The Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI) has named Cherelle Parker as the Keynote Speaker for the Women Influencing Business (WIB) Committee’s Annual Dinner set to take place on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at White Manor Country Club. Andrea Youndt, CEO of the Chester County Food Bank, will be honored as the Female Business Leader of the Year and Alaina Kearney of Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz as the Rising Star of the Year. Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline will also be recognized in appreciation of her nine years of service to Chester County.  

Parker is the Democratic nominee in the 2023 Philadelphia mayoral election. If elected, she will be the first woman to hold the position. Parker previously served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and was the youngest African-American woman to be elected to the state legislature. In that position, she was elected by her colleagues to chair the Philadelphia Delegation.

Later, she was elected to represent the ninth district on the Philadelphia City Council in 2015 and re-elected in 2019, serving as majority leader from 2020 to 2022. Parker is a lifelong Philadelphia resident, a graduate of Lincoln University, and earned a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.  

“CCCBI works to directly address legislative issues and prioritize advocacy for the Chester County business community. We are excited to welcome Cherelle Parker, an outspoken woman in business, labor and public policy, as a Keynote Speaker for our Annual WIB Awards Dinner. These awards are meant to recognize and celebrate women with significant professional success and community ties who do not hesitate to advocate for other women. CCCBI is proud to induct Ms. Parker into our community of Women Influencing Business as she continues her journey in the Philadelphia Mayoral Election. The City of Philadelphia is an economic driver for the region. We look forward to working with Cherelle to ensure a strengthened partnership with the collar counties and the City,” said Laura Manion, president of CCCBI. 

The Female Business Leader of the Year is a woman who has a strong presence in Chester County, has achieved significant professional success, gives back to the community, and stands as an advocate for other women. Andrea Youndt’s work at Chester County Food Bank has garnered recognition from board members, staff, and community members alike.

Her innovation and strategic vision had led to significant operational improvement at the Food Bank and in the community. Under her leadership, the Food Bank annually distributes $3 million meals, ships 3.5 million pounds of food to 160 partner agencies, and raised more than $6 million, all while inflation has caused the Food Bank’s expenses to increase more than $1 million since last year.

The Female Rising Star of the Year Award recognizes a woman under forty years old with a strong presence in Chester County who has achieved professional success, gives back to the community, and stands as an advocate for other women. The nominee who stood out as an exemplary rising star is Alaina Kearny, Marketing Director for Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz LLC (BGA&F). Alaina’s talent as a moderator of connections has projected her to new roles at BGA&F and allowed her to create their new leadership podcast, “Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearny.”

Her insights into building a successful business, brand, team and reputation have been combined with those of other community leaders, including several women, to create substantial professional and personal relationships. In addition, she has spearheaded the firm’s efforts with the HEADstrong Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing financial, residential, and emotional support to families affected by cancer.  

“Andrea Youndt has dedicated over 30 years of service to the Chester County community. Her unwavering commitment has cemented her position as a Female Business Leader of the Year, and CCCBI is honored to recognize Andrea as a friend, leader, and advocate for women in business. Alaina Kearney has risen in her position as Director of Marketing at Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz to create new connections for her personal and professional networks. Her commitment to strengthening CCCBI’s community through connection and education has proven her to be a true Rising Star, and one to watch in her future endeavors. Both of these women have positively impacted their businesses and local communities in alignment with CCCBI’s mission and that of our WIB Committee,” said Manion.  

The Women Influencing Business Committee’s Annual Awards Dinner will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 5 PM to 7 PM at the White Manor Country Club. Tickets are $125 for CCCBI Members, and $150 for Non-Members.  

Additional event details and ticket information can be found at www.chescochamber.org under the Events tab. For information about sponsorship opportunities, please email CCCBI Director of Events, Julie Varga, at julie@chescochamber.org. 

Learn more at the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry.