By Sarah Matarella, Alvernia University
Rodney S. Ridley Sr., Ph.D., RTTP, Alvernia University Chief Economic, Community, and Strategic Development Officer, has been named to the City & State Pennsylvania 2026 Black Trailblazers list. City & State will honor Ridley amongst a group of influential Black Pennsylvanians who are making a meaningful impact across the Commonwealth on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Marriott Old City in Philadelphia, as well as in their recent magazine issue.
The annual recognition highlights Pennsylvanians who are shattering glass ceilings, setting records, and making history across sectors and communities statewide, according to City & State. Ridley was recognized for The O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship’s community impact and its growing national reach, including work supported by a National Science Foundation grant.
“Being named to the City & State Pennsylvania Black Trailblazers list is an honor I share with the many partners, entrepreneurs, and students who do this work alongside us,” said Ridley. “At O’Pake, we measure success by outcomes for people and places: helping founders grow, helping students learn through experience, and helping communities build stronger, more inclusive economies.”
Ridley was also recognized as a valued Greater Reading community leader at a Black History Month celebration hosted by state Rep. Manny Guzman on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
“Dr. Ridley’s well-deserved recognitions are a powerful testament to his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to community-engaged experiential learning and economic opportunity,” said President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “Through his transformative work at the O’Pake Institute and across our Reading and Pottsville CollegeTowne partnerships, he continues to elevate Alvernia’s impact as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful community growth.”
Since 2020, Ridley has been instrumental in developing and sustaining the university’s Reading CollegeTowne initiative. Under his leadership, the O’Pake Institute served more than 300 local businesses, trained 75 students, and awarded over $175,000 in microgrants. Ridley launched the Berks County Cultural Coalition and O’Pake’s Technology Transfer Office, which received its inaugural patent in 2022. Ridley received local and international awards for his impact on the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Recent local, state, and international honors
Ridley’s City & State recognition is the latest in a series of honors acknowledging his leadership in entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and regional revitalization efforts:
- City & State Pennsylvania Black Trailblazers (2026) – Recognized for advancing entrepreneurship and economic development through Alvernia’s O’Pake Institute, including support for local businesses, student training, and microgrant investment.
- RTTP Fellow, Alliance of Technology Transfer Professionals (2025) – Recognized for distinguished career, service leadership, and substantial contributions as an RTTP Fellow.
- Frederick J. Beste III Award, Venture Idol Innovation Awards (2024) – Honored through Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeast PA for advancing the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- ACEEU Triple E Awards (2023) – Awarded third place in the Male Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year in the Americas category.
For more information about the O’Pake Institute, click here.
