The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia is proud to be in service of the Black leaders and trailblazers from our member companies who embody the strength, vitality, and growth of the Greater Philadelphia region.
This Black History Month, we are excited to uplift Sonia DeVan, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Share Food Program. We interviewed Sonia to learn more about how her heart for service shapes her career and life. Read along as Sonia shares her thought leadership on the importance of Black representation at the intersection of business and community care and why corporate partnerships are key to lasting change in our region.
How has your identity shaped you as a leader?
Sonia DeVan, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Share Food Program
I’ve often reflected on the question of purpose—why we are here and what we are meant to do with the opportunities we’re given. For me, the answer has always been clear: we are here to serve. That belief, deeply rooted in my identity, has shaped the decisions I’ve made in choosing my professional path and the way I show up as a leader.
Throughout my career, I’ve intentionally gravitated toward roles that allow me to serve communities that have historically been underserved and overlooked. My leadership is grounded not in authority or title, but in responsibility—to listen, to advocate, and to help build systems that create access, dignity, and opportunity for others.
As a Black professional working at the intersection of business and community care, my lived experience helps to inform how I navigate spaces, build partnerships, and push for equity. It has taught me the importance of persistence, collaboration, and leading with both empathy and accountability.
This commitment to service is not a phase of my career; it is a lifelong calling. I will carry this purpose forward throughout my professional journey and into retirement to contribute in ways that strengthen communities and expand pathways for those who come after me.
Why is it important to have more Black representation at the intersection of business and community care?
Black representation is essential at the intersection of business and community care is essential because it brings lived experience, cultural understanding, and trust into spaces where decisions about resources and investments are made.
Individuals who operate at this intersection must understand the nuanced realities communities face and be able to translate those insights into actionable guidance for businesses. These actions help bridge gaps between corporate goals and real community needs, ensuring that programs, investments, and strategies are not only well-intentioned, but relevant, responsive, and impactful.
From your perspective, how can the business community impactfully be a part of food equity and justice?
While food justice often implies advocacy—something many businesses may not directly engage in—the business community plays a critical role in advancing food equity by addressing the root issue of food insecurity. One of the most powerful examples of this collaboration was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when businesses acted swiftly to support hunger-relief organizations. Employees volunteered in large numbers, companies provided immediate financial support, and nonprofits mobilized access to food—often without lengthy applications, rigid priorities, or delays. The response was urgent, coordinated, and effective. Addressing need drove equity, becoming an ingredient in defining food justice.
Fast forward to 2026, and we now see food banks and other food providers struggling across the region as they face significant reductions in federal food and funding support. To continue making an impact, businesses must prioritize food insecurity within their charitable giving and recognize that supporting food equity requires more than funding programs alone.
Corporations operate based on how all parts of an organization must function together to achieve impact and return on investment; nonprofits are no different. Logistics and operational expenses, such as transportation, fuel, and other costs are essential to sustaining the services nonprofits provide. When businesses invest with this same systems-level understanding, they become true partners in advancing food equity and justice.
Why are corporate partnerships beneficial for companies and why should these type of partnerships be prioritized?
Corporate partnerships create shared value. These relationships strengthen brand loyalty, enhance reputation by demonstrating a genuine commitment to social impact, support employee engagement and retention by reinforcing company culture, and help advance ESG goals. In many cases, meaningful social impact also drives business growth through increased brand awareness and deeper community connection.
These partnerships should be prioritized because they move beyond transactional giving to create long-term, mutually beneficial outcomes for both businesses and the communities they serve. The most effective corporate partnerships are strategic—focused on long-term collaboration with trusted nonprofit organizations that understand community needs and are positioned to deliver sustainable solutions rather than one-time interventions.
This year, Share Food Program celebrates 40 years of serving communities across our region. We have weathered significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, federal funding reductions, and changes to SNAP benefits. Our longevity and impact are made possible by corporate partners who have stood with us through moments of challenge and uncertainty. Together, we demonstrate how sustained partnership can drive lasting change in the fight against hunger.
Upcoming Event
State of CSR: Raising the Standard for Civic Engagement in the Region
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 8:30 AM — 10:30 AM | Cencora
Join us for an interactive program exploring CSR as a key business function that advances civic leadership and social impact. Delve into regional trends, gain insight from a panel of CSR leaders, and discuss practical approaches to strengthening your company’s CSR strategy with civically-minded professionals.
