On Wednesday, March 23rd, the Office of the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Department hosted an open panel discussion with distinguished leaders of City departments at the Mount Airy Church of God, located at 6401 Ogontz Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19126.
Following the invocation by Bishop Felton, the evening’s Moderator, Executive Director of ‘IAmShe’ Nakita McKenzie opened the enlightening discussion with panelist Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, Register of Wills Tracey Gordon, Philadelphia Fire Department Battalion Chief Lisa Forest, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, and Commissioner of Prisons Blanche Carney.
Every woman has a story about her journey to her present life circumstances. The women on this panel are no different…no matter how varied and or tumultuous the journey–they have survived, thrived, and are graciously sharing their experiences with other women.
Each of these women is the first African American woman to serve in their respective positions.
Moderator McKenzie touched on the subject of women’s reluctance to reach out and help other women. “In my field, I am in touch with many women who are interested in getting mentors and have a difficult time finding them,” said McKenzie.
Bilal stated that she is wholeheartedly committed to nurturing the next generation of women to hold the office of Sherriff in the city of Philadelphia. Bilal, a twenty-five-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, is the first African American woman to hold the office of Sheriff in the one hundred and eighty-one-year history of the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office.
When asked about the significance of “Women’s History Month,” Fire Department Battalion Chief Lisa Forest stated, “Women’s History Month is a time for us to uplift and empower each other….telling our sisters that they’re appreciated. A lot of times people are looking to be put on a pedestal; but, it’s really not about that for me. It’s about having advanced standing on the shoulders of those who came before me. Not just my ancestors but all of our female predecessors who led the way.”
Commissioner of Prisons Blanche Carney said, “Women’s History Month is a time for me to reflect on all the women in my family, community, around the country. Women hold so much together…wear so many hats. We’re multitaskers, we support, we console. Just knowing the inner strength that we possess, and knowing the contributions we’ve made to society, is worth celebrating.
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