Recognizing and honoring Rhonda Willingham, president and founder of MenzFit, for aiding in the employment of thousands of men across the City, and for hosting the annual Philadelphia City Council "Who Wore It Best" fashion show.

WHEREAS, MenzFit is a non-profit organization that strives to influence positive change within the community by providing financial literacy and career development services, along with professional interview attire. Their mission is to assist low-income men with long-term, rewarding employment; and

WHEREAS, The organization originated in Washington, DC in 2001. In June of 2007, MenzFit opened a location in our City of Brotherly Love. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency noticed MenzFit’s advocacy endeavors and funded their move to Philadelphia with a $250,000 grant; and

WHEREAS, MenzFit was founded by Rhonda Willingham, a Philadelphia native. Before starting the organization, Willingham worked at the Department of Labor with the Clinton & Gore Administration. Serving as an appointee, Willingham had a focus on public affairs and community outreach. She is a recipient of Philadelphia’s own WDAS FM radio’s “Women of Excellence Award” and she was named a “local hero” when receiving Bank of America’s “Neighborhood Excellence Award;” and

WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, MenzFit has helped more than 6,100 men compete for jobs and has created more than $54,000,000 in taxable income. The organization is not only a non-profit, but also a movement to support the underrepresented men living in low-income inner cities and helping them realize and exercise their greater personal liberty; and

WHEREAS, MenzFit offers workshop series with various focuses, such as business etiquette and communications, diversity awareness, and tips on how to get through an interview with ease. Their wide range of services allows clients to excel in the professional world while obtaining self-sufficiency; and

WHEREAS, MenzFit also hosts several events across the City to raise money to aid in their efforts to get men employed. One of those events is a “Who Wore It Best” fashion show, that features models from Philadelphia City Council. MenzFit’s 2016 fashion show featured Councilmembers Jones, Green, Oh, Squilla and Henon. The 2017 fashion show will feature styles from the women of Philadelphia City Council; and

WHEREAS,

Job hunting is extremely challenging for most people. However, it is more demanding when a job applicant lacks confidence, or is unable to present what is considered an acceptable business image for employment.

MenzFit has proved to be the leading Philadelphia organization of its kind by taking an active and innovative role in assisting the underserved population, especially in this increasingly competitive job market; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED,

BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it

hereby recognizes and honors Rhonda Willingham, president and founder of MenzFit, for aiding in the employment of thousands of men across the City, and for hosting the annual Philadelphia City Council “Who Wore It Best” fashion show.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Rhonda Willingham and MenzFit as further evidence of the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.

End