Amy Murphy

A Philadelphia native, Amy Murphy, co-founded the Arden Theatre Company in 1988 with Terrence J. Nolen and Aaron Posner. A nationally recognized professional regional theatre, Arden’s artistic programs encompass a dynamic range of mainstage productions, children’s theatre, and new play development initiatives. The Arden’s education and community engagement initiatives extend that mission beyond our stages, allowing them to connect more directly with students, audience and community members. Arden Theatre Company, located in the Old City section of Philadelphia, is dedicated to bringing to life great stories by great storytellers – on the stage, in the classroom and in the community. Amy is especially proud of the Arden Professional Apprentice program and its contribution to the Philadelphia cultural community.

A graduate of Susquehanna University, Amy received its first-ever Young Alumni Achievement Award. She completed the Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders- Arts which is a joint program of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Center for Social Innovation and National Arts Strategies. Amy has served on the Board of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and Theatre Philadelphia, as well as the Executive Board of League of Resident Theatres and Producer’s League of Theatre for Young Audiences. In addition, she has served on panels for the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Jersey State Arts Council, Philadelphia Cultural Fund, Arts & Humanities Arts Council of Montgomery County and Theatre Communications Group. Amy was named a Hepburn Fellow 2008-9 by the Katherine Houghton Hepburn Center at Bryn Mawr College and was the recipient of the Inaugural Betsy Award, at the historic Betsy Ross House in 2025.

Outside the theatre, Amy lives in Rose Valley, PA with her husband, Terrence, two sons, one Labrador, two Border Collies and one Siamese named Rat Cat. Her dogs keep her running—they do dog agility!

Amy Roat

Amy Roat has been a Philadelphia Public School teacher for 30 years. Amy graduated with a BA in History at Manhattan College. She went on to the University of Pennsylvania for an MS in Elementary Education and obtained an MS in Urban Education at Temple University. Amy is certified in Elementary (K-6th Grades), English (7-12 Grades) and is an ESOL Program specialist. She currently teaches 11th Grade Sheltering English at Samuel Fels High School.

Amy has been a Philadelphia Federation of Teacher Building committee member for over 20 years and is a teacher advocate defending and informing students, parents and the public. She is a livelong educator, and a co-founder of VotePhilly LLC. VotePhilly is independent of any government agencies and focuses on political engagement, consultation and civic participation. She has been a poll worker since 2018, Philadelphia Committee Person 5/32 - 5th Ward Treasurer since 2020, PA Dems, 1st District, Co-Chair of the PA & Philadelphia Teacher Caucus since 2022 and Co-Chair of the PA Dem and Philadelphia Dem City Committee Teacher Caucus since 2023.

Amy Roat was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. She has called Philadelphia her home since 1995. Amy and her husband Ryan live in Northern Liberties, where they raised their two sons, Franklin and Oscar.

Captain Victoria Casale

Captain Victoria Casale began her career with the Philadelphia Police Department in 2015. Having spent most of her career in the East Division, she has developed deep expertise in behavioral health, crisis management, and community-centered policing. As the inaugural Commanding Officer of the Department’s Behavioral Health Unit, she helped launch and expand initiatives such as the Crisis Intervention Response Teams and the Police Assisted Diversion program. Now serving as Commanding Officer of the 26th Police District, Captain Casale leads with a strong commitment to collaboration and building safer, stronger communities.

A proud Philadelphia resident, she lives in the East Falls section of the city with her husband and their two young children. Outside of her professional role, and when she is not keeping up with her energetic young children, she is an avid runner and dedicated practitioner of jiu-jitsu.

Dr. Julia Haller

Dr. Julia A. Haller, is the Chief Executive Officer and Ophthalmologist-in-Chief at Wills Eye Hospital, is a trailblazing retina surgeon-scientist and leader who has innovated translational advances against blindness on many fronts.

Dr. Haller was educated at the Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore, Princeton University and Harvard Medical School. After her Halsted internship in surgery at Johns Hopkins, residency in ophthalmology and retina fellowship at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, she served as Wilmer’s first female Chief Resident.

