Our Leadership
Board of Directors
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Claudia Hearst Curry, Ed.D., MBA
Founder & Executive Director
The Institute for Women’s Empowerment, Inc.
As a retired higher education administrator devoted to life-long learning, Dr. Claudia Hearst Curry has a track record for developing from concept to implementation, organizations and programs designed to improve one’s quality of life through education and training. This is evidenced through her founding of The Institute for Women’s Empowerment, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in Delaware County Pennsylvania whose mission is to meet the needs specific to women from diverse economic, educational, social, and professional backgrounds. Prior to her retirement in 2021, Dr. Curry served 20 years as Founding Director of the Community College of Philadelphia Women’s Outreach and Advocacy Center where she provided leadership in the development of programs that addressed the interests and concerns primarily of women students. She also served as Founding Director of the Urban League of Philadelphia Leadership Institute, which graduated nearly five hundred minority leaders during her 12-year tenure. She has served as an adjunct instructor at Community College of Philadelphia, Harcum College, Peirce College, and University of the Sciences Occupational Therapy Graduate Program with experience teaching courses that include Introduction to Leadership Studies, Leadership for Effective Organizations, Grant Writing, Domestic Violence and the Justice System, Leading Culturally and Generationally Diverse Populations, and Business and Professional Communications. She is currently adjunct faculty for Lackawanna-Peirce College. Dr. Curry is an established motivational speaker, published author, and recipient of numerous awards. Having served on many boards including WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, she is an active member of the Board of Directors for Council for Relationships (CFR). She is also an active member of the National Association for University Women (NAUW). Dr. Curry earned her Doctor of Education Innovation and Leadership from Wilmington University, her B.A. in Organizational Management and M.B.A. from Eastern University.
Kelly M. Stewart
Accounts Payable Specialist, BRIXMOR Property Group
Board Treasurer
Kelly M. Stewart serves as Accounts Payable Specialist at BRIXMOR Property Group, Inc. and has served in this position since 2011. Prior to this position, she worked for 11 years at ARAMARK Corporation in various financial capacities such as Cash & Banking and Accounts Receivable. Her financial career began at Philadelphia Job Corps where, after eight years, she advanced to Purchasing Agent tasked with maintaining compliance with the Department of Labor and applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). A proud graduate of Overbrook High School in Philadelphia, Kelly earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Penn State University. She enjoys giving back to the community when she is not working and is passionate about working with young people. She serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the Christian Youth Basketball Association. She is the former Director of the Mount Carmel "ROCKS" Basketball Ministry. She was awarded the Senatorial District 7 Community Service Award for her work. Kelly is the 1st Vice Chair of the Trustee Board at Mount Carmel Baptist Church and has held numerous positions on the Board during her 27-year tenure. She is an avid bowler and tennis player.
Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, MGA, FAAN
President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation
Vice President of Community Affairs, IBX
Lorina Marshall-Blake is the president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation (the Foundation), a charitable, private foundation founded in 2011, and also the vice president of community affairs at Independence Blue Cross (Independence). In her role with the Foundation, she leads strategic, programmatic, and operational efforts to fulfill the Foundation’s mission to lead sustainable solutions that improve the health and wellness of the community. Under her leadership, the Foundation has established itself as a collaborator, innovator, and thought leader in addressing emerging health needs in southeastern Pennsylvania. As the vice president of community affairs, Marshall-Blake develops and manages relationships with community partners to advance Independence’s social mission efforts. Marshall-Blake is passionate about giving back to the community. She is involved with more than thirty professional and civic organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the United Negro College Fund, and is the former president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omega Omega Chapter. She is also an associate minister at the Vine Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Currently, she also serves on more than 25 non-profit boards and committees including the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association — Corporate Responsibility Committee, The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia’s Paradigm Award & Scholarship Committee, the Urban Affairs Coalition, and the Urban League of Philadelphia. Marshall-Blake also serves on Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions Executive Advisory Council and Rutgers School of Nursing — Camden Dean’s Leadership Circle. She is also an Honorary Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and was appointed to the National Advisory Council on Nursing Education and Practice.
Marian E. McGorry, Ph.D.
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Delaware County Community College
Marian E. McGorry, Ph.D. is Vice President of Academic Affairs at Delaware County Community College and has served in the position since 2019. Dr. McGorry is a dedicated advocate for student success and retention and strives to foster collaboration across academic departments. She works closely with faculty, staff, and community partners to create educational programs that meet the evolving needs of students who enter the workforce or transfer to four-year universities. Dr. McGorry started at Delaware County Community College in 2015 as the Dean for the Business, Computing and Social Science Division where she mentored new faculty and worked to address student barriers, resolve conflicts, and identify the appropriate support and resources at the College. Prior to joining Delaware County Community College, Dr. McGorry was at Community College of Philadelphia where she was an Assistant Dean for the Business and Technology Division for 11 years and during that time served twice as Interim Dean. Dr. McGorry was an Associate Professor of Computer Technologies and enjoyed her time in the classroom working directly with students and impacting their lives. At both institutions, Dr. McGorry has been a fund manager for multiple grants that have enhanced curricula, integrated innovative teaching techniques and technology into the classroom, and empowered faculty by highlighting and advancing their leadership skills. Dr. McGorry is a first-generation college completer who started her higher education journey at Community College of Philadelphia earning an AAS Degree; she transferred to Temple University graduating with a B.S. and M.Ed. in Business Education; and received a Ph.D. in Leadership for Higher Education from Capella University. When she is not working, Dr. McGorry enjoys connecting with her family and friends, traveling with her friends, visiting the Jersey shore, and following the Eagles and Phillies.
Dr. Scheherazade W. Forman
Executive Director, (AAWCC)
American Association for Women in Community Colleges
Dr. Scheherazade Forman retired as the dean of Student Success and Engagement at Prince George’s Community College. As a higher education administrator, she was responsible for the services that help to equip students with the skills they need to meet their academic goals. She dedicated 30 years of service to higher education. She currently serves as executive director of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges and the President's Roundtable where she oversees the overall management and operation of AAWCC and the PRT . Dr. Forman is the daughter of a pastor/civil rights activist and educator. She grew up believing the power of education can make a difference in anyone’s life. Her passion for educating others leads to all the work she does. Dr. Forman also has a passion for family. Her devotion to God and commitment to family drives her ministry to foster restoration of the family. She has over 30 years, serving in some level of ministry. She is currently the Associate Pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Baltimore, MD. She served as Pastor at Violetviille United Methodist Church, previously served as the Executive Pastor at West Baltimore United Methodist Church both in Baltimore, MD. She was ordained under the leadership of her father at Grace Reformed Baptist Church in Newark, NJ. Dr. Forman completed her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees at the University of Maryland, University College and completed her Doctor of Education at Morgan State University. She studied at the International Harvest Bible Training Center.