About
Mission
The Philadelphia Education Fund creates equitable access to opportunities for students by providing resources and expertise that build paths to college and career success.
Vision
Our vision is for all young people in Philadelphia to have the skills and opportunity to succeed in college and career.
For copies of past Form 990 filings from PEF, visit Candid or ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer.
I Am College Material
Founded in 1985, the Philadelphia Education Fund drives exceptional student outcomes by developing great teachers and building paths to college and career success. We elevate opportunities, unlock potential, improve our city and our community and change lives—one student at a time.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Our board members are dedicated volunteers who give generously of their time, talent, and treasure to resource the efforts of the Philadelphia Education Fund and ensure its work remains responsive and attuned to the educational needs of the community.
Board of Directors
Officers
John G. Ginelli, Chair
Department Head of Control, Vanguard Group
Joann Mitchell, Vice Chair
SVP, Institutional Affairs, University of Pennsylvania
Siobhan Reardon, Treasurer
Principal, Riverfront Partners, LLC
Mark L. Silow, Esq., Secretary
Chair of the Firm, FoxRothschild LLP
Members
David Baker
Chief Executive Officer, Vallon Pharmaceuticals
Tom Ball
Retired, Evonik Industries AG
Valerie Brown, Esq.
Partner, Holland and Knight LLP
Richard Corcoran, CFA
Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor, Alternative Investment Director
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
Aleksandra Davis
Managing Director, Deloitte Digital
Patricia Day
Director of Community Development
Health Union
Phillip Gabler
Distinguished Engineer, Comcast
La-Toya P. Hackney, Esq.
SVP, General Counsel, & Secretary, Saint-Gobain
Asim Haque
VP, State Policy & Member Services
PJM Interconnection LLC
Susan Lorenz-Fisher
VP, Corporate Citizenship & Sustainability
AmerisourceBergen Corporation
Thomas Morrison
Principal, Deloitte Consulting
Juliana Mosley-Williams, PhD
Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Salus University
Markus Weidner
Chief Innovation Officer, Pennoni
Meet our Scholars Advisory Committee
Our Scholars Advisory Committee members sign on to grow and steward the investments of our Philadelphia Scholars scholarship endowment, and to support the awarding of more than $600,000 in scholarship aid annually to eligible students.
Scholars Advisory Committee
Brad Hodge, Chair
VP, Enrollment Management & Student Services, Peirce College
Mark S. Blaskey, Esq.
Senior Counsel, Ballard Spahr
La-Toya P. Hackney, Esq.
SVP, General Counsel, & Secretary, Saint-Gobain
Margaret (“Peggy”) Steele
Private Investor
Emeritus
Helen Cunningham
Retired, Samuel S. Fels Fund
John B. Neff (in memoriam)
A. Morris Williams, Jr.
Williams & Company
Our dedicated and experienced team of professionals is best in class. They drive results for students by leveraging one another’s talents and working collaboratively to deliver a comprehensive and effective suite of college and career programming.
Leadership
Toni Austin
Manager, Finance and OperationsToni is the point person for all financial management and fiscal operations of PEF, including grant and contract management and compliance. Reporting to PEF’s President and CEO, Toni is supported by a team of accounting professionals from Your Part-Time Controller. Toni has been a proud “Ed Funder” for over 15 years.
Sarah Clark
Senior Manager, Spark PhiladelphiaSarah Clark is the Senior Manager of Spark Philadelphia which helps students in the middle grades discover who they can be today and in the future through a one-of-a-kind career exploration program facilitated through a passionate network of volunteer mentors.
Prior to joining the Philadelphia Education Fund, Sarah used her career development background to serve college students in the career centers at Emory University, Florida State University, and the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She received her Specialist in Education and MS in Counseling and Human Systems degrees from Florida State University and earned a BA in Psychology degree from Rhodes College. Sarah is currently a doctoral candidate in education at the University of Georgia and is completing her dissertation on Covid-19’s impact on undergraduate student career choice.
Bryan DeFoney
Director, TRIO - College Access ProgramBryan DeFoney joined PEF as the Director, TRIO – College Access Program in July 2021. Bryan had been Program Manager at College Possible Philadelphia, a national nonprofit college access and success organization. Bryan’s program served more than 500 students in three area school districts, and he was responsible for student SAT prep programming, student matriculation, and student persistence outcomes. Bryan is also a School District of Philadelphia FAFSA coach, a member and presenter at PACAC, and a member and contributor of the Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable. He got his start in this field as a middle school English teacher in North Philadelphia. Bryan received his bachelor’s degree from Neumann University where he developed a love for higher education as a first generation college student himself. Currently, Bryan proudly serves as the Vice President of the Executive Alumni Board at his alma mater.
Alison Foster
Director of DevelopmentAlison Foster joined PEF as the Development Director in 2021. Most recently, she was Development Director at College Possible Philadelphia, a national nonprofit college access and success organization. She was responsible for institutional and individual fundraising as well as overseeing the site’s marketing and communication efforts. Prior to College Possible Philadelphia, she worked at Children’s Literacy Initiative as well as in publishing and higher education. Alison received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Temple University. Currently, she is working toward a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Nonprofit Center at La Salle University.
Farah Jimenez
President and CEOAs the President and CEO of the Philadelphia Education Fund, Farah Jimenez is at the forefront of the effort to ensure that every young person in Philadelphia has access to a high quality education that prepares them to succeed in college and careers.
In addition to her role with PEF, she served from 2014-18 on the Philadelphia School Reform Commission, then the governing body of the School District of Philadelphia. Her nonprofit career spans more than 20 years in executive management roles with leading agencies engaged in community revitalization, public and Indigenous housing, affordable housing development, and social services. This includes past tenures as Executive Director of Mt. Airy USA and as President and CEO of People’s Emergency Center. She also served as a gubernatorial appointee to the Pennsylvania Commission on Women and the Pennsylvania Homeless Education Task Force, as a board member of the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, and as the founder of a visiting scholars’ program conducting research to inform policy impacting vulnerable families.
Farah currently is on the editorial board of Al Dia, Philadelphia’s Spanish-language newspaper. Her media and public speaking experience includes stints as a columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer, a keynote speaker for Philadelphia Magazine’s ThinkFest, and a regular panelist on WPVI’s Inside Story. She is a graduate of both the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Allison Kelsey
Senior Manager, Philadelphia Scholars Program215-665-1400, ext.3338 COVID 215 668 8798akelsey@philaedfund.orgAllison Kelsey
Senior Manager, Philadelphia Scholars ProgramAllison directs the Last Dollar Scholarship, manages several private scholarships, develops college-year specific workshops, and helps our Scholars navigate financial aid, academic issues, and other topics impacting their ability to thrive while in college. Prior to PEF, she was a communications, program development, and events consultant whose clients included Princeton’s Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, Citizen Diplomacy International, and many regional nonprofits. A first-gen college graduate herself, Allison earned her B.A. from Brown University, an M.S. from the University of Pennsylvania, and certification in adult Mental Health First Aid. She begins a M.Ed. program at Temple University in fall 2023. Allison also serves as President of the Board of Trustees of Independence Charter School in Philadelphia. Contact her about financial giving to the Scholars Program and volunteer opportunities supporting students directly.
Nancy Peter, Ed.D.
Director, McKinney Center for STEM Education215-665-1400, ext.3342npeter@philaedfund.orgNancy Peter, Ed.D.
Director, McKinney Center for STEM EducationDr. Nancy Peter directs the McKinney Center for STEM Education at the Philadelphia Education Fund. She has a bachelor’s degree in Animal Behavior, a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership, and a doctoral degree in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum. Nancy is also is a certified elementary and secondary science teacher and a certified professional development instructor for the Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System. She has published several papers, articles, and research studies on out-of-school time program design, promising practices in professional development, informal science education, and sports-based youth development.
Prior to PEF, Nancy’s roles included Director of Education at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Curriculum Manager for the Fairmount Park Commission, Senior Policy Specialist for Youth and Afterschool in Philadelphia’s Office of Children’s Policy, Children and Youth Project Manager for Philadelphia’s Best Practices Institute, Co-Director of the Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative, and Director of the Out-of-School Time Resource Center at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to her position at the Philadelphia Education Fund, Nancy is an assistant adjunct professor in Penn’s Graduate School of Education.
