Loraine Ballard Morrill

Loraine Ballard Morrill

Listen to Loraine on Insight on Sundays 6-7am + keep up on her latest news updates here!Full Bio

What's Going On: about Keep It Clean With Raylene, Women Against Abuse – iPledge Campaign

Insight Pt. 2: African American Chamber of Commerce, Lupus Awareness & Walk to End Lupus Now, iPledge Campaign/Domestic Violence Awareness

  • African American Chamber of Commerce (AACC)
    We’re joined by Regina Hairston, President & CEO of AACC. Under her leadership, the Chamber continues to advocate for Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, providing vital resources and opportunities to grow and thrive. The Chamber is preparing for its 32nd Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 6–9 PM at the Bellevue Hotel, 200 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102. This year’s honorees include Congressman Dwight Evans (Vanguard Award), the Philadelphia 76ers, Black Nonprofit Chief Executives of Philadelphia (BNCEP), IMC Construction, and PureFuel.
    🌐 Learn more: aachamber.com
    📱 Follow: X: @official_AACC | Instagram: @official_aacc | Facebook: AAChamber | LinkedIn: African American Chamber of Commerce
  • Lupus Awareness & Walk to End Lupus Now
    We speak with Shawn Triggs, Regional Director for the Lupus Foundation of America, PA Delaware Valley Region, and Lynnai Jay, lupus warrior and ambassador. They share insights on living with lupus and local support resources, as well as details about the upcoming Philadelphia Lupus Loop & Walk to End Lupus Now at the Navy Yard on Saturday, October 18th. Registration begins at 8:00 AM, with opening ceremonies at 9:30 AM, followed by a 5K run/walk.
    🌐 Event details: lupus.org/pdv
    📱 Follow: Instagram: @lfa_pdvregion | Facebook: Lupus Foundation of America, Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Region
  • Women Against Abuse – iPledge Campaign
    On October 1st, I was honored to emcee the 18th Annual iPledge Campaign at City Hall, launching Domestic Violence Awareness Month with this year’s theme: HOPE—a powerful call to support survivors and build a safer future. We’ll share an excerpt from the event. https://www.womenagainstabuse.org/
    If you or someone you know needs help, call the toll-free 24-hour Hotline: 1.866.723.3014  

Insight Pt. 1: Investigating Breast Cancer and Black Women

We’re joined by Dr. Heather K. Beasley, a leading cancer researcher and MAGEC Fellow at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. As Chair of the AACR Associate Member Council, Dr. Beasley is advancing research on cancer disparities, particularly in underserved communities. • AACR – www.aacr.org

What's Going On: Navigating School Selection with Elevate 215, Eluna, Zainab Johnson

Today we’re joined by Dr. Stacy E. Holland, Executive Director of Elevate 215. With 30 years of experience creating educational solutions for children, Dr. Holland is helping to align Philadelphia’s education community around a shared vision: ensuring every child has access to a quality school that prepares them to thrive. She shares insights on School Selection Month, the new Philly Schools Compass tool and important updates to the Apply Philly Charter system.
Connect with Elevate 215 & Resources Children and young people dealing with grief, addiction, and other challenges often face an overwhelming mix of emotions, including confusion, fear, and isolation. Without proper support, these experiences can deeply affect their mental health, relationships, and development. Access to compassionate resources is vital for building resilience and fostering healing. In this episode, we speak with Sarah Behm, Assistant Director of the Eluna Resource Center, an organization dedicated to supporting children and families navigating these difficult journeys. Sarah shares insights into Eluna’s mission, the resources they offer, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for those in need.
Connect with Eluna
Today’s conversation is extra special because it’s led by Philadelphia Youth Network’s WorkReady summer student, Amaya Manigault, who had the opportunity to interview the multi-talented comedian, actress, and writer Zainab Johnson. Known for her sharp wit and engaging storytelling, Zainab has appeared on Last Comic Standing, stars on Amazon’s Upload, and continues to break barriers as a leading voice in comedy and television.
Connect with Zainab Johnson 

Insight Pt. 2: Navigating School Selection with Elevate 215, City Councilmember Anthony Phillips

Today we’re joined by Dr. Stacy E. Holland, Executive Director of Elevate 215. With 30 years of experience creating educational solutions for children, Dr. Holland is helping to align Philadelphia’s education community around a shared vision: ensuring every child has access to a quality school that prepares them to thrive. She shares insights on School Selection Month, the new Philly Schools Compass tool and important updates to the Apply Philly Charter system.
Connect with Elevate 215 & Resources
As part of our partnership with the Philadelphia Youth Network, we also hosted students over the summer for the WorkReady Program. In this episode, you’ll hear an interview conducted by student Jonathan Fulton with longtime community activist and current Philadelphia City Council member, Councilmember Anthony Phillips. Councilmember Phillips represents the 9th District and first joined City Council in a 2022 special election. Learn more about his work and backgroundConnect with Councilmember Phillips on Social Media

