Breaking Barriers: An Evening with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker hosted by Jefferson Health and WCD Philadelphia

Last night Jefferson Health and our local Women Corporate Director's group hosted an incredible event at the Honickman Center in Market East Philadelphia where Mayor Cherelle Parker took the stage as the keynote speaker. The evening brought together board members, CEOs, and business leaders to hear directly from Philadelphia’s 100th mayor - the first woman to ever hold the office in the city’s 341-year history. What an incredible gift during this year's women's history month!

From the moment Dr. Joe Cacchione, CEO of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health, Trish Wellenbach, Board Chair of both (the first woman chair in Jefferson's 200 year history) and Denise Devine, Chair of WCD Philadelphia, introduced Mayor Parker, it was clear that this was more than just a conversation about leadership. It was a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and what it really takes to drive meaningful change.

“I didn’t run for mayor to be in the history books - I did it because I like to get sh*t done.”

Mayor Parker did not mince words. She made it clear that while making history is important, it wasn’t the reason she ran. Instead, she’s here to deliver results - to get things done. That pragmatism came through many times in her remarks, from her focus on economic growth to her commitment to tackling public safety and infrastructure issues head-on.

One of her strongest messages of the night? When you get a seat at the table, you need to come prepared. It’s not enough to simply be in the room - you have to prove proficiency, ask the right questions at the right time (even if you need to be a little assertive), and demonstrate why you belong.

Her advice wasn’t just theoretical. It was deeply personal. She’s had to do this her entire career. As a woman of color stepping into a position of power in a city that has never before elected a female mayor, she has faced intense scrutiny and high expectations. But instead of letting that weigh her down, she’s used it as fuel.

“Don’t let anyone throw shade on your shine.”

Mayor Parker’s message about authentic leadership resonated strongly. She emphasized that being direct and honest about your beliefs will earn you respect - even from those who don’t always agree with you. Her advice? Walk your authentic walk as your authentic self. People will notice, and they will mirror that behavior.

For those in leadership roles, this is a powerful reminder. Whether in politics or business, true leadership isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about knowing who you are, owning your voice, and showing up fully prepared to do the work.

Key Takeaways for Business Leaders

Mayor Parker’s approach to leadership has clear parallels to the corporate world, particularly when it comes to breaking barriers in executive leadership. A few takeaways that stood out:

• “When you get an opportunity to have a seat at the table, you need to come prepared.” Success doesn’t happen by accident - it happens through preparation, strategic thinking, and execution.

• “Ask the right questions at the right time, even if you have to be a little assertive.” Leaders who challenge assumptions and push for clarity drive better outcomes.

• “Demonstrate ability, remember who you are, and remember the expectations your community has of you.” Leadership is a privilege, and every leader is accountable to the people they serve.

• “When you’re direct and honest about what you believe, people will respect what you’re doing.” Authenticity and integrity matter more than appeasing everyone.

A Night to Remember

As an executive search consultant, I often think about who gets access to leadership opportunities and why. Mayor Parker’s journey is proof that when women and underrepresented leaders are given the chance, they don’t just take up space - they transform it.

Philadelphia is at a pivotal moment. Under Mayor Parker’s leadership, there’s a renewed sense of momentum. I was humbled and honored to have the privilege to hear her speak in such an intimate setting. Leaving this event, I felt both inspired and challenged. Mayor Parker’s leadership style is bold, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in action - qualities that every leader, regardless of industry, can learn from.

I’d love to hear your thoughts - what role do you think business leaders should play in shaping the future of our cities? Let’s keep the conversation going.

Sunset view from the 15th floor of Jefferson’s brand new Honickman building