Ellen Ridyard
Director of Collaborations and PartnershipsEllen Ridyard is the Director of Collaborations and Partnerships at PEF. In her role, Ellen serves as the inaugural leader of the backbone organization for a college access and success ecosystem (CASE), a collective action impact forum aimed at strengthening postsecondary readiness and college completion outcomes for Philadelphia public school students. CASE leverages and strategically aligns the collective power and expertise of the region’s college access and success provider community.
Ellen’s career has focused on college access for Philadelphia students. Prior to joining PEF, Ellen led admissions strategy and partnerships and directed a college access program at Heights Philadelphia, served as an academic advisor at Temple University, and advised students about postsecondary pathways as a Philadelphia school teacher and college advisor. Ellen enjoys connecting with college access & success leaders to learn and share best practices.
Outside of work, Ellen is an avid reader, runner, and dog walker. She lives with her family in Philadelphia, and is a graduate of Vassar College, University of Edinburgh, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Kelly Staskel
Director, Philadelphia Postsecondary Success Program (PPSP) & PhillyGoes2College215-665-1400, ext.3309kstaskel@philaedfund.orgKelly Staskel
Director, Philadelphia Postsecondary Success Program (PPSP) & PhillyGoes2CollegeKelly Staskel is the Director of the Philadelphia Postsecondary Success Program (PPSP) and PhillyGoes2College. With PPSP, she focuses on supporting Philadelphia public schools in coordinating the delivery of schoolwide postsecondary programming. Her work with PhillyGoes2College furthers the website’s mission of making information and resources about planning, paying, and applying to college accessible to all Philadelphians.
Prior to joining the Philadelphia Education Fund, she served as Literacy Support Specialist for the Camden City School District, where she revived the library at Woodrow Wilson High School and led district-wide programming with the objective of increasing student and community literacy. Her career in Education began as a high school and middle school English and Creative Writing teacher at Chicago’s Providence St. Mel High School. She received her M.Ed. from Saint Joseph’s University and her BA in American Literature from New York University.
Harold Weaver
VP of FinanceHarold oversees the finance department at PEF. Prior to joining PEF, he worked at several non-profits in the New York City and Northern New Jersey area. Harold has a BA, from the College of Wooster and a MBA, from the New York Institute of Technology. Harold hopes to bring his finance background to improve the systems already in place and support the staff in their professional development regarding accounting, budgeting, and analysis.
College Access Program
Brandi Ashley
College Access Coordinator, Bartram High SchoolA Greater Philadelphia native, Brandi graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Africana Studies. Her experiences at Pitt ignited a passion to pursue a career in the education field. Following positions with City Year Philadelphia and Spark Philadelphia, Brandi received her M.Ed. from Penn’s Graduate School of Education.
Madeline Birkner
Senior Manager, Persistence and College Partnerships215-665-1400, ext. 3336mbirkner@philaedfund.orgMadeline Birkner
Senior Manager, Persistence and College PartnershipsMadeline Birkner served as a College Access Program Coordinator at Olney Charter High School for more than 6 years and moved into the new role of Senior Manager of College Partnerships and Persistence Programs in 2021. Prior to her work at PEF, she was an Admissions Officer at Bryn Mawr College, where she graduated with her bachelor’s in Sociology and Spanish Literature. Her photographs of College Access students are routinely featured in PEF’s publications.
Héctor Colón
College Access Coordinator, Olney High schoolHéctor I. Colón joined PEF in December 2022. He is a Philly native with a strong connection to his Puerto Rican roots. Héctor is a first-generation university graduate. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Criminology with a minor in Latina/o Studies & Psychology from Millersville University. His passions include traveling the world as well serving others– especially the youth of Philadelphia. Prior to joining PEF, Héctor worked as mental health expert in multiple capacities for 8 years. He loved his work however he decided to return to the educational setting to continue serving as catalyst and impact the lives of younger individuals. Before entering the mental health field, Héctor mentored first-gen and other underrepresented students at his former university. Héctor enjoys using his story to influence & help others to recognize their power & reach their full potential.
