[KeyStoneChapter] GPC Monthly Digest for September 2026 - featuring our member's spotlight!
Stacie Leap
stacie.leap at gmail.com
Wed Sep 2 03:05:48 UTC 2026
Hello everybody,
Here is the listing of the events happening within our Greater Philadelphia
Chapter and the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania. Please
share this with your networks!
Greater Philadelphia Chapter 's Monthly Digest for September 2026
Your monthly guide to the happenings of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter
and the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania!
About the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the NFB of PA
The Greater Philadelphia Chapter (GPC) of the National Federation of the
Blind of Pennsylvania is dedicated to empowering blind and low-vision
individuals through advocacy, education, community, and support. We work to
promote independence, equal opportunities, and full inclusion for blind
people and their families throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. For
more information, please contact GPC President Stacie Leap at
stacie.leap at gmail.com or 215-776-6741.
Member’s Spotlight: Meet Our GPC Family!
Each month, we will highlight one member of our chapter so everybody can
learn about each other and see how we live the life we want. Blindness does
not hold us back!
This month, we will highlight our President Stacie Leap.
Stacie Leap’s Bio
Stacie Leap is a passionate advocate, community leader, and longtime member
of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). She joined the NFB in 2020
and has since dedicated herself to advancing opportunities, representation,
and independence for blind people and their families.
In March 2021, Stacie founded the Blind Parents Group and served as its
Chair. Under her leadership, the group expanded its reach and became a
statewide division, the Pennsylvania Organization of Blind Parents (POBP),
in November 2024. Stacie was elected as the division's first President and
continues to lead efforts to support blind parents while promoting positive
perceptions of blind people raising children.
Stacie’s leadership within the NFB continued to grow when she was nominated
to serve on the NFB’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee in
January 2023 by President Mark Riccobono. She was also a member of the
inaugural cohort of the NFB’s Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-In-Service
Program, completing the 2023–2024 program year. In November 2024, she was
elected to the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind
of Pennsylvania. Her leadership within the Greater Philadelphia Chapter
continued to grow when she was appointed First Vice President in August
2025, and in October 2025, she was elected President.
Stacie’s commitment to service extends well beyond the National Federation
of the Blind. She serves as Secretary of Collaboration Over Competition,
Inc. since 2024, following her service as an Advisory Board Member in 2023.
Since 2026, she has served on the boards of Heart to Home Case Management
Services and Disability Pride Pennsylvania and has also serves as an
Advisory Board Member of Northwest Victim Services.
Since 2023, Stacie has volunteered with Purple House Project PA, where she
serves as the emcee and host of the organization’s annual Purple Path Walk,
serves on its gala committee, and facilitates workshops addressing the
intersection of intimate partner violence and disability. Through this
work, she advocates for greater awareness of the unique experiences and
barriers faced by people with disabilities who experience domestic violence.
Stacie’s advocacy is deeply rooted in her own life experiences. In 2016,
while two months pregnant, she lost her vision as a result of domestic
violence. Her journey of rebuilding her life, learning to navigate
blindness, and becoming a mother has profoundly shaped her commitment to
empowering others and demonstrating that blindness does not prevent a
person from living a full, productive, and meaningful life.
Stacie is the proud mother of her ten-year-old daughter, who is actively
involved in the Salvation Army Kroc Church where she participates in praise
dance and children's choir, the Rosebud Mentoring Program, and the
Salvation Army Penndel Performance Academy where she plays the Cornet and
participates in drama. Motherhood and advocacy are central to Stacie’s
life, and she is committed to creating a future in which blind parents and
blind children are recognized for their abilities rather than defined by
disability.
Stacie is also the daughter of Cambodian refugees who escaped the Khmer
Rouge regime. She speaks Khmer, the official language of Cambodia, and
takes great pride in her Cambodian heritage and the resilience of her
family.
Long before becoming blind, Stacie was already breaking barriers within her
family and community. She was the first person in her family to graduate
from high school, earning her diploma from Philadelphia High School for
Girls. She later became the first in her family to attend college,
attending Temple University, where she majored in Therapeutic Recreation,
minored in Psychology and Public Health, and enrolled in a certificate
program focused on gerontology.