She is a Consultant at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. One of the world’s most renowned retina surgeons, Dr. Haller has published over 400 scientific articles and book chapters, with research interests in retinal pharmacology, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, complicated retinal detachments, health care disparities, and gender equity.

Elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2019, Dr. Haller’s honors including but not limited to, the President’s Award from Women in Ophthalmology (WIO), a Lifetime Achievement Award from the AAO, the Louis Braille Award from Associated Services for the Blind, the Strittmatter Award from the Philadelphia Medical Society (their highest honor). She is past president of the American Ophthalmological Society, The Retina Society, the American Society of Retina Specialists, the Women in Medicine Legacy Foundation, and the Board of Trustees of the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology, as well as a founding member of Women in Retina.

She was named a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania by Governor Shapiro in 2023, and recipient of the Logan Award from the National Society of Colonial Dames in 2024. She and her husband, John D. Gottsch, MD, have five children: John Erwin, Natalie, Will, Alex, and Clare.

Haoyi Shang

Haoyi Shang is the Commercial Corridor Manager at the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC), where she leads small business assistance programs, manages the “Taking Care of Business” cleaning team, and advances commercial corridor revitalization efforts in Philadelphia’s Chinatown.

Haoyi provides technical assistance to over 300 small businesses, supporting storefront improvement initiatives, marketing and branding efforts, graffiti removal, and navigation of grants, permits, and city processes. Driven by a commitment to keeping Chinatown economically viable without losing its cultural identity, Haoyi is also responsible for organizing major Chinatown events, including the Night Market and Chinese New Year celebrations, which increase foot traffic and visibility for local businesses.

She holds a double major in Political Science and Urban Studies and Planning from the University of California, San Diego and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania.

When Haoyi is not helping other, she enjoys thrifting, sewing, hiking and reading.

Lizzie Woods

As Senior Vice President for Strategic Planning and Real Estate Development at DRWC, Lizzie Woods manages a diverse portfolio of projects and initiatives meant to spur the transformation of the Delaware River Waterfront into a dynamic and vibrant destination for the residents of and visitors to Philadelphia.

She oversees the implementation of the Master Plan for the Central Delaware, including the design and construction of new parks, trails, and streetscape improvements as well as the strategy and coordination of waterfront-wide planning and policy initiatives.

Additionally, she coordinates the redevelopment of publicly held land on the waterfront for new residential and commercial uses and works with private developers to ensure the principles of the Master Plan are followed. Major projects she has overseen include Penn’s Landing Park, Penn’s Landing Development, the Delaware River Trail, Cherry Street Pier, and Washington Avenue Connector. She graduated from Smith College and received a Master in City Planning degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Lizzie grew up in Delaware County and spent time living in Washington, DC and Boston before finding her way home to Philly. In her free time, she enjoys seeing live music at Philly's many fantastic venues, exploring the region's growing trail network, and spending time in her garden. She lives in Narberth with her husband and children.

Melissa Donnelly

Melissa Donnelly is a parent, corporate sustainability leader and founder of Everland, a play space, coworking space and shop for sustainable goods nestled in the Queen Village neighborhood of Philadelphia that offers classes and events for little ones and their caregivers.

Melissa's sustainability career includes managing corporate partnerships at the US EPA on a program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; leading environmental sustainability at Campbell's setting targets, developing large renewable energy projects and reducing manufacturing water, waste and energy; and currently as an Associate Director at a global consulting firm guiding companies on setting and achieving climate targets.

Raised by a single mom, Melissa could only imagine how difficult it was to raise 3 children alone when Melissa had support, resources and a partner but still felt overwhelmed and like she was failing at times. Any parent, no matter their circumstances, needs support, a community around them, and a place for their little one to thrive. Melissa created Everland to foster community for caregivers and their little ones, while providing opportunities for everyone to live sustainable lifestyles. Everland is named after Melissa's son, Everett, and the idea that there can be a place where the communities we build and the objects we use in our day-to-day lives can be everlasting.

