Global Philadelphia Association Names 2022 Globys Award Winners, Honoring the Global Impact Made by Six Philadelphia Leaders

The eighth annual Globy Awards, presented by Global Philadelphia, to be held on December 12, 2022, will bring together Philadelphia’s most innovative, globally-minded citizens and leaders

Philadelphia, PA (October 2022) -- Global Philadelphia Association has officially announced the six honorees for the 2022 Globy Awards, an annual award program distinguishing the Philadelphia citizens who have made a global impact for the benefit of the city, honoring individuals in six leadership categories: Education, Historical and Cultural Preservation, Community, Corporate, Sustainable Development, and Lifetime Achievement.

“The Globy Awards recognize and honor Philadelphia’s leaders and innovative minds who contribute both locally and to our city’s global stature – from our prestigious educational institutions, brilliant businesses, vibrant communities, and beyond,” said Zabeth Teelucksingh, President of Global Philadelphia Association. “This year’s honorees continue this message, and we are pleased to distinguish each of their great work and accomplishments that go into preserving our region's global heritage.” 

The Globy Awards will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on December 12, 2022, at The Westin Philadelphia at Liberty Place (99 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA). To purchase tickets, please visit http://globalphiladelphia.org/globys

“Global Philadelphia was created to promote the actions of organizations and individuals engaged in international activity within our region,” said Rob McNeil, Board Chair of Global Philadelphia Association. “The Globy Awards is an extension of this mission, highlighting some of the top leaders in our city, advancing their work, and spotlighting achievements - celebrating Philadelphia’s profile and position as one of the greatest global cities.” 

The 2022 awardees include:

Lifetime Achievement: Judith von Seldeneck - Founder, Chairman & CEO, Diversified Search

Judith M. von Seldeneck is the Founder and Chair of Diversified Search Group, headquartered in Philadelphia. A pioneer in the search industry, she has been identifying and placing senior-level executive talent around the country for more than four decades. A born-and-bred North Carolinian, she began her career as an executive assistant to then-Senator Walter F. Mondale. Her road into executive search commenced in the early 1970s when she bought into a small Philadelphia firm founded to find professional roles for women. Buying out her partners in 1974, over the next several decades, von Seldeneck built Diversified Search into one of the top ten executive search firms in the nation. She has served as Chair of The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce as well as Chair for the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors. She formerly served on the Comcast and NBC Universal Joint Diversity Council and as Chairperson of the Women’s Advisory Council. 

“It is an honor to be among this esteemed group of leaders being recognized by Global Philadelphia,” says von Seldeneck. “I feel fortunate to have had a career and part of a Global Firm that provides equitable opportunities in leadership and supports other women leaders and entrepreneurs as they make an impact in their own way.”

Educational Leadership: Donald “Guy” Generals, Ed.D. - President, Community College of Philadelphia

Dr. Donald “Guy” Generals became the sixth President of the Community College of Philadelphia on July 1, 2014.  As the chief executive officer, he guides Philadelphia’s only public institution of higher learning, which serves more than 30,000 credit and non-credit students from diverse social, cultural, and educational backgrounds. During Dr. Generals’ tenure at Community College of Philadelphia, he implemented a school-wide transformation by instituting the Guided Pathways model of program and curriculum development, resulting in an increase in the three-year graduation rate and increases in retention. Dr. Generals has twenty years of teaching experience.

“I am truly honored to be named a 2022 Globy Award recipient,” said Community College of Philadelphia President Dr. Donald “Guy” Generals. “Global Philadelphia’s mission falls directly in line with the College’s commitment to fostering cultural and educational exchanges. From our Center for International Understanding and study abroad opportunities to our small business training programs that support immigrant entrepreneurs, the College understands the importance of developing international understanding in our city and across the region.”

Heritage and Preservation Leadership: David Seltzer – Co-Founder, CraftNOW 

David Seltzer is a Principal and co-founder of Mercator Advisors LLC, a Philadelphia-based registered municipal advisory firm formed in 2001.  Mercator Advisors provides financial consulting services to governmental, corporate, and non-profit organizations sponsoring major infrastructure projects and programs, mostly in the transportation sector. David is actively involved in Philadelphia’s civic affairs.  He co-founded and chairs the Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative, which has over 70 non-profit organization members offering sports-based youth development programs to children from under-resourced neighborhoods.  He also co-founded CraftNOW Philadelphia, a consortium with over two dozen programming partners that promotes Philadelphia as the nation’s craft capital.

