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Recognizing and Celebrating March 2026 as Women’s History Month in the City of Philadelphia and Championing the Power of Women Who Build Connections and Drive Prosperity for All
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WHEREAS, Since 1995, Presidents have issued annual proclamations recognizing March as “Women’s History Month,” celebrating the numerous contributions women have made to the United States, and acknowledging the specific achievements of women across diverse fields throughout American history; and
WHEREAS, Women of every socio-economic background have made significant, historic contributions to the growth, development, and resilience of the City of Philadelphia, shaping its culture, economy, and society; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia commends the contributions of women in Philadelphia who historically have been underrepresented as part of an ongoing effort to celebrate women of all backgrounds in celebration of Women’s History Month;
WHEREAS, Lynnette Perez, Susan Post, Amanda Garayua, Alma B. Rios, Keisha Hudson, Nashirah Felder (DJ Nash), Jasmine Rivera, Mo McCarty, Erika Nunez, and Natalee Gonzalez are emblematic of women throughout Philadelphia who dedicate their lives to building communities of support and influence, founding grassroots advocacy organizations, strengthening influential community bonds, and creating neighborhood spaces of care and connection; and
WHEREAS, Lynnette Perez has played a crucial role in helping women who face barriers to economic mobility find community and support. Drawing on her decades of experience as a controller, Lynnette founded Raíces Financials, a non-profit that provides financial expertise to those experiencing economic hardship in her community. Through this work and other leadership roles, she exemplifies advocacy for women by helping them navigate obstacles and empowering them through mentorship and shared community; and
WHEREAS, Susan Post, a long-term resident of Hunting Park, has devoted over 20 years as Chief Executive Officer of Esperanza Health Center to improving healthcare access and quality of life outcomes, providing culturally responsive care that dignifies patients; and under her leadership, Esperanza serves more than 15,000 patients annually across three sites through comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, and community health services; and
WHEREAS, Amanda Garayua has dedicated her life towards addressing Philadelphia’s affordable housing shortage, serving as Director of Housing Services at HACE, she has led efforts to empower more than 7,500 households to access credit improvement, homeownership education, foreclosure prevention counseling, and innovative leadership that have led to long term housing stability throughout our city; and
WHEREAS, During times of loss and grief, Alma B. Rios helps individuals navigate these difficult emotions that often lead to isolation. Through her leadership of a grief ministry, she creates supportive, shared experiences that bring the community together. At the same time, as the operator of Amarodez Funeral Home, she demonstrates a deep commitment to ensuring that all members of the community are honored with dignity and care, regardless of social standing; and
WHEREAS, When members of our community are unjustly treated by the criminal justice system, Chief Defender Keisha Hudson steps in to advocate on behalf of these often overlooked individuals, and for over 23 years in public defense, she has fought on behalf of migrants, those wrongfully incarcerated while building systems of support that bring marginalized communities together in the face of injustice; and
WHEREAS, West Philadelphia native Nashirah Felder, formerly known as DJ Nash, exemplifies love and connection by creating intentional spaces of cultural exchange through music that blends multiple diasporas, and she brings these same principles to local communities through her founding of Beats and Babes and Sweet 45, a community-centered space in the 7th Councilmanic District, elevating the voices of women DJs, expanding opportunities in the music industry, and building spaces that bridge divides, strengthen local economies, and bring people together; and
WHEREAS, As ICE unlawfully detains individuals and separates them from our communities, Jasmine Rivera steps in to advance legislation that protects migrants while helping those unjustly detained return home to their families, demonstrating a strong aptitude for fostering collective social action serving as Executive Director for Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition, she strengthens community connection, inspiring meaningful change; and
WHEREAS, Mo McCarty devotes her time to ensuring that women of low socioeconomic status have access to mental health resources that have traditionally been unavailable to them. As the founder of the nonprofit Unorthodox Therapy Inc., she has created a framework that allows women-owned businesses to access mental health care without disrupting their operations. Through this work and other leadership initiatives, Mo fosters meaningful relationships across the community, creating lasting connection, stability, and support; and
WHEREAS, Employing her creative talents, Erika Nunez blends art and advocacy to transcend communities and build coalitions that come together to fight for those facing injustice, and serving as Executive Director of Juntos, she pioneers efforts to uplift immigrant communities by celebrating traditional cultural traditions while remembering those lost to detention and systemic injustice, building intentional spaces of reflection, healing, and solidarity that dignify all who have been lost to injustice; and
WHEREAS, Growing up in Juniata Park, Natalee Gonzalez was inspired throughout her educational journey at Hopkinson Elementary and Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, where she recognized the early need to support multilingual learners. After earning her teaching certification, she has dedicated herself to empowering K-12 students and their families, fostering a sense of belonging, acceptance, and opportunity in classrooms that have historically limited these pathways, embodying inclusion and the belief that all students deserve access to education and the chance to succeed; and
WHEREAS, In light of their collective work and lasting impact, it is important to recognize women such as those mentioned above, whose contributions in Philadelphia have often been underrepresented, and the ongoing celebration of Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to elevate their voices, ensure their achievements are acknowledged, and inspire future generations of women leaders; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and celebrates March 2026 as Women’s History Month and honors the power of women in the City of Philadelphia to who meaningful connections, strengthen communities, and drive economic growth and prosperity for all.
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