Executive Officers, 2025-2027
Dee Dukes – President. In September 2025, Dee was re-elected to a two-year term (2025–2027) as President of Wynnefield Community Neighborhood Association Inc. (WCNA), a Registered Community Organization (RCO) serving more than 16,000 neighbors in Wynnefield and its surrounding boundaries. Dee founded WCNA in 2021 and has served as its first Board President since inception. In addition, Dee chairs the Zoning Committee and co-chairs the Political Education Committee with founding Board Member, Gilda Johnson.
A lifelong community advocate and Committee Person in Philadelphia’s 52nd Ward, Dee has also served as President of the Wynnefield Block Captains Association since 2017. Her leadership extends across civic, cultural, and educational institutions. She is a Board Member of Settlement Music School (Wynnefield Branch, since 2023) and an educator with more than 10 years of experience in the public school system, supported by 30+ years of academic, professional, and business expertise.
At the citywide level, Dee served on the Education Nomination Panel in 2024 for the Philadelphia School District of Philadelphia. Since 2023, Dee has actively served as an executive member of the Philadelphia Crosstown Coalition, a non-partisan network of 35+ RCOs. She is also a member of the advisory board of the 19th Police District (PDAC), a Reading Captain in West Philadelphia, and a member of the Mastery Parent Action Team (MPAT). Dee currently serves as Board Secretary and Trustee of Mastery Charter Schools, supporting more than 14,000 families across Philadelphia, PA, and Camden, NJ.
Dee’s educational background reflects her lifelong commitment to learning and leadership. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree and Paralegal Certification from Saint Joseph’s University, an Associate of Arts degree from Peirce College, and a Specialized Business Degree from the Court Reporting Institute. She is pursuing a Master of Arts degree from Liberty University and plans to complete a second Master of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from Saint Joseph’s University. A proud Wynnefield native, Dee grew up in the neighborhood, lived for many years in Havertown, Delaware County, and returned to Wynnefield, where she continues the tradition of community service carried forward by generations of her family.
Ralph Ross – Board Vice President. In the spring of 2024, Ralph was nominated and elected as the new Board Vice President who is currently serving a two-year term 2024-2026. Ralph joined WCNA while preparing to retire from the City of Philadelphia after 20+ years of service. Ralph brings with him both trade and union leadership experience with DC 33.
Ralph is a long-time Wynnefield neighbor since 1961, and has a special interest in supporting our seniors in Wynnefield. Ralph brings to the WCNA a sense of pride in caring for his Community and sharing resources that uplift our neighbors.
Board Leadership & Members, term 2025-2027
Gilda Johnson – Co-Chair of Political Education. In September 2025, Gilda was nominated and re-elected to a two-year term 2025-2027. Gilda is a primary care pediatric Nurse Practitioner in two (2) private practices, one in Ardmore and one in South New Jersey. Gilda’s family moved to Wynnefield in 1967. She lived outside of PA for about 10 years but moved back to Wynnefield in 2001. Gilda loves the beauty of the trees and the homes, the closeness to Center City and the suburbs. Gilda is a founding Board member and co-Chairs the Political Education Committee with Dee Dukes and serves on the Health & Wellness Committee. Through her work and dedicated leadership and service to WCNA, she hopes to contribute to keeping Wynnefield a welcoming neighborhood for families and friends.
Sheila Wilson – member of Zoning Committee. In September 2025, Sheila was nominated and re-elected to serve a two-year term (2025–2027). A founding Board Member of WCNA and a consistent member since 2021, she also serves on the Zoning Committee and advocates for responsible land development and homeownership for new neighbors who want to raise their families in a friendly, suburban-like neighborhood, convenient to Center City and surrounding counties. Sheila also supports the Health & Wellness Committee.
Sheila is a long-time resident of Wynnefield and dedicated Community leader and block captain of the 5200 block of Arlington Street for over 20+ years. Her family moved to the Community in the 1960’s when the neighborhood was attractive to working families and business owners.
