ThisIsRnB had the honor of covering the 8th Annual WDAS 105.3 FM Women Of Excellence Awards Luncheon presented by Xfinity celebrating phenomenal women making a difference in Philadelphia communities, the tri-state area, and beyond. The award recognizes the honoree’s accomplishments and tenacity in fostering attainable positive changes for a better and brighter future for all.
The Women Of Excellence Awards Luncheon was a sold-out inspiring event held at the stylish Philadelphia Sheraton Hotel on Saturday, April 13th. Remarkable ladies of Philadelphia and surrounding areas from all walks of life showed up and showed out. The atmosphere was illuminated with a room full of great food, music, vibes, and love. Beautiful accomplished, extraordinarily successful women adulated their support for each other.
This year’s Women of Excellence award recipients are truly outstanding changemakers who contribute to society in meaningful ways, and impact one community at a time. Their fearless work and tireless efforts truly make a difference in the world. They are influencers reaffirming their talents and commitments, allowing their beautiful lights to shine. Standing in their power, each honoree gracefully accepted their award delivering captivating acceptance speeches and words to live by.
It was the exemplary women in radio who served as organizers and hosts for the event, Loraine Ballard Morrill, Director of News and Community Affairs, Philadelphia Region/IheartMedia Markets Group; Veteran broadcaster and radio personality, Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame inductee Patty Jackson; veteran broadcaster, journalist and radio personality Mimi Brown; and Frankie Darcell a radio veteran, Author and Theater Director. These ladies did an outstanding job keeping the audience entertained and engaged throughout the entire event.
Grammy-winning multi-platinum solo artist, songwriter, producer, fashionista, and icon Jody Watley received the Legend Award, the afternoon’s most distinguished award along with a proclamation presented by Patty Jackson. Watley is one of the music architects of 21st-century Pop/R&B/Dance music and is listed in Billboard as one of the Top 60 Female Artists of All Time.
Grammy-nominated Singer/songwriter, Author, Producer, Manager, Music Icon, and lead singer for the legendary former group “Sister Sledge,” Kathy Sledge receives the Honoree award and delivers heart-warming remarks during her acceptance speech. Kathy had the crowd on its feet as she belted out the all around ‘Make You Feel Good’ anthem song, “We Are Family.”
CEO of Influence Entertainment and Legendary Philadelphia On-Air Personality, Dyana Williams receives Honoree Award presented by Frankie Darcell. The Broadcaster Media strategist producer and cultural architect is also a guest commentator on TV One’s UNSUNG. williams is such a positive force in the music industry.
2x Emmy-nominated TV Co-Anchor of Good Day Philadelphia on Fox 29 Alex Holley receives Honoree Award presented by Patty Jackson. Holley’s bubbly personality shines through in her morning news broadcast along with Mike Jarrick to Delaware Valley with professionalism and pop culture. infused. Holley’s distinct infectious laugh makes the show a pleasure to watch.
Philadelphia local Sheroes were also honored and presented with their awards by the aforementioned radio personalities.
Local Sheros pictured above; Victoria Best, Founder, President and Executive Director of VOUTS (Victori’s UrbanOtreach Tutoring Service, providing educational services to those in need; Bonnie Earl, Manager of Philadelphia Great Family Gathering sponsored by Church Of Christain Compassion feeds over 5000 homeless people yearly; Lurine Jones, Civil Rights Trailblazer as a Coach and mentor for 52 years and helped over r300 students go to college on scholarships while being an activist in the fight against segregation and gender disparity; Alana Lee, Founder of Non-Profit Live and Love Life community Partners.
The afternoon was capped off with outstanding performances by October London, Jon B, and Kenya Vaun, who kept the crowd on their feet.
With title sponsor Xfinity and sponsored in part by Saks Fifth Avenue, Parx Casino, Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer, and more gives credence to the mission of the WDAS-105.3 FM Women of Excellence Awards Luncheon and the Power of Women!
ThisIsRnB salutes these incredible Women Of Excellence. May they continue to build, lift, and be lifted in moving forward with the great work!
To learn more about WDAS-FM 105.3 annual Women of Excellence Luncheon, visit www.wdas.iheart.com
Check the highlights from our coverage of the Women Of Excellence Award below:
