Community Hero Award
Rodney and Erika McLeod
Founders
Change Our Future
Rodney McLeod, a native of Hyattsville, Maryland, is a distinguished NFL player known for his exceptional on-field performance and impactful community service. A standout football player at DeMatha Catholic High School, Rodney earned a scholarship to the University of Virginia, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology. His commitment to success extends beyond the football field, with a focus on making a positive difference off the field.
Together with his wife, Erika McLeod, Rodney established the Change Our Future Foundation in 2020. Committed to improving the lives of local youth, the foundation spearheads various education and enrichment initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles and empower young individuals to become agents of change globally. The McLeods also host an annual free Youth Football Camp at DeMatha, emphasizing football fundamentals and life skill development in Rodney's hometown of Hyattsville, Maryland.
In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Rodney McLeod has actively participated in initiatives such as the Philadelphia Eagles social justice committee, the "End Philly Gun Violence" campaign, and the St. Louis Rams Salvation Army "Tree of Lights" campaign. He is a distinguished recipient of the NFLPA Alan Page Community (APC) Award, the highest honor bestowed upon an NFL player for exemplary community service in their team, city, and hometown.
Erika McLeod, a graduate of the University of Virginia, brings a unique professional background in clinical health and patient advocacy to the McLeod power duo. Despite facing a life-altering brain injury after graduation, Erika's resilience and determination have been inspirational. She is a passionate advocate for change in underserved communities, working towards equality in access to healthcare and education.
Erika's commitment to community empowerment led to the creation of the I "AM" Youth Leadership Summit in Philadelphia, targeting 10th and 11th-grade students. This summit bridges the gap between academics and personal development, empowering today's youth to step confidently into leadership roles. Her charismatic approach, natural leadership qualities, and dedication to health, education, and advocacy inspire individuals across all walks of life.
Together, Rodney and Erika McLeod embody a powerful force for positive change, using their influence to uplift communities and empower the next generation through education, advocacy, and awareness.
Alumni Achievement Award
Sue Daugherty, RDN, LDN ‘95
CEO
MANNA
Sue, a 1995 graduate from Community College of Philadelphia, joined MANNA in 1999 as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). At MANNA, Sue has held several positions prior to being appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2012. Sue garnered national recognition in June 2013 when she co-authored a key study, “Examining Health Care Costs Among MANNA Clients and a Comparison Group” published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Primary Care & Community Health. This research study examined the health care cost savings associated with MANNA’s model and has ongoing impact on nutrition policy nationwide.
Sue has presented MANNA’s work at conferences and meetings across the country. She has also testified in front of the United States Congress.
Sue is an Advisory Board member of the national Food Is Medicine Coalition and served as co-vice-chair from 2019-2022. In 2019 Sue was invited to join the Food Lab Accelerator at Google as a product owner for Food Is Medicine. Other accolades include, the 2015 Jefferson College of Population Health Education Hero Award, Comcast’s Newsmakers selection, the Cancer Treatment Center’s America Caregiver Women of the Week Award, and Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders Award. In May 2022 Sue was the Keynote Speaker for the graduating ceremony for Jefferson College of Health Professionals and she received an honorary degree of Doctor of Science from Thomas Jefferson University.
Corporate Leadership Award
Dan K. Fitzpatrick
President
Citizens Bank
Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, CFA, is President of Citizens Mid-Atlantic Region and a corporate finance executive with more than 30 years of experience. Dan Fitzpatrick is a native of Northeast Philadelphia and is a former chairman of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on its Executive Committee. Fitzpatrick is also a member of the Board of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development in Pittsburgh and the Senator John Heinz History Center. Fitzpatrick serves as Chairman of Philadelphia Works, Inc., Philadelphia’s workforce development corporation. Fitzpatrick earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from LaSalle University and an MBA from Drexel University. He is a CPA and a Chartered Financial Analyst. Dan and his wife Beth live in Philadelphia and have four adult children.
Legacy Award
Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, MGA, FAAN
President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation
Vice President of Community Affairs, Independence Blue Cross
Lorina Marshall-Blake is the president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation (the Foundation), a charitable, private foundation founded in 2011, and also the vice president of community affairs at Independence Blue Cross (Independence).
In her role with the Foundation, she leads strategic, programmatic, and operational efforts to fulfill the Foundation’s mission to lead sustainable solutions that improve the health and wellness of the community. Under her leadership, the Foundation has established itself as a collaborator, innovator, and thought leader in addressing emerging health needs in southeastern Pennsylvania.
As the vice president of community affairs, Marshall-Blake develops and manages relationships with community partners to advance Independence’s social mission efforts.
Marshall-Blake is passionate about giving back to the community. She is involved with more than 30 professional and civic organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the United Negro College Fund, and is the former president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omega Omega Chapter. She is also an associate minister at the Vine Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia.
Currently, she also serves on more than 25 non-profit boards and committees including the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association — Corporate Responsibility Committee, The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia’s Paradigm Award & Scholarship Committee, the Urban Affairs Coalition, and the Urban League of Philadelphia. Marshall-Blake also serves on Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions Executive Advisory Council and Rutgers School of Nursing — Camden Dean’s Leadership Circle. She is also an Honorary Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and was appointed to the National Advisory Council on Nursing Education and Practice.
