2019-2022 An Artistic Journey to Chartering

2019-2022: An Artistic Journey to Chartering the Philadelphia Pierians

Welcome!

Welcome to Historic MotherBethel!

Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D.
52nd Pastor, Mother Bethel A.M.E.

&

Mrs. Leslie Patterson-Tyler
First Lady, Mother Bethel A.M.E.

Meet the Mural City Muses-
Now Known as the

Philadelphia Pierians!

Muse Valerie D. Allen

Dr. Valerie Dorsey Allen grew up at Freedom Theatre. Her stepfather
was one of its co-founders. She quickly discovered a love for the stage,
the theatre games, and the way you could take on characters and for a
moment be someone else. Freedom Theatre boasted of 90% of its
students going on to college and so did Valerie. She majored in
Criminology and then Social Work.
It was during her doctoral studies that she combined her love for theater with her
passion for transforming children’s lives. Her dissertation and research has been in
edutainment, the use of live dramatic plays, as an intervention for adolescents
exposed to community violence. Besides theater, she is also a quilter and published
poet. She has two adult children who are pursuing their creative dreams. Her
daughter is a stage manager on and off Broadway and her son is a signed recording
artist in LA. Dr. Allen is the director of Penn’s African-American Resource Center
and a lecturer in Penn’s School of Social Policy and Practice.

Muse Ma'isha Aziz

Ma’isha L. Aziz has been a trailblazer her whole life, having graduated from high
school at the age of 16, college at 20, law school at 23, and the owner of her own
law firm by the age of 27. Fourteen years later, in 2014, she was elected as a Judge
to the Municipal Court of Lawnside, which she served until 2021. Ms. Aziz is
licensed to practice law in Maryland and New Jersey.
Ma’isha is very active in the community—she is the Region 2 Adult
Representative for the National Youth Works Committee of the NAACP. A
member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for over 25 years, she is the
Social Action chair of the New Jersey Garden City Alumnae chapter. She is also
the NAACP NJ State Conference and NAACP Camden County East Youth
Works Chair, and the advisor for the award-winning NAACP Camden County
East Youth Council. Ma'isha's son, Mansa Aziz, is a recent Morehouse College
graduate making inroads in the film and television industry.

Muse Sheila D. Booker

A Philadelphian, Ms. Booker graduated from Philadelphia High School for Girls, studied Music
Education (organ concentration) at West Chester University, and transferred to Temple
University in Music Education with a concentration in Voice, later switching to Vocal
Performance. She began piano studies at the age of six and later moved to organ, studying with
Dr. J. Edward Hoy at Settlement Music School.She began accompanying choirs at twelve as the
pianist for her mother’s Children’s Choir at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.Over the years Ms. Booker
has been organist/choir director at several local churches including Vine Memorial Baptist, St.
Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran, and St. George-St. Barnabas Episcopal Churches. In addition to
extensive workshop presentations, Ms. Booker has been a choral music specialist at
Philadelphia’s Germantown High, Penn-Alexander, and Central High Schools.
She also held the position of Outreach Coordinator/Recruiter for the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Men’s Chorale.
Additionally, Ms. Booker is a long-time member of the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference / Organists-
Choir Directors’ Guild Workshop’s music staff. She has been Music Director for several organizations, including
The 1st Episcopal District and the Philadelphia Conference of the A.M.E. Church. She directs special music at
United Lutheran Seminary and has produced Black Sacred Music Concerts for their annual Preaching With Power
series. Ms. Booker’s background in choral preparation and administration include “The Heavens are Telling,”
“Gospel Meets Symphony” (with Marvin Sapp & the Philadelphia Orchestra), and “The Passion of Octavius Catto,”
all at Philadelphia’s Mann Music Center; “A Soulful Christmas,” and “Can You Hear God Crying” at the Kimmel
Center; and The Festival of Families Papal Visit with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Philadelphia Art Museum in
1916. Happily, for the last twelve years she has been Music Director of “Sounds of Joy,” a sacred choral music
ministry specializing in music composed or arranged by African Americans.

Muse Karima I. A. Bouchenafa

Karima I. A. Bouchenafa, a native Philadelphian, is the Assistant Director of the Philadelphia University
Honors Institute at Thomas Jefferson University. She has twenty-two years of experience in higher
education, having served in several administrative roles and as adjunct faculty at various institutions in the
Greater Philadelphia (PA) area, including Community College of Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr College,
Montgomery County Community College, Villanova University, Delaware Valley University, the
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick, where she served as an
Assistant Dean in the School of Arts and Sciences Honors Program. Karima is an alumni trustee of the
University of Virginia, serving as Chair of the board of directors for the UVA IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity,
Equity, and Access) Fund, and she is also a vice president of the Board of Managers for the Associated
Alumni of Central High School of Philadelphia.
Karima is a soprano who has studied voice with Muse Sheila D. Booker. She has performed with Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated's North Atlantic Regional Choir; AKA-Rho Theta Omega Chapter's
choir, "The Pearls," and the chapter's AKAbelles ensemble; The Links, Incorporated's Eastern Area
Choristers; and John Graves Productions's "100 Voices" ensemble. Karima has also been featured in
Genealogy Roadshow on PBS (2015), and served as an extra in The Killer Closer (Glass Entertainment
Group 2019), Higher Grounds Movie (Engagement Studios), "2Nite" Music Video (Artist/Producer: David
P. Stevens/SanctiFly Studios), and The Illadelphia Glow (Renaissance Mann Productions).

