Sharmain Matlock-Turner

S harmain has served as CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC) since 1999. Under her leadership, the organization has become the nation’s largest Black-led fiscal sponsor, bridging the gap between low-income communities and financial services. By providing stability and continuity through fiscal sponsorship and shared service offerings, UAC saves its nonprofit partners millions of dollars each year.

Sharmain Matlock-Turner has never been afraid to confront seemingly insurmountable challenges in order to improve lives,” said Philadelphia Award Board Chair, Pedro A. Ramos. “While Sharmain’s career accomplishments are worthy of recognition, it was the courage of leadership she displayed throughout 2022 as a founding member of The Civic Coalition to Save Lives that made her a unanimous pick for this year’s award.”

“The trauma of gun violence devastates individuals and our communities every single day,” said Matlock-Turner. “None of us can confront this public health crisis alone. I am proud of our work as a growing regional coalition dedicated to bringing all voices to the table and finding solutions.”

Her work to confront gun violence is one of many notable and complex challenges that Matlock-Turner has confronted during her career. UAC’s priorities include building wealth in urban communities, investing in financial education, advocating for underserved communities, developing youth and young adult resources and education, and civic engagement. She has worked tirelessly to provide the same opportunities for everyone, especially people of color and individuals within low-income communities. .

In addition to her work with the Civic coalition to Save lives and leading UAC, Sharmain is co-founder and chair emeritus of the 24-year-old West Oak Lane Charter School in Northwest Philadelphia. She also serves on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Uplift Solutions, Entrepreneur Works, and United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. She also serves on the board of trustees of Peirce College and the Foundations Inc. National Advisory Board. She is a founding member of the National Network of Fiscal Sponsors.