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"Putting People First," not only describes Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown's 1999 campaign, it is a reflection of her past work and her future commitment. As an educator, community activist, political leader and concerned parent, the Councilwoman's career has been dedicated to enriching the lives of those around her. In her bid for City Council, she focused her attention on three areas, education, the performing arts, and small business development.
A sought-after speaker, she has steadfastly continued to focus her efforts on issues that matter to her, with initiatives centered on childcare, the arts and education. The annual "Women Making A Difference Celebration," her signature program held during Women's History Month in March", showcases women's accomplishments and provides a platform for issues related to the impact of women-owned businesses.
Councilwoman Reynolds Brown's extensive political involvement includes serving as a legislative director for then-former State Senator Chaka Fattah, in whose 1993-94 congressional campaign she served as director of volunteers. Prior to her election in 1999, she was the community affairs director for State Senator Vincent Hughes. She was also selected as a delegate for the Democratic National Convention in 1984, 1988, 1996, and 2000, and served as a committee person for the 24th Ward, Third Division from 1982-1986.
She serves on the board of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitor's Bureau, The Pennsylvania Ballet; The Wellness Center of Philadelphia, and The Cultural Fund, and SCAN. Former board memberships include the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network, the Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco) and Presbyterian Hospital. As Councilwoman At-Large, she is the Chair of The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, and is a member of several committees that include Commerce and Economic Development, Education, Public Health and Human Services, and Licenses and Inspections.
In January 2001, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown joined 24 community leaders from across the country as a fellow at the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Urban Health Initiative Program. The two-year program is designed for outstanding professionals who wish to learn how to implement strategic and innovative policy system changes for children and youth.
Councilwoman Reynolds Brown's civic-minded career includes serving as the director of community affairs and fund development for the Philadelphia Opportunities and Industrialization Center (OIC), and as youth project director for the Philadelphia Urban League. A former teacher, the Councilwoman also has acquired extensive experience in the field of education, which includes work at her alma mater, Pennsylvania State University, where she was associate director of admissions and director of its Philadelphia Recruitment Center.
The Councilwoman earned both a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Education from Penn State. She is also a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's Community Leadership Program and is a member of the charter class of the Philadelphia Urban League's Leadership Institute.
A former member of Philadanco who values the performing arts as a tool for self-development, the Councilwoman taught weekly dance classes to children for more than 20 years. She is also an active member of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a public service organization, and the Pinn Memorial Baptist Church in West Philadelphia. Councilwoman Reynolds Brown resides in Philadelphia's Wynnefield section with her husband, Howard A. Brown, C.P.A. and their children Andrew and Brielle.
"The secret of leadership is to think of your position as an opportunity to serve, not as a trumpet call to self-importance." |
