2021 DRUM MAJOR honorees - "WOMEN OF DISTINCTION"

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               DRUM MAJOR AWARD                                           

                              for            

               Equality and Justice

Stanford Pediatric Surgery, LLC

Board certified by the American Board of Surgery in both pediatric and adult general surgery and a healthcare advocate.

She is the Founder of The Black Doctors 

COVID-19 Consortium, BDCC

The first African-American woman to complete her training at University of Pittsburgh. • One of two first African-American women pediatric surgeons  to complete her Pediatric Surgery fellowship in North America.

                DRUM MAJOR AWARD                                           

                                for           

          Persevere and Achievement

- Philadelphia Fire Department -

The first female Fire Lieutenant to Engine 50 in North Philadelphia, one of the busiest engine companies in the 

United States.

The first African American female Fire Captain in the Philadelphia Fire Department.

On September 29, 2020, made history again by becoming the first African American female Fire Battalion Chief in the Philadelphia Fire Department’s 149 years.

               DRUM MAJOR AWARD 

                                for

            Labor Equality and Justice

President, Philadelphia Coalition of Labor Union Women  (Philly CLUW)

Pennsylvania State Vice President, CLUW

Staff Representative, AFSCME 

District Council 88

Works with women all around the country on issues pertinent to women and working families, lobbying legislators on the importance of paid leave, rallying to close the gender pay gap and participating in community service work projects. 

An advocate for Women’s Rights, Fair Working Conditions, and the Philly CLUW Liaison for PATC The Philadelphia Anti Human Trafficking Coalition.

GEORGE MATYSIK

Executive Director

               DRUM MAJOR AWARD                                 

                              for            

             Humanity and Caring

Share Food Program is the largest-serving hunger relief organization in the Philadelphia region, and one of the largest independent food banks in the nation. Before the Covid-19 crisis began, Share distributed food to 700,000 neighbors in need each month, 36% of whom were children, and 12% of whom were seniors. The need has risen sharply since early 2020—Share now serves more than 1 million each month.

Share Food Program leads the fight against food insecurity in the Philadelphia region by serving an expansive, quality partner network of community-based organizations and school districts engaged in food distribution, education, and food justice advocacy.

Share started in 1986 as a food co-op for communities in need of access to low-cost food in Philadelphia. Since 1991, Share has been a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to getting food to vulnerable children, families and seniors in need citywide and beyond to surrounding townships and counties throughout the Philadelphia region.

JEFF HOWARD 

Principal

              DRUM MAJOR AWARD                                                   

                               for            

               Beloveth Community

In 1968, Cedar Grove Christian Academy (CGCA) was born, with 56 students in grades 7 through 9. It quickly grew to provide services to preschoolers and elementary school students, providing the Philadelphia area with a school that would teach a curriculum grounded in the truth of God’s Word. 

Throughout the years, God's leading and provision have been continually evident. Thousands of students from a wide array of ethnically and racially diverse families have experienced the benefits and blessings of the Christ-centered, Bible-based, quality education that Cedar Grove Christian Academy offers.

CGCA has been successful in opening school during the Covid-19 pandemic and collaborated with the King Association to distribute food boxes to families in need.

If you or anyone you know is looking for a Christ-centered school with an exceptional academic level, click below:

ALECIA REID

CBS 3 News Reporter

Alecia Reid joined the CBS3 Eyewitness News team in January 2020.

Before making her way to Philadelphia, Alecia spent six years in San Francisco as a reporter and fill-in anchor for KRON 4 News. She covered extensive breaking news stories including major events that went national.

She got her television break at News 12 in New York City, covering epic stories such as the Miracle on the Hudson, President Barack Obama’s 2008 Inauguration from Washington D.C., the 2010 NYC earthquake and Hurricane Irene in 2011.

One career highlight was seizing the opportunity to share her craft. Alecia proudly taught journalism during the Spring of 2019 at the Del York Creative Academy in Lagos, Nigeria. 

Alecia is a 2-time Emmy nominee and is passionate about giving a voice to people that may not otherwise be able to tell their stories. When not covering the news, you can find her volunteering with a number of charitable organizations.