Lifetime Service Award
ENON TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH
Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church has been led by the Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller since July of 1994. Enon Tabernacle, the oldest African American Baptist Church in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, has been a beacon light in the community for 147 years. Under Rev. Dr. Waller’s dynamic leadership, the church has experienced exponential spiritual and numerical growth. Enon Tabernacle strives to be “a place where people encounter God.”
Rev. Dr. Waller leads Enon in meeting the needs of its congregants, the Philadelphia community, the nation, and the African diaspora through more than ninety culturally relevant ministries. Enon Tabernacle has been a leading church in addressing the issues faced in our region and beyond. The church has engaged in highlighting educational, health and economic disparities in the African American community, deepening civic engagement, understanding and accountability, unapologetically protecting and actively engaging youth through athletics, joining the fight to eradicate human trafficking. In addition, Enon blesses many with its award-winning music ministry.
Rev. Dr. Waller speaks truth to power through his preaching, teaching, and exemplary leadership skills. When presented with a need, the gifted visionary Rev. Dr. Waller leads Enon Tabernacle in finding a solution that meets the need and blesses all involved. God uses Rev. Dr. Waller’s love for humanity to transform lives with The Gospel Message. Rev. Dr. Waller’s partner in marriage and ministry is Ellyn Jo Waller, Ed.D. Together they have two accomplished adult daughters, Eryka Lynn Waller and Elynn Morgan Johnson; son-in-law Corey M. Johnson; and a beautiful granddaughter, Kori Lynn Johnson.
Alumni Achievement Award
GUNTER PFAU
Founder and CEO
Stuzo
Gunter Pfau is the founder and CEO of Stuzo, a software and e-commerce company. Mr. Pfau founded Stuzo in 2007 as a social applications company. Recognizing the opportunity and potential business impact, Facebook was an early client, along with Google and Mastercard, that engaged Stuzo for Digital Product Innovation Services.
Mr. Pfau, who is legally blind, earned his Associate in Arts degree in Business at Community College of Philadelphia in 2002, before continuing his education at Temple University. While a student at Community College of Philadelphia, he used the services of the Center on Disability. He credits his professors and the staff at the Center with giving him an increased level of confidence. In late 2021, Mr. Pfau donated $100,000 to the Center, to be used to purchase equipment, reward students for their achievements, and to train faculty on creative inclusive practices.
His lack of eyesight is a daily reminder how everyone is different and that there is great strength in people’s differences. At Stuzo, teams are organized for team chemistry, collaborating to leverage each other’s strengths while supporting each other in the areas that are harder for one team member than they are for another. This supportive environment carries over into managing the care of 100 colleagues living in Ukraine. While headquartered in Philadelphia, Mr. Pfau relocated all Ukrainian employees for their safety. As a child refugee from Romania, he understands their circumstances.
Mr. Pfau is recognized as an accomplished entrepreneur, thought leader, and a trusted business advisor in Digital Products and Platforms. His passion for innovation that transforms how enterprises successfully engage consumers across digital channels has made Stuzo a leader in mobile applications and has led to the development of its open commerce platform and wallet steering products and solutions within the convenience and fuel retail industry. Stuzo currently counts leading companies such as Chevron, Murphy USA, Delek US, and Marathon Petroleum as clients. Under Mr. Pfau’s leadership, and with his focus on team chemistry, Stuzo continues to be a highly differentiated and rapidly growing private equity owned verticalized SaaS business.
Mr. Pfau enjoys cooking and sharing a good meal with friends, helping others, spending time with his wife traveling, and tending to the gardens and the various animals at their farm estate.
Community Hero Award
RYAN N. BOYER
Business Manager
Laborers District Council of Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and Vicinity
Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council
Ryan N. Boyer is the Business Manager for the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, a consortium of more than 50 labor unions in Philadelphia’s building and construction trades.
