About Us
Leaders Working to Provide Educational Opportunities
Our Leadership
Universal Companies is in the business of helping people. Our mission is to improve communities and change lives, by creating cultural and entrepreneurial opportunities that break the cycle of generational poverty within historically disenfranchised communities. To accomplish this, Universal focuses on the identification and removal of systemic barriers to wealth creation within urban settings. We are committed to a comprehensive approach to neighborhood revitalization that embraces education as its foundation for economic transformation. Universal works in collaboration with community stakeholders to create an environment where all children are achieving academically, socially, and emotionally at a high level. We have maintained a proven track record of turning around under-achieving schools since 1999.
Kenneth Gamble
Mr. Gamble is widely known for having written, produced, recorded, and published more than 3,000 songs performed by artists such as The Jackson Five, Teddy Pendergrass, Jerry Butler, The O’Jays, Spinners, Delfonics, Jones Girls, Billy Paul, Lou Rawls, Phyllis Hyman, Dionne Warrick, and many others (nearly 60 artists in total represented the Philly label). A great deal of music he produced carried a social theme and what was described as a “message in the music.” In 1974 and 1989, he received Grammy Awards for writing “Me & Mrs. Jones” and “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” respectively. He founded several record companies, including Philadelphia International Records, of which he remains CEO and chairman of the board.
The Gamble and Huff writing duo has received every major musical award in the U.S. and abroad including being inducted into the National Academy of Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1995; the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in 2001; the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008; and the Dance and Music Hall of Fame in 2005. He has also received the prestigious UK Ivor Novello Award in 2006 and Grammy’s Lifetime Achievement Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2009 the duo was named BMI Icons at the 57th Annual BMI Pop Awards.
Mr. Gamble’s musical accomplishments are extremely impressive when you consider the number of awards, inductions, and honors he has received. The Gamble and Huff genius lies in the fact that their catalog has secured: 80 #1 Hits; 200+ Top #100 Hits; 175 Gold/Platinum Albums; #1 R&B Publisher Worldwide; #8 Pop Publisher Worldwide; and one of Gamble and Huff’s records is played every 13 minutes worldwide. In addition, Mr. Gamble was awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree in Public Service from Cheyney University in 2005 and an Honorary Doctorate degree of Music from Berklee College of Music in 2010.
Mr. Gamble has founded or helped to build numerous organizations that had a sole purpose of helping the African-American community, including the African American Foundation, The Universal Community of Truth, the South Philadelphia Ministries Task Force, The Philadelphia Music Foundation, and his biggest and most successful, Universal Companies.
As founder and chairman of Universal Companies, one of the largest African-American developers of real estate in Philadelphia, Kenneth Gamble used his success to begin a neighborhood revitalization effort. In 1990, he made the ultimate commitment to the City of Brotherly Love. He and his wife Faatimah gave up the quiet and luxurious suburban lifestyle to move back to a blighted South-Central Philadelphia to take a hands-on approach to the rebuilding process that he initiated in the 1980s.
Two decades later, Universal has improved the quality of life for thousands of children and families residing in historically disenfranchised communities. To date, Universal has been the conduit for more than $1.5 billion of real estate development and investment and currently educates more than 4,500 students in 10 schools (K-12). The company is also one of the largest African-American led businesses in Philadelphia, employing nearly 650 professionals.
Kenneth Gamble is a true Philadelphia success story, coming from humble beginnings to achieve international fame. For a man who is known worldwide for making hit records, he considers rebuilding the African-American community as “the biggest hit of my life.”
Dr. Penny Nixon
Dr. Penny Nixon, senior executive vice president of education/chief academic officer, prides herself in promoting academic excellence and a positive organizational culture. Dr. Nixon previously served the School District of Philadelphia for 20 years in various capacities. Prior to accepting the position of senior executive vice president/chief academic officer at Universal Companies, Dr. Nixon served as associate superintendent of schools, working directly with the superintendent to ensure that academic programs increased and maximized students’ success; regional superintendent, developing, supporting and evaluating principals; and as an academic coach, coaching and collaborating with school staff to improve learning outcomes. Throughout her 20-year career she has also served as a principal, teacher, facilitator and mentor, committed to making accelerated improvements in school quality and student achievement.
Receiving a great deal of recognition for her work in championing equality, access and excellence for all students, Dr. Nixon was recently awarded the Phi Delta Kappa International University of Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Educational Leadership Award, the Schoolmen’s Club President’s Award and the Philadelphia Coaches Association Administrator of the Year Award.
Dr. Nixon received her Doctoral Degree in Educational and Organizational Leadership and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Temple University.
Faatimah Gamble
Mrs. Gamble’s acumen for business began early as a student at Bok Vocational School in South Philadelphia. She continued her education at Temple University and later became certified as a Protocol and Etiquette Consultant from the International School of Protocol in Washington, D.C.
Mrs. Gamble developed character building and social etiquette programs which she has implemented with hundreds of adolescents over the last 30 years, encouraging self-esteem and refinement among inner-city males and females.