Bryan DeFoney
Director, TRIO - College Access ProgramBryan DeFoney joined PEF as the Director, TRIO – College Access Program in July 2021. Bryan had been Program Manager at College Possible Philadelphia, a national nonprofit college access and success organization. Bryan’s program served more than 500 students in three area school districts, and he was responsible for student SAT prep programming, student matriculation, and student persistence outcomes. Bryan is also a School District of Philadelphia FAFSA coach, a member and presenter at PACAC, and a member and contributor of the Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable. He got his start in this field as a middle school English teacher in North Philadelphia. Bryan received his bachelor’s degree from Neumann University where he developed a love for higher education as a first generation college student himself. Currently, Bryan proudly serves as the Vice President of the Executive Alumni Board at his alma mater.
Rachel Gerberick
College Access Coordinator, KCAPA High SchoolRachel Gerberick is PEF’s college access support for 9th to 12th grade students at Kensington Creative & Performing Arts High School. Rachel graduated from Penn State with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in Psychology. She earned her master’s in Counseling Psychology and certification as a K-12 school counselor at Temple University.
Jacqueline Ihnacik
College Access Coordinator, Roxborough High SchoolJacqueline joined the Philadelphia Education Fund in fall 2022 as the College Access Program Coordinator in Roxborough High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY before returning home to the Philadelphia area. She has previously worked in the education field in Philly with College Possible and Teach for America – Greater Philadelphia through AmeriCorps. She gained experience during this time collaborating with many different schools throughout the city and working with students to achieve their academic and personal goals.
Gemelle John
Managing Coordinator, College Access ProgramGemelle John joined PEF in October 2022. Previously, she was a full time World Language (Spanish) teacher and a part-time nonprofit program administrator. Also, she has served as an Instructor, Reading Specialist, Instructional Coach, Program Dean, Program Coach, and Main Office Director at such in organizations as The Summer Learning Collaborative (Wilmington, DE), The Exploration School, (Wellesley, MA and Bronxville, NY), and Upward Bound (Newark, DE). Gemelle received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Education from the University of Delaware and master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Wilmington University, and she’s currently enrolled in Penn’s Urban Teaching Residency master’s program.
Gemelle continues to be an advocate for developing teachers and teacher diversity, further investing her time with the University of Delaware’s Teachers of Tomorrow Project and the Diversifying Delaware’s Educator Workforce initiative. Outside of these career paths, you can find her cooking, writing, and publishing poetry (continuing her practice as a 2018 Delaware Division of the Arts grantee) and trying to teach her cat to take walks.
Catherine Lucey-Warner
Persistence FellowCatherine (she/her/hers) began at the Ed Fund in August 2022 as the AmeriCorps VISTA Persistence Fellow. She works to conduct research and data analysis in order to build out the PEF persistence programming for students who graduate from the College Access Program. As a Philadelphia native she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Psychology. Catherine is passionate about urban education and in her free time enjoys taking walks with her dog and spending time with family and friends.
Mike Noel
Data and Evaluations ManagerMike Noel joined PEF as the Data and Evaluations Manager in February 2022. Previously, Mike served as Program Outcomes and Evaluation Manager at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School, working alongside school leadership, frontline staff, and external partners to rebuild the school’s information system in a way that promoted streamlined data and evaluation processes and built a professional culture of learning and continuous improvement. He got started in college access work at YouthBuild in 2014 as a practitioner, providing individualized career development support for over 300 students and alumni, while managing several college and career partnerships. Mike received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from La Salle University in 2013 as a member of the University’s Honors Program. When he’s not swimming in program data, Mike enjoys long bike rides around Philadelphia, reading poetry and playing guitar, planning trips abroad with his partner, and rooting for his favorite sports teams.
Liza Rangel
Lead College Access Coordinator, Frankford High School215-665-1400lrangel@philaedfund.orgLiza Rangel
Lead College Access Coordinator, Frankford High SchoolLiza joined the Philadelphia Education Fund in May 2022 as the Lead College Access Coordinator for Frankford High School. Liza brings experience teaching in the public school system, in school admissions, and in bilingual Spanish education. She obtained her undergraduate degree from NYU in Education and later earned her master’s degree in Education from Penn. Liza is also licensed to teach in Pennsylvania.
