2025 Honorees of Smith Memorial Playground

Sharmain Matlock-Turner

Sharmain Matlock-Turner is the CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC), where she has led transformative work in Philadelphia since 1999 as the first woman to head the organization. Under her leadership, UAC has become a powerhouse for change, uniting over 50 partner organizations to improve the quality of life for underserved communities, address poverty, and support wealth-building initiatives. Sharmain's tenure has seen UAC manage over $1 billion in public and private funds, driving impact through youth development, economic inclusion, community safety, and nonprofit capacity building.

Sharmain serves as Deputy Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, is a founding member of the National Network of Fiscal Sponsors, and co-founder of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives. Sharmain also co-founded and is President Emeritus of the West Oak Lane Charter School. She serves on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, PECO, Uplift Solutions, Entrepreneur Works, and United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.

Her recent honors include the Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania award, the 2023 Philadelphia Award, and the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Award.
A Philadelphia native, Sharmain remains dedicated to empowering communities and creating sustainable opportunities for future generations.