Joyce Brooks – Chairperson of Membership & Recruiting. In September 2025, Joyce was nominated and elected as a Board member to serve a two-year term (2025-2027). Joyce first involvement with WCNA, included attending a Sip & Swipe Technology event hosted by the Special Events & Fundraising Committee. Joyce decided to get involve and became a member in the fall of 2023. Joyce is currently serving a one-year term as the Membership Chairperson and also will continue to serve on the Special Events & Fundraising and Health & Wellness Committees and joyfully invites and encourages neighbors, family and friends to attend and get involved. Joyce supports the work of all Committees and continues to financially support the organization while working in collaboration with Board members, Committee Chairs and also works closely with the executive officers.
Joyce is a mother, grandmother and civil rights activist, political leader and resident with dedicated service in the Cobbs Creek and West Philadelphia areas. Joyce has been a welcomed addition to the organization and looks forward to continuing to serve many communities.
Kimberly & Clifton Braxton – In January 2026, Kimberly Braxton due to family and work commitments resigned from her Board of Directors role. Kimberly and Clifton Braxton will continue serving as general members. Kimberly will also continue supporting the Neighborhood Preservation Committee in a leadership capacity. In September 2025, Kimberly Braxton was nominated, elected and served faithfully until her resignation from the Board in January 2026. She also previously served as an Interim Board member from 2024 to September 2025.
Kimberly is a mother and wife and serves as an active PMBC block captain of the 5200 block of Gainor Road. Kimberly and Clifton joined WCNA in the fall of 2023 with a strong interest in supporting the Neighborhood Preservation Committee. Their first involvement with WCNA began when Kimberly and her family attended the 2023 Annual Health Fair hosted by the Health & Wellness Committee. Since then, Kimberly has remained actively engaged by attending regularly scheduled meetings, providing financial support for WCNA’s annual programs, and collaborating with the executive leadership team. Kimberly continues to share ideas with other block captains and now focuses her leadership and attention on encouraging and empowering block captains to preserve Wynnefield as a beautiful neighborhood where families can live and thrive.
Roselyn King Miller – Health & Wellness and Special Events & Fundraising Committees. Rose joined WCNA in the spring of 2023, with an interest in supporting the organization’s work. Rose faithfully supports and volunteers her time for many annual Special events hosted by the Special Events & Fundraising Committee. Rose is a long-time neighbor in Wynnefield and travels out of state throughout the year visiting family. Rose has been a supportive and dedicated team member since 2023.
Linda Coyette-Bains – member of Fundraising & Special Events Committee. Linda began as a volunteer attending WCNA monthly community meetings before joining in the spring of 2023, with an Interest in supporting the organization. Linda gets involved by volunteering during many annual Special events hosted by the Fundraising & Special Events Committee.
Cynthia Johnson – member of Fundraising & Special Events Committee. Cynthia volunteered and attended many monthly community meetings before joining in the spring of 2023, with an Interest in supporting the organization. Cynthia gets involved by volunteering during many annual Special events hosted by the Fundraising & Special Events & Health & Wellness Committees.
Gale Goodman – member of Fundraising & Special Events Committee. Gale joined the membership team in May 2025. Gale actively volunteers in many of the hosted activities sponsored by WCNA and hosted by the Special Events & Fundraising Committee. Gale is also an active participant in supporting the executive team with many tasks. Gale is a Wynnefield resident and recent retiree who enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Linda & Rocco Bianchi – members since spring of 2024. Linda and Rocco Bianchi are long-time Wynnefield neighbors who have been previously involved in the community over the years. Currently, both are retired members of the community who continue to serve by supporting the organization and the Wynnefield community.
Marie Kramer – member since 2025. Marie renewed her membership in January 2026, with endeavors to support WCNA’s Health & Wellness Committee, the organization and the Wynnefield neighbors.
2022-2025 past members, including 2026 inactive members who have volunteered and supported the organization include: Derrick Howie, Karen King, Doris Harris, Nia and David Holston, Carla Mangual, Luca Toth, Michele Davis, Neshea Jackson, Carol Gary (“In memoriam”), Ronald & Sharon Ryan, Ivy Lewis, Barbara Covia, Darron Hines, Kavia Saxton, Marcia Green, Nadja Hill, Pamela Gibson, Angela Jones, Bernadette Cash, Hannah Rollins, Denise Breedlove, and others not named.
Wynnefield Community Neighborhood Association Inc. 