Muse Anne Whatley Chain

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Anne came to the Philadelphia area
to attend college and made it her home. An attorney by trade, Anne
began her legal career as a civil litigator at a large Philadelphia law
firm. Later, she embarked upon an extensive career in public service
earning numerous commendations and awards while serving as a
federal criminal prosecutor and, more recently, as a Federal
Administrative Law Judge. Anne is now retired and she continues to be active in
numerous organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Life
Member); The Links, Inc.; the Philadelphia Kappa Silhouettes; the National
Epicureans; Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (Life Member); the National
Association of Parliamentarians; and Our Garden Club of Philadelphia and
Vicinity. Anne loves gardening and floral design earning a Certificate in Floral
Design. She is an avid reader and loves theater and visiting gardens throughout
the world.

Muse Karen Clifford

Karen Richardson Clifford is a graduate of Immaculata College, where she majored in Music with a minor in
Education. Soon after her graduation, Mrs. Clifford began working as a General Vocal Music Teacher with the
School District of Philadelphia while simultaneously pursuing a Masters in Opera Performance at Temple
University. At various times during her 23 years of teaching music in four schools altogether, Mrs. Clifford’s
duties included conducting monthly student assemblies, participating in both the Educational Leadership
Team and various parent-teacher support groups, serving as Building Representative, and orchestrating
Regional Music Festivals.

Having completed a fulfilling career as a music teacher, Mrs. Clifford was recruited by her Regional
Superintendent to enroll in the Administrative Program at Cheyney University. Upon completion of the
program, Mrs. Clifford was assigned to Willard Elementary School as Assistant Principal/Principal before
becoming the Principal at Ludlow Elementary School (where she had been the music teacher for many years)
and later at Grover Cleveland Elementary School. Her administrative success was in evidence as her schools
consistently achieved Adequate Yearly Progress, the core standard of quality established by the state of
Pennsylvania. In recognition of her administrative expertise, addition, she was selected to receive the Rose
Lindenbaum Award for Principal of the Year in 2008.
In addition to a career of over 40 years in education, Mrs. Clifford has actively continued her music career as a
church organist, accompanist, and vocal soloist. Her performances included singing with Opera Ebony, Opera
North, Dramu Opera Company, Philadelphia Gospel Choir (soloist), as well as solo performances around the
country. As a Member of Mural City Muses, she looks forward to advancing the Arts of the African American
Experience with her fellow Pierians.

Muse Felicia Collins

Felicia Collins is a Visual Arts Educator in Willingboro Township, New Jersey
where she has been teaching for over twenty years three years. Educating students
from middle school to high school has been very rewarding. Throughout her years
as an educator she has been awarded Middle School Teacher of the Year from Art
Educators of New Jersey. County chairperson for Youth Art Month where she
coordinated art shows for the Burlington County Visual Art programs.

In the community, Felicia has taken her artistic abilities and applied them to not only education but
within local organizations as well. She currently serves as the awards chairman in her local Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Chapter in New Jers
ey, public relations director for Phi Nu
Alpha Military Spouses Sorority, Incorporated, and volunteers her time at local food banks. After
graduating from Overbrook High School in Philadelphia as an art magnet major, she enrolled in
Kutztown University for Art Education and later completed her undergraduate studies at Temple
University where she obtained her Bachelors in Science. Felicia chose to enroll locally as well for her
Masters Degree at Rosemont College under their Arts and Cultural Management pilot program for
an MBA in the Arts. As the first President of the Philadelphia Chapter, Felicia wishes to build upon
the long tradition of programming, advocacy, and source of support for young artists.

Muse Kealy Dangerfield

Kealy Dangerfield, a spoken word artist, is a native Philadelphian and is
employed as a teacher with the Philadelphia School District. Performance has
always been a love of hers, performing on stage for the first time while still in
elementary school.Throughout her youth she studied voice, piano and harp,
never missing an opportunity to showcase those talents. During college and
several years afterwards, she appeared in both dramatic and musical theater
productions. Since then, she has sung with many non-secular and secular
groups, including the Philadelphia Choral Arts Society, The JGP 100 Voice
Choir and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated choirs, including The
AKA-belles. Kealy hopes that her work with the Pierians will help to support
the arts and create opportunities for others to fulfill their desires to share
their artistic gifts.

