Steven Bradley, president and CEO of Bradley & Bradley, as well as chair of the African-American Chamber of Commerce Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware discusses strategies for improving economic conditions within the regional African American Community, the challenge of Black businesses accessing capital and ways to secure financing, and the importance of succession planning. Bradley also talks about his 35-year journey in the insurance industry and his own entrepreneurial, civic leadership, and philanthropic experiences.

Rebecca Hirsh, M.D. and Judd D. Flesch, M.D. at Penn Medicine Program for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Health discuss the State of LGBT Health and Penn Medicine Program for LGBT Health’s multidisciplinary approach to providing quality care that’s free from discrimination to the LGBT community. They also share their passion and commitment to medicine, as well as Penn Medicine’s plans to launch a LGBTQ Clinical Practice that will serve all patients.

The Honorable Nelson A. Diaz, Partner, Dilworth Paxson LLP, shares his passion for Philadelphia and the hospitality industry on the season five premiere of the PHL Diversity Podcast. With a career in politics and law, he’s become a man of many ‘firsts’, including Philadelphia’s first and youngest Latino judge. In the episode, Diaz tells stories from his recent autobiography, “Not From Here, Not From There: No Soy De Aqui Ni De Alla”.

Usher Ruth I. Jones, President, National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc., is joined by two colleagues: Board of Director Chairwoman Patricia Holmes and Jordan Nichols, from the marketing team on the PHL Diversity Podcast’s Season 4 finale. The group, discusses the mission of the organization and why it was founded in 1919. This summer they return to Philadelphia, their original host city, to celebrate the Centennial Convention.

Rebecca Fisher, Co-Founder, Beyond the Bell Tours, joins the PHL Diversity Podcast for an enlightening conversation about inclusive tourism and the experiences she looks to curate for her groups. A Philadelphia native and Haverford College graduate, Fisher is a passionate advocate for cultural engagement and social justice. She, along with co-founder Joey Leroux, have developed custom tours that incorporate the history of marginalized communities into the narrative of Philadelphia. On the podcast, she discusses the early success of her business and what’s next for the company.

Shalimar Thomas, Executive Director, North Broad Renaissance, joins the PHL Diversity Podcast to discuss her role in reshaping North Philadelphia’s future. With a bold ‘2020 Vision’ for the business and residential corridor, Thomas’ mission is to rally support for revitalization of the historic neighborhood and to put the wheels in motion with development and job opportunities. She highlights her leadership of the North Broad Renaissance, and talks about how some of her previous roles gave her the experience to lead such a bold and ambitious project.

Jennifer Ragan-Fore, Chief Events and Marketing Officer, International Society for Technology Education (ISTE), joins the PHL Diversity Podcast to discuss the organization’s upcoming convention in Philadelphia. Leading the development of a large-scale convention for academic professionals and technology advocates can be a clash of cultures. However, being able to draw on past experiences and the strength of her relationships has helped to market and raise the reputation of the convention. With approximately 17,000 expected to attend, Ragan-Fore talks about the program and the direction of the organization.

Tanya Marant, Director of Finance, Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square, shares her inspiring journey of perseverance and success in the hospitality industry. Marant progressed from a housekeeper to the director of finance position through a commitment to hard work and determination. The Philadelphia native offers sage advice for the next generation of hospitality professionals, highlighting the top qualities needed to advance in their careers. She also discusses some of the Sonesta’s new features, including a rotating lobby Art Gallery, curated by Philadelphia’s Center for Emerging Visual Artists.

Ben Shank, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, is featured on this episode of the PHL Diversity Podcast to discuss his role leading the city’s soon-to-open 219-room luxury hotel, towering 1,121 feet in the sky.

With a rewarding career path in hospitality management, Shank discusses the strategies he will use to attract business and leisure travelers to the hotel. Located on the 48th to 60th floors of the Comcast’s newest office building, it will provide one of the best 360 degree views of the city.

Shank’s appointment as general manager at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center marks an exciting homecoming for the Philadelphia native, who started his career in hospitality almost two decades ago at the original Four Seasons property in the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. In his position, Shank will focus on the operational efficiency and customer satisfaction of the innovative hotel brand.

Matt Cabrey, Executive Director, Select Greater Philadelphia, is a business leader and communicator with creative ideas for fueling the Greater Philadelphia region’s economy. On this episode of the PHL Diversity Podcast, he discusses his latest project – “Growing Greater Philadelphia” – which is a syndicated podcast, radio, and television program. In it, he highlights stories from emerging entrepreneurs and businesses who leveraged regional resources to make this early success possible. As the Executive Director at Select Greater Philadelphia, his job is to attract and retain businesses in the region, creating jobs and a sustained economic impact.