PHL Diversity Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Diversifying Travel: A Conversation with Roni Weiss Feb 15, 2021

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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.

Chris Mullins, Sr. from the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia. Jan 27, 2021

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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.

The future of Philadelphia Jan 07, 2021

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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.

A Conversation about Health Care Post COVID-19. Dec 14, 2020

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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.

A Conversation with BIO Leadership Dec 01, 2020

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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.

The Philadelphia Collaborative for Health Equity Nov 16, 2020

Show notes

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.

Kyrus Keenan Westcott, Motivational Influencer & Positive Energy Nov 02, 2020

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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.

Discussing the State of Black Businesses Oct 21, 2020

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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.

Welcoming Multicultural Meetings and Conventions Back Oct 05, 2020

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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.

Everything's Not Okay, and That's Okay Sep 10, 2020

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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.

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