Celebrating Black History Month with Past Presidents Aronté Bennett, PhD and Kimberley Brown, PharmD
Philadelphia, PA – In honor of Black History Month, the Junior League of Philadelphia (JLP) proudly celebrates the groundbreaking leadership of two remarkable women who have helped shape the organization’s legacy: Aronté Bennett, PhD and Kimberley Brown, PharmD. As past presidents, Aronté and Kimberley have demonstrated exceptional commitment to civic engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion. They have played pivotal roles in driving impactful community programs. Their leadership stories reflect the core values of empowering women, fostering volunteerism, and making meaningful community impact.
From left to right: Kimberley Brown, Bertina Whytehead, Adrienne Taylor
Photo Courtesy of the Junior League of Philadelphia
Aronté Bennett, PhD, Associate Professor of Marketing and Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Villanova School of Business, joined the JLP in 2010 after a personal recommendation from a friend. Bennett quickly discovered that JLP was a transformative space for both personal and professional growth. Bennett served as the first black president in the JLP’s 110-year history from 2020-2021. She played a key role in launching the Kids in the Kitchen® initiative, educating children and families on nutrition and wellness, and establishing a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion taskforce that later became a permanent Board committee. Her experience with JLP empowered her to take on leadership roles in organizations like the Fund for the Water Works and No Name Pops Orchestra, where she continues to advocate for marginalized communities.
Aronté Bennett: Junior League President 2020-2021
Photo Courtesy of the Junior League of Philadelphia
Kimberley Brown, PharmD, Vice President and Global Medical Leader at ViiV Healthcare became involved with the JLP to make a meaningful impact in her new community. During her presidency from 2022-2023, she advocated for the Kids in the Kitchen® program. Brown also championed diversity within the JLP, ensuring inclusive leadership practices. Her leadership in JLP honed her skills in project management, coalition-building, and strategic planning — skills which have been instrumental in her global healthcare work, including developing life-saving HIV treatments and expanding access to healthcare in Africa.
Kimberley Brown: Junior League President 2022-2023
Photo Courtesy of the Junior League of Philadelphia
As we reflect on the history and legacy of Black women in leadership, we celebrate Aronté Bennett and Kimberley Brown for their dedication to service and their commitment to advancing the values of the Junior League of Philadelphia.
On February 23, 2025, the Junior League of Philadelphia will hold a Black History Month celebration at their headquarters in Ardmore, PA. The JLP has invited Dr. Marilisa Navarro, a researcher and professor at Thomas Jefferson University, to facilitate a discussion with JLP members about the significance of food in Black culture, highlighting its role in heritage, community, and identity. Following the discussion, Tif Davis, a Philadelphia artist, will lead a creative affirmation workshop. This engaging session will provide attendees with a space to reflect, express, and celebrate cultural resilience through art.
For more information on the JLP’s programs and initiatives, please visit their website. Stay up to date with the organization’s events and news by following their Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter). For media inquiries and/or interview requests, please contact Grace@PhillyPRGirl.com.
About The Junior League of Philadelphia
The Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc. (JLP) is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. The JLP welcomes all women who value its mission. They are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities. Since 1912, the JLP has been committed to addressing the many aspects of health and wellness in underserved communities in the Greater Philadelphia area, whether it’s creating community gardens or providing nutritious meals to families in need. With over 700 trained volunteers who contribute thousands of hours of service annually, the organization empowers women volunteers to make meaningful change happen within the communities it proudly serves.