Leadership Philadelphia kicked off its Keepers class of 2020 today, and once again, the group is stocked with startup founders and tech pros, in addition to folks from the worlds of economic development, social impact, local gov and more.
Leadership launched the program in 2014 to connect professional up-and-comers to each other and the city in the hopes of encouraging them to stay for the long haul. The seven-month, invite-only program involves team building, professional development sessions and space to meet with Philadelphia bigwigs.
Today! Keepers 2020 Kick off. Thanking you nominators who helped amass this outstanding cohort. Shout out to the nominees, too: Whether you made the cut or not-it's clear #Philly's awash w/ great young leaders doing great things. Shine on! Way to use your awesome powers for good. pic.twitter.com/1jwTMhxYrP
— LEADERSHIP Phila (@LeadershipPhila) October 18, 2019
We recognize quite a few tech-y names in this year’s class, including LeagueSide founder Evan Brandoff, Lillo Consulting founder Opeola Bukola, Stitch Lead Product Designer Lauren Hallden-Abberton, Apostrophe CEO Alex Gilbert, Elsevier Product and UX Designer Meghan Kelly, and BCKG CEO and cofounder Allen King.
We also spot representation from well-known companies and organizations such as Comcast (which is sending 10 — !!! — young employees), REC Philly, Bluecadet, Venture for America and Happy Cog.
Here’s the full 2019-2020 cohort:
- Claire Adler, master’s candidate, city and regional planning, M.S., Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University
- Brad Baer, partner and director of strategy, Bluecadet
- James Beale, chief operating officer, Jounce Partners
- Brett Beckerson, officer, The Pew Charitable Trusts
- Corey Bell, constituent services representative, Office of Council President Darrell Clarke
- Evan Brandoff, cofounder/CEO, LeagueSide
- Kellen Brown, controller, Atairos
- Opeola Bukola, founder, Lillo Consulting
- Jolene Nieves Byzon, director of communications, City of Philadelphia City Controller’s Office
- Ricardo Calderon, cofounder, ALLin Lifestyle
- Justin Campbell, director of billing CX strategy and journey design, Comcast
- Stephanie Childers, HR Manager, Comcast
- Anthony Copeman Jr., founder and cultural architect, Financial Lituation
- Kelsey DeMerlis, project manager, Philadelphia Youth Network
- Aminata Diallo, evaluation and community impact program manager, Scattergood Foundation
- Ryan Donahue, principal security engineer, Comcast
- Shane Doud, director of government affairs, Philadelphia International Airport
- Cory Dulaney, support coach at the Center for Male Engagement, Community College of Philadelphia
- Nora Elmarzouky, project manager for the Friends/Peace/Sanctuary Project, Swarthmore College
- Ryan Eppley, chief operating officer, REC Philly
- Samuel Fischer, data and evaluation manager, Read by 4th Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation
- Gaige Flint, director of Comcast Business, Comcast
- Alex Gilbert, chief executive officer, Apostrophe Technologies, Inc.
- Imani Green, corporate sales development consultant, PNC Bank
- Adam Gruchevsky, manager of network engineering, Comcast
- Harrison Haas, associate, Cozen O’Connor
- Altoro Hall, director of manufacturing and advanced industries, Department of Commerce
- Lauren Hallden-Abberton, lead product designer, Stitch
- Al Harris, cofounder and president, CANCER Who?
- Tess Hart, founder, Triple Bottom Brewing
- Jocelyn Hastings, program coordinator, ImpactED, University of Pennsylvania
- Jahlee Hatchett, inspector at office of professional responsibility, SEPTA Transit Police Department
- Nikki Hatza, JD candidate, Temple Law
- Meghan Hayes, HR Manager, Comcast
- Joseph Hill-Coles, community navigator, Youth Service, Inc.
- Andrea Hodge, economic development associate, Oxford Circle CCDA
- Brittany Holiday, director of graduate support, Hope Partnership for Education and Rising Queens
- Jennifer Hombach, founder, Jaya Kava
- Geremi James, director of concierge services and winter programming, Broad Street Ministry
- Tiffany Johnston, director at Office of Minority and Small business Development, School District of Philadelphia
- Haba Kane, syndication program manager, Comcast
- Meghan Kelly, product and UX designer, Elsevier
- Allen King, chief executive officer and cofounder, BCKG
- Cristina Landa, director of learning, Venture For America
- Melissa Le, community manager of LIFT Labs, Comcast
- Melissa Lee, founder and chief executive officer, The GREEN Program
- Nile Livingston, artist, MuralArts
- Kevin Love, product manager, Comcast
- Jess Mason, chief operating officer and cofounder, Untitled Folder LLC
- Melissa McCleery, artist and communications consultant
- Saleemah McNeil, reproductive psychotherapist, Oshun Family Center
- Benet Morando, DevOps analyst, JP Morgan Chase
- Jordan Muse, project and campaign coordinator, The Food Trust
- Leemay Nassery, director of engineering, Comcast
- Dana Pavlichko, senior designer, Happy Cog
- Steve Preston, first deputy chief diversity and inclusion officer, City of Philadelphia
- Inella Ray, program director of afterschool programs, KIPP
- Vaughn Ross, deputy chief of staff, City of Philadelphia
- Haley Samsi, vice president of operations, Saxbys
- Brendan Schuck, senior financial representative, Allstate
- Bria Spivey, strategic communications manager, Research for Action
- Alicia Spurlark, lead counselor, Esperanza Academy Charter High
- Mikecia Witherspoon, City of Philadelphia deputy chief of staff, Mayor’s Office
- Hansen Zhang, technical architect, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
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