You probably know Vanguard best as an investment firm, which offers mutual funds, ETFs, financial advice, and retirement products. What you may not know as well is that Vanguard has very active community programming in our region, led by Aldustus “A.J.” Jordan. Throughout his career, A.J. has made significant contributions to exceptional nonprofits and responsible corporate entities that support community organizations tackling some of the region's most pressing issues. Now, as Vanguard’s Head of Community Stewardship and President of The Vanguard Group Foundation, A.J. continues this impactful work. In this segment, I speak with AJ, along with Brent Johnstone and Akeiff Staples, founders of FathersREAD365, a program supported by the Foundation.
 
Links:  

• Community Stewardship at Vanguard ·       
• Vanguard’s Signature Philanthropic Initiative: Strong Start for Kids ·        
• FathersREAD365

 I also chat with three community heroes who founded the Carry It With Care Foundation, which is sponsoring its third annual bookbag drive and basketball skills camp. The event will be held on August 17th from 10 am to 4 pm at Hillside Recreation Center, 201 Fountain Street. The foundation's leaders are Joseph Dover, President; Richard Manson, Vice President; and Nasir Johnson, Treasurer. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook: @officialpageRex6  

First, I’m proud to present a segment produced by one of our summer Work Ready students. There are many ways to process life experiences, and in this episode, Trinity Nieves talks with Adam, an author and music artist, about the intersectionality between trauma and the arts. Links:

• Adam on Spotify
• Adam on Instagram

The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia will soon close the special exhibition Okaeri (Welcome Home): The Nisei Legacy at Shofuso. This exhibit highlights the story of the Nisei, or second-generation American-born individuals of Japanese descent, and explores their unique contributions to Shofuso, including their activism during the Civil Rights Movement. I spoke with Rob Buscher, Marketing and Community Engagement Consultant for the Japan America Society, and Jason Finkelman, Shofuso Artist in Residence. Links:

• Okaeri Exhibition
• Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
• Jason Finkelman's Music

To say that I’m travel phobic might be going too far – but it’s true that I haven’t scheduled a real vacation since my mini honeymoon almost four years ago  Well I’m taking the plunge and going abroad for a whole week  I speak to Travel guru and Lisa Niver who is  celebrated for inspiring others to seek out new experiences and embrace the transformative power of travel.
https://lisaniver.com/

First – I’ve said it over and over – if kids don’t read at grade level by fourth grade, they are not likely to graduate from high school or go on to higher learning.  That’s why it’s so important to use all the tools to help them get to that Goal.  Like simple signs     Right2ReadPhilly is a summer campaign to help families support early literacy for their kids. They are piloting a program to promote Simple Signs (First Words in American Sign Language) that can boost speech and early learning.  I speak to Sara Novic, best selling novelist, and deaf rights activists with her interpreter Sarah Reed and Dr. Heseung Song, President and CEO of Mighty Engine, lead consultant on the Right2Read Campaign. Some great ways to get involved: Post your family’s unique spin on Simple Signs for a chance to win $1,000! We don’t care if you’ve perfected Simple Signs. We just want you to have fun practicing together as a family. Take the Simple Signs survey of just six questions on the website and get a $10 Amazon card.

As women we often put everybody else first before ourselves but at least we are working on self-care – aren’t we? But what about men? You deserve to treat yourself and Avenue 215 might just be the place for you. I speak to Chyvonne Shackelford and Tomika Branch, co-owners of Avenue 215 Self Care Studio about Avenue M - a new venture specifically designed for men, offering services tailored to their unique self-care needs. They are hosting special Avenue M Events August 18th and September 15th. 
Instagram: ave215scs  

David Hardy has just completed his first year as President of Girard College, Philadelphia’s premier residential educational institution.  We discuss first year accomplishments including renovated dorms a fitness center and new programing offerings.
www.girardcollege.edu
Facebook.com/girardcollege
Instagram.com/girardcollege
#girardcollege #girardian   

This year Nicetown Community Development Corporation is hosting its 22nd Annual Giveback Week.  August 6th – 10th For all the details I speak to Majeedah Rashi Chief Operating Officer and Zakariyya Abdur Rahman President of CEO of Nicetown Community Development Corporation.  https://nicetowncdc.org/

Fresh from her trip to the Olympics in Paris, guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati talks about her travels.  She also speaks to Kimberly A. Lloyd, President and CEO of the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation, a public/private community development corporation that focus on neighborhoods and commercial corridors.  Lloyd is also President of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Co-Coordinator of the 54th Eastern Regional Conference taking place in Philadelphia August 15th-18th.  In addition, Lloyd aloo shares her thoughts for the monthly feature "What is Philadelphia Reading?"
https://phillyalumnae-dst.org/
https://www.instagram.com/phillydeltas/
 https://oarcphilly.org/

