The Chamber is proud to announce the 20 recipients of the 2026 Paradigm Scholarship for Working Women, a merit-based scholarship that is awarded annually to a group of women striving to complete their undergraduate degrees while working full-time for a Chamber member company. The recipients will receive $5,000 towards tuition and course-related expenses required for enrollment or course instruction.
Join us on Tuesday, March 24 for our annual Paradigm Award Luncheon to celebrate their resiliency and commitment to excellence in their own lives, the lives of their loved ones, and the communities they serve.
2026 Recipients
Darlene Adamson
Employer: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
College/University: Drexel University
“My personal goal is to complete my degree, then utilize this knowledge to make a noticeable impact on the shortcomings, limitations, and inefficiencies that patients currently encounter when seeking care.”
Jayda Alexander
Employer: Congreso de Latinos Unidos
College/University: Manor College
“I refused to let my circumstances hinder my determination to show up for myself, my children, my team, and the community. I am dedicated to serving others and as an advocate; my story may change lives.”
Aliyah Baez
Employer: Special People in the Northeast (SPIN)
College/University: Eastern University
“My dream is to inspire and positively impact children’s lives in the same way my own teachers inspired me. Their encouragement shaped who I am today, and I hope to pass that same sense of belief and confidence on to every child I teach.”
Alonza Benson
Employer: City of Philadelphia
College/University: Temple University
“I have a drive and commitment to providing trauma informed care and essential intervention services, ensuring every child has access to stability and safety.”
Xiomara Betancourt
Employer: Mastery Charter School – Cramer Hill
College/University: Camden County College
“Balancing work, family responsibilities, and school has its challenges, but I remain dedicated to achieving my goals and setting a positive example for my children.”
Nakema Craig
Employer: Special People in the Northeast (SPIN)
College/University: University of Phoenix
“I want to help make a difference. I want to focus on helping individuals, families and communities by contributing to overcoming challenges related to poverty such as social issues and mental health.”
Nicole Henderson
Employer: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
College/University: Temple University
2026 JoAnne Epps Memorial Scholarship Recipient
“A Paradigm Woman is defined by her leadership and her commitment to lifting others as she climbs. Winning this scholarship again acknowledges my growth from a student seeking support to a professional who is already delivering a return on that investment.”
Tanja Irby
Employer: Mastery Charter
College/University: Peirce College
“Ultimately, this support will bring me one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a voice for change in the Human Services field and a role model for the youth I serve every day.”
Latasha Jackson
Employer: Merck
College/University: Community College of Philadelphia
“With this support, I can progress toward becoming a full-stack engineer and mentor upcoming Merck interns pursuing STEM careers.”
Kareema Martin
Employer: Free Library of Philadelphia
College/University: Community College of Philadelphia
“No matter the trail, tribulation, or barrier thrown to stop me, I will not stop until I make a significant, and powerful change within the city of Philadelphia. Receiving this scholarship only helps to affirm my resilience that I will not give up.”
Gelea Matthews
Employer: Merck
College/University: Southern New Hampshire University
“As a first-generation college student, I am breaking barriers and creating a path for others, despite the challenges of balancing a demanding career and full-time studies.”
Adrienne McGill
Employer: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
College/University: Peirce College
“Receiving my diagnosis shook me and made me question whether I had the strength to continue my studies. However, I realized that walking away would mean giving up on my future, and I chose to keep moving forward”
Desiree McNeill
Employer: Greene Towne Montessori School
College/University: Community College of Philadelphia
“I love children, and receiving a scholarship to achieve a bachelor’s degree would enable me to learn more about their developmental needs.”
Monica Morales
Employer: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
College/University: La Salle University
2026 Amoore Scholarship Recipient
“[This scholarship] helps me continue progressing toward becoming the nurse these children and families deserve—someone who can advocate, educate, and provide meaningful support during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”
Kellee Mullen
Employer: Independence Blue Cross/Keystone
College/University: University of Phoenix
“My journey has been about putting one foot in front of the other learning, growing, and showing up when the path is not clear. I want to lead in ways that help people feel seen, supported, and empowered to move forward.”
Shyla Pelletier
Employer: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
College/University: Northeastern University
“As a full-time employee and single mother, I take pride in showing my son that it is never too late to change careers or pursue new goals.”
Vanessa Rugys
Employer: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
College/University: Southern New Hampshire University
“My dream is to get into policy on a local level to enact change people can feel in their lives. My work, education, and life goals define who I am: an actively involved citizen with a deep commitment to advancement for myself and the people I serve.”
Joyce Silva-Netto
Employer: City of Philadelphia
College/University: Temple University
“By supporting me through my education, this scholarship will bring me one steps closer to achieving my career goals in accounting and giving back to my community.”
Myeesa Thompson
Employer: University of Pennsylvania Health System
College/University: La Salle University
“Nursing is more than a career to me—it’s a calling rooted in empathy, dedication, and perseverance. Receiving this scholarship would not only help ease my financial burden but also serve as recognition of the determination and strength it has taken to continue moving forward toward my goal.”
Sarah Wilkins
Employer: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
College/University: Thomas Jefferson University
“The scholarship will allow me to further invest in experiences that strengthen my skills and knowledge, ultimately preparing me to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.”
The Paradigm Award and Scholarship Committee includes impactful business leaders in the Greater Philadelphia region, chaired by 2024 Paradigm Awardee Joan Waters, CEO, Waters Strategic Advisors.
Support the career aspirations of professional women in our region with a tax-deductible donation through the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia Regional Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization.
2026 Paradigm Award Luncheon
Celebrate the most prestigious award for professional women in Greater Philadelphia — the Paradigm Award. Please join us in recognizing the achievements of 2026 honoree, Ellen Cooper, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lincoln Financial, as well as this year’s Paradigm Scholarship for Working Women recipients.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM | The Grand Belle at The Bellevue