Muse Donna Drake

Donna Drake, native Philadelphian, wife, mother, and grandmother is a lifetime lover of music,
dance, and theater. Growing up in a home filled with the sounds of the great American and jazz
standard singers like Simone, Holiday, Vaughn, Eckstine, Sinatra, and Bennet, album recordings
of Broadway Shows, R&B, and classical music (the only music her father could appreciate),
Donna developed a love of music in all its presentations. Her first foray into claiming it for
herself was a very short-lived relationship with the viola as a young girl. Later, her love of dance
led her to become a member of an African dance troupe, The Euri Kibusi Dance Ensemble,
while attending Philadelphia Community College. As time passed, she brought the sounds of the
music she loved into her own home.

While working as an account executive at cable programmer HBO, she was encouraged to become a student of voice

under the direction of The Rita McKinley Pride Vocal Studio, where
she found her voice as a Dramatic Mezzo

Soprano. During her time with the studio, she was presented singly and chorally in concert and theatrical programs.
Additional vocal training and coaching was received as a student of The Eleanor Macchia Vocal Studio where her
studies prepared her for numerous experiences in choral concert presentations of the works of Beethoven, Hayden,
Verdi, and Bernstein, among others, at some of Philadelphia’s premier venues such as The Kimmel Center and The
Mann Center for Performing Arts. Donna is an active member of The St. Cecilia Choir at the historic St. Luke’s
Church, Germantown, The Intermezzo Choir Ministry and a founding member for both The Sounds of Joy and the
locally acclaimed Germantown Concert Chorus, a community of singers presenting works by the classical American
and European Masters. She serves both organizations as President and Business Manager. Germantown Concert
Chorus, a community of singers presenting works by the classical American and European Masters will be counted
among the chorale presenting Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ at Carnegie Hall, NY in March 2023.

Muse Kristina Fripps

Kristina Fripps is the Associate Director of New Jersey Higher Education Assistance Authority,
within the Department of Grants and Scholarships, successfully working within the financial aid
industry for over 25 years. Ms. Fripps is the graduate of Jefferson University and obtained her MBA
from Eastern University. She is the President of the Marshall L. Shepherd, Sr. Alumni Chapter in
Phila., PA of Virginia Union University where she also attended. Kristina serves as a charter
member of the Parliamentarians of Bucks County (PA), Member-at-Large for the NAACP (Bucks
County), and a charter member of Omega Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
Inc.
Kristina’s love of the arts begin at a young age and began singing at the age of 5, as the youngest
member in the church children’s choir. At the age of 8 she began playing the piano to follow in her
grandmother’s footsteps.Later, Kristina would sing before her father preached in church and still
sings today. She has been professional trained and has sang in many choirs and ensembles
throughout her life. A daughter, sister, auntie, friend, and loving dog mom, Kristina’s hobbies
include singing and veracious traveling. As a two-time breast cancer survivor Kristina embraces
opportunities helping other women navigate through their breast cancer journey.

Kristina finds strength in the scripture Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the
LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”

Muse Trenya Garner

Trenya Garner, MPA is the Patient Safety Principal Systems Analyst for the Center
for Healthcare Quality and Analytics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
She is responsible for the management of the hospital-wide safety measures scorecard,
event reporting database systems administration, and the development of analysis
reports for hospital data. In addition, she leads the advisory committee which devises
recommendations for database systems improvements. Trenya has created numerous
user visualization and data collection tools to assist staff with data reporting,
analytics, and interpretation for quality improvement initiatives.

Her role also includes serving as the liaison for external data reporting. Certified in Six Sigma and
Agile methodologies, Trenya also currently serves as an adjunct professor at Saint Joseph’s University
in the department of Decision and System Sciences. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
from Temple University, a Master of Public Administration from Villanova University and holds an
Executive Education Certificate from Harvard Business School. In addition to serving on the Board of
Trustees at Jefferson Health-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, Trenya is a member of the Board of
Directors for Settlement Music School- Wynnefield Branch, the Technology Chairman and former
Arts Facet Co-Chairman of the Delaware Valley Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and an active
member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Omega Omega Chapter.

Muse Nina Grier

Nina Grier was born in Philadelphia, Pa. Staying local to complete her Bachelor of Arts degree
she studied Communications and Economics at Temple University. Ms. Grier spent over 25
years delivering various products to the market for pharmaceutical, healthcare insurance and
communication industries. Returning to Philadelphia after many years, Nina enjoys the city
with all its cultural experiences. While moving back home to “Philly”, she satisfied a need
to embrace her love for art, people, history, and culture and formed Historical Dream, LLC in 2015.
Nina designs and creates iconic wearables and other fun items that celebrate historic
trailblazers. Memorialized in her collection are Frederick Douglass, Elizabeth Keckley, Ethel
Hedgeman Lyle, Phyllis Wheatley, Madame CJ Walker, Absalom Jones, Richard Allen, and
others. “Historical Dream’s mission is to celebrate cultural diversity and its leaders of the past
by paying homage in the present and future”, says Nina Grier. While most of her work is of her
own creation and design, Nina welcomes custom jewelry requests.
Visit her website at: www.historicaldream.com to view the Historical Dream collection. You can
access platforms where Historical Dream products are hosted on: Etsy – Historical Dream;
Instagram – @Historical Dream; Twitter – Historical Dream15; and Facebook – Historical
Dream. You can give Nina a call with your interest in any one of her jewelry pieces or inquire
about custom designs.