The Please Touch Museum is a haven for learning through play. I’ll share information The Ready-Set-School program which provides free admission Community Days on the last Sundays of June, July, and August, in partnership with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation.  I speak with Patricia (Trish) D. Wellenbach, President and CEO, Please Touch Museum and Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation about this program and the recent continuation of their partnership, with Independence Blue Cross becoming the Official Health & Wellness Partner of the Museum.   The next two free community days will be July 28 and  August 25, 2024. www.PleaseTouchMuseum.org  

Oronde McClain was nearly killed by gunfire at 10 and overcame incredible odds, not only surviving but thriving as a powerful advocate for survivors of gun violence. His journey has been chronicled in news stories and documentaries, and now, a feature film about his life is in the works. I speak with Zonsiluo Gompah, President and Producer of Esther Egg Inc.
Instagram: estheregginc#iamoronde https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4429866/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk  

 In these divisive times, it’s important to remember that there are remarkable individuals inspiring others to work for positive change. Champions of Caring was founded in 1995 to help middle and high school students create social change.The organization is  currently producing a documentary, "The Coral Ring Legacy," to promote and inspire social activism for people of all ages and backgrounds. I speak with Founder and President Barbara Greenspan Shaiman about this exciting project.
www.championsofcaring.org
Handles @championsofcaring On FB Champions of Caring 2

First, there are few jobs more critical to the future of our children and our country than teachers. but it’s been more challenging than ever for those in the profession. Teach for America is working to provide a pathway to teaching. Anna Shurak, Executive Director, Teach For America – Philadelphia talks about their program’s efforts to train the next generation of teachers.
Website and social media handles and tags
teachforamerica.org/greater-philadelphia
Instagram: @tfaphillypham
X: @tfaphillypham
FB: https://www.facebook.com/TFAGreaterPhilly/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teach-for-america-greater-philadelphia/

Oronde McClain was nearly killed by gunfire at 10 and overcame incredible odds, not only surviving but thriving as a powerful advocate for survivors of gun violence. His journey has been chronicled in news stories and documentaries, and now, a feature film about his life is in the works. I speak with Zonsiluo Gompah, President and Producer of Esther Egg Inc.
Instagram: estheregginc#iamoronde https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4429866/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk  

 The Please Touch Museum is a haven for learning through play. I’ll share information The Ready-Set School program which provides free admission Community Days on the last Sundays of June, July, and August, in partnership with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation.  I speak with Patricia (Trish) D. Wellenbach, President and CEO, Please Touch Museum and Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation about this program and the recent continuation of their partnership, with Independence Blue Cross becoming the Official Health & Wellness Partner of the Museum.   The next two free community days will be July 28 and  August 25, 2024. www.PleaseTouchMuseum.org  

First  I speak to Dr. Oluwadamilola "Lola" Fayanju, Chief of the Division of Breast Surgery at Penn Medicine.  Dr, Fayanju discusses the factors that have resulted in higher mortality rates for Black Women and the critical importance of early detection and knowing family history.  
https://pennmedicine.org/BreastCancerCare

There’s an exciting partnership between Community College and Google that will give students access to certificate programs that offering skills training that could lead to life sustaining careers in tech. I speak to Rob Magliaro who  is the Ecosystem Partnerships Lead at Grow with Google. More information, including how to register for courses, is available here.
Google Career Certificates 
AI Essentials Google Employer Consortium

Celebrating America's 250th anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the nation's journey, honor its democratic principles, and acknowledge the diverse contributions of its people. This milestone allows Americans to unite in commemorating their shared history, learning from past challenges and triumphs, and envisioning a future rooted in equality, freedom, and justice. PHILADELPHIA250 is launching the Community Advisory Committee to bring to life our “By the People, For All People” motto. Joining us are Danielle DiLeo Kim, President and CEO of Philadelphia 250, and Shalimar Thomas, Executive Director of North Broad Renaissance.

• Website: https://www.philadelphia250.us/
• North Broad Renaissance: www.northbroad.org

Calling All Girl Bosses was developed by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) as a blueprint to give Philadelphia girls in grades 6-12 the skills they need to identify a community problem and take action to find a solution. Girls will discover their agency to make real, sustainable changes in their neighborhoods while working towards the highest awards in Girl Scouting. We speak with Kim Fraites Dow, President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern PA, and Ava Williams, a Girl Scout Advisory Committee member and “Girl Boss.”

• Website: gsep.org/cagb