Since August 2008, Mr. Boyer has served as Business Manager of the Laborers District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and Vicinity, the parent body of three local unions with over 6,000 members. In this capacity, he negotiates contracts, oversees contract compliance, and is a Trustee of the union’s pension, training, and health and welfare funds to ensure that all member unions comply with the rules and regulations that govern their existence.
Mr. Boyer previously served as President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, a constituency group under the AFL-CIO dedicated to ensuring diversity and inclusion are priorities within the union movement. The organization is also committed to mentoring and training young minorities to assume leadership roles in their respective unions. In July 2015, Governor Tom Wolf appointed Mr. Boyer as Chair of the 16-member Board of Commissioners that oversees operations of the bi-state Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) where he served until 2021. The DRPA serves as a major economic driver for the region, facilitating commerce and transporting workers between Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia.
From October 1993 to October of 1994, Mr. Boyer served as Co-Founder of BRIJTS, Inc., a real estate investment company that focused on rehabbing and selling residential properties to rejuvenate and beautify neighborhoods across Philadelphia. In March 1995, Mr. Boyer joined Laborers’ Local 332 as a journeyman laborer, and, in 2000, he rose to the position of assistant to the Secretary-Treasurer. From July 2003 to August 2008, Mr. Boyer served as Secretary-Treasurer of Local 332, a union of almost 3,000 members, where he oversaw an annual budget of over $2 million and negotiated labor contracts on behalf of his membership.
Mr. Boyer was selected by Governor Wolf and approved by the Pennsylvania State Legislature to serve on the Council of Trustees for Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, the nation’s oldest historically Black college. Soon after his appointment, he was named Chair by the members of the Council.
Mr. Boyer serves on the Board of Directors for FS Investments - Credit Real Estate Income Trust. He also served on several other boards and commissions including the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board (Philly Works), the Philadelphia Jobs Commission, and the City of Philadelphia Tax Review Board.
Corporate Leadership Award
JASMINE E. SESSOMS
Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs
Hilco Redevelopment Partners
Jasmine Sessoms is a civic, philanthropic and political leader in the City of Philadelphia. She is a lifelong Philadelphian with a true passion for the City. Ms. Sessoms currently serves as Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Hilco Redevelopment Partners (HRP); in this role Ms. Sessoms oversees community and government outreach efforts and serves as a key liaison to constituent groups throughout the City of Philadelphia. She uses her deep understanding of the community to build trust and foster collaboration between HRP and the residents, groups and institutions it seeks to work with over the long-term. Early in her tenure at HRP, Ms. Sessoms worked with the City and the School District of Philadelphia to create the innovative Career Connected Learning Program, which will shape the face of the workforce in Philadelphia for years to come. Ms. Sessoms also oversees HRP’s philanthropic efforts through the Hilco Helps initiatives, which established the Hilco Helps Scholarship at Community College of Philadelphia and during the 2020 holiday season donated over $1 million of in-kind items to Philadelphians in need.
Before joining Hilco Redevelopment Partners, Ms. Sessoms served as the Government & Community Relations Officer for Community College of Philadelphia, where she advocated tirelessly for the College on the Local, State and Federal level. As the Managing Executive Director of The Fund for Philadelphia, where she oversaw $17 million of grants and awards to deliver on the goals of the Mayor of Philadelphia’s philanthropic priorities. She served in this role under Mayor Michael A. Nutter and Mayor James F. Kenney. She also served in Mayor John F. Street’s administration overseeing the Public Engagement Office.
In 2014, Ms. Sessoms founded the nonprofit organization She Can Win with the mission to train and invest in women (specifically women of color) to run for office. To date, She Can Win has trained over 900 women throughout the country. Most recently, She Can Win hosted a roundtable discussion in partnership with Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia. Ms. Sessoms also founded a political consultant firm in 2015, J&S Strategies. Since its founding, J&S Strategies has raised over $14 million dollars in political contributions for candidates, causes, and political action committees. Some notable clients are: Governor Tom Wolf, Mayor James Kenney, The Black Economic Alliance, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, Emily’s List, Minority House Whip Representative Jordan A. Harris, Minority House Leader Representative Joanna McClinton, and Congressman Dwight Evans.
