Celebrating the 2015 United Way's Women's Initiative by recognizing Reverend Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake.

WHEREAS, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) is celebrating the 2015 Women's Initiative Award; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake is the President of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation and Vice President of Community Affairs for Independence Blue Cross; and

WHEREAS, The Women's Initiative has raised more than $3.5 million to support its signature program,

Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow

, a program which helps underserved girls in grades 7 through 12 embrace their leadership potential, helping them to become self-directed, self-regulated learners who stay on track for graduation from high school prepared for college and career; and

WHEREAS, The work of

Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow

has been supported by a number of local agencies that share United Way's commitment to improving the lives of children, including Congreso, Excell Community Development Corporation, Foundation for Pottstown Education,-Pottstown Middle School, Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, Philadelphia Department of Human Services, Girls Track Program, United Communities Southeast Philadelphia, Youth Services, Inc. and YWCA Tri-County Area; and

WHEREAS, The Women's Initiative has offered professional women opportunities to volunteer with agencies that work with underserved girls to develop core values supporting their future success; and

WHEREAS, The Women's Initiative celebrates over a decade of creating exponential impact in the lives of those most in need, carrying out the vision of harnessing the caring power of women, increasing the impact of women donors and growing the number of women volunteers; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing Reverend Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake for her many years of commitment and passion as a pronounced supporter for United Way, using her influence to help progress their work in the areas of Education, Income and Health within Independence Blue Cross and throughout our region; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her position as President of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation and the Vice President of Community Affairs for Independence Blue Cross, Reverend Dr. Marshall-Blake is a true campaigner for empowering women, stimulating change, and improving lives; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Marshall-Blake is also a member of more than 30 professional and civic organizations, including the United Negro College Fund, Urban Affairs Coalition, and the Governor's Patient Safety Authority; and

WHEREAS, The 2015 Women's Initiative Gala will take place on Wednesday, March 25 at the Crystal Tea Room, President of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation and Vice President of Community Affairs for Independence Blue Cross, Reverend Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake will receive the 2015 Women's Initiative Award and presenting sponsor Independence Blue Cross will be recognized for its strong support of the Women's Initiative; and

WHEREAS, The mission so clearly defined over a decade ago remains - to mobilize the power of women to give, advocate and volunteer in support of underserved women and girls; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby celebrate the 2015 United Way's Women's Initiative by recognizing Reverend Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Reverend Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake for her commitment to improving the quality of life for underserved women and girls throughout the Greater Philadelphia region, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End