Thank you to all our 2024 Black & Gold Gala sponsors and attendees for supporting student access and success. Your participation raises much-needed funds for student scholarships.
Alumni Achievement Award
Sue Daugherty, RDN, LDN ‘95
CEO,
MANNA
Read Bio
Sue, a 1995 graduate from Community College of Philadelphia, joined MANNA in 1999 as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). At MANNA, Sue has held several positions prior to being appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2012. Sue garnered national recognition in June 2013 when she co-authored a key study, “Examining Health Care Costs Among MANNA Clients and a Comparison Group” published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Primary Care & Community Health. This research study examined the health care cost savings associated with MANNA’s model and has ongoing impact on nutrition policy nationwide.
Sue has presented MANNA’s work at conferences and meetings across the country. She has also testified in front of the United States Congress.
Sue is an Advisory Board member of the national Food Is Medicine Coalition and served as co-vice-chair from 2019-2022. In 2019 Sue was invited to join the Food Lab Accelerator at Google as a product owner for Food Is Medicine. Other accolades include, the 2015 Jefferson College of Population Health Education Hero Award, Comcast’s Newsmakers selection, the Cancer Treatment Center’s America Caregiver Women of the Week Award, and Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders Award. In May 2022 Sue was the Keynote Speaker for the graduating ceremony for Jefferson College of Health Professionals and she received an honorary degree of Doctor of Science from Thomas Jefferson University.
Community Hero Award
Rodney and Erika McLeod
Founders,
Change Our Future
Read Bios
Rodney McLeod is an American professional football player for Cleveland Browns in the National Football League (NFL) and a 2016 Super Bowl winner with the Philadelphia Eagles. Hailing from Oxon Hill, Maryland, Rodney's athletic journey began at DeMatha Catholic High School, where he earned a scholarship to the University of Virginia, graduating with a bachelor's degree in sociology.
Beyond his achievements on the field, Rodney is committed to community service and philanthropy. Alongside his wife, Erika, Rodney established the Change Our Future Foundation in 2020. This foundation focuses on improving the lives of local youth through education and enrichment initiatives, encouraging healthy lifestyles and empowering young individuals to become agents of change globally. Rodney's dedication to community service is evident through his involvement in initiatives such as the Philadelphia Eagles social justice committee, the Student Health Impact Project, and partnering with 4mycity to address food insecurity.
Erika McLeod, a graduate of the University of Virginia with aspirations of becoming a physician, possesses a unique professional background in clinical health and patient advocacy. Despite facing a life-altering brain injury, Erika's resilience and passion for serving underserved communities have driven her to advocate for change in healthcare and education. She inspires students to overcome racial and community disparities in education, encouraging them to pursue careers in fields that lack minority representation.
Through the Change Our Future Foundation, Erika works with her husband to empower individuals through education, advocacy, and awareness of youth development, healthy lifestyles, and community enrichment. Erika's commitment to community well-being is further demonstrated by her creation of the "I AM" Youth Leadership Summit in Philadelphia, bridging the gap between academics and personal development for 10th and 11th-grade students.
Together, Rodney and Erika McLeod embody a powerful force for positive change, utilizing their platform to inspire and uplift communities, promote education, and advocate for equality in healthcare and beyond. Their combined efforts reflect a commitment to making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals across diverse backgrounds.
Corporate Leadership Award
Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, CFA
President,
Citizens Mid-Atlantic Region
Read Bio
Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, CFA, is President of Citizens Mid-Atlantic Region and a corporate finance executive with more than 30 years of experience. Dan Fitzpatrick is a native of Northeast Philadelphia and is a former chairman of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on its Executive Committee. Fitzpatrick is also a member of the Board of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development in Pittsburgh and the Senator John Heinz History Center. Fitzpatrick serves as Chairman of Philadelphia Works, Inc., Philadelphia’s workforce development corporation. Fitzpatrick earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from LaSalle University and an MBA from Drexel University. He is a CPA and a Chartered Financial Analyst. Dan and his wife Beth live in Philadelphia and have four adult children.
Legacy Award
Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, MGA, FAAN
President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation
Vice President of Community Affairs, Independence Blue Cross
Read Bio
Lorina Marshall-Blake is the president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation (the Foundation), a charitable, private foundation founded in 2011, and also the vice president of community affairs at Independence Blue Cross (Independence).
In her role with the Foundation, she leads strategic, programmatic, and operational efforts to fulfill the Foundation’s mission to lead sustainable solutions that improve the health and wellness of the community. Under her leadership, the Foundation has established itself as a collaborator, innovator, and thought leader in addressing emerging health needs in southeastern Pennsylvania.
As the vice president of community affairs, Marshall-Blake develops and manages relationships with community partners to advance Independence’s social mission efforts.
Marshall-Blake is passionate about giving back to the community. She is involved with more than 30 professional and civic organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the United Negro College Fund, and is the former president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omega Omega Chapter. She is also an associate minister at the Vine Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia.
Currently, she also serves on more than 25 non-profit boards and committees including the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association — Corporate Responsibility Committee, The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia’s Paradigm Award & Scholarship Committee, the Urban Affairs Coalition, and the Urban League of Philadelphia. Marshall-Blake also serves on Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions Executive Advisory Council and Rutgers School of Nursing — Camden Dean’s Leadership Circle. She is also an Honorary Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and was appointed to the National Advisory Council on Nursing Education and Practice.