Ms. Sessoms has been recognized both nationally and locally as a political leader. She has been recognized as Philadelphia Business Journal 40 Under 40 Business Leaders (the first for a consultant firm), PA City & State 40 Under 40 Political Leaders, KWY’s GameChanger, Philadelphia Magazine Women Trailblazer, Google’s Women to Watch, and Philadelphia Style’s Most Stylish Philadelphians to name a few.
Ms. Sessoms graduated from Morgan State University and holds a master’s degree in organizational development and leadership from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She also serves on a multitude of boards and commissions: Governor Tom Wolf’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs, Chairwoman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, Mayoral Appointee for Philadelphia Works, PA Voices advocacy chair, Philadelphia250, and The Mann Music Center.
The annual Black & Gold Gala is the signature fundraising event for the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation and one of greater Philadelphia’s premier social occasions.
The purpose of the Black & Gold Gala is to recognize outstanding service of individuals and/or organizations that demonstrate involvement in community growth in the areas of education, business, social services, and health. This recognition is awarded to those who exemplify leadership and are active in community initiatives in Philadelphia. Event proceeds will benefit the 50th Anniversary Promise Scholarship and other scholarships for Community College of Philadelphia students. Since 2018, the Black & Gold Gala has raised nearly $2 million in scholarship support for students.
For more information about tickets and this year's Gala, please contact Leslie Bluestone at lbluestone@ccp.edu.
Lifetime Service Award
Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church
Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller
Read Bio
Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church has been led by the Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller since July of 1994. Enon Tabernacle, the oldest African American Baptist Church in the Germantown section of Philadelphia has been a beacon light in the community for 147 years. Under Dr. Waller’s dynamic leadership, the church has experienced exponential spiritual and numerical growth. Enon Tabernacle strives to be “a place where people encounter God”. Dr. Waller leads Enon in meeting the needs of its congregants, the Philadelphia community, the nation, and the African diaspora through more than ninety culturally relevant ministries. Enon Tabernacle has been a leading church in addressing the issues faced in our region and beyond. The church has engaged in highlighting educational, health and economic disparities in the African American community, deepening civic engagement, understanding and accountability, unapologetically protecting and actively engaging youth through athletics, joining the fight to eradicate human trafficking. In addition, Enon blesses many with its award-winning music ministry.
Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller speaks truth to power through his preaching, teaching, and exemplary leadership skills. When presented with a need, the gifted visionary Dr. Waller, leads Enon Tabernacle in finding a solution that meets the need and blesses all involved. God uses Rev. Waller’s love for humanity to transform lives with The Gospel Message. Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller’s partner in marriage and ministry is Ellyn Jo Waller, Ed. D. Together they have two accomplished adult daughters, Eryka Lynn Waller and Elynn Morgan Johnson; son-in-law Corey M. Johnson; and a beautiful granddaughter, Kori Lynn Johnson.
Corporate Leadership Award
Jasmine E. Sessoms
Read Bio
Jasmine Sessoms is a civic, philanthropic and political leader in the City of Philadelphia. She is a lifelong Philadelphian with a true passion for the City. Ms. Sessoms currently serves as Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Hilco Redevelopment Partners; in this role Ms. Sessoms oversees community and government outreach efforts and serves as a key liaison to constituent groups throughout the City of Philadelphia. She uses her deep understanding of the community to build trust and foster collaboration between HRP and the residents, groups and institutions it seeks to work with over the long-term. Early in her tenure at HRP, Ms. Sessoms worked with the City and the School District of Philadelphia to create the innovative Career Connected Learning Program, which will shape the face of Workforce in Philadelphia for years to come. Ms. Sessoms also oversees Hilco Redevelopment’s philanthropic efforts through the Hilco Helps initiatives, which notably during the 2020 holiday season donated over $1 million of in-kind items to Philadelphians in need.
