Philadelphia Chapter

Philadelphia Chapter President 2025-2027

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Joi Dallas is a passionate student affairs professional and youth educator, born and raised in the City of Brotherly Love (and Sisterly Affection). Currently, Joi serves as the Director of the Office of Student Inclusion and Belonging at Widener University where she maintains a dual mission of providing engaging opportunities for education, reflection, and action around issues of inclusion, as well as intentional celebration of the traditions and cultures of the university’s increasingly diverse community. Joi is heavily involved with her home church, Pinn Memorial Baptist Church, and sits on the board of Fab Youth Philly, a youth workforce education organization. During her free time Joi can be found reading speculative fiction, exploring the hiking trails of Fairmount Park, or playing rugby with the Philadelphia Women’s Rugby Football Club. Joi holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. She earned her B.A. in Applied Psychology and Human Development with minors in African and African Diaspora Studies and Faith, Peace, and Justice, also from Boston College.

Philadelphia Chapter Vice President 2025-2027

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​Tonja Robinson has had a passion for helping others her whole life, and at the tail end of her time as an undergraduate, she was called to service by higher education. As an educator, mentor, advisor, coach, and higher education administrator, she wields skills to help others find their way through their circumstances, obstacles, and setbacks to achieve their goals and dreams. Tonja currently serves as the Associate Director for First Year Exploratory Studies at Drexel University’s College of Arts & Sciences, where she advises and mentors first-year students still looking for their major pathway. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Bryn Mawr College and her Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. From Chester, PA, Tonja holds tight to her roots, serving on the Board of Directors for the Chester Education Foundation. She is also an independent educational consultant and a devoted attendee of the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity. She lives in the Greater Philadelphia area with her wife and their dog, enjoys cooking, sports, activism, creative arts, and reading in her free time.

Philadelphia Chapter Secretary 2025-2027

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Myesha Smith is a dedicated communications professional and emerging leader in the nonprofit and public sectors. With a strong foundation in marketing, program coordination, and community outreach, she has contributed to a range of mission-driven organizations.
Ms. Smith is pursuing her undergraduate degree in Communications. Her academic and professional interests intersect at the advancement of community-centered storytelling, educational opportunity, and culturally responsive service. A proud North Philadelphia native, she brings a deep commitment to local impact.

Philadelphia Chapter Treasurer 2025-2027

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Maya Stormy Ray is the ultimate purveyor of vibes. A self-described “Calidelphian,” Maya uses her coast-to-coast outlook to connect with people from all walks of life. She attended Temple University to pursue her Bachelor’s in Media Studies & Production, with concentration in Emergent Media, covering social media, mobile media, and video games. Maya is dedicated to bridging the gap between people, increasing access to cultural resources, and sharing her integrated knowledge from her wide array of experience. A diverse career spanning fine dining, coffee & spirits, hospitality, public relations, finance, law, and now higher education has enriched her passion for expanding perspectives and encouraging lifelong learning, both traditionally and nontraditionally. She has been told, “Welcome Home,” in all countries she’s traveled, and is driven to extend that same feeling everywhere she holds space. When she’s not knitting, baking, or writing, you can probably find her rolling down a hill with her two sons, codenamed Shroom and Stone.

Philadelphia Chapter Financial Secretary 2025-2027

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Carol Pérez Quezada (she/her/ella) is an Afro-Dominican immigrant and proud former first-generation, low-income student. Raised in Northeast Philadelphia, she brings a personal and profound understanding of the barriers many students face in accessing and thriving within higher education. With a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of Pennsylvania, she has spent over eight years working to uplift historically marginalized communities through student retention, mentorship, and college access efforts. Her varied background in residence life, admissions, alumni relations, and student affairs has equipped her to lead initiatives that promote inclusion, foster belonging, and build meaningful pathways to student success. Outside of work, Carol enjoys social dancing, traveling, playing board games, and exploring new restaurants with her husband, friends, and family.

Philadelphia Immediate Past President

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Rorujorona joined ABWHE when mentors connected her as an opportunity for leadership and professional connection in both Philadelphia and Los Angeles. After six years abroad, her fond memories of the organization brought her back to serving the Philadelphia chapter.​