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® philadelphia style 2015, Issue 2 late spring tamron hall CHANGING the CONVERSATION

We see them on television and read about them in headlines— but while they are breaking news, they are often making news of their own. Meet the seven women who are effecting positive change in Philadelphia right now, from education reform and personal finance to sustainability programs.

As told to SARAh jORdAN Photography by BILLY ROOd On the Map Meryl levitz As president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, the marketing agency behind successful campaigns such as “Philly’s More Fun When You Sleep Over” and “Philadelphia—Keep Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay,” Levitz is a seasoned veteran who’s busy rebranding Philly into one of the hottest destinations in the world.

My First Job: I was a sales clerk in a department store in Chicago, selling menswear and something we called “record albums” back then. On Starting Out: I was teaching continuing education courses [in time management and money management] at the Philadelphia College of Art, now the University of the Arts, and one thing led to another—and here I am at Visit Philly. On Entertaining Out-of-Towners: There are so many choices, and there is something for everyone. It really depends on their interests and how many times they have been to Philadelphia. Daily Essentials: Green tea and lemon water. Silver-Screen Stand-In: Bradley Cooper, because he is talented, local, and can play anything. The Key to Success: Know yourself and know others. Overcoming Work Challenges: It’s a matter of balancing the many demands on our agency, while maintaining a laser focus on our mission. Office Catchphrase: I find myself saying “Your thoughts?” a lot. Pet Peeves: I don’t like drama—or people who use “plethora” when they mean “myriad.” I have a sign in my office that says, i am silently correct- ing your grammar. As a former English teacher, old habits die hard. After Hours: I like to get outside for a Collage jacket, Donna Karan New York ($1,495). Saks walk or a bike ride when the weather Fifth Avenue, 2 Bala Plaza, allows. I love to cook while drinking a Bala Cynwyd, 610-667-1550; saks.com. Top, Brooks nice wine. Brothers ($90). 1513 Walnut Advice to the Next Generation: As St., 215-564-4100; brooksbrothers.com. Pants, the British said during WWII, “Keep Burberry ($750). King of calm and carry on.” Prussia Mall, 610-878-9300; burberry.com. Chatelaine stud earrings, David Yurman ($975). King of Prussia Mall, 610-265-6370; davidyurman .com. Ring, Levitz’s own

phillystylemag.com 95 The Quest for Education Equality Helen Gym Community activist and education leader Helen Gym has been a persistent, powerful, and dynamic voice in our civic arena advocating through Parents United for Public Education, which she cofounded, and her newspaper, Philadelphia Public School Notebook, for more support for Philadelphia public schools and for governmental transparency. She has served as executive director of Asian Americans United, founded an arts-based community public charter school serving immigrant children, and presses on tirelessly with her work for equality and access to quality education.

Morning Routine: I love being with my family in the morning, that flurry of activity as my three children rush around. I drag it out with them as long as I can—especially as they get older and I realize how precious these moments are. Valuable Work Lessons: Meaningful change happens over time, through sustained work, deep trust, and a sense of humility. Some of the problems we’re tackling in Philadelphia public schools are some of the most deep-seated challenges that our nation faces: poverty, race, a commit- ment to equity, and the role and viability of public institutions. Anyone selling a quick fix or simple solution may not grasp the magnitude of what we need to address. Favorite Historical Figure: It’s tempting to look at famous faces—Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Wangari Maathai—but the Dress, Halston ($445). Joan Shepp, 1811 Chestnut St., people I most admire are the unnamed 215-735-2666; joanshepp.com. masses who built the movement, people with 18k gold dome Albion diamond earrings, David Yurman the moral character and vision to transform ($1,100). King of Prussia Mall, not just circumstance but the fundamental 610-265-6370; davidyurman .com. Cape Cod watch, Hermès ways in which we view one another. ($3,300). King of Prussia Mall, On Perseverance: The civil rights work we 610-992-9730; hermes.com did with high-school-aged Asian immigrant opposite page: youth to address an abusive climate at their Suede jacket, Marina Rinaldi ($5,255). Saks Fifth Avenue, school was tremendous. The difficulty of 2 Bala Plaza, Bala Cynwyd, speaking up for yourself in a new language, 610- 667-1550; saks.com. Top, Hugo Boss ($245). the integrity to walk away from knee-jerk Bloomingdale’s, King of Prussia reactionary politics and move toward Mall, 610-337-6300; blooming dales.com. Sporty pants, building a broad multiracial, multilingual Nicole Miller ($290). Nicole standard of justice, the focus on caring and Miller Manayunk, 4249 Main St., 215-930-0307; Nicole Miller support within a nurturing community was at the Bellevue, 200 S. Broad one of the most extraordinary struggles I St., 215-546-5007; nicolemiller .com. Titan bracelet, Vita Fede have been a part of. Today, the school we ($290). Intermix, 1718 Walnut work in is significantly better. St., 215-545-6034; intermix online.com. Arceau watch, What’s Next: The unexpected and joyful. Hermès ($3,050). King of Prussia Mall, 610-992-9730; hermes.com. Earrings, Reardon’s own

