ph

ila

de

lp

hia

sty

le

® 2

015

, issu

e 2

la

te

sp

rin

gta

mr

on

ha

ll phillystylemag.com

niche media holdings, llc

THE TODAY SHOW’S TAMRON HALL TALKS ABOUT LIFE AT TEMPLE & WHy SHE’S BAcK IN PHILLy

Rise &Shineboss ladieschanging the conversation,

improving our city

special section:

hoW philadelphia’s doctors

are leading in Women’s health

dining out!best all-american eateries

plusD’Arcy F. ruDnAyVictoriA cArtAgenAWolFgAng Puck

Women of Influence

CHANGING

the CO N V ER SAT I O N

We see them on television and read about them in headlines—

but while they are breaking news, they are often making news

of their own. Meet the seven women who are effecting positive

change in Philadelphia right now, from education reform and

personal finance to sustainability programs.

As told to SARAh jORdAN Photography by BILLY ROOd

On the MapMeryl levitz

As president and CEO of Visit

Philadelphia, the marketing agency

behind successful campaigns such as

“Philly’s More Fun When You Sleep

Over” and “Philadelphia—Keep Your

History Straight and Your Nightlife

Gay,” Levitz is a seasoned veteran who’s

busy rebranding Philly into one of the

hottest destinations in the world.

My First Job: I was a sales clerk in a

department store in Chicago, selling

menswear and something we called

“record albums” back then.

On Starting Out: I was teaching

continuing education courses [in time

management and money management]

at the Philadelphia College of Art, now

the University of the Arts, and one

thing led to another—and here I am at

Visit Philly.

On Entertaining Out-of-Towners:

There are so many choices, and there is

something for everyone. It really

depends on their interests and how

many times they have been to

Philadelphia.

Daily Essentials: Green tea and

lemon water.

Silver-Screen Stand-In: Bradley

Cooper, because he is talented, local,

and can play anything.

The Key to Success: Know yourself

and know others.

Overcoming Work Challenges: It’s a

matter of balancing the many demands

on our agency, while maintaining a

laser focus on our mission.

Office Catchphrase: I find myself

saying “Your thoughts?” a lot.

Pet Peeves: I don’t like drama—or

people who use “plethora” when they

mean “myriad.” I have a sign in my

office that says, i am silently correct-

ing your grammar. As a former

English teacher, old habits die hard.

After Hours: I like to get outside for a

walk or a bike ride when the weather

allows. I love to cook while drinking a

nice wine.

Advice to the Next Generation: As

the British said during WWII, “Keep

calm and carry on.”

Collage jacket, Donna Karan New York ($1,495). Saks

Fifth Avenue, 2 Bala Plaza, Bala Cynwyd, 610-667-1550;

saks.com. Top, Brooks Brothers ($90). 1513 Walnut

St., 215-564-4100; brooksbrothers.com. Pants,

Burberry ($750). King of Prussia Mall, 610-878-9300;

burberry.com. Chatelaine stud earrings, David Yurman ($975). King of Prussia Mall, 610-265-6370; davidyurman

.com. Ring, Levitz’s own

phillystylemag.com  95

The Quest for Education EqualityHelen Gym

Community activist and education leader

Helen Gym has been a persistent, powerful,

and dynamic voice in our civic arena

advocating through Parents United for Public

Education, which she cofounded, and her

newspaper, Philadelphia Public School Notebook,

for more support for Philadelphia public

schools and for governmental transparency.

She has served as executive director of Asian

Americans United, founded an arts-based

community public charter school serving

immigrant children, and presses on tirelessly

with her work for equality and access to

quality education.

Morning Routine: I love being with my

family in the morning, that flurry of activity

as my three children rush around. I drag it

out with them as long as I can—especially as

they get older and I realize how precious

these moments are.

Valuable Work Lessons: Meaningful

change happens over time, through

sustained work, deep trust, and a sense of

humility. Some of the problems we’re

tackling in Philadelphia public schools are

some of the most deep-seated challenges that

our nation faces: poverty, race, a commit-

ment to equity, and the role and viability of

public institutions. Anyone selling a quick

fix or simple solution may not grasp the

magnitude of what we need to address.

Favorite Historical Figure: It’s tempting

to look at famous faces—Mahatma Gandhi,

Nelson Mandela, Wangari Maathai—but the

people I most admire are the unnamed

masses who built the movement, people with

the moral character and vision to transform

not just circumstance but the fundamental

ways in which we view one another.