While at Temple, Stacie was deeply involved in student leadership and
community building. She founded the first student organization for
Cambodian students at Temple University, the Temple University Society of
Khmer Students (TUSK). She also served as a Student Senator in Temple
Student Government, representing the College of Health Professions and
Social Work.
Before blindness changed the course of her life, Stacie built a career in
the behavioral health field. She worked as a residential aide at various
homeless shelters throughout Philadelphia, served as a Mental Health First
Aid Instructor for the City of Philadelphia, and worked as a Wellness
Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) facilitator through the Copeland Center for
Wellness and Recovery.
>From breaking educational barriers and building a career in behavioral
health to overcoming the effects of domestic violence, adapting to
blindness, raising her daughter, and becoming a leader within the blindness
and disability communities, Stacie Leap has built her life around service,
advocacy, and empowerment.
Whether she is advocating for blind parents, promoting diversity and
inclusion, supporting survivors of domestic violence, serving on nonprofit
boards, mentoring others, or leading within the National Federation of the
Blind, Stacie uses her experiences, voice, and leadership to create
opportunities for others.
Her story is one of resilience, determination, and service—a testament to
the power of transforming lived experience into advocacy, leadership, and
meaningful change.
Greater Philadelphia Chapter Events GPC Fundraising Committee meeting via
Zoom
Help support the chapter's mission by sharing fundraising ideas, planning
events, and volunteering your talents to strengthen our programs and
activities.
Friday, September 5, 2026
5 PM to 6 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/97666825771?pwd=ZikGWLpBbL9XmMq8Q8FeiXs9ANYGHz.1
Meeting ID: 976 6682 5771
Passcode: 1977
GPC Volunteers at Cradles to Crayons
Join fellow chapter members as we volunteer with Cradles to Crayons to help
provide essential clothing, school supplies, and other necessities to
children in need throughout the Philadelphia area.
Sign up using this link:
https://cradlestocrayons.tfaforms.net/5119087?shiftappid=a4ZQg000008Niq9
Thursday, September 10, 2026
1 PM to 3 PM ET
4700 Wissahickon Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19129
*Note: Registration is required! *
GPC Volunteers at the Free Library of Philadelphia's Sharing Access Event
Our chapter will help set-up and distribute food to those in attendance. We
will be one of various organizations volunteering for this event. Please
contact Anissa Brown to sign up so she can get a proper head count of GPC
representation.
Thursday, September 17, 2026
9:15 AM to 1 PM
Central Library Branch
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19103
GPC Hospitality Committee Meeting via Zoom
Join us in creating a welcoming experience at our chapter meetings by
helping coordinate refreshments, hospitality, and member engagement
activities.
Monday, September 21, 2026
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/97666825771?pwd=ZikGWLpBbL9XmMq8Q8FeiXs9ANYGHz.1
Meeting ID: 976 6682 5771
Passcode: 1977
GPC Monthly Meeting (In-Person and via Zoom)
Connect with fellow members and supporters to learn about local, state, and
national initiatives, share ideas, and stay informed about issues affecting
blind people.
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Light refreshments begin at 9:15AM ET.
Meeting runs from 10 AM to 12 PM ET.
Park Tower Apartments
4001 Conshohocken Avenue, Community Room
Philadelphia, PA 19131
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/97666825771?pwd=ZikGWLpBbL9XmMq8Q8FeiXs9ANYGHz.1
Meeting ID: 976 6682 5771
Passcode: 1977
State Affiliate Events Coffee with the State President & Board Monthly
Meeting via Zoom
This monthly discussion meeting brings everybody together to get to know
the state affiliate board members and the happenings within the state’s
divisions, chapters, and groups. Engage in an open discussion to learn
about current initiatives, advocacy efforts, and opportunities to get
involved across Pennsylvania. This meeting is typically held the 1st
Wednesday of the month.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/96349504843?pwd=Tk5zL3RRRnd4QjRiRzl2ODM0bEJmQT09
Meeting ID: 963 4950 4843
Passcode: 1977
Deaf Blind Division Monthly Meeting via Zoom
a monthly meeting for those who consider themselves to be Deaf Blind and
their supporters. A welcoming forum to share experiences, exchange
resources, and discuss issues impacting the Deaf Blind community. This
meeting is typically held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
7 PM to 8 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/98011745391?pwd=OElqZ3JRdXFDRFRzNHp5NUJqYmN0QT09
Meeting ID: 980 1174 5391
Passcode: 1977
Pennsylvania Association of Guide Dog Users Monthly Meeting via Zoom
a monthly meeting for those who have or are considering getting a guide dog
as well as their supporters. Connect to discuss training, travel, advocacy,
and guide dog-related topics. This meeting is typically held on the 2nd
Wednesday of the month.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91829607843?pwd=qqhauVZm8AbW7cNBPZNaLNPhQXgbEm.1
Meeting ID: 918 2960 7843
Passcode: 1977
State Convention Planning Committee Monthly Meeting via Zoom
Help plan and coordinate the National Federation of the Blind of
Pennsylvania State Convention by sharing ideas, volunteering, and assisting
with event logistics and activities. These meetings change monthly
depending on nee. For September 2026, we will hold 2 convention planning
meetings: September 10 and September 24.