96 phillystylemag.com By the Book Siobhan ReaRdon Siobhan Reardon, president and director of the Free Library of Philadelphia since 2008 (and the first woman at its helm), has reinvigorated the library system with some tough love, initiating the providing of free Internet access at neighborhood branches and creating its Culinary Center. This leader is changing how we think about libraries.

Childhood Aspirations: I wanted to be a spy—seriously! It was probably the result of watching too many Sean Connery movies. Finish this Sentence: “I find mean- ing in...”: Deep conversations. I love to talk to people, ask questions, have them tell me something about themselves. It’s amazing how often you can find a common thread between people. Silver-Screen Stand-In: How about Sandra Bullock? After Hours: I go home, have a glass of wine, and hang out with my husband. Favorite Historical Figure: Florence Nightingale, because she was gutsy, innovative, smart, thought outside the box, and established an entire profes- sion by recognizing a need. The Key to Success: If you really want something to work, you have to be persistent and passionate. For example, the fundraising for the renovation and expansion of the Parkway Central Library came to a standstill until we rethought how and what was necessary to excite people about the possibilities. We [first had] to understand what the public needed from its libraries before we could come up with a plan. What Makes the Free Library Great: We have a Culinary Literacy Center where we work to improve the literacy skill sets of Philadelphians who are low-literates using cooking as the medium. We have the largest circulat- ing orchestral collection in the world. We have all four Shakespeare folios (in impeccable condition). My Legacy: To be remembered as a positive, upbeat person who cared deeply about her family, her friends, and her community.

phillystylemag.com 97 Painting the Town Green atherine Gajews i As the director of sustainability for the City of Philadelphia, Gajewski is responsible for the implementation of Greenworks Philadelphia, an environmental plan that has garnered national and international attention, and has positioned this town as a leader in urban sustainability. Gajewski’s persistence, smarts, and forward-thinking make her just the person to lead the charge to get Philly green.

My First Job: My first real paycheck job was as a white-water rafting guide in Colorado. On Starting Out: I led the grassroots campaign to advocate for a smoke-free law. Then-Councilman [Michael] Nutter was the sponsor of that legislation, which is how we got to know one another. I supported his run for mayor and joined the administration. I’m outdoorsy and a passionate environmental- ist, so I was a bug in his ear about these issues. Once he took office, I got to work with stakeholders and colleagues to help build our sustainability agenda. Greatest Accomplishment: Contributing to this field of urban sustainability. Cities are always at the center of important changes; in our generation, they will have to be at the center of climate solutions, as well. Going Green in Philly: If we are to make deep reductions in citywide greenhouse gas emissions in line with what scientists and world leaders are calling for, we need to focus on energy: reducing its use, expanding energy efficiency, and implementing clean energy. In Philadelphia, the majority of emissions come from buildings. We can make a serious impact by making our building stock more efficient. At the same time, we would be improving air quality and reducing health risks such as asthma. Silver-Screen Stand-In: I’ll flatter myself and say Marion Cotillard. Overcoming Work Challenges: One of the hardest things is balancing a sense of urgency with the patience [required] for long-term change. After Hours: I go for an evening walk and Jacket, Helene Berman ($350). Joan Shepp, 1811 cook dinner with my husband, Ben. Chestnut St., 215-735-2666; Favorite Historical Figure: Abraham joanshepp.com. Dress, Narciso Rodriguez ($1,195). Lincoln. I’m from Illinois, so there was a Bloomingdale’s, King of heavy focus on him growing up. He was able Prussia Mall, 610-337-6300; bloomingdales.com. to stay true to his convictions [while steering Embrace stud earrings the] country towards great change. ($995) and Embrace diamond statement ring What’s Next: Continuing to work in and ($1,750), Lagos. 1735 Walnut around government advancing issues I St., 215-567-0770; lagos .com. Cape Cod Tonneau care about. That, and goat ownership. watch, Hermès ($3,800). King of Prussia Mall, 610-992-9730; hermes.com Building Bridges Rosalyn J. McPheRson As the relatively new president and CEO of the Urban League of Philadelphia, McPherson is using her formidable communication and public relations expertise to build up membership and raise the organization’s profile. She is focused on delivering empowerment through education, employment, and entrepreneurship. On Starting Out: I began as a class- room teacher (math and history in junior high) and then joined the corporate world. My foundation in the classroom took me into a business career in educational product development and sales. I’ve worked in publishing and then science-museum administration. I also have extensive experience in the business of history and legacy. Finish this Sentence: “I find meaning in...”: The joy of making things happen that will impact people, especially when it is about cultural enlightenment, inclusion, and empowerment. Silver-Screen Stand-In: Angela Bassett Favorite Historical Figure: Harriet Tubman Greatest Accomplishments: Those projects, especially tied to African- American history, that when completed were incredibly enlightening and educational: “The President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in Making a New Nation” at the Liberty Bell Center is an example of a historic site that I project- managed, and African Americans: Voices of Triumph was a three-volume book set that I published while at Time Warner. Fifty thousand sets were donated to public and high school libraries around the country. On Perseverance: My mother, from sugarcane country in Louisiana, grew up poor and motherless and eventually went to college, where she married. Upon graduation, she traveled alone with a 1-year-old child in 1954, leaving the Jacket, Eileen Fisher deeply segregated South to join her ($378). King of Prussia Mall, 610-768-7150; eileenfisher husband in Japan. [So began] her .com. Dress, Max Mara courageously international life. ($400). Saks Fifth Avenue, 2 Bala Plaza, Bala Cynwyd, What’s Next: Growing the programs 610-667-1550; saks.com. at the Urban League, ensuring that we Embrace stud earrings, Lagos ($995). 1735 Walnut St., economically empower more people and 215-567-0770; lagos.com. enable them to participate in the growth Metal Renaissance bracelets ($975 each), David Yurman. of the region; more international business King of Prussia Mall, 610-265- travel; and authoring several books. 6370; davidyurman.com

phillystylemag.com 99 Checks & Balances Nicole lapiN The youngest news anchor ever at CNN and CNBC, Lapin, originally from Los Angeles and now living between New York and the Main Line, is a finance expert, special correspondent, and author. Her recent book, Rich Bitch, demonstrates why this savvy talent is injecting new energy and perspective into how women think about money.