On Perseverance: The civil rights work we

did with high-school-aged Asian immigrant

youth to address an abusive climate at their

school was tremendous. The difficulty of

speaking up for yourself in a new language,

the integrity to walk away from knee-jerk

reactionary politics and move toward

building a broad multiracial, multilingual

standard of justice, the focus on caring and

support within a nurturing community was

one of the most extraordinary struggles I

have been a part of. Today, the school we

work in is significantly better.

What’s Next: The unexpected and joyful.

Dress, Halston ($445). Joan Shepp, 1811 Chestnut St.,

215-735-2666; joanshepp.com. 18k gold dome Albion diamond

earrings, David Yurman ($1,100). King of Prussia Mall, 610-265-6370; davidyurman

.com. Cape Cod watch, Hermès ($3,300). King of Prussia Mall,

610-992-9730; hermes.com

opposite page:

Suede jacket, Marina Rinaldi ($5,255). Saks Fifth Avenue,

2 Bala Plaza, Bala Cynwyd, 610- 667-1550; saks.com.

Top, Hugo Boss ($245). Bloomingdale’s, King of Prussia Mall, 610-337-6300; blooming

dales.com. Sporty pants, Nicole Miller ($290). Nicole

Miller Manayunk, 4249 Main St., 215-930-0307; Nicole Miller

at the Bellevue, 200 S. Broad St., 215-546-5007; nicolemiller .com. Titan bracelet, Vita Fede

($290). Intermix, 1718 Walnut St., 215-545-6034; intermix online.com. Arceau watch,

Hermès ($3,050). King of Prussia Mall, 610-992-9730;

hermes.com. Earrings, Reardon’s own

96  phillystylemag.com

By the BookSiobhan ReaRdon

Siobhan Reardon, president and

director of the Free Library of

Philadelphia since 2008 (and the first

woman at its helm), has reinvigorated

the library system with some tough

love, initiating the providing of free

Internet access at neighborhood

branches and creating its Culinary

Center. This leader is changing how we

think about libraries.

Childhood Aspirations: I wanted to

be a spy—seriously! It was probably the

result of watching too many Sean

Connery movies.

Finish this Sentence: “I find mean-

ing in...”: Deep conversations. I love to

talk to people, ask questions, have them

tell me something about themselves. It’s

amazing how often you can find a

common thread between people.

Silver-Screen Stand-In: How about

Sandra Bullock?

After Hours: I go home, have a glass of

wine, and hang out with my husband.

Favorite Historical Figure: Florence

Nightingale, because she was gutsy,

innovative, smart, thought outside the

box, and established an entire profes-

sion by recognizing a need.

The Key to Success: If you really want

something to work, you have to be

persistent and passionate. For example,

the fundraising for the renovation and

expansion of the Parkway Central

Library came to a standstill until we

rethought how and what was necessary

to excite people about the possibilities.

We [first had] to understand what the

public needed from its libraries before

we could come up with a plan.

What Makes the Free Library

Great: We have a Culinary Literacy

Center where we work to improve the

literacy skill sets of Philadelphians who

are low-literates using cooking as the

medium. We have the largest circulat-

ing orchestral collection in the world.

We have all four Shakespeare folios (in

impeccable condition).

My Legacy: To be remembered as a

positive, upbeat person who cared

deeply about her family, her friends,

and her community.

phillystylemag.com  97

Painting the Town Greenatherine Gajews i

As the director of sustainability for the City of

Philadelphia, Gajewski is responsible for the

implementation of Greenworks Philadelphia,

an environmental plan that has garnered

national and international attention, and has

positioned this town as a leader in urban

sustainability. Gajewski’s persistence, smarts,

and forward-thinking make her just the

person to lead the charge to get Philly green.

My First Job: My first real paycheck job was

as a white-water rafting guide in Colorado.

On Starting Out: I led the grassroots

campaign to advocate for a smoke-free law.

Then-Councilman [Michael] Nutter was the

sponsor of that legislation, which is how we

got to know one another. I supported his run

for mayor and joined the administration. I’m

outdoorsy and a passionate environmental-

ist, so I was a bug in his ear about these

issues. Once he took office, I got to work with

stakeholders and colleagues to help build

our sustainability agenda.

Greatest Accomplishment: Contributing

to this field of urban sustainability. Cities are

always at the center of important changes; in

our generation, they will have to be at the

center of climate solutions, as well.

Going Green in Philly: If we are to make

deep reductions in citywide greenhouse gas

emissions in line with what scientists and

world leaders are calling for, we need to

focus on energy: reducing its use, expanding

energy efficiency, and implementing clean

energy. In Philadelphia, the majority of

emissions come from buildings. We can

make a serious impact by making our

building stock more efficient. At the same

time, we would be improving air quality and

reducing health risks such as asthma.

