A message from the Chamber’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Chellie Cameron, to our regional business community as we work together to achieve our Chamber 2028 vision.

Dear Chamber Community, 

Women's History Month is always a moment to reflect on the progress we've made—and the work still ahead—to build a more inclusive, collaborative, and opportunity‑rich region. In Greater Philadelphia, women play an integral role in shaping our economy, strengthening our communities, and driving innovation across every industry sector. This month, I'm especially inspired by the women who are stepping into transformational leadership roles at colleges and universities across our region.

In October, Dr. Alycia Marshall was appointed President of Community College of Philadelphia after a nationwide search—becoming the institution's seventh president and one of the newest women to lead a major higher‑education institution in our region. We also celebrate Dr. Susan C. Aldridge, who in 2024 became the first female president of Thomas Jefferson University. Likewise, at Saint Joseph's University, Dr. Cheryl A. McConnell serves as the university's first female president, bringing more than three decades of higher‑education leadership and a track record of advancing student success and inclusion. And across the Commonwealth, Dr. Neeli Bendapudi, appointed in 2022 as the first woman and first person of color to lead The Pennsylvania State University, continues to bring bold vision and transformative leadership to one of the nation's largest land‑grant institutions. Together, these leaders—and others like them—represent the strength, talent, and vision of women across our region who are shaping the next generation of opportunity. A full list of the amazing women leading our region's colleges and universities can be found below.*

Their leadership also reflects a deeper truth about what drives regional success: diversity is a competitive advantage. When we bring together people with different lived experiences, perspectives, and cultures, we unlock new ideas, uncover better solutions, and fuel innovation. As I often say, if every person in the room looked and thought like me, we'd miss out on all the creativity and insight that comes from difference. Our region is strongest when everyone has a seat at the table.

At the Chamber, our vision for inclusive growth means ensuring every resident has access to an opportunity job—one with family‑sustaining wages, stability, and pathways for advancement. That is why the Chamber is deeply engaged in regional strategies to expand economic mobility, remove barriers, and support systems like childcare, transportation, and education—all of which disproportionately impact women in the workforce.

During Women's History Month, we honor the trailblazers who paved the way and celebrate the women leading us forward today. But we also recommit to the work ahead. Creating a region where every person can thrive requires intentional partnership, inclusive leadership, and continued advocacy.

I am proud to serve a region where women are leading major academic institutions, innovating across industries, and shaping policies that strengthen our shared future. Their leadership inspires us—and reminds us that when we grow together, we grow stronger.

In Service,

Chellie 

Chellie Cameron
President and Chief Executive Officer,
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia

*Full list of women leading Greater Philadelphia's colleges and universities 

  • Thomas Jefferson University, Dr. Susan C. Aldridge
  • Lincoln University, Dr. Brenda A. Allen
  • Montgomery County Community College, Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki Perez
  • The Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Neeli Bendapudi
  • West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Lorraine Bernotsky
  • Bryn Mawr College, Dr. Wendy Cadge
  • University of Delaware, Dr. Laura A. Carlson
  • Peirce College, Dr. Mary Ellen Caro
  • Delaware County Community College, Dr. Marta Yera Cronin
  • Gwynedd Mercy University, Deanne H. D'Emilio
  • Immaculata University, Barbara Lettiere
  • Community College of Philadelphia, Dr. Alycia Marshall
  • Saint Joseph's University, Dr. Cherryl A. McConnell
  • Goldey-Beacom College, Dr. Colleen Perry Keith
  • Holy Family University, Dr. Anne Prisco
  • Camden County Community College, Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett
  • Haverford College, Dr. Wendy Raymond
  • Widener University, Stacey Robertson
  • Swathmore College, Dr. Valerie Smith
  • Penn State Brandywine Campus, Dr. Marilyn J. Wells
  • Moore College of Arts and Design, Cathy Young