Based on what many attendees said as they were leaving the Downtown Philadelphia Sheraton Hotel on April 26, 2025, after the 39th annual Madam C.J. Walker Awards Luncheon–the event was a major hit. Some 780 guests packed into the ballroom at the hotel to celebrate the memory of Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first self-made millionaire, and to also celebrate outstanding women of today.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, PA Chapter, recalled how she used to be a very active member of the group before becoming the Mayor. She also spoke of how we are living in an era of “eration,” emphasizing the “Train Ride” with Sylvia (referring to the first president of the PA chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women) is so significant in my mind because we are living in an era of eration–intentional eration. When you come in here and see each and every one of you participating in today’s event, you are continuing the legacy of leadership that is the result of the train ride. I want to say thank you for remembering the culture and remembering the history. I can’t stop thinking about the women on whose shoulders we stand, who made it possible for us to all be here. As we move forward in our lives, on a daily basis, if each of us fights the fight in the lanes where we serve that are most applicable to us, let us remember that we are not alone. There’s enough for everyone, sisters in particular, as long as we have each other’s back and we remember that there’s enough for everyone–there is nothing that we cannot accomplish together.”
“What an honor it is to stand before you at the 39th annual Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship and Awards Luncheon; to be in a room with so many extraordinary women trailblazers and change makers is truly humbling.”That’s how keynote speaker Autumn Lockwood from the Philadelphia Eagles organization started her remarks. She went on to say, “I want to begin by thanking my family, the one above and the organizers of this incredible event, to allow me this opportunity to share this wonderful moment with you all. Today, we gather in the spirit of the woman who refused to accept limitations. Madam C.J. Walker was not just a businesswoman–she was a force. She saw beyond the barriers placed before her and became a beacon of possibility, proving that perseverance, faith, and unshakable belief in oneself could change the course of history.
Each one of us in this room has faced moments in our lives when we were told, “NO.” Moments when we have felt underestimated, overlooked, or unworthy. I know I have. I am still learning to navigate the inevitable adversity that comes. Yet, I gain strength and determination to push through by praying to God that He orders my steps, seeing and hearing the success of the women who have come before me and the work you have all done to lift other women up. If it weren’t for you all leading the way, we wouldn’t be where we are today. There was a time early in my career when I had solidified my first full-time role, and I was navigating the new responsibilities that came with it when adversity was at its peak for me. I was battling a serious bout of anxiety and imposter syndrome. I had lost belief in myself and my ability to do what I love. My mental health was at an all-time low, and I felt overwhelmed in every capacity. There were moments of tears, frustration, and doubt.”
Lockwood continued, “During that challenging season of my life, I learned to develop a deep relationship with Jesus and stay rooted in his word. I learned the importance of taking care of my mental health and asking for help, which for me included seeing a therapist weekly. I learned the absolute necessity of leaning into your village when you need life spoken into you. I learned that adversity is a catalyst for change, and change is a catalyst for growth. Praying and taking all of my worries to God, fighting and not giving up, helped mold me into the coach and person that I am today. Every season that you experience leads you into the next steps of walking in your purpose. Every season also helps you grow. I’ve been so blessed to become a part of such an incredible organization as the Philadelphia Eagles. When I stepped into this space, I was delighted to be welcomed with open arms by multiple amazing women across all of the departments. We know that it is not yet commonplace to see women in places that have traditionally been dominated by men. A lot of them were the first in their departments, just like me, the only woman in the room. The only woman at the table. The only woman in spaces that would be considered outside of the norm. I can never speak highly enough about the leadership, the people, and the women who make the Eagles organization so special. They are proof that picking the best people for the job and prioritizing diversity helps generate success. As you continue to follow your already chosen paths, I’d like to encourage you to follow these actionable steps. First, in every environment you enter and in every space you take up–you have the power to bring light. Second, when you find yourself in the position to lead, lead as a servant leader. Third, do the work to have a strong sense of identity rooted in who Jesus says you are.”
Autumn Lockwood is the first Black female coach to win a Super Bowl Championship with the Philadelphia Eagles. Autumn Lockwood was named an associate performance coach by the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2023 offseason. She originally joined the organization as a strength and conditioning associate in 2022. Prior to the Eagles, Lockwood served as the director of sports performance at the University of Houston (2021-22) and was the assistant director of basketball sports performance at East Tennessee State (2020-21). In 2019, Lockwood gained her first NFL experience as an intern for the Atlanta Falcons’ strength staff during organized team activities. From 2018-20, Lockwood worked as a strength and conditioning graduate assistant with the basketball program at East Tennessee State. She also interned with UNLV’s football program (2017-18) and assisted in strength and conditioning efforts for the University of Arizona’s Olympic sports (2017). A native of Media, PA, Lockwood received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology from Arizona. She also obtained her master’s degree in sports management from East Tennessee State.
The Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship and Awards Luncheon is one of the Delaware Valley’s most distinguished events, dedicated to honoring the remarkable achievements of African American women and young ladies. Since its inception in 1986, the Pennsylvania chapter has proudly celebrated women who demonstrate exceptional leadership and excellence in their respective fields; while also supporting the next generation of aspiring young ladies through the Madame C.J Walker scholarship program. This year’s Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship recipients are Milan Dukes, Lauren Mahoner, Cameron Price, Rain Smith, Kayla Strite, and Jayla Thompson.
This year’s winners of the Madam C.J. Walker Awards are:
– Dr. Chandra I. Williams won the Economic Empowerment Impact ward.
– Crystal Cubbage, ED.M won the Brilliant Beacon of Education Award.
– Dr. Janine Darby won the Health Hero Award
– Tonie Willis won the Public Policy Trailblazer Award
The 2025 Emerging Leader Award went to Shahirah R. Brown. The Emerging Leader Award is named in honor of the first president of the PA Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Sylvia G. Webster.
Founded in 1981, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. began with 42 pioneering members sworn in by 1982. Today, the chapter boasts over 180 talented members from diverse professions, united in their commitment to being a voice and force for gender equity and socio-political advancement. The organization’s mission is to advocate on behalf of Black women and girls, promoting leadership development and gender equity in the areas of economic empowerment, education, and health.
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