Kelsey Smith
College Access Coordinator, Furness High SchoolKelsey Smith has lived and worked in Florida, Illinois, and Arizona before settling down in Philadelphia. She loves working with students toward their goals and is currently stationed at Furness High School. Kelsey earned her BA from University of Central in Orlando and gained college access experience in many evolving roles at College Depot in Phoenix. After implementing an education program in public housing through a HUD grant, Kelsey relocated to Philly where she resides with her husband and cat.
Sara Walker Adedeji
College Access Program (CAP) Coordinator, Olney High Schoolswalker@philaedfund.orgSara Walker Adedeji
College Access Program (CAP) Coordinator, Olney High SchoolSara comes to PEF from Cabrini University where she served as the Assistant Director of Admissions, Diversity, and Access. In her role, she worked to recruit and counsel students and families on their college journey. In May 2022, she went on to complete her M.S. in Leadership from Cabrini as well.
Sara is not completely new to college access and student success as she previously worked as an AmeriCorps member with both City Year and College Possible. This allowed her opportunities to help students with academic development and success, recruit students, and assist in their matriculation to and through college.
Ahmad Williams
College Access Coordinator, Frankford High SchoolAhmad Williams joined PEF in April 2022 as a College Access Coordinator at Frankford High School. After completing his undergraduate degree at Millersville University in 2020, Ahmad committed himself to transforming postsecondary preparation within the current educational system. Before PEF, he served as a College and Career Readiness Counselor for Upper Darby High School with College Possible and Belmont Charter High School. When he is not working with his scholars, you can find Ahmad travelling and performing with his band, Central City Orchestra. Ahmad is also a proud resident of the City of Chester.
Consulting to Schools
Kelly Staskel
Director, Philadelphia Postsecondary Success Program (PPSP) & PhillyGoes2College215-665-1400, ext.3309kstaskel@philaedfund.orgKelly Staskel
Director, Philadelphia Postsecondary Success Program (PPSP) & PhillyGoes2CollegeKelly Staskel is the Director of the Philadelphia Postsecondary Success Program (PPSP) and PhillyGoes2College. With PPSP, she focuses on supporting Philadelphia public schools in coordinating the delivery of schoolwide postsecondary programming. Her work with PhillyGoes2College furthers the website’s mission of making information and resources about planning, paying, and applying to college accessible to all Philadelphians.
Prior to joining the Philadelphia Education Fund, she served as Literacy Support Specialist for the Camden City School District, where she revived the library at Woodrow Wilson High School and led district-wide programming with the objective of increasing student and community literacy. Her career in Education began as a high school and middle school English and Creative Writing teacher at Chicago’s Providence St. Mel High School. She received her M.Ed. from Saint Joseph’s University and her BA in American Literature from New York University.
STEM Education Initiatives
Barbara Cousar
STEM Workforce Development ManagerBarbara joined PEF as the STEM Workforce Development Manager, and in her role she designs, creates, and executes strategies and programs that improve outcomes related to a school’s goals, to ensure that all students will graduate college, pursue a career, and be life ready. In addition, she has extensive experience in managing the day-to-day operations of grant-funded programs (including STEM) and leveraging relationships to ensure that students and colleagues have the means and the opportunity to meet a need. She will be building on the multiple McKinney STEM Workforce Initiatives.
Sarah Godner
Pennsylvania Statewide STEM Ecosystem Project ManagerSarah Godner joined PEF in 2022 as the Project Manager of the Pennsylvania Statewide STEM Ecosystem (PSSE). PSSE facilitates stakeholder convenings, amplifies STEM resources, drafts policy recommendations, and stewards a community of practice to advance equitable access and inclusion in STEM education and workforce development.
Sarah has worked at a variety of nonprofits over the last fifteen years (most recently at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia) managing projects and programs and organizing events related to education, political advocacy, and economic growth. She also taught elementary education in Philadelphia. Sarah received her bachelor’s from the University of Texas at Austin and her M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Penn’s Graduate School of Education.
Susan (Betsy) Payne
Manager, Philadelphia STEM EcosystemWorking for equity and diversity in education has been Betsy’s lifelong pursuit. As Philadelphia STEM Ecosystem Manager, Betsy coordinates PEF’s backbone organization responsibilities and relationships as well as works with the Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective, a 10-year initiative in partnership with GSK.
