Advocacy Areas: Single Mothers, Equitable Healthcare

To request Alisha as a speaker, please contact us at achennat@womensway.org

 

About:

Alisha (she/her) is a former chairperson at Compass Working Capital and a soon-to-be podcaster. She has been instrumental in helping change policies for TANF clients and believes that advocating for women of color is imperative to a changing world. Alisha has experience with public speaking, both on the radio and for print media. As a born-and-raised Philadelphian, Alisha is passionate about becoming the help she always wanted. Her hobbies include writing, painting, and singing in the choir.

 

Portfolio:

WHYY: Health care advocates rally in Philadelphia to demand Pennsylvania senators reject Medicaid cuts | Article | May  2025

CBS: Philadelphia protesters urge Sen. McCormick to vote against Medicaid cutting legislation | Video | May 2025

WHYY: Philly advocates are trying to bridge the gap for families living in poverty | Article | October 2023

Change the Narrative Fellowship Story: Alisha Gillespie | Video | November 2022

Closing the Gender Wealth Gap Forum: Why Narratives Matter | Panelist | July 2022

 

Get to Know Alisha:

Favorite thing about Speakers Bureau? My favorite aspect of the Speakers Bureau is that I'm able to come and connect with like-minded women, talk about issues that are current and near and dear to me, and strategize about improvements and how we want things done. 

What is the focus of your advocacy efforts? My focus is on single moms raising Black sons, as well as helping Black women who are disadvantaged by the health care system. I am excited to learn how to get more exposure, network more with different programs and people to help me with that kind of work, and to get my story out there to others to encourage them.

Favorite Quote? “Dance to the beat of your own drum.” You can lose yourself as a mom, sister, wife, whatever, and this reminds me to hone in on who I am before all these titles and remain authentic.