John has a BA in history from Rutgers University, and over thirty years of experience as a prominent rowing coach for students ranging from prep school to Olympic level athletes. John also has thirty years of sales and marketing, managing, training and supervisory work experience for both large and small businesses. As the father of two children, John has been involved in the Philadelphia public school system for over 15 years, and has a lifelong commitment to helping children in need.
Jim has 20 years of performance based managerial experience, and a proven track record in field sales, sales management, sales training, and marketing. He holds a Bachelors degree in English, with certification in Secondary English education from Saint Joseph’s University. Jim is a former high school teacher and has a deep passion for leadership through coaching and mentoring. Among his many accomplishments, he has coached twenty National champion rowing teams and been selected five times as a National Coach for US Junior and Elite Rowing teams.
Tia T. Diggs Associate Vice President/Director of Programs
Tia received her BS in Marketing from Clarion University, and her MBA from Philadelphia University. She brings five years of event planning experience, during which she planned various fund raisers, assisted the Red Cross with collegiate blood drives, conducted food/coat drives, and planned comedy shows with nationally known headliners. She has a strong passion for developing the communities and residents of inner city neighborhoods, and is dedicated to providing the youth of these neighborhoods the opportunities and skills to become successful, productive citizens.
Mayu Nakamura Grant Writer/Director of Administration
Mayu has a BA in sociology and anthropology from Colgate University, and two years of previous grant writing experience. In 2006, she was awarded a research fellowship by Colgate's department of Social Sciences. Having worked with disadvantaged children as an assistant Head Start teacher, student mentor, and reading tutor, she is dedicated to resolving the educational disparities in the public school system.
Christina Chiolo Program & Community Affairs Coordinator/Regatta Director
Christina received her BA in sociology from Fordham University in 2009. She has always had an interest in helping students and children in many capacities and has done so as a camp counselor and volunteer. Christina began her work at PCF as an intern and returned as a full time employee after graduation from school because she believed in the mission of the organization. She is dedicated to improving the education and career preparedness for residents of the city she loves!
Ranee was an electronics and computer technology major at DeVry University. She has over 6 years of experience in the computer support field. Leading youth in this new technological age is of great importance to her. With the development of PCF's new Computers in Hand program, she can help address this issue. She has done volunteer work at The Free Library of Philadelphia, neighborhood church, and also several after school programs.
Maysa graduated in 2010 with a BA in Psychology from Temple University. Interning at the Philadelphia Children’s Foundation helped her realize that she wants to make a difference for the children in the Philadelphia area, by providing them with the resources they need to succeed in school and beyond. Her favorite part of working at the Philadelphia Children’s Foundation was doing the book drive at Dunbar Elementary School. It was rewarding to know that the children at the school were going to have more books in the library to read and enjoy. She looks forward to future book drives for elementary schools that are in need of more books. Helping young people imagine the possibilities they can have for their future is important to Maysa, and she is dedicated to making a difference in children’s lives in any way she can.
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