Scholarship recipients from left to right: Sylvian Garbutt awardee of the Juanita Bailey Winder Highsmith Scholarship, Gala host NFL linebacker Zaire Franklin, Sereena Quick, awardee of the Highsmith Trailblazer Award; Muhammad Abdul-Hadi, owner of Down North Pizza, awardee of the Pillar of Progress Award; iHeart Radio Rise and Grind show radio personality, Roxy Romeo, and Danica Gullie, awardee of the Participation and Perseverance Award.
Photo courtesy: Nikki Bagby
By Nikki Bagby
In a heartfelt tribute to his late mother and grandmother, Indianapolis Colts linebacker and Philadelphia native Zaire Franklin hosted the inaugural Shelice’s Angels Scholarship Gala at The Switch House by Cescaphe in Philadelphia on March 20.
Zaire Franklin of the Indianapolis Colts.
Photo courtesy: Nikki Bagby
This star-studded event brought together community leaders, celebrities, and supporters dedicated to empowering young women in the Philadelphia area, coinciding with Women’s History Month.
Founded in 2019, Shelice’s Angels is a nonprofit organization created by Franklin to honor the impact his mother, Shelice Highsmith, had on his life. The organization’s mission is clear — to provide mentorship, resources, and opportunities for young women to excel academically, financially, and personally. Through initiatives like the Shelice’s Angels Business Academy and Day in the Life, Shelice’s Angels has already empowered hundreds of young women in fields such as business, technology, and community service.
Zaire Franklin and Rodney McLeod of the Cleveland Browns
Photo courtesy: Nikki Bagby
The gala featured a lineup of prominent figures, including current and former NFL players, business leaders, and community advocates. Notable attendees included NFL player Rodney McLeod and WDAS-FM radio personality Patty Jackson, with the evening’s program hosted by Roxy Romeo from iHeart Radio’s “Rise and Grind” show.
“Tonight, we celebrate not just the achievements of remarkable women, but also the potential within every young girl in our community,” Franklin said. “Shelice’s Angels is about fostering self-confidence and showing these young women the myriad opportunities that exist beyond their current circumstances.”
Zaire Franklin and Patty Jackson, WDAS- FM radio personality
Photo courtesy: Nikki Bagby
The gala also served as a platform to honor remarkable individuals for their contributions to the community. Sereena Quick, owner/operator of the Chick-fil-A on City Ave., received the prestigious Shelice Highsmith Trailblazer Award. Muhammad Abdul-Hadi, owner of Down North Pizza in North Philadelphia, was recognized with the Pillar of Progress Award, while Mayor Cherelle Parker received the Beacon Award for her leadership and service. Additionally, two youth were acknowledged for their accomplishments: Danica Gullie received the Participation and Perseverance Award, and Sylvian Garbutt was honored with the Juanita Bailey Winder Highsmith Scholarship, named in memory of Franklin’s late grandmother.
Zaire Franklin and Natasha Morris, NKM Consulting (event planner)
Photo courtesy: Nikki Bagby
As the night unfolded, attendees were treated to an inspiring video showcasing the impact of Shelice’s Angels on the lives of young women across Philadelphia. Through scholarships and programming, the organization continues to make strides in empowering underserved youth.
Shelice’s Angels operates under a guiding principle: turning interest into action, with a firm commitment to seeing the world beyond immediate environments. As Franklin emphasized, the organization strives to inspire and ignite the potential within the community, equipping young women with the tools necessary to drive positive change.
For more information about Shelice’s Angels and their ongoing initiatives, please visit: www.shelicesangels.org
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