Thursday, September 10, 2026
7 PM to 8 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/93740003678?pwd=VlJIYm5MNWJHdXdHSTNtOGlnL0xKdz09
Meeting ID: 937 4000 3678
Passcode: 1977
PA Association of Blind Merchants Monthly Meeting via Zoom
a monthly meeting for those who are or wish to be involved with the
Business Enterprise Program, entrepreneurship, and their supporters.
Explore opportunities in entrepreneurship while networking with blind
business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs. This meeting is typically held
on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
6 PM to 7 PM ET
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4503152944
Meeting ID: 450 315 2944
Walking Alone and Marching Together Podcast Listening Session via Zoom
Join us each month to listen to and discuss episodes of the Walking Alone
and Marching Together podcast, which explores the history, experiences, and
impact of the organized blind movement. This session typically is held on
the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
4 PM to 6 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91885471834?pwd=SvkbkRWvtpka5nzc4FNZ3mBSk3jqls.1
Meeting ID: 918 8547 1834
Passcode: 1977
Pennsylvania Organization of Blind Parents Monthly Meeting via Zoom
a monthly meeting for blind parents, grandparents, and their supporters. A
gathering to share experiences, resources, and strategies for raising
confident and successful children. This meeting is typically held on the
3rd Saturday of the month.
Saturday, September 19, 2026
7 PM to 8:30 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/92797371396?pwd=QkJ6MVJ6WDVvMEhGdXpMQTlLM000QT09
Meeting ID: 927 9737 1396
Passcode: 1977
Diabetes Action Network (DAN) Group Monthly Meeting via Zoom
A monthly discussion group for blind individuals living with diabetes,
their families, and supporters. Learn how to share resources, information,
and encouragement with others who have diabetes. This meeting typically is
held on the 3rd Monday of the month.
Monday, September 21, 2026
6 PM to 7 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91010106648?pwd=cTNTUlBZTSt6VGxIb0hyVUcxN3pLQT09
Meeting ID: 910 1010 6648
Passcode: 1977
Blind Seniors Group Monthly Meeting via Zoom
a monthly meeting for those who are seniors or almost seniors as well as
their supporters. Join for discussions, resources, and fellowship focused
on maintaining independence, engagement, and quality of life as we age.
This meeting is typically held on the 4th Wednesday of the month.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/99546476505?pwd=cWU1bUpySFArLy84cmlZVHdXNEN5UT09
Meeting ID: 995 4647 6505
Passcode: 1977
State Convention Planning Committee Monthly Meeting via Zoom
Help plan and coordinate the National Federation of the Blind of
Pennsylvania State Convention by sharing ideas, volunteering, and assisting
with event logistics and activities. These meetings change monthly
depending on need. For September 2026, we will hold 2 convention planning
meetings: September 10 and September 24.
Thursday, September 24, 2026
7 PM to 8 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/93740003678?pwd=VlJIYm5MNWJHdXdHSTNtOGlnL0xKdz09
Meeting ID: 937 4000 3678
Passcode: 1977
Thanks,
Stacie
Stacie Leap
President, Greater Philadelphia Chapter &
President, Pennsylvania Organization of Blind Parents (POBP),
National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania
stacie.leap at gmail.com | 215-776-6741
LinkedIn <http://www.linkedin.com/in/stacieleap>
The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and
all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination,
and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.
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