Black and Prospering Panel

Lawrence Dowdy

Mr. Lawrence Dowdy

Lawrence A. Dowdy is a prominent retiree who served 41 years has a higher education administer. He is a Distinguished Alumnus from West Chester University earning a 1973 Bachelor in Secondary Education and 1980 Masters in Counselor Higher Education degrees. While at the University for 36 years, he dedicated his career to University leadership, advancing diversity, equity, and student success. Serving in many institutional roles, he retired in 2014 from the position of Executive Deputy To The President. As a transformational figure, he was known for mentoring generations of students, faculty,  and staff members in addition to fostering a more inclusive campus environment. In recognition of his profound impact, the University named the Lawrence A. Dowdy Multicultural Center in his honor in 2016. He also received The President's Medallion For Sevice Award. Currently he provides guidance to the DMC Endowment, which has raised over $350,000, and the Pa. Black Conference On Higher Education

Aaliyah Holloway-Gilbert

Aaliyah Holloway-Gilbert is an alumnus of West Chester University's Class of 2020. She has always had a passion for making a positive impact. Aaliyah has dedicated countless hours to community service, embodying the spirit of selflessness and civic responsibility. Joining NCNW's Philadelphia Section at the age of 13. Aaliyah has served in various roles in her contribution to the section, such as Youth President in 2012. She has also served on various committees such as Founder's Day, Family Day, Scholarship, Ways and Means, and Technology.

Her journey is marked by her position as a two-term 3rd Vice President for the Philadelphia Section and Chartering President of the West Chester University Collegiate Section, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to service and advocacy. Becoming a Legacy Life member in 2020 at the young age of 23. Aaliyah serves as an inspiration to many. Her impact extends beyond professional realms, touching the lives of many people she encounters.

Outside of NCNW, Aaliyah is a devoted wife, mother, and Pre-Kindergarten teacher at Kiddie Prep Academy in West Philadelphia. She received her Master's of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Eastern University in 2024. Since then, she has dedicated her time to nurturing high-quality early education that lays the foundation for lifelong learning, curiosity, and success while empowering families and creating joyful and developmentally appropriate learning environments.

Aaliyah's favorite quote from Dr.Mary McLeod Bethune is, "The true worth of a race must be measured by the character of its womanhood."

Olivia B. Miller

Olivia B. Miller is the 12th Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Director and was elected on March 25, 2023. She was initiated into Theta Lambda Chapter at West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 2006 and is currently an active member of the Epsilon Omega Zeta Chapter which services Chester County in Pennsylvania. Olivia has served the Sorority as a Chapter President (graduate and undergraduate), Chapter 3rd Vice President, State Representative to the Atlantic Region Elections Committee, and Project Coordinator to the 10th Pennsylvania State Director.

Olivia holds a Bachelor and Master degree in Social Work and is currently employed by the City of Philadelphia as a Social Work Supervisor. She loves reading and is a member of L.E.G.S. (Ladies Empowered by Great Stories) book club. She also enjoys going to the beach, watching NBA games, and participating in service that involves children and youth.

Katherine Gilmore Richardson

Katherine Gilmore Richardson is serving her first term as Councilmember At-Large for the City of Philadelphia. Gilmore Richardson is the youngest woman ever elected citywide and the youngest African American woman ever elected to Philadelphia City Council.

Katherine Gilmore Richardson has passed legislation that bolsters transparency and accountability in city government, requires businesses to provide information about workforce development training, cracks down on nuisance businesses, and integrates climate risk disclosure and sustainable investment decisions into the City’s Pension Fund operations.

Katherine Gilmore Richardson created Philadelphia’s first Apprenticeship Guidebook. The Guidebook includes information about for over 20 apprenticeship programs in Philadelphia. She is also focused on improving Philadelphia’s public schools. As a result of her work, the School District is now providing Tier I conflict resolution. She has also advocated for improving Career and Technical Education curricula.  

In 2021, Katherine Gilmore Richardson was appointed to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC). She is also the Vice Chair of the LGAC’s Environmental Justice Working Group.

Katherine Gilmore Richardson previously served as a staff member for Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown for 11 years in roles ranging from Constituent Services to Chief of Staff. A lifelong Philadelphian, Gilmore Richardson is a graduate of the Philadelphia High School for Girls and West Chester University. She is a member of Ridge Avenue Church of God of Prophecy and a proud life member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Gilmore Richardson resides in Wynnefield, where she serves as the 52nd ward chair, with her husband and three children.