March 20, 2010: Where Style Meets Status Haitian Relief Fundraiser

Our ModestE, a chic women's clothing and accessory boutique presented this charity style auction and reception in conjunction with We Need Peace and Love and Philadelphia Status. The event featured a high end fashion show with the hottest new designers, live music and incredible food, all arranged by S and B Event Concepts. Proceeds generated from the auction were donated directly to the Samuel Dalembert Foundation for Haitian Relief. Mr. Dalembert was on hand for the event and I thoroughly enjoyed our long conversation about my Haiti experiences and life in general! I look forward to nurturing our relationship with the Dalembert Foundation and my continued prayers are with the families affected by the devastating earthquake.

Also in attendance at the Black Tie event was the always dapper, celebrity Chef Smiley and the lovely ladies of the Totally Posh Boutique (all pictured above)!

A special "Thank you" to my support team for the evening (pictured above)--I could not have done it without you!

In His service...

March 19, 2010: The Association for the Advancement and Integration of Design Fundraiser

The stunning Ms. Monique Curry served as hostess for this spectacular inaugural event! AAID is an organization that seeks to progress the education of our youth through creative writing and artistry. In promoting these ideals, Ms. Curry joins me in my mission to restore the vision for our communities through education and social responsibility. Creative thinking forces one to examine the world around them and allows the opportunity to contribute to the society through the expression of gifts and talents. I encourage each of you to support arts education and support young professionals like Ms. Curry. For additional info on our efforts, please visit: www.missblackpennsylvania.org and www.aid-creative.org !

In His service...

March 5, 2010 (Evening): Student National Medical Association Awards Banquet

And the award goes to... The Student National Medical Association is a student-run organization that addresses the needs of and provides support to medical students of color. On this particular evening I was nominated and awarded the delegation of Biomedical Sciences Student of the Year! This is extremely important to me because this is an award that is voted on by my peers and demonstrates their belief that I was a significant contribution to our organization. My SNMA family has been continually supportive of my title as Miss Black Pennsylvania USA and I hope to represent them well across our State! I love you guys :-) **tear**

P.S. Please note how gorgeous all of these ladies are--and they are intelligent and personable--who knew! I must also note that the dinner served was scrumptous! All the way down to the warm apple cobbler a la mode for dessert :-)

In His service...

March 5, 2010 (Afternoon): Women of Moxie Luncheon and Seminar

This was the perfect way to end an incredible celebration of Moxie Women! Attendees were treated to motivational dialogue from some of the most influential women in Philadelphia including: Councilwman Blondell Reynolds Brown, radio personality Dyana Williams, PECO Executive Mellanie Lassiter, President of American Cities Foundation Sandra Dungee-Glenn and President/CEO of United Way Southestern Pa, Jill Michal. Luncheon attendees also had an opportunity to support the Love Yourself campaign, a campaign started by Radio Personality MoShay LaRen that is dedicated to healing and rescuing victims of domestic violence. This initiative was supported by poetry from incredible young people, some of whom had direct experience with abuse, and a musical performance by artist Claudette Ortiz (pictured above) formally of the singing trio "City High". Being a part of this event, especially during Women's History Month, reminded me of just how integral women are in the progression of society. Let's support and encourage the young women in our lives--the future of our Nation depends upon it!

In His service...

March 5, 2010 (Morning): Samuel Gompers Celebration of Black History Month and Women History Month

Energetic, curious, bold and did I mention energetic?! The students at Samuel Gompers Elementary School are by far one of my favorite groups of students! During this particular visit I joined the students and faculty at the Black History Month Closing Ceremony (previously scheduled assemblies had to be rescheduled due to snow). There was singing, poetry reading, and trivia as the students discussed all of the contributions African Americans have made in world history. The students sang Lift Every Voice soooo robustly, it could be heard all the way down the hall and out onto the side walk! I was so proud :-) When it was my opportunity to speak, I discussed additional African American women who have made remarkable contributions to humanity to celebrate both Black History and Women's History month. I shared my personal story of difficulties growing up and encouraged the students to always strive for excellence!! I learn so much each time I talk with the students -- they are invigorating and remind me of the importance of supporting our next generation of leaders!

In His service....

March 3, 2010: Women of Moxie Awards

MOXIE: The ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage;verve, fortitude, determination. The women honored at this ceremony and reception were from all walks of life, each with her own story of hark work and triumph. They each embodied the idea of MOXIE! The positive energy was palpable in the Conversation Room of City Hall as Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds Brown (pictured) offered the biographies of each of the honorees. It was surreal to be in the company of members of the Philadelphia City Council, Pennsylvania State delgates, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, judges, television/radio personalities, corporate CEOs and countless other incredible rising stars! I feel fortunate to have received a personal invitation to attend this awesome celebration of excellence--a celebration of MOXIE!


Esteemed Awardees:

Autumn Adkins, President of Girard College (Pictured)

Katherine Gajewski, Director, Mayor's Office of Sustainability

Anika Hawkins , producer, 6abc

Julie Hawkins, VP Public Policy, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
Melanie Hidalgo-Britt, Manager PerformRx (Pictured)

Mellanie Kai Lassiter, Corporate Contributions Manager, PECO

MoShay LaRen, Asst. Program Director, Host Radio One (pictured)

Debonair Oaes Primus, Professor, St. Joseph's University

Kimberly Reed, Founder or Reed Development Group, LLC

Aditi Roy, News Anchor, NBC10
Alexandra Sacavage, Esq., Attorney

Alisesha Vaughn, Community/Public Relations, Councilwomen Brown

Lauren Vidas, Esq., Asst Director of Finance, Coordinator External/Public Engagement Mayor's Office

March 1, 2010: Valerie Goes to City Hall (Again)

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with the office of Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. --It is always great to finally be able to put a name with a face! During my 3 hour long meeting we discussed the importance of community involvement and education, how to improve the compliance for the 2010 Census, Councilman Jones' future initiaitves for his district and we even networked resources to show our support for families devastated by the earthquake in Haiti. As you can see they managed to put me to work while I was there :-) I had enjoyed speaking openly with the councilman's staff and left feeling confirmed in God's call on my life. While at City Hall, I met with the office of Councilwoman B. Reynolds Brown, the only female African American At-Large delegate, and the office of Maria Quinones-Sanchez, the only Latina member of City Council!! WOW--and all in one afternoon!

In His service....