We envision a new kind of milestone commemoration in which every Philadelphian feels included and neighborhoods can benefit from programs that create lasting civic, cultural and economic impact across the city. PHILADELPHIA250 and its Community Advisory Committee care deeply about Philadelphia and the opportunity our nation’s 250th anniversary presents to catalyze meaningful change in our community.
PHL250’s Community Advisory Committee will advise, steward and collaborate on the People’s Commemoration of the 250th. The Committee will connect PHL250 programs to neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia to enhance outreach, foster inclusion and create opportunities for 2026 and beyond.
We do this by building trust and creating pathways for collaboration; providing opportunities for community feedback, partnering on citywide initiatives and sharing economic, civic, and cultural leadership opportunities for the 250th in Philadelphia.
The Committee will acknowledge, embrace and leverage the diversity of Philadelphia – in terms of identity, expertise, and lived experience. We develop trust by building relationships between individuals and groups and developing processes in which all people feel seen and heard. Committee members will listen and learn from one another with a spirit of welcoming and belonging.
PH250’s Community Advisory Committee will grow to include more people each year with 50 in total by 2026. Community Advisory Committee members serve as a key sounding board for PHILADELPHIA250 leadership. We ask advisory members to help in the following ways:
Advise and promote PHILADELPHIA250’s programs and projects.
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Expand outreach networks with residents and institutions to ensure a citywide, inclusive, diverse, and accessible 250th in Philadelphia.
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Attend and participate in PHILADELPHIA250 events. Serve as an ambassador and co-host for programs, ceremonies and community events.
Carlos Aponte
Executive Director – We Love Philly
Hillary Do
Executive Director – Philly BOLT
Bill Rhoads
Senior Vice President – Esperanza Arts Center
Stan Straughter
Chairman – African and Caribbean Business Council of Greater Philadelphia
Cornelia Swinson
Executive Director – Johnson House
Shalimar Thomas
Executive Director – North Broad Renaissance
Noel Abejo
Miranda Alexander
Daniel Bhaumik
Jacen Bowman
Ernie Bristow
Ryan Carillo
Kristen Clark
Scott Cohen
Pamia Coleman
Liam Connolly
Quibila Divine
Ileana Fortuño
Brenda Harris
Lisa Kidd
Georgette Luna
Salomon Moreno-Rosa
Medina Oyefusi
Kenny Peeples
Travis Rosenbluth
Tavis Sanders
Shameka Sawyer
Jon Skivo
Joy Soto
Emily Qing Hui Wang
Lisa Wilks