Before joining PEF, she managed the Women In Natural Sciences (WINS) program at the Academy of Natural Sciences for more than 11 years, where she worked closely with a cohort of 60+ high school girls annually. As part of WINS, Betsy traveled with them as close as the Philadelphia Waterworks and as far as Mongolia. Betsy previously worked as the Garden Educator for the Camden Children’s Garden, Interpretive Specialist at El Yunque National Forest, Manager of Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve in Puerto Rico, and as a biologist with the Institute of Neurobiology of the University of Puerto Rico.
Nancy Peter, Ed.D.
Director, McKinney Center for STEM Education215-665-1400, ext.3342npeter@philaedfund.orgNancy Peter, Ed.D.
Director, McKinney Center for STEM EducationDr. Nancy Peter directs the McKinney Center for STEM Education at the Philadelphia Education Fund. She has a bachelor’s degree in Animal Behavior, a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership, and a doctoral degree in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum. Nancy is also is a certified elementary and secondary science teacher and a certified professional development instructor for the Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System. She has published several papers, articles, and research studies on out-of-school time program design, promising practices in professional development, informal science education, and sports-based youth development.
Prior to PEF, Nancy’s roles included Director of Education at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Curriculum Manager for the Fairmount Park Commission, Senior Policy Specialist for Youth and Afterschool in Philadelphia’s Office of Children’s Policy, Children and Youth Project Manager for Philadelphia’s Best Practices Institute, Co-Director of the Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative, and Director of the Out-of-School Time Resource Center at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to her position at the Philadelphia Education Fund, Nancy is an assistant adjunct professor in Penn’s Graduate School of Education.
Shubha Sarode
STEM Professional Development and Curriculum ManagerShubha (shuh-buh) is PEF’s inaugural STEM PD and Curriculum Manager. She believes professional learning communities can be powerful spaces for teachers to exchange ideas, feel inspired, and reflect on their work. Having had positive experiences in her own PD, she is excited to continue creating similar spaces for others. Additionally, she has enjoyed writing curriculum in various stages of her career: reorienting science labs to make them more student centered, creating an AP bio sequence that is more relevant, and designing science methods that integrate science perspectives from many cultures. In this role, she will continue to ensure that curriculum is equitable for students and accessible to teachers.
Shubha is a former high school science teacher, teacher educator/coach, and national curriculum reviewer. She has an undergraduate degree in Biology and graduate degrees in both Science Education and Leadership and Policy.
Administration
Toni Austin
Manager, Finance and OperationsToni is the point person for all financial management and fiscal operations of PEF, including grant and contract management and compliance. Reporting to PEF’s President and CEO, Toni is supported by a team of accounting professionals from Your Part-Time Controller. Toni has been a proud “Ed Funder” for over 15 years.
Heather Conboy
Communications ManagerHeather joined PEF as the Communications Manager in November 2022. She has recently been a communications and marketing strategist for several nonprofits in the Philadelphia region, most recently within the healthcare sector at The Inglis Foundation and Community Volunteers in Medicine. She received her BA in Digital Communications and Design from Immaculata University and her MA in Nonprofit Arts Administration from Goucher College. Heather also serves as a committee member of the Public Arts Commission in her town of West Chester, PA.
Christian Guadalupe
Special Assistant to the President and CEO215-665-1400, ext.3322cguadalupe@philaedfund.orgChristian Guadalupe
Special Assistant to the President and CEOFarah Jimenez
President and CEOAs the President and CEO of the Philadelphia Education Fund, Farah Jimenez is at the forefront of the effort to ensure that every young person in Philadelphia has access to a high quality education that prepares them to succeed in college and careers.
In addition to her role with PEF, she served from 2014-18 on the Philadelphia School Reform Commission, then the governing body of the School District of Philadelphia. Her nonprofit career spans more than 20 years in executive management roles with leading agencies engaged in community revitalization, public and Indigenous housing, affordable housing development, and social services. This includes past tenures as Executive Director of Mt. Airy USA and as President and CEO of People’s Emergency Center. She also served as a gubernatorial appointee to the Pennsylvania Commission on Women and the Pennsylvania Homeless Education Task Force, as a board member of the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, and as the founder of a visiting scholars’ program conducting research to inform policy impacting vulnerable families.