Muse Shawana Hart

Shawana expressed an interest in the arts at a young age. Her parents
and family embraced and helped cultivate her talents, enabling her
to explore and develop her love for the creative and performing arts.
She began playing the clarinet and signing in the Philadelphia School
District 7 choir as an elementary school student.
Shawana graduated from The Philadelphia High School for the Creative and
Performing Arts (CAPA) in 1992. Under the tutelage of Ms. LeDeva M. Davis
and Dr. J. Donald Dumpson, Shawana sang, danced, and performed throughout
her youth and as a young adult on many stages. While at CAPA, she performed
during what is now known as Wawa Welcome America Day Festival and the
6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade. Shawana continues to have a passion for
the arts and welcomes opportunities to share her love of the arts with humanity.

Muse Juanita M. Jenkins

Juanita M. Jenkins (She/Her) was born, raised, and educated in Philadelphia, PA.
She exhibits the strength of connectedness with most everyone that she meets. One
of her primary goals is to seek to build community in her professional & social
interactions. Juanita’s love of the arts first emerged as she sang on various youth
choirs in both Presbyterian & Baptist churches. Her love of the theater was also
sparked as she played various roles within her school’s yearly musicals. Her 13-year
exposure to & practice of ballet further deepened her connection to the arts
community within Philadelphia. Juanita is an appreciator of the arts in all of
presentations. She is a RAD woman’s self-defense instructor, marathoner, and a
proud Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and
founding President of the Delaware Valley Section of the National Council of
Negro Women. She is, also, a supporter of various social, professional,
philanthropic associations. Ms. Jenkins enjoys traveling and is a lifelong learner
and of various peoples and their cultural expressions of the art as it is woven into
their society.

Muse Reggie Jones

Reggie Jones has always had a love of art. As a young
person, she found dance classes, singing in various choirs,
and sewing and designing clothes each an important
outlet for creative expression. Reggie continues to find
ways to immerse herself in the Arts by attending
contemporary dance performances, sewing and designing
clothes, and visiting art galleries. As a clinician and
professor, she enjoys connecting others to art through art
therapy. Reggie has experienced and observed the positive
impact of creative self-expression and exposure to arts on
well-being.

Muse Robyn Jones

Robyn R. Jones, MD, FACOG, is an experienced physician with a
demonstrated history of success in the health care industry.
Skilled in the Health of Women, Health Disparities and Equity,
Pharmacovigilance, Integrative Medicine, Life Sciences,
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Equity and Health Coaching,
Robyn is committed to advocating for patient and community
input into clinical research. Strong health and wellness
professional currently employed in the pharmaceutical industry.
Robyn is also the owner of Moody Jones Gallery in Glenside, PA.
Moody Jones Gallery features dynamic works (in various media)
by artists of color.

Muse Cheryl Mallory

My name is Cheryl B. Mallory. I graduated from Johnson C. Smith
University (JCSU) in Charlotte, NC with B.A. in Communication
Arts/Publishing & Graphic Arts. I’ve been in the field of graphic
design for over 30 years. As a graphic designer, I have worked with
several organizations, from non-profits to corporations, as a freelancer
as well as a permanent employee. Presently, I am a Marketing Creative
Analyst with JPMorgan Chase in Wilmington, DE.

I met my husband, G. Wayne Mallory at JCSU in 1983. On August 19th, 2022 we
celebrated 33 years of marriage. We are the proud parents of two girls, Ashley
Jacqueline-Marie (28 years old) and Nia Olivia Nicole (20 years old).I am
presently a member of Millennium Baptist Church; Past President of The
Philadelphia Chapter of the Johnson C. Smith University Alumni Association; a
Past President of Frances E. Edwards #20, Order of Eastern Star; and a member
of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Muse Lorina Marshall-Blake

Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake is the president of the Independence Blue Cross
Foundation, a charitable, private foundation founded in 2011, and the vice
president of community affairs at Independence Blue Cross. In her role with the
Foundation, she leads strategic, programmatic, and operational efforts to fulfill
the Foundation’s mission to lead sustainable solutions that improve the health
and wellness of the community. Under her leadership, the Foundation has
established itself as a collaborator, innovator, and thought leader in addressing
emerging health needs in southeastern Pennsylvania. As the vice president of
community affairs, Marshall-Blake develops and manages relationships with
community partners to advance Independence’s social mission efforts. She is
involved with more than 30 professional and civic organizations, including the
Anti-Defamation League and the United Negro College Fund. She is also an
associate minister at the Vine Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia.
Currently, she serves on more than 25 non-profit boards and committees.

