The event honored Charisse R. Lillie, Esquire, and featured a panel discussion with women leaders in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
For Immediate Release: Friday, May 23, 2025
Contact: Genevieve Greene, ggreene@seventy.org, 617-785-6991
Philadelphia, PA – On May 14, 2025, the Committee of Seventy welcomed more than 300 guests for its fourth annual Women in Public Leadership event, which celebrates the contributions of women leading at all levels. This year’s theme, The Power of Mentorship: Celebrating Women Who Carry as They Climb, highlighted the important role mentorship plays in shaping strong civic and public leaders.
“We are here because we believe in Philadelphia—not just as a place to live or work, but as a place that has shaped the history of the world, and one that remains a community worth shaping,” said Lauren Cristella, President and CEO of the Committee of Seventy, in her opening remarks. “And we are here because each of us knows the climb is steep—but we also know the climb is easier when someone ahead of you turns around and offers their hand.”
During the program, the Committee of Seventy presented the Civic Leadership Award to Charisse R. Lillie, Esquire, in recognition of her decades-long career in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Lillie is currently the CEO of CRL Consulting LLC, a consulting firm focused on corporate governance, diversity, equity and inclusion, and corporate social responsibility. Previously, she held roles at Comcast Corporation, Ballard Spahr LLP, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the City of Philadelphia, as well as various board positions.
“Charisse’s impact can be felt throughout this city,” said Cristella. “We chose to honor her with the Civic Leadership Award not just because of what she’s accomplished professionally and the barriers she’s broken, but because of how she’s lifted others along the way and the integrity and purpose she brings to every space she enters. We are so fortunate to have her leadership lighting the path for so many.”
The event also featured a panel conversation exploring how women leaders navigate mentorship and leadership challenges throughout their careers. The panel was moderated by Sue Jacobson, President of Jacobson Strategic Communications, and included Donna Bullock, President & CEO of Project HOME; Carlyn D. Crawley, Chief of Staff to Councilmember Quetcy Lozada; and Trish Wellenbach, Chief Strategy and Partnership Officer to Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.
The event was made possible through the support of presenting sponsor and Committee of Seventy Board Member Laura LaRosa.
Event photos, courtesy of Baiada Photography, are available here.
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About Committee of Seventy
The Committee of Seventy is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that has promoted, supported and facilitated government ethics and election integrity for more than a century. Seventy advocates for more free, fair, safe and secure elections and works to ensure that every eligible voter votes, is informed when they vote, and votes with confidence. For more information, visit: https://live-c70.pantheonsite.io/.