Childhood Aspirations: I wanted to be an anchor at CNN. My Perfect Night in Philadelphia: Dinner at Vedge and a Sixers game. Finish this Sentence: “I find meaning in...”: The little things. I took a Russian literature class in college that had a “meaning of life” lecture. The professor said it was the little things, versus big accomplishments, that make all the difference in leading a happy, rich life. Valuable Work Lessons: “No” means “yes.” Also, work can be fun, and fun can be work. Embrace the blurred lines and stop being so hard on yourself. On Taking Chances: A second date Top, Helmut Lang ($185). Knit Wit, 1729 Chestnut St., that started in Bryn Mawr and ended on 215-564-4760; knitwitonline.com. a zip-line in Hawaii has been my greatest Skirt, Donna Karan New York ($895). Saks Fifth Avenue, 2 Bala adventure so far. Plaza, Bala Cynwyd, 610-667-1550; Silver-Screen Stand-in: Newsroom’s saks.com. 14k yellow- and white-gold Omega set necklaces Sloan Sabbith (aka actress Olivia Munn). ($695–$1,500), 14k white-, rose-, Greatest Accomplishment: That I’ve and yellow-gold Freda ring ($795), and 14k tri-gold V Simone ring been able to speak for those who don’t ($300), Golden Nugget have a voice, whether it was more serious Jewelers. 800 Chestnut St., 215-925-2777; goldennugget when I was in network news speaking jewelry.com. 18k yellow-gold for victims or now speaking for young Juste un Clou bracelet, Cartier ($7,200). King of Prussia Mall, women who want to join conversations 610-205-0450; cartier.us about money but don’t feel welcome. Styling by Faye Power What’s Next: Launching my book, Rich Styling assistance by Bitch, is my biggest project. My goal is to Connor Childers Hair by Laura Devlin/ make young women who break out into Giovanni & Pileggi hives thinking about [finances] excited Makeup by Robby Nelson/ Giovanni & Pileggi about money. You’ll see me on TV a lot Shot on location at the more, as Wendy Williams’s “Money Sofitel Philadelphia Honey” and as the go-to business Sofitel Philadelphia is nestled correspondent for The Insider. You can between Philadelphia’s French also check out my AOL show that I Quarter and picturesque Rittenhouse Square. The boutique hotel has 306 created and host, called I’ll Never Forget spacious rooms on 14 floors with 67 My First. I talk to power women about the suites and one presidential suite. Amenities include the first time they knew they made it. Off-air, Sobed Feathertop and duvet sleep my production company provides system, wired and wireless Internet access, concierge, 24-hour room accessible and entertaining money service, valet parking, currency content. It’s business in a party dress. exchange, and pet-friendly accommodations. The hotel’s urban My Legacy: I hope to be remembered as chic Liberté Lounge offers someone who lived a rich, full life in all contemporary French cuisine in one of the city’s loveliest settings. 120 S. aspects of the word. 17th St., 215-569-8300; sofitel-philadelphia.com Law & Order Risa VetRi FeRman Next up for two-term Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman is a run for the judgeship in her home county. After making a mark early on specializing in the prosecution of homicide, child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence cases, she’s been a passionate and respected DA since 2008. And she continues the fight for justice.

On Starting Out: It was serendipity. In law school, I took an internship at the US Attorney’s Office. It sounded like something fun I would never do again. When I got there, I realized this was what I was meant to do. Finish this Sentence: “I find meaning in...”: Keeping kids safe and helping them find the right path to lead good lives. Definition of Power: Being able to make things happen. Silver-Screen Stand-In: Meryl Streep 25 years ago; Julianne Moore today. Work Challenges: A prosecutor is a minister of justice with the responsibil- ity to always do what is right. There is absolutely no place for politics in this job, yet we constantly fight against others trying to inject it. That is a daily battle I am proud to fight. After Hours: There’s nothing like a family dinner to help put me back in my place of Zen. I just miss having all my kids around the table now that two are off in college. Favorite Historical Figure: Golda Meir, the original “Iron Lady.” She was once called the “best man in the government.” She was known as a “strong-willed, straight-talking, gray-bunned grandmother” of the people. Secret: I wish I could sing. I am, however, not optimistic about mastering that skill. What’s Next: I turn 50 this year, a big one. Professionally, after serving as a Dress, Elie Tahari ($348). prosecutor in Montgomery County for Bloomingdale’s, King of more than two decades, I decided it was Prussia Mall, 610-337-6300; bloomingdales.com. Titan time for a change and a challenge. So I bracelet ($290) and Titan chose to run for judge in my home Asteria bracelet ($410), Vita Fede. Intermix, 1718 county, a job I would [feel] privileged to Walnut St., 215-545-6034; [be able to] do. PS intermixonline.com. Earrings and necklace, Vetri Ferman’s own

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