Moving Philly Forward: A Town Hall

Every day, millennials, Gen Xers and the young at heart are changing Philadelphia for the better. Moving Philly Forward, presented by The Philadelphia Citizen and the Pattison Leader Group in partnership with Young Involved Philly, is a one-day exploration into the new state of Philly.

Moving Philly Forward will shine a light on innovation, advance social good, and create dialogue between our city’s newcomers and those in the establishment and political classes. All events are free and open to the public but seating is on a first come basis.

SCHEDULE:

9:00 am Registration opens

10:00-11:15: Don't Wait Your Turn: South Orange Mayor Alex Torpey

The Philadelphia Citizen CEO Larry Platt interviews the 26-year-old non-party affiliated Mayor of South Orange, NJ. Torpey who defied the political class to become the youngest mayor in New Jersey when he was elected in 2011. His governing philosophy relies heavily on technology to increase interactivity, transparency and efficiency in city services. He is the founder of Rethink Leadership, a nonpartisan initiative that seeks to inspire young and nontraditional candidates to run for public office.

11:30-12:45: Social Good Shark Tank

Jay Coen-Gilbert and Bart Houlahan, co-founders of the non-profit B Lab, interview and encourage five Philly-area entrepreneurs who seek to do good while doing well. (B Lab is the driving force behind the B Corp solutions-based capitalism movement.) The entrepreneurs whom Coen-Gilbert and Houlahan will interview include:

Molly Hayward, Founder of Cora. The company Cora provides women in the U.S. with safe and healthy organic feminine hygiene products in a convenient and customizable monthly box. For every box shipped, a girl in a developing country is given a month's supply of sanitary pads so she can stay in school, play with her friends and be her radiant self every day of the month. Cora is a for-profit, for-purpose company.
Dhairya Pujara, the Founder & CEO of Ycenter. Ycenter is a higher education social enterprises solving problems in healthcare and education in Africa and India. Ycenter's work ranges from creating highly accountable and impactful programs in Africa to providing a hands-on learning experience for university students. 
Lisa Miccolis, Founder & President of The Monkey & The Elephant. The Monkey & The Elephant is a cafe that offers employment along with professional and life skills training to former foster youth. The goal of the company's program is to enable people who have aged out of the foster care system to be fully equipped with the skills and support they need to be self-sufficient and achieve career success.
Steve Cook, Founder of Rooster Soup Co. A partnership between Federal Doughnuts and Broad Street Ministry, Rooster Soup Co. plans to use the unused chicken parts from Federal Donuts to create soup stock for at least one new retail restaurant. Rooster Soup Co. then plans to donate 100 percent of its profits, after operating costs, to The Broad Street Ministry’s Hospitality Collaborative.

12:45-2:00: Lunch

Enjoy some of Philadelphia's favorite food trucks. Tweet questions for the forthcoming panel to@PHLForward.

2:00-3:15: Questioning Authority

Councilman Bobby Henon and David Oh, State Representative Cherelle Parker and State Senator Vincent Hughes respond to questions and comments submitted via Twitter. Moderated by Pattison Leader Group CEO Kellan White.

3:00-4:45: Notes from the Establishment

Political consultant Neil Oxman, Mural Arts director Jane Golden, and entrepreneur/philanthropist Dr. Keith Leaphart share their stories and offer advice. Moderated by Larry Platt.  

5:30-8:00pm: OPTIONAL Happy Hour at Benjamin's Desk

After absorbing all of this incredible information, relax and enjoy craft beer -- or a Bud Light, your choice! Join us for happy hour at Benjamin's Desk (1701 Walnut Street).

The work of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is made possible through the generous support of committed individuals and institutions.