Faith in Action: The Dream Network

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NRSV

Speakers

The Rev. Jennifer Thompkins
MWUL President & CEO

Jennifer Thompkins serves as the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League (MWUL) fifth President and CEO, a role she has held since February 2022. In this role, Jennifer sits on the Wilmington Center for Equity Education and Policy (WCEEP) board, the Racial Equity Consortium, and the Redding Education Consortium.

As the President and CEO, Jennifer has expanded MWUL’s program reach and expanded youth, health and housing programming to meet the growing demand in Wilmington and across the state.

Prior to MWUL, Jennifer served as Director and then Senior Director of TriZen, a business consulting and leadership development company, since 2017.

Jennifer holds a BA in History and Africana Studies from Ursinus College (2009) and a Master of Theological Studies degree from Harvard University in 2011.

Her civic involvements have included the Norristown NAACP Youth Chapter, the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA, and youth leadership roles at Theist Temple Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) and the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction C.O.G.I.C. Youth Department and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Jennifer has held board positions with City Year Philadelphia and currently sits on the Recognizing Opportunities for Service and Education Foundation Board. In 2020, Jennifer received the Ursinus College Rising Star Award and was recognized as a National Urban League Emerging Leader in 2021.

Jennifer’s work has been featured in Neighbors Magazine, on DETV, and the National Urban League publication.

In all of her accomplishments, Jennifer holds dear the African proverb—“Those who learn, teach!”

Dr. William Hayes                                                                                                                                            Founder and CEO of Next Ed Design Group and the CEO of Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School

Dr. William Hayes is one of education’s most dynamic voices—an award-winning educator, design thinker, and systems leader who blends research, rhythm, and real talk. As the Founder and CEO of Next Ed Design Group and the CEO of Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School, he is a nationally recognized strategist and storyteller helping schools and systems reimagine what’s possible for students and educators alike.

A proud Morehouse Man, Harvard graduate, and Vanderbilt-trained education leader, Dr. Hayes’ journey—from teaching in Boston to leading in Cleveland, Camden, and ultimately Philadelphia’s only all-boys charter network—embodies his conviction that leadership is love in action. At Boys’ Latin, he infuses every decision with a passion for excellence, innovation, and opportunity.

A nationally sought-after speaker, Dr. Hayes has delivered keynotes and led professional learning experiences across the country. Known for blending humor, heart, and hard truths, his sessions have been described as “electric encounters filled with spark and substance”—moving audiences from inspiration to action. He possesses a rare ability to see what others overlook, to name what has not yet been possible, and to inspire audiences to stretch beyond what they once thought they could achieve.

Recognized by America Achieves, Kaleidoscope Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40, and the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools with its Rising Leader Legacy Award, Dr. Hayes is celebrated for bridging big ideas with human stories and for his ability to light up a room with wisdom and warmth. Whether coaching leaders or keynoting national conferences, he brings electric energy, practical insight, and undeniable purpose.

He is, quite simply, kid-tested and teacher-approved.

Musical Guest: Pastor James Scott and the JC Choir

Download a Flyer: ADLA and SEPA Synod – The Rev MLK FLYER

Schaeffer-Ashmead Chapel

7301 Germanton Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19119