Philadelphia’s inaugural African American female fire battalion chief was one of the distinguished women from Philadelphia who addressed a gathering of young girls on Thursday in celebration of National Women’s History Month.
During the luncheon, an interactive session unfolded between these women and over 60 female students from el Centro de Estudiantes and Vaux Big Picture High School.
The panel comprised Black women who shared their personal narratives with a diverse audience of Black and Hispanic teenage girls, shedding light on their trials, tribulations, and eventual triumphs in achieving success.
Arianna Trueblood, a senior at Vaux Big Picture High School, expressed how she found motivation in their accounts.
Arianna Trueblood is a senior at Vaux Big Picture High School and delivered a poem at the Women’s luncheon. (Amanda Fitzpatrick/WHYY)
Trueblood remarked, “The world offers you the opportunity to truly achieve and become something.”
“You carve your own path. Many panelists charted their course, faced challenges, and ultimately… triumphed.”
Battalion Chief Lisa Forrest recounted the numerous hurdles she conquered to become the first African American female fire battalion chief in the 149-year history of the Philadelphia Fire Department.
Forrest urged the teenage audience to safeguard their reputations by emphasizing the importance of making prudent choices both online and offline.
Lianny Santiago, a senior at El Centro, intends to pursue psychology at Rowan College after graduation. She expressed how the guidance she received left her feeling empowered and proud of her identity as a woman.
She aspires to effect positive change in her community. “I gleaned insights into the transformative influence of women on their surroundings,” Santiago reflected.
Lianny Santiago is a senior at el Centro de Estudiantes and expressed her ambition to attend Rowan College to study psychology. (Amanda Fitzpatrick/WHYY)
Nyisha Chapman and Shemesha Burton from the Pennsylvania chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. shared counsel on college applications and combating bullying.
Farida Boyer, the executive director and co-founder of the Black Brain Campaign Association, offered advice on enhancing mental well-being and highlighted avenues for students to access free therapy.
Santiago expressed gratitude for the chance to interact with Boyer, receive guidance, and discuss her aspirations.
“Farida further fueled my enthusiasm, especially considering my pursuit of psychology in college. I am eager to delve deeper into this field,” Santiago articulated.
Therapist Farida Boyer observes as Philadelphia Fire Department Battalion Chief Lisa Forrest delves into her career journey. (Somerset Street Productions)
The special luncheon, orchestrated by Big Picture Philadelphia and 100 Black Men of Philadelphia, featured student performances, a complimentary catered meal, and an award presentation.
Dawn Johnson, the operations director at Big Picture Philadelphia, also participated as a panelist. She aimed to inspire the young girls by sharing insights from prominent female community leaders whom they could connect with.
Santiago expressed satisfaction in attending the event and intends to leverage her experience to embrace new encounters and individuals.
“This event has encouraged me to engage more with other women as I have been feeling somewhat withdrawn lately. It has motivated me to be more outgoing,” Santiago shared.