Dialogues for Opportunity: Voices of Transformation

On Saturday, October 25, the J. Lewis Crozer Library in Chester, PA hosted a powerful

community gathering as part of Dialogues for Opportunity: From Sistahs Coping to CAAT - Tara Jones & Voices of Transformation. Presented by Delaware County Community College in partnership with the Center for Equity & Social Justice and the J. Lewis Crozer Library, the event brought together community leaders, advocates, and residents for an afternoon of reflection, healing, and meaningful dialogue.

Moderated by Dr. Mo of Delaware County Community College, the program featured Tara

Jones, author and founder of the Chester Cultural Arts & Technology Center (CAAT); Pat Trippley, founder of the Will Trippley Foundation; and Leslie Wilson, cancer survivor,

community advocate, and personality on CMP Radio. Each panelist shared deeply personal

stories of resilience and transformation, illustrating how lived experiences can become catalysts for positive change.

The dialogue opened with a moving reading from Tara Jones’s book, Sistahs Coping: If My Daddy Was Here, grounding the conversation in authenticity and emotional connection. Dr. Mo then guided a thoughtful discussion exploring Tara’s journey as both an author and community leader, before expanding the conversation to include all panelists. Audience members actively participated during the Q&A, further enriching the dialogue with shared reflections and questions.

The event was made possible through the collective efforts of dedicated volunteers and

community partners who ensured everything ran seamlessly. Attendees also had the

opportunity to connect with local partners, access community resources, and celebrate the

strength and unity of Chester.

We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors and partners, including Delaware County

Community College, the Center for Equity & Social Justice, the J. Lewis Crozer Library, the Delaware County Interactive Gaming Revenue Authority, and Visual Sound, for their continued support of programs that uplift voices and strengthen community connections.

Dialogues for Opportunity reaffirmed the power of storytelling, collaboration, and shared

purpose reminding us that transformation happens when communities come together with

intention and care.