Molly Hartman

Molly Hartman is a community development and public policy expert with twenty years of experience working in the public and nonprofit sectors to develop and implement innovative policy solutions to address issues of systemic inequity. Currently, she works as Senior Policy Director for Councilmember At-Large Rue Landau, where she works within Philadelphia City Council and with external partners to achieve the Councilmember’s policy agenda, including policy and legislative initiatives to strengthen tenant protections, secure millions of dollars for affordable housing preservation and production, enhance consumer protection laws, improve employment opportunity for people with criminal records, and improve conditions for small businesses, arts organizations, and the built environment.

Previously, she worked in food justice, leading the Healthy Food Financing Initiative at Reinvestment Fund, a national initiative to improve access to healthy food in underserved areas, and launching the Philadelphia Food Justice Initiative, which provided resources to community-led food projects. Originally from Los Angeles, Molly has worked in the Bay area and in New York City, where she was a Senior Advisor for Food Policy in the Office of the Mayor. She has a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Southern California and a BA from Wesleyan University.

She lives in Fishtown with her partner, dog, and two cats, where she is an active participant in civic life and progressive politics. She is a regular volunteer with Fishtown Neighbors Association’s cleaning and sustainability initiatives. She has served on the board of Riverwards Area Democrats since 2021, working to elect progressive leaders to local and national office and engaging her neighbors in participating in elections and in getting out the vote.

Natalie McNeill

Natalie McNeill is a licensed cosmetologist since 1979 and a licensed cosmetology teacher since 1981, with more than four decades of experience in the beauty industry. She is the owner of Ends Hair Design, a Philadelphia-based salon that recently celebrated 39 years in business, serving generations of clients and families across the city.

Throughout her career, Natalie has been deeply committed to education, mentorship, and workforce development. In addition to operating a successful salon, she teaches cosmetology and professional development to high-school students and emerging professionals, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world salon experience. She has developed internship and apprenticeship pathways that support young people—particularly women—in building sustainable careers in the beauty industry.

Natalie is also an active advocate for small businesses and the cosmetology profession. She currently serves on the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology, having been appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro, where she works to promote equitable access to licensure, apprenticeship opportunities, and modern industry standards.

In addition to her professional leadership, Natalie is deeply committed to community service. She provides free wigs to women and children undergoing cancer treatment and serves on advisory boards for multiple Philadelphia-area high school cosmetology programs, helping shape curriculum and career pathways for students entering the workforce.

Through her leadership, service, and dedication to empowering the next generation, Natalie McNeill continues to shape the future of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and the beauty industry across Pennsylvania.

Paula Minacci

Paula Minacci and her husband Jim are entering their twentieth year as the sexton or caretakers of the grounds of Gloria Dei Old Swedes’ Church, the oldest historical church in Philadelphia. Paula has spent years producing music-focused, art-filled public events at this national historic facility. The music and entertainment events generate funds to support the upkeep of the grounds and with outreach extending across the city, they are creating quite a community connection in Queen Village.

The mission for the Sexton Sideshow is to bring the community together in a safe place to enjoy fabulous music, delicious food, and to interact and have fellowship with each other. These events are not just for the adjoining neighborhood, but the shows bring in people from all over Philadelphia. These events bring people into the beautiful place to enjoy music, arts and life who wouldn’t otherwise come to Queen Village and visit Gloria Dei Old Swedes’ Church.

Paula and her husband Jim have been married for 38 years. Originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, Paula attended Philadelphia College of Performing Arts for Dance (now University of the Arts) and has lived in Philadelphia ever since. She taught dance for 40 years in Philadelphia and New Jersey and was Artistic Director for the Elysian Dance Company /Anna Marie’s Academy of Dance … where we awarded a Scholarship to UArts senior dance student for 30 years where she met a lot of beautiful souls teaching and choreographing in Philadelphia! Coming to Philadelphia opened her eyes to becoming an artist fully dedicating her life to entertainment and performance arts, including fine arts, dance, theater, and music, and allowed her to gain a deeper knowledge of artistry that helped take her to the next level of a performance art career.

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Rev. Carolyn C. Cavaness

On November 9, 2024, Rev. Cavaness was appointed the 53rd Pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church, the first woman to lead the birthplace of African Methodism, which sits on the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African Americans in the United States purchased by the founder of the AME Church, Bishop Richard Allen.