Dr. PatricMe S.uMsaertiPn isaantreixcpeeriMencead rnotinnprofit

scholar-practitioner with over twenty years of experience
in grants and program management in the public and
nonprofit sectors. She currently works for IQVIA as a
Client Services Manager leading a team of grants
professionals assisting the pharmaceutical industry with
their medical education and charitable grantmaking. She serves her
community in various organizations most notably she is the Board
Secretary for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Mercer and
Burlington County New Jersey. She is passionate about helping
youth and adults touched by the adoption and foster care systems.
She believes in the power of the arts to change lives and most
recently has ventured into the study of calligraphy and typography.

Muse Celena McAfee

I am a native Philadelphian who is excited to be a Mural City
Muse! Over the years, I have taken many classes (dance, theater,
and music), but honed my skills in visual arts. These days I use my
talents to develop creative marketing content to build customer
and brand relationships. Some "Fun Facts" about me are:
·I collect dolls and there is at least one doll or figurine in every
room of my house. It drives my family crazy, but they’ve learned to
live with it.
·I went to Overbrook High School with Will Smith.
·My cousin is the late artist, Ellen Powell Tiberino.
·In college, I auditioned to be in the girl group, TLC.

Muse Bernice McIntyre

Bernice McIntyre retired in 2021 with 38 years as a licensed social worker. She holds an Associate
of Applied Science Degree from Community College of Philadelphia, a Bachelor of Social Work
Degree from Temple University, and a Master of Social Services Degree from Bryn Mawr
College and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Administration of the Social Services from Temple
University. Bernice was a Project Coordinator for the Philadelphia Housing Authority for several
years. In 1983 she joined the staff of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. There she worked in
various capacities, including responsibility for managing the social work department and social
work student program. She also worked directly with the oncology, sickle cell, trauma, sexually
abused, psychiatric and burn patients. Bernice thoroughly enjoyed her job and feels that, without
exception, all people should be treated with dignity and respect. In addition, she was the mistress
of ceremony for the hospital’s yearly Black History Week luncheon program.

Bernice is a life member of Rho Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and has held a
number of positions in this chapter, and she is a member of the Eastern Star. Bernice has been an active member in
the community. She served as a board member and co-secretary for the Delaware Valley Child Care Council, board
member for the Department of Human Services Multi-Disciplinary Team, served as a member of the Community
Advisory Board for AmeriChoice HMO, Field Cabinet Member University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work
and volunteered several years at the Bell Atlantic Golf Classic.
Bernice is a member of the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Woodmere Art Museum Chestnut Hill,
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Indoor Plant Society, WHYY, National Epicureans Inc. Philadelphia Chapter,
National Association of University Women Suburban Philadelphia Branch, and Alliance of Black Social Workers
Philadelphia Chapter. She currently serves on the board of the Florencia M. Mack Educational Fund and is a member
of Holy Cross Church. Bernice resides in West Mt. Airy and has one adult son.

Muse Linda Medley

Linda A. Medley was born and raised in suburban Philadelphia.
After graduating from Villanova University School of Law, she
worked for over two decades for the City of Philadelphia Law
Department before joining Truist Financial Corporation in January
2022. In her spare time, Linda serves on the board of several local
non-profits. She also enjoys reading, cooking, watching Hallmark
Christmas movies and participating in community service projects
in the Greater Philadelphia area. Linda is passionate about using
her education, skills, time & talent to be of service to others. Linda
appreciates and values art, in all its forms, for its ability to inspire
and heal others.

Muse Rona Meekins-Crabbe

Rona Meekins Crabbe holds a degree in Business Administration and Accounting. She
has 37 years of service with the Department of Treasury, she serves as the Program
Manager for Campus Examination Department, Memphis/Phila, Campus. In this
capacity, she has oversight of the program activities and functions of the Under Reporter
Operation. Through out her career, Rona has contributed to the success of many new
leaders as she has participated as a leadership coach and mentor. Rona is a Member of the
Bright Hope Baptist Church for over 47 years. Once under the leadership of William H
Gray III. She currently serves as Trustee and Chair of the Finance Committee and
Secretary to the Hospitality Ministry. Under the new leadership of Dr. Darron D
McKinney. Rona has volunteered to read to the elderly for many years now for those

seniors having trouble with their eyesight.. She has delivered and provided, new and gently used books, to
local senior living facilities to be utilize in the community rooms.