“Global Philadelphia has done a wonderful job connecting Philadelphia to the world and encouraging Philadelphians to think globally while acting locally.  Each of the honorees this year has contributed enormously to improving the quality of life in our city and region,” stated Seltzer.  “I am extremely gratified that the work I and others have done in creating CraftNOW Philadelphia to promote the city’s international reputation as the nation’s craft capital and sponsor craft education to youth in rec centers across the city has been recognized by the Association.”

Community Leadership: Jennifer Rodriguez - President and CEO, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

For over 20 years, Jennifer has worked to support economic development, wealth creation, and empowerment of underrepresented groups at the city, regional and national levels. In her role as the President & CEO of GPHCC, and as the Region 5 Representative at the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, she focuses on initiatives that ‘close the gap’ for Latinos in the economy. Her work centers on advocating for the 22,000+ Hispanic-owned businesses in the Philadelphia region and supporting the advancement of Latinx professionals in the corporate sector. She is a founding member of the Diverse Chambers Coalition of Philadelphia and Co-Chair of the Latino Equitable Development Collective in Philadelphia. 

“This recognition is significant because it means our job in advocating for Latino-owned businesses and promoting their contributions to the economy are now at the center of the public discourse,” said Rodriguez. "This Globy Award will serve as a motivator for what we do every day at the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce."

Corporate Leadership: Susan Jacobson - Chair, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce

Susan Jacobson is an award-winning communicator, strategist, and advisor, bringing decades of experience to her work as president of Jacobson Strategic Communications, a leading Philadelphia-based public relations, public affairs, and crisis management firm. Prior to joining the communications sector, Susan oversaw government relations as Deputy Chief of Staff to former Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell. Susan and her company have won numerous awards and recognitions, including securing a spot on the Inc. 5000 for three years in a row. Actively engaged in the community, Susan is the Chair of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, serves as Vice Chair of the National PBS Foundation Board, as a Commissioner on the Governor’s Pennsylvania Commission for Women, and is a contributor to Forbes.com. 

"The past several years have been a particularly challenging time for businesses in Philadelphia – but I have been working hard with others to make the city better for those who live and work here,” stated Jacobson. “This recognition by Global Philadelphia is especially meaningful to me because I believe businesses must look beyond the walls of the Philadelphia region to build community, make connections, and celebrate great ideas on a global stage." 

Sustainable Development: Vik Dewan - President and CEO, Philadelphia Zoo

Vikram H. Dewan joined Philadelphia Zoo in July 2006; he is the 14th President to lead the area’s most-visited ticketed cultural attraction, one that welcomes 1.25 million guests through its historic gates each year. Along with being America's first zoo, Philadelphia Zoo is one of the region's foremost conservation organizations and is home to nearly 1,300 animals, many rare and endangered. As President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dewan is responsible for institutional leadership and strategic direction for all programs, services, operations, and fundraising. During his tenure, the Zoo has opened several one-of-a-kind animal exhibits, launched new groundbreaking initiatives, and instituted a comprehensive 10-year transformative site master plan that includes the development of an extensive animal exploration and trail system, Zoo360, that invites animals to travel throughout the Zoo’s 42-acre campus, creating exciting and enriching experiences for the animals and guests alike. 

“It’s an honor to accept this award on behalf of Philadelphia Zoo. Our work in wildlife conservation and utilizing sustainable practices is at the heart of everything we do,” said Dewan. “Leading these efforts has brought me great joy and I hope my contributions will inspire others in the world to care about the planet and take action in their own way.” 

For more details about this event and the 2022 honorees please visit, https://globalphiladelphia.org/globys

 


 

ABOUT GLOBAL PHILADELPHIA:

The Global Philadelphia Association consists of more than 200 internationally involved organizations, businesses, and individuals in Greater Philadelphia. It was created to assist – and to encourage greater interaction among – the many organizations and people who are engaged in international activity in the Greater Philadelphia Region, to promote the development of an international consciousness within the area, and to enhance Philadelphia’s global profile. For more information, visit the website: globalphiladelphia.org

Media Contact:

Ally Wengel

Cashman & Associates

wengel@cashmanandassociates.com

908.914.5052