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Recognizing Donavan Sterling West on the Occasion of His Appointment as President of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
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WHEREAS, On October 15th, Donavan Sterling West will start his new position as the President of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware; and
WHEREAS, The African-American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware (AACC) is a membership organization that serves businesses in the public, private and independent sector. The AACC is committed to supporting the economic empowerment and growth of African-American businesses, specifically located in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Northern Delaware; and
WHEREAS, The AACC’s purpose and goals are to improve economic conditions within the regional African-American community, further the interests of businesses by responding to the needs of the business community, and serve as an advocate to increase economic opportunities for the African-American community; and
WHEREAS, The AACC hosts various types of programming for its members, with the hopes of ensuring access, increasing education, and cultivating community. Examples of their signature programming include their supplier development program, which aims to grow more businesses and serves the needs of businesses looking to improve and grow their supplier diversity spend, and the AACC Speaker Series, which provides attendees with advice and the opportunity to learn about various industries within the region from successful leaders in business; and
WHEREAS, Donavan West, the new President, is from Philadelphia, graduating from Northeast High School in 1992 before earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Justice and Minority Studies from The Pennsylvania State University in 1996. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University in 2011. Mr. West recently participated in DiverseForce On Boards’ Board Leadership and Governance Program at the University of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, While also earning his degrees, Mr. West also served as a Business Service Specialist at Educational Data Systems, Inc., then as Director of Programs and Chief Operating Officer for People for People, Inc. In 2003, West founded Multimedia MD (Marketing Diversity), a company that helps other businesses in providing strategic and forward-thinking business practices related to workforce and professional development, executive coaching, and business and system process efficiencies; and
WHEREAS, West was honored as a Made Man Philadelphia honoree and Young Black and the Gifted Philanthropist of the Year in 2017. Additionally, he was a keynote speaker at Penn State University’s Annual Diversity Luncheon, GlaxoSmithKline’s Business Experience Education Program, and State Representative Curtis Thomas’ Community Youth Awards Ceremony; and
WHEREAS, West’s appointment to the AACC is significant and worthy of congratulation because of the critical role the Chamber plays in supporting business ownership and economic success. Per Pew Charitable Trust’s State of the City 2019 report, 76.6% of businesses in Philadelphia are owned by White people, while only 2.5% of business are owned by Black people. Therefore, the progression and success of the AACC contributes to the progression and success of Black businessowners in Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize and congratulate Donavan Sterling West on his appointment as President of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
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