Rona has a passion for interior decorating, she is inspired by attractive design and the way it can transform
a space. She has been known to assist friends and family to help them realize their vision for their homes.
It's so gratifying to see the finished product and know that she has helped make someone's dream a reality.
Rona favorite pastime is attending Theatre/Musicals and Concerts. She calls it her brain work out. She
listens to music to improve her health. She enjoys different perspectives and dialogue from the
Theatre/Musicals that allows her to open her mind, hence brain work out.

Muse Leslie Patterson-Tyler

Leslie Patterson-Tyler is the Vice President of Program Communications and Partnerships for The Philadelphia Orchestra and
Kimmel Center, Inc. In her role she provides overall leadership and management of communication strategies for Broadway, KCP,
Education, and Fundraising programs. Leslie also oversees social media and content creation for Campus programming.
Additionally, Leslie identifies strategic partnerships with external groups, companies organizations, and individuals that support
the mission, vision, and values of the organization. Leslie Patterson-Tyler is also the co-owner and Chief Operating Officer of Tyler
Made Media, LLC., a multi-media consulting company that assists faith-based groups, non-profits, and small businesses tell their
stories. Tyler Made Media’s notable clients include POWER Interfaith, Black Bikers Vote, and the historic Mother Bethel African
Methodist Episcopal Church, the congregation to which Leslie belongs and where she serves as Director of Communications. Since
assuming the position in 2008, Leslie’s efforts have resulted in Mother Bethel receiving local, national, and international media
coverage on dozens of occasions.
Leslie Patterson-Tyler’s passion to make a difference is not limited to her own professional career. She has taken that same drive to
make a difference throughout her community, serving in the following capacities: Advisor Sarah Allen Women’s Missionary Society;
Board Member PHL Diversity; former Board Member of the American Red Cross Penn Jersey Region and Sickle Cell Committee
Chairperson; former Board Member and Schools & Youth Activities Committee Leader for the Queen Village Neighbors Association
(QVNA); worked with the American Diabetes Association to create “First Ladies Health & Wellness Tea” in an effort to engage wives
of area pastors to join the fight to prevent Diabetes; elected member of the School Advisory Council of Julia R. Masterman High
School; past President, Meredith Home and School Association; and, former Vice-President of Community Engagement for the Friends
of Nebinger Elementary School. She has become a “go-to” person in the health and education arenas in Philadelphia in helping to
spread messages to various constituencies. Leslie is a graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and studied in the Graduate
School at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, Philadelphia Association
of Black Journalists, The Philadelphia Black Public Relations Professionals, Philadelphia Public Relations Association, Philadelphia
Public Relations Association, The Links, Incl, Delaware Valley (PA) Chapter, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Rho
Theta Omega Chapter. Leslie and her husband, Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D., live in the Philadelphia area with their children.

Muse Meridel Peterson

I am a native Philadelphian. I have been involved in music from an early age dancing, playing musical
instruments or singing. I studied piano and violin and played in school orchestras through my teens.
However, my real love was singing. From elementary to high school, I had always been in school choirs. I
was a member of Girl’s High renown Treble Clef. As a young adult I was encouraged by the late Dr. John
D. Cooper to study voice. I began voice lessons with the late, internationally known concert and opera
singer, Contralto Louise Parker. I have studied over the years with several voice teachers and studied at The
Settlement School for 2 years. I auditioned and was selected as an Artist-in-Residence for The
Germantown Institute of Vocal Arts (GIVA). This was an intensive 2-week classical summer program. I
earned the Institute’s Artist Diploma. Formerly, I was a member of Fiskites Ensemble A Cappella, St.
Cecelia’s Choir at St. Luke’s Church, Germantown, and The Germantown Concert Chorus.Currently, I am
a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church AGAPE Praise Team and Mass Choir, Intermezzo Choir

Ministry, Sounds of Joy A Music Ministry, The Philadelphi
a Community Mass Choir and The 3 Divas. In

2020, along with others, I appeared in the NEWorks Production/Dale A. Mott/Edgewood “I Have a Right
to Vote”. Looking forward, March 6 -11, 2023, I will be a participant, as a former member of the
Germantown Concert Chorus, in a Carnegie Hall residency which will end in a concert.I am a member of
the W. Russell Johnson Music Guild, Inc, Philadelphia Branch, National Association of Negro Musicians,
Inc.; The National Epicureans Philadelphia Chapter; Montgomery County, PA chapter Jack and Jill of
America, Inc Associate Mother’s Group and Life Member Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc Rho Theta
Omega Chapter.

