In 1994, Southwest Belmont became an independent, non-profit organization, Southwest Belmont Community Association (SWBCA). During this time, Anne Marquess Garrott, who has been affiliated with the organization for more than fifty years, served as a full time, but unpaid Branch Administrator. Since the 1960s, she has been the driving force to sustain the organization and the building. The association’s core programs included: leadership development for women and youth to learn and grow, after school and summer camps for youth; after school and summer camps for youth; and cultural arts built on the Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame which recognizes outstanding Black women from this community.
Board of Directors
Charmayne Purnell
President
BS from LaSalle University
Charmayne, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, served in the United States Army for 27 years and retired as a master sergeant (MSG) in February 2003. After 42 years as a civil servant, she retired from the City of Philadelphia in that same year. Charmayne is a member of Triumph Missionary Baptist Church; Deborah Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star PHA; Order of Cyrene KT; and Colonel Charles Young American Legion Post No. 682. She is mother of two adult children and grandmother to four.
Carol B. Rice
Treasurer
BA Pennsylvania State University
Carol worked for the City Of Philadelphia, Department of Recreation for 35 years. During her tenure, she held several management and administrative positions, including Deputy Recreation Commissioner from 1992-1999 with responsibility for a $30 million dollar budget. Carol’s numerous civic and volunteer commitments include being a 50-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church and serving on the Warrington Township Parks and Recreation Board.
Francine E. Cheeks
Recording Secretary
BA- Pennsylvania State University; MBA in Management – Columbia University
Following a career in broadcasting and public relations, Francine retired from the American Friends Service Committee in 2009 where she held the position of Manager of the Communications Department for 15 years. She served as president of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women from 1988-1992. Her other community interests includes Newton (NJ) Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends and Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Service Sorority, Inc.
Mary E. Ammon
Financial Secretary
BA – University of Pittsburgh; MSW in Administration (Geriatrics) – Temple University
Mary has worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare and for several private agencies supervising health care workers who cared for geriatric populations. Retired since 1984, Mary currently serves on the Boards of several nonprofit organizations, including the American Red Cross and the United Methodist Neighborhood Service Center. She is married and has one adult son.
Vanetta cheeks Reeder
Web Site/Social Media Chair
BS in Nursing from University of Pittsburgh; MS in Nursing/ Adult Health Nurse Practitioner from Temple University
In addition to the SWBCA Board, Vanetta is currently serving as the 34th National President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. She is a Life Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. with active status for 35 years, formerly serving as Northeast Regional Director and President of the local chapter, Alpha Eta Sigma. Vanetta is a Registered Nurse who practices as a Nurse Educator of Perioperative Services for Jefferson Health-Northern Division. She is married with a daughter who is a college student.
Angela J. Davis
Member
BA in Business Administration; MBA in Marketing from Arcadia University
Angela is Director of Development for Temple University and its Northeast Region (excepting the Law School and School of Medicine). She travels widely from Maine to the Midwest in this capacity. Prior to joining Temple, Angela worked as a pharmaceutical representative for Merck and Company. She is active in several community organizations, including the American Red Cross and serves on the Board of Philadelphia Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. She has one adult son.
Jeanette S. Gillison
Member
BS in Elementary Education from Cheyney University; Master’s equivalency in Elementary Education
Jeanette is a native Philadelphian who taught at the General George Meade School and the Martha Washington Elementary School and retired in 2003 after 50 years as an education. She is a Golden Soror in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omega Omega Chapter. Jeanette has three adult children.
Patricia Russel
Member
BS in Secondary Education from Temple University
Patricia is a native Philadelphian and a graduate of Philadelphia High School for Girls. As an educator, she taught science and math in the Philadelphia School district and worked as an evaluator of local, state and federal programs. She retired as a juvenile justice administrator in 1997 capping a 20-year career with the City of Philadelphia. Patricia’s other civic involvements include the American Women’s Heritage Society, Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. and the Senior Roundtable Group, sponsored by PRWT. Inc.
Linda B. Watson
In memoriam
SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
SWBCA has wonderful programs that continue the legacy of the Colored Women’s Christian Association and Anne M. Garrott. Join us in our efforts to empower youth, adults and families to promote a positive self-image and to develop their capacity to be effective leaders, communicate with efficacy, and strengthen family systems.