STAFF

Farrah Parkes, Executive Director

Farrah Parkes’ almost 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector has spanned a range of issues including community development, HIV prevention, early childhood education, workforce development, digital literacy, and adult education. Gender equity has always been Farrah’s passion, and until recently, she served as Board Chair of the Valentine Foundation, a local foundation focused on social change for women and girls. She also previously served on the board of local abortion access organization Women’s Medical Fund. 

 Farrah holds a master's degree in public affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University, where she also earned a graduate certificate in Health and Health Policy. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania. 

BOARD

  • Sherella Williams, Chair

    Grants & Operations Manager, Independence Public Media Foundation

  • Vashti Bledsoe, Vice Chair

    Deputy Director, Lutheran Settlement House

  • Jess Pastore, Secretary

    Independent Grant Writer

  • Jocelyn Arnold

    Pelham Advisors

  • Elizabeth Diffley

    Partner, Faegre, Drinker, Biddle & Wreath

  • Kendra Hypolite

    CARE Advocate for Racial Justice/ Co-Director of CARE Program, University of California, San Francisco

  • Jane Napoli

    Chief Operating Officer, Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania

  • Kris Smith

    Network Manager, City Bureau

  • Brennan Tomasetti

    Principal, Civetta Property Group

  • Shawn Towey

    Public Policy/Community Outreach Manager, PA Child Care Association