Meet 2026 Happening Woman Jeanell Morgan

Jeanell Morgan, is the co-owner of Monkey’s Uncle, along with her husband Derrick. Monkey’s Uncle is a locally loved, retro-inspired boutique in downtown Doylestown offering unique Philly sports items along with a charitable mission. The store opened in 2010 with more than just a love of sports in mind. They provide mentorship and job skills to special needs students of all abilities, through partnerships with local school districts and support systems. It’s a cause the Morgans care about very deeply and it shows.

What has inspired you to pursue your current career and/or passions?

My son was the clear inspiration; after he was diagnosed with autism at age 3, we knew we had to create a place for him to work later in life. That eventually turned into a program where we now employ and mentor many young adults with different abilities.

Can you share a defining moment in your career or life that shaped your path?

I can’t point to one defining moment, but I’ve had so many impactful instances. Just last week, one of our young adults was working with me. Later that night, when her mom asked about her shift, she told her mom that she felt useful and knew she had a purpose. That type of moment is exactly what makes everything we do so worthwhile.

How do you define success?

This is tricky, but its not just about the name on the building. It’s about creating a business that makes people want to shop Jeanell and Derrick, not just Monkey’s Uncle. Its about creating a place where everyone who walks in the door feels like they’re walking into someone’s home…our home. A safe space for everyone, where kids can stomp around like they own the place, fans can revel in the success or misery of our teams, feel nostalgic, and where we can feel equally awesome.

What values guide your personal and professional decisions?

This one is easy: “What goes around comes around” and “Inclusion is Contagious.”

What are you most proud of today?

I’m most proud of the tribe and the amazing community that surrounds us. We give 110% to everything we do especially offering real-life work skills for young adults of different abilities, who may otherwise not have the opportunity.

What does leadership mean to you and how do you embody it in your work?

To me it’s not necessarily “leadership,” but instead about setting an example. We live and breathe inclusion and believe everyone deserves an opportunity to show how they can contribute in their own way. We embody this in our work because our program has grown from offering mentorship to young adults with different abilities to now having half a dozen employees who EARNED a regular paid position on our staff.