Staff Directory
Philadelphia Education Fund Staff
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 20 years.
Madeline 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.
Bryan DeFoney
Vice President, ProgramsBryan 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.
David Garbe
Director, McKinney Center for STEM EducationDr. David Garbe has a wealth of experience in the academic, nonprofit, and corporate domains. Prior to joining Philadelphia Education Fund in November of 2024, Dave was the Director of Outreach and Education for The Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research (PSBR). During his eight years with PSBR, he strategically extended the scope, reach, and mission of the organization to educate the public about the importance of biomedical research and its significance to human and animal health. In this role he also conceived, developed, and deployed the mobile SPARC Science program that expanded to serve over 18,000 students in 2023. Additionally, he developed numerous Teacher Professional Development Programs, Science Fairs, Career Workshops, and Public Community Outreach initiatives.
Prior to PSBR, Dr. Garbe was a scientist that performed research focused on cancer, nervous system development, circadian biology, and sleep in the academic setting and the treatment of mood disorders in the biopharma arena. He was also an adjunct professor at various universities and colleges around the Philadelphia area. During his professional career, Dave has served on many boards for professional organizations.
Farah Jimenez
President and CEOFarah Jimenez is the President and CEO of the Philadelphia Education Fund (PEF), a nonprofit committed to tackling the city’s talent pipeline challenge, by ensuring Philadelphia students are supported in fulfilling their fullest college and career ambitions. It is her belief – in the power of an education to transform lives – that drives Ms. Jimenez’ efforts at the Philadelphia Education Fund. At PEF,
Ms. Jimenez is responsible for supporting, leading, and resourcing the work of the City’s most talented and experienced team of college and career professionals. In her role, she also works to foster the corporate and civic partnerships that enable PEF to serve more than 3,000 students year, award $900,000 in scholarships annually, support 750 teachers and embed college advising in six Philadelphia public high schools. During her tenure, Ms. Jimenez expanded PEF’s advising services to four middle schools; rebooted PhillyGoes2College.org, PEF’s online college access portal; launched PEF’s McKinney Center for STEM Education; established three collective impact initiatives in partnership with industry and the School District of Philadelphia; and built PEF’s successful education consulting practice.
Prior to her tenure at PEF, Ms. Jimenez served four years as a gubernatorial appointee to Philadelphia’s School Reform Commission – formerly, the governing body of the School District of Philadelphia. And, her nonprofit leadership experience spans 20 years, including tenures as President and CEO of the People’s Emergency Center and Executive Director of Mt. Airy USA.
Ms. Jimenez holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She also holds an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Chestnut Hill College and a certificate in nonprofit management from Harvard Business School.
A frequent commentator on civic matters in Philadelphia, Ms. Jimenez has enjoyed brief stints as a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer; is on the board of Broad+Liberty, a digital media platform offering balance to local news and editorial coverage; and can be seen Sundays on Inside Story, a current affairs television show that airs weekly on WPVI, Philadelphia’s ABC affiliate.
Allison Kelsey
Senior Manager, Philadelphia Scholars ProgramAllison directs PEF’s 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 is in her 2nd year of Temple University’s M.Ed. program, focusing on Higher Education and Student Affairs. Allison also served on the Board of Trustees of Independence Charter School in Philadelphia from 2018-24 and as its President in 2022-24. Contact her about financial giving to the Scholars Program and volunteer opportunities supporting students directly.
Mike Noel
Director, Data and EvaluationMike 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 teachers, counselors, school leadership, 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 Postsecondary Coordinator, 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, playing guitar, traveling abroad, and rooting for his favorite sports teams.
Liza Rangel
Senior Program Manager, Middle Grades InitiativesLiza 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.
Ellen Ridyard
Director, 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.
Middle Grades Initiatives
Liza Rangel
Senior Program Manager, Middle Grades InitiativesLiza 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.
Stacey Sandle
Program Manager, 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.
College Access Program & High School Initiatives
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.
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.
Amaya Cooper
College Access Coordinator, Frankford High SchoolAmaya joined PEF in 2024 as a CAP Coordinator for Frankford High School, bringing her passion for empowering students to their educational journeys. She graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
Growing up in Raleigh, Amaya was deeply involved in local nonprofits, including Read and Feed, an organization that provides literacy support and free meals to underserved children. This experience inspired her lifelong dedication to education and community outreach. After college, Amaya served with AmeriCorps, where she designed and led a summer learning camp for low-income K-8 Students. This solidified her commitment to helping young people achieve their educational goals and inspired her current role at PEF.
Outside of work, Amaya enjoys reading, watching movies, working out, and listening to music.
Bryan DeFoney
Vice President, ProgramsBryan 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.
Mel Kadar
College Access Coordinator, KCAPAMel Kadar joined PEF in October 2024 as a College Access Coordinator at Kensington Creative & Performing Arts High School. Mel has always been drawn to education and is passionate about making an impact on students and combatting educational inequities, drawing from her own experience as a FGLI (first-generation, low-income) student.
Mel graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor’s in Business Management and a minor in Geography, Environmental, and Planning Studies. She went on to earn a Master’s in Social Policy and a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. Previously, she gained valuable experience in advocacy, mentorship, program management, grant writing, and much more through her involvement in various non-profit organizations and the community.
Mike Noel
Director, Data and EvaluationMike 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 teachers, counselors, school leadership, 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 Postsecondary Coordinator, 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, playing guitar, traveling abroad, and rooting for his favorite sports teams.
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.
