This is an unforgettable year!
In our 20-Year Anniversary Party & Milestones Award Ceremony, we are proud to honor the individuals and organizations whose dedication has helped make 2025 a powerful turning point — marking 20 years of impact and building strong momentum for the future of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership.
From removing over 4,000 tires from Tacony Creek Park — making it the cleanest it’s been in decades — to growing our #CreekyCLEAN team and deepening our partnerships, we are celebrating 20 years of connecting people to their creek!
Khalil Williams: Cleanup King
Jackly Rivera: “La Reina”
Tim Voit: “Always Here” Volunteer Award
Carlton Williams: Visionary for Clean & Green Philly
Illegal Dumping Learning Community
Khalil Williams: Cleanup King
Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Khalil grew up playing basketball at Smith Rec and Chew Rec — experiences that inspired him to pursue a career in parks and recreation.
He has worked with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation for 19 years, dedicating his career to ensuring that children across the city have safe, clean places to run, play, and grow. For the past two years, Khalil has served as Crew Supervisor for the neighborhoods surrounding Tacony Creek Park, where he has played a key role in caring for and maintaining the space.
A dedicated partner and friend to TTF, Khalil has been instrumental in the ongoing transformation of Tacony Creek Park.
Jackly Rivera: “La Reina”
As Director of the Police Officer Lauretha Vaird Boys & Girls Club, Jacqueline is raising the next generation of environmental stewards.
Jacqueline Rivera, affectionately known as “La Reina” (The Queen), is a fierce and joyful community leader in Feltonville, where she serves as Director of the Police Officer Lauretha Vaird Boys & Girls Club on Whitaker Avenue. Every day, Jacqueline provides children with guidance, support, and a safe space to grow—and in doing so, she inspires her entire neighborhood.
Her leadership doesn’t stop at the Club’s doors. Jacqueline is also a committed anti-dumping advocate, working shoulder to shoulder with TTF and her neighbors to transform once-neglected corners like Whitaker & Loudon and Whitaker & Tampa into clean, vibrant park spaces.
“We’re teaching our kids to take care of our community—and we’re starting young.” — Jacqueline Rivera
Tim Voit: “Always Here” Volunteer Award
Tim Voit is the kind of volunteer every organization hopes for — reliable, dedicated, and always willing to lend a hand. For years, he has been a steady and supportive presence across the entire TTF watershed, from Montgomery County to Tacony Creek Park.
Whether he’s helping with creek cleanups, assisting at community events, or supporting restoration and water quality efforts, Tim brings a generous spirit and quiet leadership to every task.
His long-standing commitment embodies the heart of our mission: building lasting relationships between people and their creeks. We’re proud to honor Tim’s unwavering service to the health and beauty of our watershed.
Carlton Williams: Visionary for Clean & Green Philly
Carlton Williams has dedicated his career to keeping Philadelphia clean, safe, and equitable. Now serving as the City’s Director of Clean and Green Initiatives, he leads with deep experience and a passion for public service that began with 10 years on the ground as a Fairmount Park ranger.
When TTF and community partners sounded the alarm about the 5,000 tires dumped in Tacony Creek Park, Carlton answered the call. His leadership—across departments from Streets to L&I—has consistently brought innovation and action to Philadelphia’s toughest quality-of-life issues.
Illegal Dumping Learning Community
The William Penn Foundation understands that tackling illegal dumping in Philadelphia requires a united front—city agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community members all working together on the ground.
We are proud that TTF is part of this broader citywide initiative, the Illegal Dumping Learning Community, which brings people together to reimagine a cleaner, healthier Philadelphia. It’s energizing to work alongside dedicated partners who are finding innovative ways to fight for cleaner neighborhoods—and to advocate for long-term change.
There’s nothing more inspiring than seeing people like Shari and so many others you’ve seen on stage tonight showing up again and again—for cleanup after cleanup—with the relentless spirit it takes to make a difference in our city.