Silver-Screen Stand-In: I’ll f latter myself

and say Marion Cotillard.

Overcoming Work Challenges: One of

the hardest things is balancing a sense of

urgency with the patience [required] for

long-term change.

After Hours: I go for an evening walk and

cook dinner with my husband, Ben.

Favorite Historical Figure: Abraham

Lincoln. I’m from Illinois, so there was a

heavy focus on him growing up. He was able

to stay true to his convictions [while steering

the] country towards great change.

What’s Next: Continuing to work in and

around government advancing issues I

care about. That, and goat ownership.

Jacket, Helene Berman ($350). Joan Shepp, 1811

Chestnut St., 215-735-2666; joanshepp.com. Dress,

Narciso Rodriguez ($1,195). Bloomingdale’s, King of

Prussia Mall, 610-337-6300; bloomingdales.com.

Embrace stud earrings ($995) and Embrace

diamond statement ring ($1,750), Lagos. 1735 Walnut

St., 215-567-0770; lagos .com. Cape Cod Tonneau watch, Hermès ($3,800).

King of Prussia Mall, 610-992-9730; hermes.com

Building BridgesRosalyn J. McPheRson

As the relatively new president and CEO

of the Urban League of Philadelphia,

McPherson is using her formidable

communication and public relations

expertise to build up membership and

raise the organization’s profile. She is

focused on delivering empowerment

through education, employment, and

entrepreneurship.

On Starting Out: I began as a class-

room teacher (math and history in junior

high) and then joined the corporate

world. My foundation in the classroom

took me into a business career in

educational product development and

sales. I’ve worked in publishing and then

science-museum administration. I also

have extensive experience in the

business of history and legacy.

Finish this Sentence: “I find meaning

in...”: The joy of making things happen

that will impact people, especially when

it is about cultural enlightenment,

inclusion, and empowerment.

Silver-Screen Stand-In: Angela Bassett

Favorite Historical Figure: Harriet

Tubman

Greatest Accomplishments: Those

projects, especially tied to African-

American history, that when completed

were incredibly enlightening and

educational: “The President’s House:

Freedom and Slavery in Making a New

Nation” at the Liberty Bell Center is an

example of a historic site that I project-

managed, and African Americans: Voices of

Triumph was a three-volume book set that

I published while at Time Warner. Fifty

thousand sets were donated to public and

high school libraries around the country.

On Perseverance: My mother, from

sugarcane country in Louisiana, grew up

poor and motherless and eventually went

to college, where she married. Upon

graduation, she traveled alone with a

1-year-old child in 1954, leaving the

deeply segregated South to join her

husband in Japan. [So began] her

courageously international life.

What’s Next: Growing the programs

at the Urban League, ensuring that we

economically empower more people and

enable them to participate in the growth

of the region; more international business

travel; and authoring several books.

Jacket, Eileen Fisher ($378). King of Prussia Mall, 610-768-7150; eileenfisher

.com. Dress, Max Mara ($400). Saks Fifth Avenue, 2

Bala Plaza, Bala Cynwyd, 610-667-1550; saks.com.

Embrace stud earrings, Lagos ($995). 1735 Walnut St.,

215-567-0770; lagos.com. Metal Renaissance bracelets ($975 each), David Yurman.

King of Prussia Mall, 610-265- 6370; davidyurman.com

phillystylemag.com  99

Checks & BalancesNicole lapiN

The youngest news anchor ever at CNN

and CNBC, Lapin, originally from Los

Angeles and now living between New

York and the Main Line, is a finance

expert, special correspondent, and

author. Her recent book, Rich Bitch,

demonstrates why this savvy talent is

injecting new energy and perspective

into how women think about money.

Childhood Aspirations: I wanted to be

an anchor at CNN.

My Perfect Night in Philadelphia:

Dinner at Vedge and a Sixers game.

Finish this Sentence: “I find meaning

in...”: The little things. I took a Russian

literature class in college that had a

“meaning of life” lecture. The professor

said it was the little things, versus big

accomplishments, that make all the

difference in leading a happy, rich life.

Valuable Work Lessons: “No” means

“yes.” Also, work can be fun, and fun can

be work. Embrace the blurred lines and

stop being so hard on yourself.

On Taking Chances: A second date

that started in Bryn Mawr and ended on

a zip-line in Hawaii has been my greatest

adventure so far.

