Keep being catalysts and champions - Dr. Rhea Fernandes, Devereux
  Last Friday at Philadelphia Country Club, The Main Line Chamber of Commerce and The Society of Professional Women (SPW) hosted the final signature event of 2025, our annual Gold Leaf Celebration honoring women leaders whose impact strengthens our region and inspires us all. At the heart of it was our 2025 Women in Leadership Award honoree, Dr. Rhea Fernandes of Devereux, whose words moved everyone in the room. Chamber President and CEO Bernard Dagenais welcomed the audience. He underscored the Chamber's commitment to fostering leadership and talent, today and for the future. James Kelly, Sales Director at Independence Blue Cross, highlighted IBX’s dedication to preparing the next generation of leaders. Vice President of Community Impact for the Chamber and Executive Director of The Society of Professional Women, SPW, Vibha Agrawal, shared inspiring remarks on the Gold Leaf Scholarship and a video recap of highlights from the past year of SPW events. Rahwa Teklai, CFP, Private Bank Market Leader of Eastern PA/Hudson Valley at Key Private Bank, highlighted the bank’s support for women leaders before introducing our honoree, Rhea Fernandes.    The highlight of the afternoon was hearing from Rhea herself. As Executive Vice President & COO of Devereux, she carries forward a mission rooted in compassion, excellence, and the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to unlock their full potential. She honored the Devereux team members, uplifted frontline staff, and celebrated the vision of founder Helena Devereux. Her words on the ASCEND program, a bold investment in education, equity, and career development, showed how real leadership transforms lives. She told attendees, to "keep being catalysts and champions - advancing people's lives and building a strong community". To our sponsors, partners, attendees, past winners, Chamber members, and SPW community, thank you. And to Rhea, thank you for showing what leadership looks like when it is rooted in purpose and a belief in the potential of others. We are honored to celebrate you. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Key Private Bank, Legacy of Leadership Sponsor Independence Blue Cross, Spirit of Leadership Sponsor Stradley Ronon, and our wonderful host, Philadelphia Country Club. Thank you to our Leader Sponsors. Special thanks to Devereux and the Devereux Daisy Shop for the beautiful floral centerpieces that connected so meaningfully to today’s celebration. A full list of sponsors is below. Photography by Pictures by Todd. Thank you to all of the sponsors of the  About us: |