Insight Pt. 1: Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati - VLS Journeys

Guest Host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati speaks with celebrated children’s book author Sharon Flake, whose powerful stories have inspired young readers for over two decades. Sharon is also the featured guest in Vanesse’s monthly segment “What is Philadelphia Reading?”, where she shares her literary journey and the impact of her award-winning books.
Connect with Sharon Flake
🌐 Website: sharongflake.com
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/SharonGFlake
📸 Instagram: @sharonflake

What's Going On: HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, 💜 iPledge® 2025 – Women Against Abuse, 💡 Finance, AI, and the Future of Work

🌟 HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy – 4th Annual Community Day
We’re joined by Christina Service, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, and Ceciry Pimentel Rodriguez, Director of Community Engagement at HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy. For more than 140 years, HMS has been a vital resource for children with complex physical and communication needs, creating a supportive space where students, families, and staff celebrate abilities and foster independence. 📢 Event Details
  • What: 4th Annual Community Day
  • When: Sunday, October 5, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Where: HMS School backyard, 4400 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia
🎉 What to Expect
  • Family-friendly activities & entertainment
  • Student and community showcases
  • Food, fun, and opportunities to connect
  • A celebration of HMS’s 143rd anniversary
  • Fundraising goal of $60,000 to support life-changing programs
In solidarity, The Franklin Institute will light up green for cerebral palsy awareness. 🌐 Learn more & register: www.hmsschool.org/communityday
📧 General contact: info@hmsschool.org
📱 Follow HMS:✨ Join HMS on October 5th—celebrate abilities, uplift families, and transform lives.

💜 iPledge® 2025 – Women Against Abuse
We also speak with Joanna Otero-Cruz, Executive Director of Women Against Abuse, as the organization launches its 18th annual iPledge® campaign during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). 📢 Event Information
  • What: iPledge® 2025 – Press conference, rally, & resource fair
  • When: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 12 PM EST
  • Where: Courtyard of Philadelphia City Hall
  • Theme: HOPE – a reminder that a safer, better future is possible when we work together
🎶 Highlights
  • Survivor speaker Megan
  • 2025 Social Impact Award honoring PA House Speaker Joanna E. McClinton
  • Remarks by community leaders
  • Performance by Drexel’s 8 to the Bar a cappella group
🌟 Other DVAM Events
  • Paint Philly Purple – October 16, 2025: Wear purple, post selfies, and use #PaintPhillyPurple.
  • City Council Proclamation – October 23, 2025: 10 AM at City Hall.
🌐 Learn more: www.womenagainstabuse.org
📱 Follow WAA:💡 Finance, AI, and the Future of Work with Alicja Plonska, Morgan Stanley
We’re also joined by Alicja Plonska, Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, and a leading voice at the intersection of finance, innovation, and technology. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, Alicja offers key insights into how AI is transforming the way we work, manage finances, and plan for the future. 📇 Contact Information
Alicja Plonska, CEPA, CDFA
📍 Newtown Legacy Group, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
777 Township Line Road, Suite 301 | Yardley, PA 19067
📞 Phone: +1 (215) 497-7074
Alicja.Plonska@MorganStanley.com
Visit my website
 

Insight Pt. 2: Men’s Health Awareness Event, Women Against Abuse iPledge, Nicole Figueroa, Founder of Survivor, Warrior

Today on the show, we bring you three powerful conversations centered on health, awareness, and empowerment in our communities.

🩺 Men’s Health Awareness Event
We’re joined by Dr. John Porter, Director of the Trauma Center at Cooper University Health Care, to discuss a life-saving event dedicated to men’s health. 📢 Attention, men—and those who love them!
Join us for a FREE Men’s Health Awareness Event:
  • Date & Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 11 AM – 2 PM
  • Location: Malandra Hall Community Center, 1200 South Merrimac Rd., Camden, NJ 08104
  • Highlights:
    • Free health screenings, including PSA tests
    • Expert talks from medical leaders
    • Wellness resources & community support
💡 Why it matters: Black men are 67% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer—and twice as likely to die from it. Early detection saves lives.
 👉 Register / Info: Call or text (609) 922-9279
🌐 Hosted by MD Anderson at Cooper and the Camden County Cancer Screening Project
📱 Hashtags: #CamdenMenCheckIn #TheBallIsInYourCourt #EarlyDetectionSavesLives

