GPA Hosts Fifth Annual Globy Awards in Recognition of Philadelphia’s Global Citizens

Annual Luncheon Will Spotlight Works of Local Charity Cradles to Crayons

PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 6, 2019) –To celebrate five global leaders representing a cross section of Philadelphia’s international community and businesses, The Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) will host the fifth annual Globy Awards and Luncheon on Dec. 9, 2019.

The Globy Awards honor leaders whose work has elevated the status of the Philadelphia community on the global stage. Awards are presented in the following categories:  Educational Leadership, Historical and Cultural Preservation Leadership, Community Leadership, Corporate Leadership, and Lifetime Achievement.

“The Greater Philadelphia Region is brimming with globally minded individuals who have made immeasurable contributions to our international reputation,” said Robert McNeill, chair of the GPA board of directors and Deloitte Greater Philadelphia managing partner. “It is the Global Philadelphia Association’s privilege to honor these local leaders who have raised the profile of our city not just in the eyes of fellow Americans but in the eyes of the world.”

The Dec. 9 event is from noon-2 p.m. at The Westin, located at 99 S. 17th Street, and is sponsored by Brandywine Realty Trust, Holt Logistics, Safeguard Global, Valley Forge CVB, Urban Engineers and Progressive Business Publications.

“The Globy Awards honor those men and women who have moved the needle in promoting Philadelphia’s international significance,” said Zabeth Teelucksingh, executive director of GPA, “At this year’s awards, one will not only find incredible people with incredible global accomplishments and who also espouse inclusivity among a community that reaches beyond our national boundaries.”

• Global Community Leadership: Julie Coker Graham, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO. Graham applies her extensive experience in the hospitality and management industry to her current role in overseeing all of PHLCVB’s departments and operational duties. In addition to this, she’s actively involved in Philadelphia’s business and cultural scene, serving on the boards of organizations like the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, and Visit Philadelphia, and served as the first Vice Chair for the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association.
• Global Corporate Leadership: Osagie Imasogie, Phoenix IP Ventures Senior Managing Partner and Founder. Imasogie has over 30 years of experience in the fields of law, finance and business management, healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry. Prior to co-founding PIPV Capital, Osagie conceptualized and established GSK Ventures and was its founding vice president. Osagie led GSK Ventures in concluding over 30 worldwide transactions within a three-year period, in which he invested various GSK R&D non-progressed assets into various companies and/or as the basis of starting new companies. In addition to this, he has founded various other biopharmaceutical companies.
• Global Education: Amid Ismail, BDS, MPH, MBA, DrPH, diplomate ABDPH, and Dean of the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry, Temple University. Throughout his career, Ismail has spearheaded many collaborative programs and research projects to better meet the needs of society’s underserved populations, particularly Mexican Americans and African Americans. Additionally, he’s organized and co-organized several national and international conferences that have promoted major changes in evidence-based health care and dental practice, as well as published and presented over 200 abstracts, manuscripts and editorials.
• Heritage Award: Cynthia MacLeod, Independence National Historical Park (INHP) Superintendent. As superintendent of INHP, MacLeod oversees everything from daily park operations and maintenance to the development of new exhibits. Since joining INHP, she’s helped to facilitate the installation of three new exhibits in the Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site, the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, and the Germantown White House. Her background in architecture and extensive international experience have prepared her for running such a historically and culturally valuable park.
• Lifetime Achievement: Jay H. Shah, CEO, Hersha Hospitality Trust. Since 2006, Shah has served as the CEO and Board of Trustees member of Hersha Hospitality Trust, a real estate investment trust in the hospitality sector that operates 48 hotels across the country. Involved in all areas of business, Shah’s work has particularly focused on Hersha’s strategic relationships, capital transactions, asset management and acquisitions. In addition to his work with Hersha, Shah serves as a member of the following boards and organizations: the Hotel & Lodging Association’s Board of Directors, American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Hospitality Investment Roundtable, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Board of Trustees, the Philadelphia CEO Council for Growth, Young Presidents’ Organization, the Chief Executives Organization, and the President’s Leadership Council for Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health.

Event Highlights

In addition to celebrating these five global leaders, the 2019 Globy Awards will be emceed by Jonathan Lovitz, Senior Vice President of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event will also spotlight the work of Cradles to Crayons, a local charity dedicated to providing children living in poverty or low-income situations with the resources needed to thrive in school and at home. To do this, Cradles to Crayons collects new and nearly new children’s items, which they package at their warehouses and distribute to local disadvantaged children.

In keeping with the spirit of giving, GPA and its members will also host a raffle and giveaways with prizes that attendees won’t want to miss out on. Attendees will have the opportunity to win prizes like a framed National Historic Landmark map and tickets from 98.1 FM WOGL.

About the Global Philadelphia Association

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 our website: globalphiladelphia.org.