Silver-Screen Stand-in: Newsroom’s

Sloan Sabbith (aka actress Olivia Munn).

Greatest Accomplishment: That I’ve

been able to speak for those who don’t

have a voice, whether it was more serious

when I was in network news speaking

for victims or now speaking for young

women who want to join conversations

about money but don’t feel welcome.

What’s Next: Launching my book, Rich

Bitch, is my biggest project. My goal is to

make young women who break out into

hives thinking about [finances] excited

about money. You’ll see me on TV a lot

more, as Wendy Williams’s “Money

Honey” and as the go-to business

correspondent for The Insider. You can

also check out my AOL show that I

created and host, called I’ll Never Forget

My First. I talk to power women about the

first time they knew they made it. Off-air,

my production company provides

accessible and entertaining money

content. It’s business in a party dress.

My Legacy: I hope to be remembered as

someone who lived a rich, full life in all

aspects of the word.

Top, Helmut Lang ($185). Knit Wit, 1729 Chestnut St.,

215-564-4760; knitwitonline.com. Skirt, Donna Karan New York

($895). Saks Fifth Avenue, 2 Bala Plaza, Bala Cynwyd, 610-667-1550;

saks.com. 14k yellow- and white-gold Omega set necklaces

($695–$1,500), 14k white-, rose-, and yellow-gold Freda ring ($795),

and 14k tri-gold V Simone ring ($300), Golden Nugget

Jewelers. 800 Chestnut St., 215-925-2777; goldennugget jewelry.com. 18k yellow-gold

Juste un Clou bracelet, Cartier ($7,200). King of Prussia Mall,

610-205-0450; cartier.us

Styling by Faye PowerStyling assistance by

Connor ChildersHair by Laura Devlin/

Giovanni & PileggiMakeup by Robby Nelson/

Giovanni & PileggiShot on location at the

Sofitel Philadelphia

Sofitel Philadelphia is nestled between Philadelphia’s French

Quarter and picturesque Rittenhouse Square. The boutique hotel has 306 spacious rooms on 14 floors with 67

suites and one presidential suite. Amenities include the

Sobed Feathertop and duvet sleep system, wired and wireless Internet

access, concierge, 24-hour room service, valet parking, currency

exchange, and pet-friendly accommodations. The hotel’s urban

chic Liberté Lounge offers contemporary French cuisine in one of the city’s loveliest settings. 120 S.

17th St., 215-569-8300; sofitel-philadelphia.com

Law & Order

Risa VetRi FeRman

Next up for two-term Montgomery

County District Attorney Risa Vetri

Ferman is a run for the judgeship in her

home county. After making a mark

early on specializing in the prosecution

of homicide, child abuse, sexual

assault, and domestic violence cases,

she’s been a passionate and respected

DA since 2008. And she continues the

fight for justice.

On Starting Out: It was serendipity.

In law school, I took an internship at the

US Attorney’s Office. It sounded like

something fun I would never do again.

When I got there, I realized this was

what I was meant to do.

Finish this Sentence: “I find

meaning in...”: Keeping kids safe and

helping them find the right path to lead

good lives.

Definition of Power: Being able to

make things happen.

Silver-Screen Stand-In: Meryl Streep

25 years ago; Julianne Moore today.

Work Challenges: A prosecutor is a

minister of justice with the responsibil-

ity to always do what is right. There is

absolutely no place for politics in this

job, yet we constantly fight against

others trying to inject it. That is a daily

battle I am proud to fight.

After Hours: There’s nothing like a

family dinner to help put me back in my

place of Zen. I just miss having all my

kids around the table now that two are

off in college.

Favorite Historical Figure: Golda

Meir, the original “Iron Lady.” She was

once called the “best man in the

government.” She was known as a

“strong-willed, straight-talking,

gray-bunned grandmother” of

the people.

Secret: I wish I could sing. I am,

however, not optimistic about

mastering that skill.

What’s Next: I turn 50 this year, a big

one. Professionally, after serving as a

prosecutor in Montgomery County for

more than two decades, I decided it was

time for a change and a challenge. So I

chose to run for judge in my home

county, a job I would [feel] privileged to

[be able to] do. PS

Dress, Elie Tahari ($348). Bloomingdale’s, King of

Prussia Mall, 610-337-6300; bloomingdales.com. Titan bracelet ($290) and Titan

Asteria bracelet ($410), Vita Fede. Intermix, 1718

Walnut St., 215-545-6034; intermixonline.com.

Earrings and necklace, Vetri Ferman’s own

phillystylemag.com  101