Rev. Cavaness is a graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City, with a major in Urban Studies with a concentration in Economics. During her time at Barnard, she served as President of the Student Government Association, Vice President of Student Government, President of the Columbia University Gospel Choir, President of Black Church at Columbia, and was involved in many other activities and boards. She was also the recipient of the Barnard Bear Pin for her dedication and commitment to campus life.

Prior to her historic appointment, she served for ten (10) years as the Pastor of Bethel AME Church of Ardmore, PA the first female pastor in that church’s 130-year history. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bethel has been on the front line in service to the community providing food and household supplies support, tutoring, mental health support and resources for children and families and COVID-19 testing and vaccine/booster clinics

On January 1, 2022, Rev. Cavaness was elected the first female president of the Main Line Black Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance. On July 1, 2023, Rev. Cavaness was elected the first African American female president of the Rotary Club of Ardmore.

Rev. Cavaness considers herself a bridge connecting people and resources all towards creating the beloved community. Rev. Carolyn C. Cavaness is the daughter of the late Rev. Harold Cavaness and Ms. Karen Cavaness. A fourth-generation preacher, Rev. Cavaness’ great-grandfather, The Rev. Dr. Joseph Slade, Sr., pastored numerous churches in the Philadelphia and the New Jersey Annual Conference.

Lauren Borrasso

My husband, Mike, and I have called East Norris Street in Fishtown home since
2005. It has been our great joy to raise our three sons here—now a senior and
sophomore at Saint Joseph's Preparatory School and an eighth grader at Saint
Laurentius School, where I am blessed to serve as a second-grade teacher. I have
been lucky enough to serve in this school community to 10 years.

I have always believed that to live in a community is to give back to it. That
conviction took root during my college years studying Philosophy at Kutztown
University. Living, working in an independently owned coffee shop, and going to
school in the small town of Kutztown instilled a love of community early on in my
life. Since then, service has remained at the heart of my personal and professional
life.

As a member of the Fishtown Neighbors Association Board in 2020, I organized a
Children’s Book Fair that brought together authors and local organizations to
nurture a love of reading among neighborhood children. With a Master’s Degree in
Multicultural Education, I see reading as one of the most powerful ways to support
feelings of empathy, deepen understanding, and celebrate both our shared
experiences and our differences.

At Saint Laurentius School, I founded The Goodwill Ambassadors, a student
service program that encourages children to put their faith into action. Our
ambassadors can often be found cleaning Palmer Cemetery, organizing food drives
for local pantries, assembling care packages for homeless veterans, and
participating in other acts of kindness that strengthen our community. As an urban
school without green space, we faced the challenge—and opportunity—of
reimagining what was possible. I wanted my students to know that beautiful,
healthy food and flowers can grow right here in the city. With the support of our
school families and Mike, our gardening program now includes a water wheel and
greenhouse. Last year, my second graders cultivated several varieties of lettuce and
sold their harvest to benefit a program supporting unwed mothers—learning
lessons in entrepreneurship, stewardship, and compassion along the way. I am also
an avid runner and a strong advocate for children’s physical well-being and time
outdoors. In past years, I have proudly helped coach the Saint Laurentius Track and
Cross Country teams, fostering not only a love of the sport but also connections
with student athletes from across the region.

My parish, Holy Name of Jesus, plays a central role in my life. Like many parishes
throughout Philadelphia, ongoing fundraising is essential. Having begun my
post-college years as a bread baker, I now bake and sell specialty breads each
month to support parish initiatives out of the church hall kitchen. As Fishtown
continues to welcome new neighbors, I believe the dinner table is one of the most
meaningful places to build community connection. Each month, I host an Agape
Dinner in the parish’s Heritage Room—a simple community meal centered on
spiritual unity, love, and fellowship. It is a space where all are welcome, and where
we are reminded that we are stronger together.

I have been honored to be welcomed into and formed by each of these
communities mentioned above. My life is richer because of each one of them. It is
because of their support that I have been able to craft the life I have in a
community that I get to both live and work. For that gift, I am grateful