Graduate Philadelphia’s 2024 Gala: Celebrating the Power of Adult Learners

Last Wednesday evening, Graduate Philadelphia hosted over 200 supporters, educators, and adult learners for its 2024 Gala, a heartfelt celebration of perseverance and achievement. The event shone a spotlight on the unique journeys of adult learners, individuals navigating education alongside careers, families, and life’s complexities.  

Malik Brown, President and CEO of Graduate Philadelphia, encapsulated the evening’s purpose:  

“Adult learners are different from traditional students. They are non-traditional students who oftentimes have to navigate life, children, family, careers, and they find a way to persist. They find a way to completion. And we’re here to celebrate and honor their journey, their story, and lift their voices.”  

The gala began with light networking, allowing attendees to connect before transitioning to a seated dinner. The highlight of the evening was an inspiring keynote address by Dr. Pedro A. Rivera, President of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and former Pennsylvania Secretary of Education. Dr. Rivera reflected on his personal educational journey and encouraged educators and supporters to embrace the potential within every learner.  

“I was that kid who drove educators crazy with endless questions,” he shared.

The system sometimes labeled him as troubled, but what others saw as defiance was actually his greatest gift—the burning desire to understand the world on my own terms. Programs like Graduate Philadelphia recognize that success doesn’t always wear a traditional face. They remind us that what may seem like a weakness can transform into a superpower. 

The program continued with two impactful panel discussions. The first introduced Graduate Philadelphia’s new Talent Hub, highlighting collaborations with partner organizations to develop critical skills for job seekers while building a diverse talent pipeline to drive equitable economic growth. The second panel elevated the voices of adult learners who shared their challenges and triumphs, offering inspiration to others on similar paths.  

As the evening progressed, four honorees were celebrated for their contributions to addressing poverty and increasing post-secondary attainment in Philadelphia:  

• Temple University – College Partner of the Year  
• Accenture – Corporate Citizenship Partner  
• North 10 Philadelphia – Community-Based Partner  
• Hanniyah Sharpe-Brown – Adult Learner of the Year 

Malik Brown closed evening speaking with Generocity about the power of Graduate Philadelphia’s mission:  

“Higher education sits in one system, and workforce development in another. We are here to be the connective tissue bridging these systems to drive economic mobility for more families.”