Muse Michelle D. Ray

Michelle D. Ray wants to live in a world where every person is consistently considering
others and “Leading with Love” at the core of their actions. Michelle believes exploring,
creating, and appreciating Art and Culture, in all forms, is essential to understanding and
uplifting our collective experience to promote and contribute to a more beautiful,
passionate, and connected world. Michelle is an educator, mentor, and safety empowerment
expert. Michelle has an exceptional background in leadership development and training,
team building, crisis intervention, and residence life. Michelle is currently the Associate
Dean, Director of Case Management, and Founder/Director of the Inclusive Excellence
Fellows Initiative at Swarthmore College. Michelle also works as Adjunct Faculty at
Community College of Philadelphia, teaching a grant writing course.
Michelle has spent over 20 years serving her community on a number of boards and as a volunteer in many
Philadelphia agencies and organizations. Michelle has many societal interests that affirm her life and she
actively engages her community pursing her passions in preservat
ion of history and culture, eradication of
violence, care and motivation of individuals, and service to civic and cultural organizations. Some
organizations she has been a long-time member include: The Association of Black Women in Organization,
Women of Color at Penn, the Board of Women Against the Abuse, Inc. and she is a Charter member of the
RAD systems, International Self Defense Instructor Hall of Fame and well respected national award-winning
self-defense instructor. Michelle is a child of the most-high GOD and values all her blessings greatly. She is
honored to be the daughter of Ken and Sarah Ray, wife of Lawrence “Tony” Dorman and to have an
incredible family and indelible friends. Michelle believes in lifting others as she has been lifted and is truly
engaged in this way of life in all her endeavors.

Muse Gwendolyn Ricks-Spencer

Gwen is an Ohio native and has been involved in the arts since childhood. She received a bachelor's degree
in Theatre and Government from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts (emphasis: Acting and
Light Design) and a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor
(emphasis: Acting). A former member of Actors Equity, she has worked professionally with the Billie
Holiday Theatre and Negro Ensemble Companies in New York, 12 Miles West in NJ, Michigan Ensemble
Theatre, The Attic Theatre in Detroit, and Karamu House in Cleveland, Ohio. Additionally, Gwen has
taught theater at the college level. She currently directs, and recent productions include, Intimate Apparel
by Lynn Nottage and August Wilson's Fences. Gwen is co-founder of The New Jersey Creative Arts
Collaborative and is a founding member and Executive Director of 4th Wall Theatre, a premier community
theatre in New Jersey. An avid arts supporter, she previously served on the Boards of The Newark
Community School of the Arts, 12 Miles West Theatre, and the Montclair Operetta Club. She also served
on the Essex County Arts Funding Review Committee for several years. Gwen recently served as a
nominator for Theatre Philadelphia. In addition, she is a member of the Board of Directors for the
Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC), one of the country's most prestigious and award-winning theatre
companies. MTC has earned 7 Pulitzer Prizes, 28 Tony Awards, 50 Drama Desk Awards, and 49 Obie
Awards, among many other honors. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
and The Links, Incorporated. Gwen is an Associate Director in Communications for a Big 4 accounting
firm. She is married and the mother of five children. Gwen and her husband, Robert, reside in South Jersey.

Muse Wanda RobertsWanda M. Roberts, a retired educator, has been both a lover and patron

of the arts since early childhood. For years, Wanda sang in her school
and church choirs. Most recently, she chaired the arts program
(September 2018 - June 2022) for Rho Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Because of her implementation of
seventy-five exceptional, creative, and engaging events and activities, the
Chapter was awarded the North Atlantic Region Target 4: The Arts!
Large Chapter Award for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020).
Wanda passed on her love for the arts to her daughter, Lindsay. Both Wanda’s
daughter and son-in-law are currently on Broadway performing in Phantom of the
Opera and Hamilton, respectively. It’s Wanda’s love for the arts that inspired Lindsay
to become an artist. Wanda strongly believes as for
mer First Lady, Michelle Obama,
"The arts are not just a nice thing to have or to do if there is free time or if one can
afford it. Rather, paintings and poetry, music and fashion, design and dialogue, they
all define who we are as a people and provide an account of our history for the next
generation.”

Muse MarvaLisa Scott

MarvaLisa F. Scott is a semi-retired Information Technology (IT) professional with over
thirty years of experience in the health, financial, and sales environments. She is a
strategic, collaborative leader and consensus builder for achieving objectives, assuring
compliance with organizational requirements, and supporting organizational growth.
Her interest in the Arts began at a very early age through her mother exposing her to
various venues such as the Detroit Symphony performances, Tony’s School of Dance
(ballet and tap dancing), exploring museums and other art forms. This exposure led her
to performing in an African dance troupe in the Central Jersey area during 1980’s. She
enjoys working on art & crafts projects, the culinary art of baking, attending live musical
and theatrical performances, literature and the cinema, and the visual arts of painting
and sculpture. MarvaLisa holds a BBA in Accounting and an MBA in Technology
Management. She is past President of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, Inc., member of The Links, Incorporated, NCNW, is a Registered
Parliamentarian and member of the National Association of Parliamentarians. She
resides in the MountAiry section of Philadelphia and is a member of EnonTabernacle
BaptistChurch.

