Tom Di Nardo (The arts for peace, outreach, communications)
Tom is a retired PECO senior electrical engineer and, since 1982, has also been an arts journalist for the Philadelphia Daily News. He has been producer for an opera and several CDs, and a commercial photographer. Tom has also written on the subject of music for many publications, as well as a book about famous Hollywood percussionist Emil Richards. Tom is Secretary and Treasurer of the board and has been involved in Peace Day Philly since 2012.
Peter Jam (Jambazian), a Lebanese-Armenian author, global rights activist, singer, music composer, motivational speaker, pet psychologist and inspirational world traveler for peace and justice, was born in the midst of the Lebanese civil war in Beirut. He has taken the motto ‘Positive message through the power of Music, Art and Speech’ to over 40 countries with the goal to inspire and transform. Fluent in English, Armenian, Arabic, and Turkish, Peter Jam has gained the title of “Ambassador for Peace” from UN (ecosoc) and spoken in places like the UNESCO Palace in Beirut, the UN complex (Parliament) in Vienna, and the UN headquarters in NYC. He also released many singles & albums, the latest is “Interdependent”. Peter is currently working on a creative peacebuilding project and writing a spiritual intellectual book for a better self and a better world. Website: www.peterjam.com. Peter has performed for several Peace Day Philly programs and joins us as a volunteer for 2024.
Lisa D. Parker, Co-Founder (PDP Development, programs, outreach, partnerships, social media, website, interface with United Nations Department of Public Information and Peace Day initiatives in other cities)
Lisa is a Philadelphia native and social worker by training who has worked in various social services, anti-bullying, educational, cross-cultural, mental health and public health programs in a number of Philly neighborhoods. Lisa is a graduate of Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. She has experience in program development, implementation and evaluation, and has also been involved in the creative arts, theatre for social change and non profit programming. She spearheaded the development of Peace Day Philly from a grassroots initiative in early 2011 through becoming a non-profit organization in late 2013. Since 2018, she has represented Peace Day Philly at the United Nations. Lisa is also a board member of the United Nations Association of Greater Philadelphia and NAMI Main Line. She serves as President of the PDP board.
Manisha Patel (Cross-cultural dialogue, visual arts for peace, immigrants and refugees, humanitarian issues, social media, work of the UN)
Manisha has a strong background in leadership, community outreach, volunteer and program development. She is passionate about educating youth on global issues and issues related to refugee resettlement. Manisha’s experiences living abroad in London, Hong Kong and Malaysia provide a foundation for her intercultural understanding, ability to work with diverse populations and create partnerships. She is on the Board of United Nations Association of Greater Philadelphia (UNAGP) and in that role has organized numerous peace and human rights related programs. She has exhibited her photographs as part of several programs (transcultural peace movements and issues of refugee identity and belonging). She is Vice President of the PDP Board and has been a part of Peace Day Philly since 2011.
Rorng Sorn – Department of Behavioral Health disAbility Services
(Cross-cultural dialogue, immigrants and refugees, humanitarian issues)
Rorng is a long time community advocate with extensive leadership experience in advancing and promoting social justice and social change. With her strong networking and relationship building skills, she has been able to work with all stakeholders and pull together human and financial resources to keep much needed programs and services available in the most challenging times. Rorng has dedicated over 30 years of her life working, advocating and empowering the Cambodian and other underserved communities to gain equal access to health, social, educational, and economic development, as well as the information and skills to become civically engaged. Rorng has been part of PDP since 2014.
Mike Spangler is a graphic designer and printmaker. He has been a resident of the greater Philadelphia area for 35 years, living in Phoenixville, in Old City, in Upper Darby, and most recently once again in Phoenixville. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of College Settlement, which delivers unique camp experiences to young people concentrated in the greater Philadelphia area, without regard to economic circumstances. College Settlement’s programs foster personal growth and provide a safe, affordable, and nurturing place for young people to enjoy the outdoors while learning about themselves, others, and the environment. In addition to his board functions, Mike serves as the chairperson for the Alumni Association of College Settlement. Mike is also a member of The Soapbox Community Print Shop & Zine Library, which provides art-making, word-smithing, and skill-sharing to enable people to gain access to processes and materials that help promote their ideas and actions for social justice. Mike has assisted Peace Day Philly with graphic design and social media services since 2020.
Hugh Taft-Morales, Philadelphia Ethical Society
(Social justice, global issues, mindfulness, interfaith dialogue, music for peace)
Hugh Taft-Morales is leader of the Philadelphia Ethical Society and the Baltimore Ethical Society. He serves as Vice President of the National Leaders Council of the American Ethical Union. In April of 2009 he graduated from the Humanist Institute and was certified as an Ethical Culture Leader by the American Ethical Union (AEU) in 2010. Hugh taught philosophy and history for twenty-five years and lives in Takoma Park, Maryland. He speaks locally on a variety of topics such as mindfulness, social justice and nonviolent movements. He has been instrumental in making the Ethical Society Peace Day Philly’s signature venue. Hugh has been a part of Peace Day Philly since 2011.
FOUNDING AFFILIATE
United Nations Association of Greater Philadelphia (UNA-GP)
HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS
Anne Creter
Heidi West