Since the inception more than 25,000 individuals have benefited from the programs, workshops and events implemented by The Wellness of You. In addition to the Celebrate Wellness Expo and the Annual Wellness Breakfast for Men, Universal’s wellness program includes an annual children’s wellness health fair for nearly 3,000 students and their families. The Wellness of You program also implements character building/self-esteem training programs for adolescents, known respectively as The Pearls of Wisdom and From Boys to Men.
The Wellness of You was the first organization of its kind in the nation to recognize medical professionals committed to making a difference in community health. The coveted Tree of Life Award has been awarded to Dr. Walter Lomax, medical practitioner and founder of Lomax Companies; Dr. Benjamin Carson, pediatric neurosurgeon of John’s Hopkins University Hospital; Dr. Calvin Johnson, former secretary of health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Senator Vincent Hughes; Dr. Robin L. Smith, bestselling author and psychologist; and Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith, a spiritual guru. Additionally, The Wellness of You is a best practice model that educates the community about alternative medical practices, something that was considered taboo but through education and awareness initiatives has transformed into a multi-billion dollar industry.
Currently, Mrs. Gamble joins radio personality, Mimi Brown of WDAS, Philly’s R&B and Classic Soul radio station, to deliver health centered messages and words of wisdom through haiku poetry to residents of Philadelphia County and the surrounding municipalities. Segments have included “Overcoming Depression,” “Preparing for Winter,” and “Extended Families.”
Mrs. Gamble has received numerous awards and has been recognized by city and state officials for her dedication to health and wellness. In April 2013, she was recognized by City Council President Darrell L. Clarke and council members for her commitment to helping impoverished communities and families across the nation. In December 2013, State Representative Louise Williams Bishop, 192nd legislative district, honored Mrs. Gamble with House Resolution 570.
Shaheid Dawan
Shahied Dawan is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Drexel University in 1982 that included performing a year of cooperative work. After graduation, Mr. Dawan began a career with the U.S. General Accounting Office as an auditor performing audit assignments involving accounts receivables/payables, procurement contracts, asset valuation, automated data processing systems, loan loss reserve accounting and internal controls by developing audit plans, performing field work and preparing reports. In 1983 he completed the certified public accountants exam and in 1985 he was admitted into the Pennsylvania and American Institutes of Certified Public Accountants.
In 1989 Mr. Dawan was promoted to become the first African-American regional assignment manager for the financial and accounting management division in the Philadelphia region. As a regional assignment manager, his responsibilities included being a liaison with management in Washington, D.C. and 14 regions spread throughout the United States for the effective administration and implementation of audits and financial systems reviews, concurrently managing up to four audits and serving as an instructor/trainer for audit standards and financial management issues. Mr. Dawan’s work involved accounting, financial auditing and program evaluations of multi-million dollar transactions, projects and programs of public and private entities.
In 1994 Mr. Dawan brought his professional skills and experiences as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to the community development world when Philadelphia’s music legend, Mr. Kenneth Gamble asked him to be a founding executive at Universal Companies to help build Universal’s capacity. Mr. Dawan reports directly to the board and CEO and helped to create and operate Universal Community Homes as a successful community development corporation that has produced more than 1,500 units of rental and for sale housing, created Universal Education Management Company that manages public schools with 4,500 students, Universal Retail Company, an economic development company, and Universal Workforce Development, a social services and workforce provider.
As the chief financial officer, he manages a staff of accountants and is responsible for the overall financial management of Universal Companies including accounting systems, contract management, vice presidents and managers reporting to him on day to day operations. As CFO, he has been one of the main developers of real estate projects for Universal and has managed more than $300 million in development.
Mr. Dawan has coupled his business career with a lifelong commitment to community service through his volunteer work with religious and civic organizations. He is also a member of several boards. He is a professional member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants and National Association of Black Accountants.
Central Education Office
Our Vision
Universal Companies will be recognized as a change agent and national leader in urban education as evidenced by student awareness of self, high academic achievement, positive school culture and community transformation wherever we serve.
Our Mission
The Universal Education mission is to provide a rich and high quality education for every scholar to prepare them for college, technical school, entrepreneurships that leads to a sustainable career in the 21st century and build altruistic alumni who contribute to the transformation of their communities as future leaders and positive members of society.
Our Beliefs
Love the children we work with and serve as role models for our students, staff and families
Understand our role as “servant leaders” who empathize with urban issues
Maintain high academic and personal expectations with a “No Excuse Attitude” for high achievement
Plan based on data, review all data, revise based on data and execute based on data
Communicate clearly, concisely and with resolve
Demonstrate respect, patience and understanding for students and parents –especially those most challenged
Guarantee a safe and nurturing learning environment
Utilize the school as a key element and hub for the surrounding community to help in the transformation of neighborhoods
Foster strong partnerships between employees, students, families, businesses and other constituents
Take wise risks that benefit our scholars