 1774 and the start of the Second Continental Congress in 1775, the Carpenters’ Company, a nonprofit organization founded in 1724 that owns and operates Carpenters’ Hall, is partnering with National History Day, Generation Citizen, and a network of history and civic organizations to present the Young People’s Continental Cong...

The very best nurses go above and beyond for their patients and so Its with great pleasure I interview three who are receiving recognition for their excellence through Independence Blue Cross’ Celebrate Caring – their  annual campaign to recognize outstanding nurses in the Greater Philadelphia region.  I speak to Allison Denman, MS, BSN, RN, SANE-A – Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center, Ja...