Before joining Hilco Redevelopment Partners, Ms. Sessoms served as the Managing Executive Director of The Fund for Philadelphia, where she oversaw $17 million of grants and awards to deliver on the goals of the Mayor of Philadelphia’s philanthropic priorities. She served in this role under Mayor Michael A. Nutter and Mayor James F. Kenney. She also served in Mayor John F. Street’s administration overseeing the Public Engagement Office.
In 2014, Ms. Sessoms founded the nonprofit organization She Can Win with the mission to train and invest in women (specifically women of color) to run for office. To date, She Can Win has trained over 900 women throughout the country. Most recently, She Can Win hosted a roundtable discussion in partnership with Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia. Ms. Sessoms also founded a political consultant firm in 2015, J&S Strategies. Since its founding, J&S Strategies has raised over $14 million dollars in political contributions for candidates, causes, and political action committees. Some notable clients are: Governor Tom Wolf, Mayor James Kenney, The Black Economic Alliance, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, Emily’s List, Minority House Whip Representative Jordan A. Harris, Minority House Leader Representative Joanna McClinton, and Congressman Dwight Evans.
Ms. Sessoms has been recognized both nationally and locally as a political leader. She has been recognized as Philadelphia Business Journal 40 Under 40 Business Leaders (the first for a consultant firm), PA City & State 40 Under 40 Political Leaders, KWY’s GameChanger, Philadelphia Magazine Women Trailblazer, Google’s Women to Watch, and Philadelphia Style’s Most Stylish Philadelphians to name a few.
Ms. Sessoms graduated from Morgan State University and holds a master’s degree in organizational development and leadership from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She also serves on a multitude of boards and commissions: Governor Tom Wolf’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs, Chairwoman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, Mayoral Appointee for Philadelphia Works, PA Voices advocacy chair, Philadelphia250, and The Mann Music Center.
Community Hero Award
Ryan N. Boyer
Business Manager
Laborers' District Council of Metropolitan Area
of Philadelphia & Vicinity and
Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council
Read Bio
Ryan N. Boyer is the Business Manager for the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, a consortium of more than 50 labor unions in Philadelphia’s building and construction trades.
Since August 2008, Mr. Boyer has served as Business Manager of the Laborers District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and Vicinity, the parent body of three local unions with over 6,000 members. In this capacity, he negotiates contracts, oversees contract compliance, and is a Trustee of the union’s pension, training, and health and welfare funds to ensure that all member unions comply with the rules and regulations that govern their existence.
Mr. Boyer previously served as President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, a constituency group under the AFL-CIO dedicated to ensuring diversity and inclusion are priorities within the union movement. The organization is also committed to mentoring and training young minorities to assume leadership roles in their respective unions. In July 2015, Governor Tom Wolf appointed Mr. Boyer as Chair of the 16 Member Board of Commissioners that oversees operations of the bi-state Delaware River Port Authority, or DRPA, where he served until 2021. The DRPA serves as a major economic driver for the region, facilitating commerce and transporting workers between Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia.
From October 1993 to October of 1994, Mr. Boyer served as Co-Founder of BRIJTS, Inc., a real estate investment company that focused on rehabbing and selling residential properties to rejuvenate and beautify neighborhoods across Philadelphia. In March 1995, Mr. Boyer joined Laborers’ Local 332 as a journeyman laborer, and, in 2000, he rose to the position of assistant to the Secretary-Treasurer. From July 2003 to August 2008, Mr. Boyer served as Secretary-Treasurer of Local 332, a union of almost 3,000 members, where he oversaw an annual budget of over $2 million and negotiated labor contracts on behalf of his membership.
