The Minds Behind the Mission

Minds Matter Philadelphia is powered by a dedicated community of professionals who believe that a student’s zip code should never define their destiny. From our Board of Directors to our Program Committees, we are a 100% volunteer-led organization committed to connecting driven students with the people and preparation they need to change the world.

Professional Excellence, Volunteer Heart

Our unique model ensures that nearly every dollar raised goes directly toward student success, from summer program tuition to ACT prep.

Maximized Impact

By operating as a 100% volunteer-led chapter (with the exception of our Executive Director), we maximize the resources dedicated directly to our students.

Diverse Expertise

Our leadership comprises professionals from finance, education, law, and technology, bringing real-world wisdom to our scholars.

Sustainable Growth

Strategic stewardship ensures that Minds Matter remains a permanent fixture in the Philadelphia educational landscape.

Our Board

Tony Dejarnette

Centene Dental & Vision
VP of Innovation

Board Chair

Cara Gentile

PNC
Senior Vice President

Board Member

Anthony Henderson

Collaborative Enterprises
President and Chief Advisor

Board Member

Jennifer Johnson

Temple University
Assistant Professor

Board Member

Jordan Koslosky

PNC
Senior Vice President

Board Treasurer

Amit Pathania

Synoper AI
Co-Founder & Head of Operations

Board Member

Joffre Wells

Mohegan
VP of Capital Markets

Board Secretary

Organization Leadership

Ashley McGrath

Executive Director

Ashley McGrath is an education and operations leader with nearly two decades of experience driving impact within the Philadelphia K-12 and NonProfit Sectors. Throughout her career Ashley has been charged with leading and supporting the creation and execution of operational systems, standing up partnerships aimed at enhancing the delivery and effectiveness of student and family serving programs, leading the implementation of strategic initiatives, and fostering a culture of cross-functional collaboration.

Ashley is a First Generation college student and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, and Masters degrees from The University of Pennsylvania and The Broad Center for the Management of School Systems (now affiliated with the Yale School of Management). Ashley started her career as a middle school science and math teacher in Southwest Philadelphia through Teach For America.

Programs

Leadership Committee

Heather Hahn, Head of Programs
Faith Nimely, Sophomore Class Program Director
Harathi Kirshnan, Junior Class Program Director
Hannah Loo, Senior Class Program Director
Chelsey Keenan & Becca Mathers, Co-Directors of Program Engagement
Pooja Khanna, Alumni Engagement Lead
Kim Nguyen, Student Selection Lead

Operations

Leadership Committee

Vicky Chan, Volunteer Recruitment & Onboarding Lead
Chris Brown, Volunteer Engagement Lead
Nick Finnicum & Mike Zabin, Grants & Corporate Donations Co-Leads
Tom Jabro & Trevor Siino, Finance & Accounting Co-Leads
Michael Maicher, Technology Lead

Lead the Change

The Minds Matter Philadelphia Board is in an exciting stage of growth and development and we’re laying the foundation for long-term impact and organizational growth. We’re looking for Board Members who are energized by the opportunity to help design and strengthen the structures, practices, and culture that will guide Minds Matter Philly for years to come.

Board Member Core Beliefs:

Education is transformative: A college education has the power to significantly alter life trajectories.

Socioeconomic status shouldn’t limit potential: Students from low-income backgrounds, given the right support, preparation, and encouragement, can perform at levels equal to their more advantaged peers. Structural barriers exist, but can be mitigated with the right supports.

Every student deserves a strong support network and high expectations.: When students are surrounded by consistent support and belief in their potential, their opportunities expand. Our role is not only to help them succeed academically, but also to build their leadership, professionalism and confidence.

Volunteer leadership and stewardship: Well-run volunteer programs can achieve high impact and giving ones time, energy, and resources is personally fulfilling and game changing. I can contribute in ways that will help our community thrive.

Sustainability & strategic growth are critical: In order for Minds Matter Philadelphia to continue its impact, there must be attention and intentionality given to long-term planning, strategic expansion, the support given to each MMP community member, and funding stability.

Contact Ashley McGrath for More Information

Help us reach our goals

Support our cause and contribute towards our mission to create positive social impact.

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