Join us for an engaging conversation with leaders who will share their personal and professional journeys, the obstacles they’ve faced, and the strategies that helped them overcome adversity.

Moderated by Billy Love, associate professor of Criminal Justice, this discussion will also highlight the importance of diverse voices in leadership and examine the challenges of underrepresentation in leadership for youth with our speakers:

Dr. Nina Ahmad, At-Large member, Philadelphia City Council

Rickey Duncan, CEO, NOMO Foundation

Judge Timika Lane, Pennsylvania Superior Court

RSVP for Power Hour

Power Hour is a new, dynamic engagement series designed to foster casual yet meaningful dialogues that bring together CCP students, elected officials and leaders. CCP is hosting the Power Hour series each month for the fall 2025 semester.

About Our Guest Speakers
Dr. Nina Ahmad, an At-Large member of City Council, is an advocate for equity and a trailblazer in public service as the first South Asian American, first Muslim woman, and first immigrant in recent history to hold her position. As a Councilmember representing all of Philadelphia, she brings a scientific, data-informed approach to policymaking while championing public health, equity and economic opportunity. She previously served as Deputy Mayor for Public Engagement under Mayor Jim Kenney, becoming the first AAPI Cabinet member in city history; founded the first AAPI Caucus within the Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee; and was appointed by President Obama to the AAPI Commission, where she worked on worker safety, anti-bullying, and immigration justice.

Rickey Duncan, CEO and president of New Options More Opportunities (NOMO), is a youth advocate, reform actionist, and civic and political leader. NOMO serves Philadelphia via three violence preventing, trauma-informed treatment centers specializing in restorative justice, housing and workforce development. After his involvement in the justice system, Rickey began a relentless attack on the injustices that were so prevalent in the black and brown communities. In 2019, he piloted the city's first paid Youth Workforce Development Program in Philadelphia, and this model was used for other youth organizations throughout the city. Through Duncan Management and Consulting, Rickey is helping other cities with professional development training on re-entry, violence prevention and urban youth development.

Judge Timika Lane was elected to the Pennsylvania Superior Court in 2023, following a decade of distinguished service on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, where she presided over major felony cases—including those involving domestic violence, sexual assault, attempted murder, arson, robbery and burglary. She also led county re-entry initiatives aimed at fostering rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. Previously, Judge Lane was a middle school social studies teacher; a Major Trial attorney with the Defender Association of Philadelphia, representing indigent adults and juveniles in complex criminal cases; chief legal counsel to State Senator Anthony H. Williams; and executive director of the Pennsylvania State Senate Government Committee, where she evaluated legislation, ensured constitutional compliance and protected the rights of Pennsylvania residents.

We hope you’ll join us for this informative conversation.