Emmanuel Sofolawe
Digital Projects & Content Manager, PhillyGoes2College (PG2C)esofolawe@philaedfund.orgEmmanuel Sofolawe
Digital Projects & Content Manager, PhillyGoes2College (PG2C)
Dennis Villacorta
College Access Coordinator, Roxborough High SchoolDennis joined PEF in November 2023 as a CAP Coordinator for Roxborough High School. He is from the Baltimore area and obtained his bachelor’s degree in Psychology with Education Studies from Goucher College. As an undergraduate, he spent time in various educational settings in Maryland and Delaware, working with students ranging from early childhood to college aged. Prior to PEF his experience included working in areas such as substitute teaching, student mentoring, and academic development. Outside of education, Dennis enjoys hiking, playing disc golf, trying new restaurants, and photographing his travels.
Sara Walker Adedeji
Managing Coordinator, College Access ProgramSara 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.
Postsecondary Persistence Programs
Madeline 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.
Allison Kelsey
Senior Manager, Philadelphia Scholars ProgramAllison directs PEF’s 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 is in her 2nd year of Temple University’s M.Ed. program, focusing on Higher Education and Student Affairs. Allison also served on the Board of Trustees of Independence Charter School in Philadelphia from 2018-24 and as its President in 2022-24. Contact her about financial giving to the Scholars Program and volunteer opportunities supporting students directly.
Arlowe Willingham
Persistence FellowArlowe Willingham is a member of the ’24-25 PHENND AmeriCorps VISTA Fellows cohort. He is excited to carry on the third and final year of PEF’s Persistence project. Before joining PEF, Arlowe studied at Bryn Mawr College and obtained his bachelor’s in Linguistics with a minor in Visual Studies in May of 2024. While at Bryn Mawr, Arlowe worked as a library services representative and a digital scholarship advocate. His undergraduate thesis focused on conversational organization in spaces of collaborative creativity.
Outside of work, Arlowe is involved in community theater, performing with the Players Club of Swarthmore. He also enjoys playing board games and spending time with his cat, Yurt.
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.
David Garbe
Director, McKinney Center for STEM EducationDr. David Garbe has a wealth of experience in the academic, nonprofit, and corporate domains. Prior to joining Philadelphia Education Fund in November of 2024, Dave was the Director of Outreach and Education for The Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research (PSBR). During his eight years with PSBR, he strategically extended the scope, reach, and mission of the organization to educate the public about the importance of biomedical research and its significance to human and animal health. In this role he also conceived, developed, and deployed the mobile SPARC Science program that expanded to serve over 18,000 students in 2023. Additionally, he developed numerous Teacher Professional Development Programs, Science Fairs, Career Workshops, and Public Community Outreach initiatives.
Prior to PSBR, Dr. Garbe was a scientist that performed research focused on cancer, nervous system development, circadian biology, and sleep in the academic setting and the treatment of mood disorders in the biopharma arena. He was also an adjunct professor at various universities and colleges around the Philadelphia area. During his professional career, Dave has served on many boards for professional organizations.
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.
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 20 years.
Catherine Jennings
Board Liaison & Special Assistant to the CEOCatherine serves two critical roles within PEF. She is the Special Assistant to the CEO, along with the Liaison to the Board of Directors. Prior to PEF, Catherine worked in many different roles and industries, enabling her to compile a vast set of skills including, but not limited, to elementary school administration, instructional and web design, and professional trainer.
Catherine holds an M.B.A. from La Salle University and has served on various professional and civic boards, particularly in her Fishtown neighborhood where she owned a business.
Farah Jimenez
President and CEOFarah Jimenez is the President and CEO of the Philadelphia Education Fund (PEF), a nonprofit committed to tackling the city’s talent pipeline challenge, by ensuring Philadelphia students are supported in fulfilling their fullest college and career ambitions. It is her belief – in the power of an education to transform lives – that drives Ms. Jimenez’ efforts at the Philadelphia Education Fund. At PEF,
Ms. Jimenez is responsible for supporting, leading, and resourcing the work of the City’s most talented and experienced team of college and career professionals. In her role, she also works to foster the corporate and civic partnerships that enable PEF to serve more than 3,000 students year, award $900,000 in scholarships annually, support 750 teachers and embed college advising in six Philadelphia public high schools. During her tenure, Ms. Jimenez expanded PEF’s advising services to four middle schools; rebooted PhillyGoes2College.org, PEF’s online college access portal; launched PEF’s McKinney Center for STEM Education; established three collective impact initiatives in partnership with industry and the School District of Philadelphia; and built PEF’s successful education consulting practice.
Prior to her tenure at PEF, Ms. Jimenez served four years as a gubernatorial appointee to Philadelphia’s School Reform Commission – formerly, the governing body of the School District of Philadelphia. And, her nonprofit leadership experience spans 20 years, including tenures as President and CEO of the People’s Emergency Center and Executive Director of Mt. Airy USA.
Ms. Jimenez holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She also holds an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Chestnut Hill College and a certificate in nonprofit management from Harvard Business School.
A frequent commentator on civic matters in Philadelphia, Ms. Jimenez has enjoyed brief stints as a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer; is on the board of Broad+Liberty, a digital media platform offering balance to local news and editorial coverage; and can be seen Sundays on Inside Story, a current affairs television show that airs weekly on WPVI, Philadelphia’s ABC affiliate.
Capacity Building & Partnership Cultivation
Elizabeth Isanuk
Communications ManagerElizabeth Isanuk joined the PEF team in December of 2023 as Communications Manager. Prior to joining the organization, Liz spent five years at an area independent school driving marketing, communications and development strategies and activities. Before relocating back to Philadelphia, where she was born and raised, Liz spent 13 years advancing the marketing efforts at Chelsea Piers in both New York and Connecticut. Liz earned a B.A. in economics from Amherst College and lives with her family in Center City.
Ellen Ridyard
Director, 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.
