SECRETARY

Kate Farley leads the Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund (PEBTF), managing healthcare benefits for 279,000 members and $1.6 billion in assets. With over two decades of healthcare experience, she's spearheaded PEBTF since 2007, introducing innovative plan designs, elevating customer satisfaction, and optimizing operations. Farley's achievements include reducing GASB liability through Medicare Advantage plans, negotiating cost-saving vendor contracts, and serving on key committees like the Pennsylvania Chronic Care Commission and the technical advisory committee for Catalyst for Payment Reform. She holds an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

TREASURER

LaToya Monroe is a multifaceted individual with a wealth of accomplishments and roles. As the owner of the Early Literacy Academy, she's devoted to nurturing young minds and instilling a love for learning. Beyond education, LaToya is a savvy real estate investor, strategically expanding her portfolio. A mentor at heart, she inspires others to reach their potential. LaToya graduated from John's Hopkins University, fostering her skills and knowledge. LaToya's dedication to public service was evident during her eight-year tenure as a council member for Yeadon, where she served as president for four years.

Bentley Eskridge, LPC, ACS, NCC, has 20 years of mental health experience, specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma (particularly in youth), anti-racist therapy, racial trauma, and maternal mental health. She incorporates mindful movement and meditation as a certified yoga teacher. Bentley is the program director for Child First at PHMC and the owner of Blossom Health & Wellness, providing therapy and consultation services. Pursuing her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision, Bentley also teaches as an adjunct professor at Adams State University.

Ora Jones-Ryans, owner of ZURI Total Image, boasts 25 years in the beauty industry, with 18 as a salon owner. She pursues ongoing education, holding entrepreneurial certifications from prestigious institutions like The Wharton School of Business. Trained by Nick Arrojo, she's a master in cutting/razor/styling and certified by Ouidad as a curl specialist and in hair-loss treatment. Ora's commitment to exceptional service revolves around understanding her clients' needs and championing their uniqueness, fostering a culture of self-expression.

Sonya Salandy brings nearly two decades of educational experience with The School District of Philadelphia, beginning her journey as an elementary school teacher after graduating from Temple University. Transitioning to a middle school dean of students, she ultimately found her passion as a high school English teacher specializing in teaching students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. For the past eight years, she has served as the ESL coordinator, overseeing a team of 30 teachers and counselors who educate over 700 students, offering an international perspective on education.

Alisa Baldwin is an esteemed educator in the Philadelphia School District with over 25 years of experience, holding various roles supporting teachers and students. She is a National Board-Certified Teacher, Certified Elementary Teacher, Certified Reading Recovery Teacher, and Certified Reading Specialist, and she holds a Principal/Administrative Certificate. Alisa serves as a coach, mentor, and instructor for new teachers and education professionals, facilitating numerous professional development sessions in literacy at both district and school levels. Additionally, she has taught graduate education courses at Cabrini University and lectured at Temple University. Active in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Alisa chairs committees and contributes to local and national community projects.

Nefertiti White, M. Ed., brings nearly two decades of educational experience in the School District of Philadelphia. Starting as a Special Education teacher, she cultivated a love for learning among her students. Transitioning to her current role as a Special Education Director, Nefertiti leverages her background to mentor educators and ignite their potential. She firmly believes in education as liberation, driving her commitment to creating safe, innovative, and enjoyable learning environments.

Leigh A. Purnell is an esteemed educational leader, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With two decades of experience in education, Purnell is dedicated to empowering students and fostering educational excellence through innovative practices. Previously serving as Chief Academic Officer/Principal since 2017, and now as CEO, she diligently works to fulfill the school's mission and vision. Pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Purnell holds certifications in Pennsylvania as an elementary school teacher, K-12 Principal, and K-12 Superintendent.