Women's History Month
Alumnae Spotlight

A Cup of Comfort, Healing and Goodness: Temple Made Mompreneur Helps Women Explore Natural Remedies

As a mother of three children and owner of three businesses, Felicia Harris-Williams, EDU ’17, is the ultimate mompreneur. While juggling her event production company and youth mentorship nonprofit, a health scare led her to create a tea business to inspire women to take control of their wellness with natural remedies.

A Promise Well Kept: How One Alumna’s Steadfast Drive Helped Her Achieve Her Dream

Twelve years ago, LaToya Stroman, KLN ’12, found herself face to face with a Temple University admissions officer, making a promise that would guide the rest of her life.

An Alumna Finds Her True Calling Fighting for LGTBQIA+ Rights

The year 2008 was a transformative—and consequential—one for Angela Giampolo, LAW ’08. She graduated from Temple in January, and by summer, a chance encounter with friends led her to start her own law firm, and shape what her true calling would ultimately become.

An Alumna Finds Pride in Her Culture at Philadelphia’s Chinese Lantern Festival

Journeying from China to Philadelphia to study at Temple nearly 10 years ago, Ellen Zhang, TYL ’17, now gets to showcase the pride she has in her heritage as arts and culture manager at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival.

Back to You, Philly: One Alumna's Journey in the Sports Media World

Breland Moore, KLN ’14, explains her meteoric rise through the sports broadcasting world. It dates back to her humble beginnings doing morning announcements in middle school and runs right through her time at Temple. She considers her experience at the university a crucial aspect of her current success as a sports broadcaster at FOX 29.

Behind the Lens with Carli Showmaker

At just 26 years old, Carli Showmaker, KLN ’19, already has her own video production company, crediting the skills she sharpened during her four years at Temple. And she’s not slowing down any time soon.

Brownce: How CherRaye Glenn-Flowers Found Her Passion and Built a Special Place for Her Community

2022 Temple 30 under 30 winner CherRaye Glenn-Flowers, FOX ’15, has worn a lot of hats in the business, tech and sales industries, but her idea for Brownce, a haircare app, stemmed from a passion for empowering the Black and Brown community, her firsthand understanding of a barrier in the beauty industry and the skills she learned while attending Temple University that have helped her create a solution.

Charisse McGill Returns to the Nest with Many “Firsts” Under Her Wing

Owner of Lokal Artisan Foods and French Toast Bites, Charisse McGill made headlines as the first Black woman to own and operate a business in Spruce Street Harbor Park, as well as the first Black woman to create her own beer in Pennsylvania, and so much more.

This interview was conducted in August 2022. The Temple and Philadelphia communities suffered an immense loss as Charisse passed away in January 2024.

Cinema as Compassion: Anula Shetty's Storytelling Ethos

Through her award-winning work as a filmmaker, and her return to Temple to bestow the knowledge she’s accrued, Anula Shetty, TFM ’97, a first-generation South Asian immigrant, has made it part of her mission to uplift the stories of the underrepresented, especially in Philadelphia.

Crafting the American Dream

Sharmin Khan, FOX ’20, defies expectations with AAIZAA, a sustainable, modern brand that celebrates South Asian heritage, while making a lasting impact on the fashion industry and beyond.

‘FoodChasers’ Twins Prove It’s Never Too Late to Turn a Passion Into a Career

Twins Maya and Kala Johnstone always had a love for food. But it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic, when they retired after working in the educational field for two decades, that they decided to make a full-blown living from it. With plenty of help from both their real and Temple alumni family, they prove it’s never too late to turn that passion into a dream career.

Former Eagles Cheerleader Shows Temple Alumni Can Do It All

Temple alumni are known for being multifaceted, and Allegra Bermudez, CPH ’18, is a shining example. With a devotion to both dancing and public health, she shows that there’s no reason why you need to limit yourself to just one passion at a time.

From Campus to Center Stage: Alum’s Musical Celebrates Community at Temple Theaters

Erlina Ortiz, TFM ’12, co-founder of Power Street Theatre, reflects on her Temple journey as she prepares to debut her first musical Siluetas, at Temple Theaters where it all began. Inspired by her own cultural experiences and global challenges, Siluetas takes audiences on a poignant exploration of displacement, ancestral roots and the search for home.