💜 iPledge® 2025 – Women Against Abuse
 We also speak with Joanna Otero-Cruz, Executive Director of Women Against Abuse, as the organization launches its 18th annual iPledge® campaign during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). 📢 Event Information:
  • What: iPledge® 2025 – Press conference, rally, & resource fair
  • When: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 12 PM EST
  • Where: Courtyard of Philadelphia City Hall
  • Theme: HOPE – a reminder that a safer, better future is possible when we work together
  • Highlights:
    • Survivor speaker Megan
    • 2025 Social Impact Award honoring PA House Speaker Joanna E. McClinton
    • Remarks by community leaders
    • Performance by Drexel’s 8 to the Bar a cappella group
🌟 Other DVAM Events:
  • Paint Philly Purple – October 16, 2025: Wear purple, post selfies, and use #PaintPhillyPurple.
  • City Council Proclamation – October 23, 2025: 10 AM at City Hall.
🌐 Learn more: www.womenagainstabuse.org
📱 Social Media:

✨ Survivor, Warrior with Nicole Figueroa
Finally, we’re joined by Nicole Figueroa, Founder of Survivor, Warrior—a mother of two, entrepreneur, and survivor who turned her personal experience into a mission of hope and empowerment. 📢 Upcoming Event:
  • 2nd Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk
  • Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
  • Location: Across the Ben Franklin Bridge
🌐 Website: www.survivorwarrior.org
📱 Social Media:
✨ Join Nicole’s journey, support her work, and walk in solidarity to spread awareness, break cycles, and bring hope to survivors everywhere.

Insight Pt. 1: Twin Sister Docs—Dr. Elana McDonald and Dr. Delana Wardlaw (re-air)

Meet the Twin Sister Docs—Dr. Elana McDonald, a Board Certified Pediatrician, and Dr. Delana Wardlaw, a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician. On their biweekly podcast, now streaming on YouTube and Spotify, they break down health topics that matter most to our communities—from nutrition and mental health to the impact of social media. 

🌐 Website: thetwinsisterdocs.com
📸 Instagram / Threads / X (Twitter): @TwinSisterDocs
📘 Facebook: Twin Sister Docs
💼 LinkedIn: Elana McDonald | Delana Wardlaw, MD, FAAFP

What's Going On: The Velvet Whip Arts and Social Club, SpeakOUT with Angela Giampolo

Today we’re spotlighting The Velvet Whip Arts and Social Club, one of Philadelphia’s newest hubs for live entertainment, culture, and community. Joining us is Nasir “Mizzy” Mack, Creative Executive Officer of SERF, a full-service creative agency behind major events like Wawa Welcome America, The Atlantic Festival, and the upcoming launch of Velvet Whip. Nasir shares insights on Velvet Whip’s exciting debut in Callowhill, its place in Philadelphia’s arts scene, and what we can look forward to at this unique venue.

📌 Connect with Velvet Whip & SERF
🌐 Websites: velvetwhipphilly.com | serfcreativ.com
📸 Instagram: @VelvetWhipPhilly | @serf.creativ
📘 Facebook: Velvet Whip Arts and Social Club
💼 LinkedIn: Nasir Mack
📍 Location: Velvet Whip Arts and Social Club, 319 N. 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA
📧 Event/Marketing Inquiries: nasir@serfcreativ.com | ☎️ 267-600-7446
📧 Velvet Whip Inquiries: contact@velvetwhipphilly.com

 In today’s edition of SpeakOUT, our monthly feature spotlighting voices shaping the LGBTQ+ experience locally and nationally, we’re joined by Angela Giampolo, founder of Giampolo Law Group and widely known as the Philly Gay Lawyer. A leading LGBTQ+ legal expert and advocate, Angela is also the creator of the Caravan of Hope, a national initiative providing free legal services to underserved LGBTQ+ communities. She brings a powerful perspective on the intersection of law, policy, and lived experience. We discuss current efforts to undermine marriage equality and this year’s Caravan of Hope, which will travel the country providing pro bono legal services in under-resourced communities.

📌 Connect with Angela Giampolo
🌐 Websites: giampololaw.com | caravanofhope.lgbt
📸 Instagram: @yourgaylawyer
🐦 Twitter/X: @phillygaylawyer
🎵 TikTok: @gaylawyer
💼 LinkedIn: Angela D. Giampolo