Philly Startup Leaders: A 15-year labor of love by community members.

The Philly Startup Leaders (PSL) has commended its founders, key contributors and future promising players in a 15-year anniversary event. The Glass Breakers Ball and awards dinner celebrated those who have contributed to the PSL’s legacy and mission to boost the Philadelphia startup community. The event was part of a series arranged to mark the PSL’s 15th year.

• The founders honors were awarded to Doug Bellenger, Chris Cera, Brad Denenberg, Blake Jennelle, Aaron McLean and Tracey Welson-Rossman.
• The Legacy Leaders Council, who have been active in the organization for years, were recognized as planning future programs. This group includes Doug Bellenger, Chris Cera, and thirteen other entrepreneurs, investors and supporters.
• Also recognized were past and current presidents and executive directors of PSL, with 15-Year Achievement Awards for supporting PSL’s growth over the years, bestowed upon Chris Cera, Bob Moore, Bob Moul, Wil Reynolds, Josh Kopelman, Rick Nucci, Jake Stein, Gabe Weinberg and the late Steve Goodman.

Further awards presented throughout the evening recognized the contributions of numerous other individuals and organizations to the Philly tech and startup community:

• The Ceiling Smasher award went to Tracey Welson-Rossman for her support of women in the tech and entrepreneurship community.
• Danae Mobley and Shannon Morales received the SpaceMaker award for their focus on diversity, equity and inclusivity (DEI).
• The Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship received the Ecosystem Innovators award in recognition of its positive impact on the Philly tech ecosystem.
• Nicodemus Madehdou and Neferteri Strickland received the Rising Luminary award, which recognises potential future leaders in Philly’s startup community.

The evening continued with further awards recognizing organizations collaborating with stakeholders, mentors and investors in the Philly tech community. The Difference Maker award highlighting entrepreneurs focused on sustainability and social impact went to Morgan Berman and Yasmine Mustafa. Finally, the Exceptional Community Member award, for those working “behind the scenes” to support growth, was awarded to Cory Donovan and Eamon Gallagher.