From Concerts to Cultural Movements: The Evolution of Catherine Morris and BAMS Festival

Catherine Morris, STH ’08, had a passion for event management before she even knew what it was called. From taking the helm at middle school talent shows, to interning with Philadelphia’s major concerts and events, she became enamored with showcasing Black and Brown voices, perspectives and artistry. However, after graduating, Catherine returned to her hometown to learn that these opportunities didn’t exist. When she created the nonprofit Boston Art & Music Soul (BAMS) Fest, she created more than just a festival; it became a cultural movement.

Glass Half-Full: How an Alumna Changed Her Perspective and Built Her Own Wine Company

Aamira Garba, Fox ’07, found purpose and passion by ignoring the “box checker” lifestyle, investing in herself and encouraging others to do the same.

How Two Temple Alumni Landed at America’s Most Historic Prison

Richie Sklar and Erica Woods hold very different positions at Eastern State Penitentiary, but they share a palpable passion for helping to spread the word on what the facility represents. From educating the public on the criminal justice system, to coordinating a yearly haunted attraction, they both bring a #TempleMade mindset to an iconic Philadelphia institution.

Jazzy Conversations with Gigi Walker

In 2023, Genevive "Gigi" Walker (CLA ’97) reunited with a former high school friend to start a podcast that not only brought them closer together, but gave her an outlet to converse and listen, using all the knowledge and skills she had gained since graduation. All while she started her own business at the same time.

Maggie Andresen's Unceasing Journey of Advocacy and Impact

Five years after being among the first cohort of Temple’s prestigious 30 Under 30 award, Maggie Andresen, KLN ’17, remains as dedicated and steadfast as ever in her work as a human rights advocate.

Making a Difference On and Off the Court

A Temple alumna and Harlem Globetrotter, Fatima “TNT” Maddox-Lister, KLN ’07, balances basketball and giving back.

Never Far From The Nest: An Alumna's Zeal for Public Service

As an undergrad majoring in political science, Erin Dwyer Harvard, CLA ’16, ’22, knew she wanted to pursue a career in government affairs. She also knew she wouldn’t be happy in a government role unless it included her other passions: public service and helping people. With a positive spirit and an unexpected return to the nest along the way, she now finds herself in a role that she’s always imagined.

One alumna's mission to inspire women to love themselves piece by piece

Kate Sisk, FOX '12, started Hidden Intimates in 2019, combining her passion for fashion with a commitment to self-love.

Owls Behind the Scenes: Life as a Phillies Ball Girl

Madeleine McShane, CPH ’22, and Megan Gochenauer, Class of 2026, reflect on their experience being ball girls, highlighting their love for the game, the Phillies and the Philadelphia community.

Rashonda Harris Explains the Importance of DEI and How Others Can Help Lead the Change

As one of the disproportionately small number of women of color in leadership, Rashonda Harris, FOX ’12, ’16, stood out like a purple sheep. She has since given the phrase a special meaning and used her business, Purple Sheep Consulting, to champion DEI in collaboration with global organizations.

Reporting from Capitol Hill: Cassie Semyon’s Rise from Temple to the Heart of Politics

Driven by a passion for journalism and storytelling from a young age, Cassie Semyon, KLN ’19, has risen to become one of the youngest on-air political reporters in Washington—and she's just getting started.

Temple Alumna Teaches You to 'Be Well' Through Health and Fitness

If you're looking for proof to always try new things, look no further than Ashley Carter, CPH ’07. From entering Temple as a biology major who didn't like working out, to now, owning her own health and fitness business, she's the embodiment of why it's worth being open-minded to fresh opportunities.

Temple’s First Black Homecoming Queen: A legacy of inspiration and pride

Join us for a nostalgic look back as we chat with Temple’s first Black Homecoming Queen, Deborah Carn, CPH ’74.

TUAA President,
Amy Larovere:
Championing Temple’s Mission,
One Tailgate at a Time

Amy Larovere, KLN ’83, exemplifies a profound connection and unwavering commitment to Temple University, a place she calls her true home. As the president of the Temple University Alumni Association (TUAA), and university trustee, Amy finds many ways to share her passion for her beloved Temple community. An avid Temple Athletics supporter, her frequent attendance at tailgates held by the alumni association ahead of every home football game, including during Homecoming and Family Weekend, highlights just how impactful alumni involvement can be.

Wunderkind Alumna Blazes Her Own Trail in the Theater and Arts Community

Sabriaya Shipley, TFM ’18, has only been out of Temple for a little over five years, but her resume is nothing short of extraordinary. With a palpable passion for arts, the theater and connecting with her community, she shows no signs of stopping any time soon.