City of Philadelphia - File #: 220252

• File #: 220252
• Version: 0
• Type: Resolution
• Status: ADOPTED
• File created: 3/17/2022
• In control: CITY COUNCIL
• Final action: 3/31/2022
• Title: Honoring and recognizing the contributions of service worker, administrator, and faith leader, Bonnie Camarda, whose leadership and talent for relationship-building has bolstered the work of Philadelphia's most instrumental public interest organizations, uplifted Philadelphia's Latino community, and empowered underserved populations across the City.
• Sponsors: Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Parker, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Thomas, Councilmember Gauthier, Councilmember Gym, Councilmember Domb

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
3/31/2022	0	CITY COUNCIL	ADOPTED
3/17/2022	0	CITY COUNCIL	Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar

Title
Honoring and recognizing the contributions of service worker, administrator, and faith leader, Bonnie Camarda, whose leadership and talent for relationship-building has bolstered the work of Philadelphia's most instrumental public interest organizations, uplifted Philadelphia's Latino community, and empowered underserved populations across the City.

Body
WHEREAS, Bonnie Camarda was born and raised in Havana, Cuba. She recalls her time in Cuba as one of turmoil and struggle, which is why in 1967, at the age of 15, Camarda and her family left for Spain. The family's departure left behind her father, who had hopes for a better future on their island. She would not see her father again until her return in 1983, and would not return to her homeland until a 2016 mission trip with the Salvation Army brought her back to Cuba; and

WHEREAS, Bonnie Camarda finished her education in Madrid, and later went on to attend La Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, where she graduated with a bachelors in business administration. Following this accomplishment, Camarda traveled to the United States to attend the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1973, just three years after receiving her bachelors, Camarda obtained her MBA in business administration; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Wharton, Bonnie Camarda was searching for a way to combine her skills in business administration with her faith. In 1981, Bonnie began pursuing a masters in divinity at Rice University. While completing her education, she also began to work as a pastor administrator at The Living Word Community Church; and

WHEREAS, In 1983, while working at her church, Bonnie Camarda realized that her congregation served a high number of children but lacked extracurricular camps to enrich their development. She desperately wanted to provide young people in Philadelphia with the opportunity to experience all of the outdoor activities and adventures available just a short drive outside of Philadel...