Philly Rising: Difference Makers from KYW Newsradio

Alycia Larson is known to hundreds of kids across Philadelphia as the “geography lady.” She’s like a modern-day Ms. Frizzle, but instead of a magic school bus, she carries around a “magic” suitcase that she uses to teach children about the world.

"My disability is not a curse, it’s not a handicap. It’s a gift," says Shawn Aleong, who has cerebral palsy. The Temple University student has made a name for himself by using his voice to advocate for others with disabilities.

In her non-profit, You're Beautifully Made, Shanon Skipworth has found her reason, and her calling. She began by mentoring girls from ages 10-18, teaching them self-esteem, etiquette, job readiness, entrepreneurship, and more skills they need to lead successful lives. Read more here.

Noel Davis' childhood dream was always to become an archaeologist. Eventually, that dream came true. The Rutgers graduate was able to take her love of digging overseas for excavating projects in Italy and England. But about a year into her first major project, things took a turn.

Kimberly McGlonn, the founder of the sustainable clothing line Grant Blvd, is on a mission to change the way we consume fashion. While the cost of fashion is more affordable to Americans today, it comes at a price to the environment. KYW Newsradio's Antionette Lee has more. 

Beyond the Bars began as a free music program for juveniles in correctional facilities. It was created to offer an outlet for creativity and expression to those who needed it, and along the way, interrupt cycles of violence and incarceration. 

Back in August, the Morris Animal Refuge tweeted a picture of a 26-pound cat that broke the internet and stole tens of thousands of hearts. Now Sarah and her husband Chris are the lucky couple who get to call Mr. B theirs. And they're using Mr. B's popularity to help more cats find homes.

When Kristal Sotomayor began filming her documentary last year, she had no idea that she would be recording history. "I started this film with a camera, and that was it...and I had to borrow the tripod," she says. Sotomayor's parents immigrated from Peru, so she said she knew that she wanted to do something concerning immigration because she observed their struggles. 

Ella Stevens and Whimsy Mark-Ockerbloom are two teens with a big sense of humor, but they’ve accomplished something pretty serious that could have a positive impact for many people who are gender nonbinary — meaning people who don’t identify as male or female.

Part of a West Philadelphia community is in for a treat every quarter at Belmont Charter School, where students from second to seventh grade get to explore their creativity by putting on a concert called Belmont Voices. As for the turnout? You have to hear it to believe it. KYW Newsradio's Antionette Lee has more. 

Morris Jones has been a pillar in his community for decades, and people, businesses, and organizations have asked him to do storefront paintings and wall murals to beautify the area. KYW Newsradio's Antionette Lee has more. 

KYW's Antionette Lee introduces us to a 13-year-old who brings life to the saying "small, but mighty."

Watch this space for the newest podcast from KYW Newsradio in Philadelphia.