September 2025 Newsletter | | |
Dear Leader,
The kickoff of the 2026 Core program reminded me of one of its most important lessons: taking care of ourselves is essential to leading effectively. This lesson was reinforced in a conversation with a fellow alum from the Class of 2016, who described her experience with LEADERSHIP as "transformational."
Core provided her with a trusted space to explore this idea, surrounded by attentive peers who offered thoughtful feedback. She discovered a fundamental truth: caring for yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a cornerstone of sustainable leadership.
This lesson resonates across Philadelphia today. The city is ranked among the most stressed in the country, with residents facing challenges at work, at home, and in the community. As leaders in Philadelphia, we feel these pressures acutely. Prioritizing self-care enhances our resilience and sets a powerful example for those we lead, while the relationships and lessons built in Core equip us to navigate these challenges with authenticity and strength.
Good leadership isn’t just about what we accomplish for others, but how we sustain ourselves along the way. What intentional practice supports your own balance and effectiveness as a leader?
Warmly,
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Jan Shaeffer
President & CEO
| | Join Our Nonprofit Collaborative! | | |
LEADERSHIP Philadelphia’s Nonprofit Collaborative connects alumni and Fellows with regional nonprofits in need of skilled, engaged board members.
- Alumni & Fellows: Find board opportunities that match your skills and interests.
- Nonprofits: Connect with talented leaders, present your mission, and engage volunteers in short-term projects.
Enrollment for the 2025–2026 program is open through October 15. Register now to join this network driving impact across the region.
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The Core program was kicked off with incredible energy at Independence Visitor Center with visits at the Museum of the American Revolution and Carpenter's Hall.
Thank you to Allegra Burnette, Jonathan Styles and the Museum of the American Revolution for helping to create such an impactful day.
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Day Two was held at Outward Bound's Discovery Center with activities that fostered trust and collaboration and created lasting bonds.
Thank you to Sam Barnhart, Justin Ennis and the Outward Bound Team for bringing such depth to Day Two.
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Fox29's most recent "The 215" feature highlighted the work of two current Core class members, Laure Biron, CEO of Broad Street Love and Tony D'Orazio, Co-Founder of Carversville Farm Foundation.
Watch the segment
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Please share your news with us to highlight in our alumni newsletter.
In addition to our Alumni News and Nonprofit Service sections, we now have a new section for you to "Plug" your events and opportunities!
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Nell Bang-Jensen '23
Nell was nominated for Theatre Philadelphia's Barrymore Award for Outstanding Direction of a Play, and Outstanding Overall Production of a Play for Nosejob.
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Deborah Campbell '11
Debbie, after 37 years at Temple Univerity, has taken on the role of Associate Vice President in the Office of Community Impact & Civic Engagement (OCICE).
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Judge Wendy Beetlestone '01
The Honorable Wendy Beetlestone became Chief Judge of the US District Court in the Eastern District of PA on August 2, 2025. Judge Beetlestone has served as a federal judge for over ten years and is only the 17th Chief Judge of this district. One of thirteen original federal judicial districts created by the Federal Judiciary Act of 1789, the Eastern District encompasses Philadelphia, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Northampton counties.
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Andrew Hill '14
Andrew received the John C. Shramm Leadership Award from the National Association of Economic Educators (NAEE). The Shramm Award recognizes an economic educator whose leadership has had an extraordinary, positive impact at both the state and national levels.
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James Ijames
Keepers '17
James was nominated for Theatre Philadelphia's Barrymore Award for Outstanding Direction of a Play for August Wilson's King Hedley II.
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Michele McGruther '20
Michelle is now Head of US Asset Management Index Licensing at Nasdaq.
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Lori Salganicoff '07
Lori has joined the Philadelphia Outward Bound School as Director of Development.
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Lindsey Scannapieco
Keepers '17
Lindsey was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year at the RAD Awards hosted by the Philadelphia Citizen..
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Tiffany Tavarez
Keepers '16
Tiffany is being presented with the Eliza Shirley Women in Leadership Award by The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia.
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Drew VandenBrul '06
Drew joined Deloitte Tax LLP in Philadelphia as a Managing Director in the Mutistate Tax Services practice.
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Julie Wertheimer
Keepers '16
After five years with the Pew Charitable Trusts in DC directing national criminal justice work, Julie is joining the Neubauer Family Foundation as Senior Program Officer, overseeing the community safety portfolio.
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Max Vasapoli '16
EgoPo's The Drag was nominated for Theatre Philadelphia's Barrymore Award for Social Insight. Vasapoli played the roles of Kate/Barbara in the production. This special Barrymore Award includes a $25,000 cash prize for the recipient.
The 2025 Barrymore Awards will take place on October 6 at Temple Performing Arts Center.
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Jordan Rambo '14
Jordan has joined the Board of Directors of Mastery Schools.
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Rachel Fendell Satinsky Keepers '19
Rachel has been elected to the Board of the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey.
| | Take the Leap for Philly Youth! | |
You are invited to rappel 30 stories down Commerce Square on October 17th, and help fund the life-changing outdoor Philly youth programs of our friends and partners at the Philadelphia Outward Bound School.
No experience is required as their expert Building Adventure staff will guide you every step of the way! You can sign up to rappel on your own, with a team - or you can simply support someone else's adventure from solid ground.
Learn more and register at buildingadventure.org.
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Explore the history of one of Philadelphia's hidden gems, Carpenters' Hall, at an intimate, private after-hours tour led by Executive Director Michael Norris '08.
You'll learn about the First Continental Congress and Franklin's secret meetings with the French, explore the off-limits second-floor library, and see some of the Hall's unique collections.
Top it off with a whisky tasting!
Sign up for a tour today!
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Walk Around Philadelphia
This September 5–28, join fellow explorers to trace the city’s entire border in guided weekend segments. Discover hidden corners, from riverfronts to rail yards, while connecting with neighbors and the landscape that defines Philadelphia. Sliding-scale registration makes it easy to join for one segment or the whole journey.
Register and learn more from WHYY
| | 8th Annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival | |
The Philadelphia Citizen’s Ideas We Should Steal Festival® presented by Comcast NBCUniversal returns for its eighth year on November 13 and 14. As always, they’ve scoured the country for the changemakers and innovators whose transformative ideas could fuel much-needed progress in our city.
The mission: Expand the problem-solving table, inspire change, and bask in hope.
Keep an eye out on LinkedIn and in our next newsletter for a special discount offer.
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We send our sincerest thanks to all who have donated.
Please consider joining our list of incredible alumni who support us.
Zakiyyah Boone | Aaron Greenfield | Loraine McEvoy
Hugh McStravick | Thomas O'Connor | Terry White
United Way Annual Campaign: Please consider LEADERSHIP Philadelphia as a designated recipient. Our donor option number is 09089.
| | LEADERSHIP would like to send a special thank you to the following organizations for their in-kind services: | | | | |
