Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Striving to make Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion a priority for our region’s business community
The Chamber positions diversity, equity, and inclusion as critical for business maturation and growth. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative accelerates economic competitiveness, builds a stronger business climate, highlights diverse employee populations, and promotes economic inclusion and growth throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.
QUICK LINKS
DIVERSE PROCUREMENT COLLABORATIVE NETWORK (DPCN)
Delve into the essential work being done through the DPCN to spur regional investment in small, Black- and brown-owned businesses by building a community of business leaders committed to establishing more inclusive procurement practices.
News & Perspectives
Recognizing Women’s History Month: Featuring Sherri King Parente
In celebration of Women's History Month, the Chamber is proud to shine a light on a women leader and trailblazer from our member company who embodies the strength, vitality, and growth of the Greater Philadelphia region.
Recognizing the 2026 Recipients of the Paradigm Scholarship for Working Women
The Chamber is proud to announce the 20 recipients of the 2026 Paradigm Scholarship for Working Women, which provides $5,000 toward their undergraduate degrees.
Recognizing Black History Month: Featuring Sonia DeVan
In celebration of Black History Month, the Chamber is proud to shine a light on Black leaders and trailblazers from our member companies who embody the strength, vitality, and growth of the Greater Philadelphia region.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative
The Chamber, in both its values and practices, is committed to the inclusion of all diverse people irrespective of differences. There shall be no barriers to any activity of the Chamber due to economic position, gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. We recognize that diverse perspectives are important and necessary for responsible and representative decision-making. We believe inclusiveness is a fundamental principle of every organization that enhances its ability to respond more effectively to changing demographics and needs. We affirm our commitment to reflecting the diversity of the Greater Philadelphia region and the members of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.
DEI VISION
The Chamber’s DEI initiative focuses on economic competitiveness, economic inclusion, and building a stronger business climate based on three key focus areas while highlighting diverse employee populations that are underrepresented in the region.
DEI FOCUS AREAS
- Workplace: Advocating for and adopting policies and practices that include people who have historically been absent from your organization.
- Workforce: Amplifying concerted effort to recruit qualified employees from traditionally underrepresented groups.
- Marketplace: Growing the presence of minority-owned enterprises and consumers in the regional economy and activating the enormous purchasing power of minority groups.
DEI STATEMENT
Creating an inclusive and equitable environment that engages individuals reflective of the full spectrum of our region strengthens our organizations and is key to the success of Greater Philadelphia as a whole.
DEI COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The DEI Committee is responsible for advising and supporting the development and implementation of DEI programs and initiatives to elevate member retention and recruitment strategies, as well as advising and assisting with the continued evolution of the Chamber’s DEI standards.
Chair
Marc Coleman
President & CEO
The Tactile Group
Vice Chair
Susan Jacobson
President
Jacobson Strategic Communications
Robert W. Bogle
President & CEO
Philadelphia Tribune Company
James Burnett
Executive Director
VestedIn
Larry Dubinski
President & CEO
The Franklin Institute
Kim Fraites Dow
CEO
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania
Ric Harris
President & General Manager
NBC 10 and Telemundo 62
Marc Helberg
Managing Vice President
Pariveda Solutions
Lisa Hughes
Publisher
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Lawrence James
President & CEO
Connexus Technology
Leone Jackson (YPC Representative)
Senior Community & Citizenship Program Specialist
Turner Construction
Philip Jaurigue
Chairman & CEO
Sabre Systems
Teresa Lundy
Principal
TML Communications
William (Bill) Marrazzo
President & CEO
WHYY
Sam Patterson
Chairman
TeleCaas, LLC
Angelo R. Perryman
President & CEO
Perryman Building and Construction Services
Sulaiman Rahman
CEO
DiverseForce
Shawnna Regan (YPC Chair)
Diversity & Inclusion Manager
Buchanan Ingersoll
Gregory Reaves
Co-Founder & Principal
Mosaic Development Partners
Travis Rhodes
Executive Vice President / Regional President
Truist
Kate Ro
Senior Vice President & General Counsel
NJM Insurance Group
Kate Shields
CEO
Vault Communications
Susanne Svizeny
Chairman & CEO
OceanFirst Bank
Lin Thomas
Chairman & CEO
EMSCO Scientific Enterprises, Inc.
Chellie Cameron (ex-Officio)
President & CEO
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY
As part of the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, our volunteer leaders have made a commitment to listen, learn, and act to build a more equitable and diverse business community.
Programs
CEO ACCESS NETWORK
The CEO Access Network was launched to grow and advance minority businesses, actuate inclusive economic prosperity in our city and region, and to continue diversifying the Chamber’s leadership and membership. Established C-Suite executives, many of whom are on the Chamber’s Board and Executive Committee, are matched with diverse (disability-, LGBTQ-, minority-, veteran-, and woman-owned) small business leaders (owners, founders, or presidents) to build relationships, offer counsel, and provide networking and business development opportunities. Learn more ›
DEI FORUM SERIES
The Chamber’s DEI initiative is designed to offer practical strategies to position diversity as the centerpiece of business strategy for growth in three target areas: workplace, workforce, and marketplace. Using this framework, the Chamber’s DEI programming addresses how diversity is fueling greater innovation and economic competitiveness in the region and how DEI can enable organizations to recognize this potential and be more intentional with including diverse employees and businesses at the table. Through four annual programs, a featured speaker or high-level panel will discuss key topics affecting the DEI landscape.
DEI ROUNDTABLES
Since 2018, the Chamber’s DEI initiative has offered intimate DEI roundtables for Chamber members to confidentially discuss workforce, workplace, and marketplace best practices and challenges to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in their organizations.
We thankfully acknowledge PECO and the Wells Fargo Foundation for their dedication and investments in the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative.
Research, Resources, and Publications
Diverse Procurement Collaborative: At a Glance
Evaluating Equity: A Study of Diversity and Inclusion in Greater Philadelphia’s Business Community