Mr. Boyer was selected by Governor Wolf and approved by the Pennsylvania State Legislature to serve on the Council of Trustees for Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, the nation’s oldest historically Black college. Soon after his appointment, he was named Chair by the members of the Council.
Mr. Boyer serves on the Board of Directors for FS Investments - Credit Real Estate Income Trust. He also served on several other boards and commissions including the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board (Philly Works), the Philadelphia Jobs Commission, and the City of Philadelphia Tax Review Board.
Alumni Achievement Award
Gunter Pfau
Founder and CEO
Stuzo
Read Bio
Gunter Pfau is the founder and CEO of Stuzo, a software and e-commerce company. Mr. Pfau founded Stuzo in 2007 as a social applications company. Recognizing the opportunity and potential business impact, Facebook was an early client, along with Google and Mastercard, that engaged Stuzo for Digital Product Innovation Services.
Mr. Pfau, who is legally blind, earned his Associate in Arts degree in Business at Community College of Philadelphia in 2002, before continuing his education at Temple University. While a student at Community College of Philadelphia, he used the services at the Center on Disability. He credits his professors and the staff at the Center with giving him an increased level of confidence. In late 2021, Mr. Pfau donated $100,000 to the Center, to be used to purchase equipment, reward students for their achievements, and to train faculty on creative inclusive practices.
His lack of eyesight is a daily reminder how everyone is different and that there is great strength in people’s differences. At Stuzo, teams are organized for team chemistry, collaborating to leverage each other’s strengths while supporting each other in the areas that are harder for one team member than they are for another. This supportive environment carries over into managing the care of 100 colleagues living in Ukraine. While headquartered in Philadelphia, Mr. Pfau relocated all Ukrainian employees to ensure they are safe. As a child refugee from Romania, he understands their circumstances.
Mr. Pfau is recognized as an accomplished entrepreneur, thought leader, and a trusted business advisor in Digital Products and Platforms. His passion for innovation that transforms how enterprises successfully engage consumers across digital channels has made Stuzo a leader in mobile applications and has led to the development of its open commerce platform and wallet steering products and solutions within the convenience and fuel retail industry. Stuzo currently counts leading companies such as Chevron, Murphy USA, Delek US, and Marathon Petroleum as clients. Under Mr. Pfau’s leadership, and with his focus on team chemistry, Stuzo continues to be a highly differentiated and rapidly growing private equity owned verticalized SaaS business.
In his pastime, Mr. Pfau enjoys cooking and sharing a good meal with friends, helping others, spending time with his wife traveling, and tending to the gardens and the various animals at their farm estate.
Dani Banks, Esq.
Stradley Ronon
Nick Bayer
Saxbys
CCP Foundation Board of Directors
Morgan Cephas
State Representative
CCP Board of Trustees
CCP Foundation Board of Directors
Ronald Davis, M.Ed.
Parx Casino
Romulo L. Diaz, Jr.
Turtle on Post LLC
Talib Ellison
Subaru of America
CCP Foundation Board of Directors
Mia Fioravanti
Hilco Redevelopment Partners
CCP Foundation Board of Directors
Dione Frith
Laborers' District Council of Philadelphia
Michele Lawrence
JP Morgan Chase
CCP Foundation Board of Directors
Ina Lipman
CCP Foundation Board of Directors
Tricia Maloney
FS Investments
Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake
Independence Blue Cross Foundation
CCP Foundation Board of Directors
Jasmine Sessoms
Hilco Redevelopment Partners
Mark Silow
Fox Rothschild LLP
CCP Foundation Board of Directors
Michael D. Soileau
CCP Board of Trustees
CCP Foundation Board of Directors
Dominique B.E. Ward, Esq.
Lincoln Financial Group
CCP Board of Trustees
CCP Foundation Board of Directors
Ronald Williams, Esq.
Fox Rothschild LLP
Dr. Mellissia Zanjani, MS, MBA, CFRE
CCP Institutional Advancement