Farah currently is on the editorial board of Al Dia, Philadelphia’s Spanish-language newspaper. Her media and public speaking experience includes stints as a columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer, a keynote speaker for Philadelphia Magazine’s ThinkFest, and a regular panelist on WPVI’s Inside Story. She is a graduate of both the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Harold Weaver
VP of FinanceHarold oversees the finance department at PEF. Prior to joining PEF, he worked at several non-profits in the New York City and Northern New Jersey area. Harold has a BA, from the College of Wooster and a MBA, from the New York Institute of Technology. Harold hopes to bring his finance background to improve the systems already in place and support the staff in their professional development regarding accounting, budgeting, and analysis.
Resource Development
Alison Foster
Director of DevelopmentAlison Foster joined PEF as the Development Director in 2021. Most recently, she was Development Director at College Possible Philadelphia, a national nonprofit college access and success organization. She was responsible for institutional and individual fundraising as well as overseeing the site’s marketing and communication efforts. Prior to College Possible Philadelphia, she worked at Children’s Literacy Initiative as well as in publishing and higher education. Alison received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Temple University. Currently, she is working toward a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Nonprofit Center at La Salle University.
Ellen Ridyard
Director of Collaborations and PartnershipsEllen Ridyard is the Director of Collaborations and Partnerships at PEF. In her role, Ellen serves as the inaugural leader of the backbone organization for a college access and success ecosystem (CASE), a collective action impact forum aimed at strengthening postsecondary readiness and college completion outcomes for Philadelphia public school students. CASE leverages and strategically aligns the collective power and expertise of the region’s college access and success provider community.
Ellen’s career has focused on college access for Philadelphia students. Prior to joining PEF, Ellen led admissions strategy and partnerships and directed a college access program at Heights Philadelphia, served as an academic advisor at Temple University, and advised students about postsecondary pathways as a Philadelphia school teacher and college advisor. Ellen enjoys connecting with college access & success leaders to learn and share best practices.
Outside of work, Ellen is an avid reader, runner, and dog walker. She lives with her family in Philadelphia, and is a graduate of Vassar College, University of Edinburgh, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia Scholars Program
Allison Kelsey
Senior Manager, Philadelphia Scholars Program215-665-1400, ext.3338 COVID 215 668 8798akelsey@philaedfund.orgAllison Kelsey
Senior Manager, Philadelphia Scholars ProgramAllison directs the Last Dollar Scholarship, manages several private scholarships, develops college-year specific workshops, and helps our Scholars navigate financial aid, academic issues, and other topics impacting their ability to thrive while in college. Prior to PEF, she was a communications, program development, and events consultant whose clients included Princeton’s Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, Citizen Diplomacy International, and many regional nonprofits. A first-gen college graduate herself, Allison earned her B.A. from Brown University, an M.S. from the University of Pennsylvania, and certification in adult Mental Health First Aid. She begins a M.Ed. program at Temple University in fall 2023. Allison also serves as President of the Board of Trustees of Independence Charter School in Philadelphia. Contact her about financial giving to the Scholars Program and volunteer opportunities supporting students directly.
Spark Philadelphia Program
Sarah Clark
Senior Manager, Spark PhiladelphiaSarah Clark is the Senior Manager of Spark Philadelphia which helps students in the middle grades discover who they can be today and in the future through a one-of-a-kind career exploration program facilitated through a passionate network of volunteer mentors.
Prior to joining the Philadelphia Education Fund, Sarah used her career development background to serve college students in the career centers at Emory University, Florida State University, and the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She received her Specialist in Education and MS in Counseling and Human Systems degrees from Florida State University and earned a BA in Psychology degree from Rhodes College. Sarah is currently a doctoral candidate in education at the University of Georgia and is completing her dissertation on Covid-19’s impact on undergraduate student career choice.
Stacey Sandle
Coordinator, Spark PhiladelphiaStacey came to PEF from GEAR UP’s Norristown program where she was a Site Facilitator and College and Career Coach. She earned her BA in Communication Arts and Sciences at Penn State and her masters from Eastern University in Urban Studies with a concentration in Youth Development. Stacey also serves as a board member for the nonprofit organization Haircutz 4 Homeless and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