Muse Vanessa Thomas-Smith

A native Philadelphian, Vanessa graduated from The Philadelphia High School for Girls (217) at age 16 and then
received a B.F.A. in Dance Performance/ Education from Temple University. She is a former dancer with the
Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO) and spent 3 years as a singer/dancer and supervisor at Walt Disney
World. She later joined Ringling Bros. & Barnum Bailey Circus which began a career spanning 18 years in American
Circus. She has performed in numerous circuses including the New York based Big Apple Circus. While at Big Apple
Circus, she performed as the First African-American Female Ringmaster in American Circus History. In 1997, Vanessa
joined the administrative staff of the UniverSoul Circus as Talent Coordinator and Performance Director. She has
appeared in movies, HBO specials, the Grand Re-opening of NY Famous Grand Central Terminal as an aerialist in 1998
and has traveled to 48 of the 50 United States of America. Upon returning to Philadelphia, she re-joined
PHILADANCO as Managing Director/General Manager.

She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Rho Theta Omega Chapter, The Links Incorporated,

Montgomery County (PA) Chapter, The Philadelphia Northeasterners, The Alumni Associations of The Philadelphia High

School for Girls, Temple University, CCior-cVuPs AofrtDs e&veCloopmmmeunnt iftoyrBToha
erdIvMy LemegbaecryfFooruWndHaYtiYon. ,APtatshteTHreiastsourriecrMfoortCheirrcBadetiuhmel,
a certificate program for students of

AME Church, Vanessa is a member of Exalt & Praise Dancers, Senior Usher Board, mentor to the Junior Usher Board, The

Lay Organization and the Food Ministry.In October 2008, Ms. Thomas Smith was selected as a Distinguished Daughter of

The Philadelphia High School for Girls. Also in 2008, she was extremely excited to be part of the production staff of the

Apollo Big Show Circus, the first circus to be presented in the World Famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY. With its

Grand Opening in October 2013, Vanessa’s ringmaster top hat and tails served as a centerpiece in an exhibition and

documentary entitled The Uncle Junior Project at the African American Art and Culture Complex in San Francisco, CA;

the exhibit and documentary are powerful exposés in celebration of the history of blacks in the American Circus. Vanessa is

currently writing a book about her life in the Circus.

Muse Damali Stansbury

Damali Najuma Stansbury is a resident of Philadelphia,PA and works as a
Licensed Social Worker for Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates after
23+ years in the Hotel and Convention industry, including the Philadelphia
Convention & Visitors Bureau. Damali developed a love for amateur
photography and crochet at an early age. Damali is also an "appreciateur" of
various art forms.

Damali Najuma holds a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's of Social
Work from Temple University, as well as a Bachelo'rs of Hotel and
Restaurant Management/Business Administration from Drexel University.
She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Gamma Nu Zeta Chapter,
and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women-Pennsylvania Chapter, and
is a congregant at The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas.

Muse Sharritha Thigpen-Prater

Sharritha Thigpen-Prater is a Mississippi native who resides in Philadelphia, PA. Although
her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist has been rewarding, the arts is truly her first
love. She began learning classical piano at age 7 and was a church pianist by the age of 12. She
also played the organ, flute, and xylophone. She used her singing talent to earn a college
choir scholarship, to go along with an academic scholarship. She got bite by the acting bug
later in life, and it has truly enriched her life. She has been a vocalist, lead actress, supporting
actress, and production staff member for theatrical and live music performances. Some of
her credits include Laurel Little Theatre (D​ reamgirls- “Deena”); Priest Tyaire Productions
(“Why Women Cheat”, “Why Men Cheat”, “T​he Wrong Shade of Black”​ ,

“Mrs. Independent”;​John Graves Productions (“The No Name Play”, “The No Name Play 2”, “JGP’s 100
Voices”, “Christmas with JGP”);​Jireh Productions gospel musical, “Tragedy to Triumph”, and was one of 6
background singers on Stacie Yvette Brown’s “L​ ive at Linconia” C
D. Her theatrical credits provided
opportunities to share the stage with Shirley Murdock, Christopher Williams, Clifton Powell, Dave Hollister,
and other talented individuals. She was an extra in the “​2Nite”​Music Video for Artist/Producer David P.
Stevens. She is currently the Music Committee Chairman for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Rho
Theta Omega Chapter, and also serves as the choir director of “The Pearls”, and the vocal ensemble,
AKAbelles. She has performed during local, regional, and national sorority functions and conferences.She is
the Immediate Past President of the Philadelphia Kappa Silhouettes, where she recently completed a 4 year
term. She served on the National Silhouettes of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. Arts, Culture and
Entertainment Committee, and serves on the National Nominating Committee.

1958 2022

Sisterly bonding at





ToAgetMher,awsetecrrepaiteecde!

Serving Our Community...
Through The Arts!





Our Artistic Journey Continues...For The Love Of The Arts!