5 Philadelphia Trailblazers to Elevate Your Education Program

5 Philadelphia Trailblazers to Elevate Your Education Program

Philadelphia is a city of firsts — the first citywide convention, the first hospital and the first women’s medical college are just a few of the inaugural innovations that came to life here.

It’s not just about what’s already in the history books, though. Take a look around the City of Brotherly Love today, and you’ll find plenty of people who are writing the next chapter. No matter what type of meeting you’re hosting, your program can benefit from a community of groundbreakers and game-changers. Here are five of those leaders, all of whom can elevate your education and give your attendees a deeper appreciation for the can-do attitude that defines Philadelphia.

Voices Who Are Powering Philly’s Progress

As more organizations work to make their meetings more inclusive, Philadelphia is the place to make it happen. PHL Diversity is our dedicated division that specializes in connecting meeting planners to the speakers who will ensure that a program represents a full range of perspectives.

Reverend Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, President of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation

Best for: Reminding attendees of the need to give back

Can your event hire someone for the opening prayer who can also handle the keynote speaking duties? Yes, as long as it’s Lorina Marshall-Blake. Known around town as “the Hat Lady”, Dr. Marshall-Blake has been honored by a mile-long list of organizations including the NAACP, Philadelphia Tribute, Living Beyond Breast Cancer and the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. Her mantra is simple: “I will always serve.” (And yes, in addition to wearing plenty of figurative hats, you can count on seeing the most stylish piece of headgear at the podium.)

Sharmain Matlock-Turner, CEO of Urban Affairs Coalition

Best for: Stories of community change

For the last 25 years, Sharmain Matlock-Turner—the organization’s first-ever female CEO—has been at the helm of the Urban Affairs Coalition. She oversees more than 450 employees bringing together over 50 nonprofits, grassroots leaders, and community members who are all working to improve the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia region. Her leadership has brought about mission-driven financial growth, expanding UAC’s reach into the areas that matter most: economic opportunity, housing, youth development, health equity, and policy advocacy. Her stories ignite a sense of purpose, revealing the power each of us holds to shape a brighter future.

Voices Who Are Paving the Way to Better Patient Care

With seven medical schools in the region and operational hubs for 80 percent of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, the cast of cutting-edge experts here can be overwhelming. However, meeting planners can count on PHL Life Sciences — the only dedicated Life Sciences division at any CVB in the country — to connect the dots to the best researchers for their program.

Margaret Foti, PhD, MD, CEO of the American Association for Cancer Research

Best for: Inspiring attendees to strive for greater heights

Dr. Foti has transformed the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) into the world’s largest and most influential cancer research organization, now encompassing more than 60,000 members in 143 countries. Under her leadership, AACR, headquartered in Philadelphia, has become a driving force in accelerating progress against cancer, spearheading groundbreaking scientific conferences, publishing high-impact peer-reviewed journals, shaping science-based policy, and launching innovative initiatives that bring together scientists, clinicians, patients, industry, and government to save lives.

Dr. Larry Kaiser, President and CEO, College of Physicians

Best for: Connecting the dots between medical history lessons and the possibilities of the future

Larry R. Kaiser, MD, FACS, FCPP, is the President and CEO of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the nation’s oldest professional medical organization. The College is home to the Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library, the History of Vaccines initiative, and specialized medical interest groups known as Sections, among other programs.

Before the College, Dr. Kaiser had a distinguished career as a thoracic surgeon and a leader in academic surgery, including serving as the Dean of the medical school and leader of Temple University’s Health System for nearly a decade.

In addition to hearing about Dr. Kaiser’s experience as a thoracic surgeon, attendees will be awestruck by the environment. The College of Physicians owns and operates the Mütter Museum, a venue full of medical oddities and historical artifacts that create a one-of-a-kind evening reception.

Betty Long, RN, MHA, President, CEO and Founder, Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates

Best for: Underscoring the big impact every member of the industry can have on patients

Before Betty Long’s mother was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer more than 35 years ago,  she didn’t plan on being a nurse; she was studying to be a sports journalist. After seeing the difference her mother’s nurse made in her life, Long pivoted. She enrolled at Abington Hospital’s School of Nursing and began a career in patient care. Today, Long continues to help other nurses make the same kind of outsized impact to help with the overwhelming process of sifting through test results, comparing options and paying bills. As the founder of Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates, she can share valuable insights into the challenges of launching a new business — and the joy of seeing all that hard work pay off.

These five Philly trailblazers are just a glimpse of the city’s rich knowledge. Get in touch with our team to learn more about the city’s pioneering spirit and find the voices that align with your audience.