Thank you, to everyone who made the "2008" breakfast a success!  We appreciate your continued support towards making our 2009 event even better.

2008 Honorees pictured above (from left to right):  Pamela Browner-Crawley, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs – Citizens Bank; Marciene S. Mattleman, President, ASAP/After School Activities Partnership & Education Reporter for KYW Newsradio and Nilda I. Ruiz, President and CEO, Asociación Puertorriqueños En Marcha, Inc.  Also pictured: Philadelphia City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Jan R. Figueira, CEO, Girls Inc., and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter

It was a snowy morning but several hundred people braved the weather and joined with us at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for the inspirational event.  Our Emcee, Gwen Owens, News Anchor of Your Morning on CN8, The Comcast Network, welcomed our guests and smoothly hosted the program.   Joining in the welcome were Breakfast Committee Co-Chairs Allison Dorsey and Gerda Gallop-Goodman and CEO Jan R. Figueira.

The recipients of the Strong, Smart and Bold Awards - Alba E. Martinez, Cheryl McKissack and Judith Spires - spoke eloquently about the experiences and influences in their lives as young women that helped propel them to the success and achievement they now enjoy.   Their stories move us to work ever harder to assist our young women to fulfill their own potential.  Board of Directors Chair Lori Ann Schneider was joined by Tara L. Weiner, Managing Partner of Breakfast Sponsor Deloitte and Touche in presenting the prestigious awards.

Guests were treated to an amazing performance by seven Girls Inc. girls.  The Praise Dance performed by Emirea Biddle, Latima Lee, Roniece Jackson, Aquara Oberton, Jasmine Nicholson, Tynajan Johnson and Quashana Taylor was a highlight of the morning.  Thanks go to the girls and to Adrienne Dozier, their dance instructor and choreographer.

The program closed with two great honors for Girls Inc.  The Honorable Blondell Reynolds Brown, member of Philadelphia City Council, and Philadelphia Deputy City Representative Janis L. Pierce, presented citations recognizing Girls Inc. for dedication and commitment to a cause that will make Philadelphia a stronger city. 

Our sincere THANK YOU cannot be said enough.  Your support for our mission to inspire all girls to be Strong, Smart and Bold is so greatly appreciated. 

Thank you for believing in Girls Inc. and - most important -  in the power and future of the young women who participate with us.

Top Photo Credit:  Zorita Dorsey

Visit the
Founders' Breakfast
Photo Gallery