Sulaiman W. Rahman : Founder & CEO at UPPN / DiverseForce

Sulaiman W. Rahman

Founder & CEO at UPPN / DiverseForce

Sulaiman W. Rahman is the founder and chief executive officer of DiverseForce, a human capital solutions firm that specializes in diversity and inclusion. DiverseForce aims to build robust pipelines of diverse talent for the future of work, entrepreneurship, and leadership across all sectors. In 2017, DiverseForce partnered with the University of Pennsylvania to develop DiverseForce on Boards, an innovative leadership development program that prepares mid-to-senior level professionals of color to serve more effectively on nonprofit governing boards. The program’s success has attracted tremendous support from the public, private, and philanthropic sectors.

DiverseForce is an evolution of Rahman’s many years of civic leadership and work to engage, empower, and connect diverse communities. In 2007, Rahman founded a professional network, UPPN, and quickly grew it to become one of the Greater Philadelphia area's largest and most respected professional networks with over 18,000 local subscribers and over 5,000 active members. In 2015, UPPN was named the Philadelphia Business Journal's #1 networking association. UPPN currently operates as a DiverseForce talent community.

Rahman currently serves as Vice President of the board of directors for Community College of Philadelphia Foundation, board of trustee and executive committee member for Mastery Charter Schools, board member for Kimmel Center of Performing Arts and Lendistry (a fintech CDFI.) Rahman also serves on numerous advisory boards and committees.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sulrah
Jessica Lili : Talent Community Manager at UPPN

Jessica Lili

Talent Community Manager at UPPN

Starting her professional career as a bank branch manager, specializing in consumer relations and investments, with a B.A. in Forensic Psychology, M.S. in Mathematics Education and a second M.S. in Education Leadership, Jessica later transitioned into education serving as a high school algebra teacher for 9 years.  Jessica currently serves as the Program Manager to the Urban Philly Professional Network.  With a passion for people, she works behind the scenes in event planning and the development of programming designed to engage, empower, and connect the network.

Contact: Jessica@uppn.com |  215.583.2344 ext. 701

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicalili
Deona Hatley : Dean at The University of Pennsylvania / UPPN Connector

Deona Hatley

Dean at The University of Pennsylvania / UPPN Connector

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Deona L. Hatley earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Ms. Hatley also holds a Master of Art degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Currently, she serves as a Dean at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She came to Penn from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. During her tenure at Duke, she served as a Residence Coordinator and also assumed the role of an Academic Advisor, Athletic Mentor, National Pan-Hellenic Council Advisor, Multicultural Greek Council Advisor, Black Cultural Living Group Advisor, and more. Outside of Duke, Ms. Hatley served as a personal mentor and support for dozens of Durham youth, as the Head Cheerleading Coach for North Carolina School of Science and Math, as well as other recreational leagues.

In whatever spare time her position may afford, you might find Ms. Hatley exploring Philly, attending sporting events, concerts, traveling, or volunteering in the community.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deona-l-hatley-m-a-ed-8aa82911
Shane D. Nelson : Support Coach | Community College Of Philadelphia / UPPN Connector

Shane D. Nelson

Support Coach | Community College Of Philadelphia / UPPN Connector

Shane Nelson is currently supporting students in The Center for Male Engagement at The Community College of Philadelphia. He recently received his master's in Higher Education from Syracuse University. Shane takes pride in finding ways to give back to the city through service. Shane volunteers with The Collective Success Network, his brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and causes around the city focused on education. Shane enjoys traveling and finding ways to develop new skills. For fun, Shane meditates, cooks, and keeps up with his reading rotation.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanednelson
Akeesha Washington : Adolescent Psychotherapist/ Program Coordinator/ UPPN Connector

Akeesha Washington

Adolescent Psychotherapist/ Program Coordinator/ UPPN Connector

Akeesha M. Washington is a Philadelphia native and a certified PA Professional School Counselor for grades K-6 and 7-12 as well as a certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She received her B.S. in Criminal Justice at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and holds an M.S. Ed. in School and Mental Health Counseling and an M. Ed. in Education Entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania. Akeesha currently works as a Psychotherapist and Program Coordinator at Main Line Health where she has developed and implemented a mental health and substance abuse program designed to offer therapeutic interventions for adolescents throughout Delaware County. She also works as a part time Psychotherapist for the adolescent drug and alcohol program at Northeast Treatment Center in Philadelphia and is Alumni Coordinator for the Education Entrepreneurship program at the University of Pennsylvania.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/akeeshawashington