JEVS Human Services (JEVS) is proud to share that our President & CEO, Cynthia Figueroa, was featured in The Chronicle of Philanthropy for her leadership in convening nonprofit leaders across Philadelphia. In the article “A New Playbook: How Nonprofits Are Reinventing Themselves,” Cynthia’s quote underscores JEVS’s commitment to solutions and collective action as nonprofits navigate today’s toughest challenges. Read the full article here.
Author: Antionette Lee
Inquirer Highlights JEVS President & CEO Cynthia Figueroa for Efforts Uniting the Nonprofit Sector
The Philadelphia Inquirer recently featured JEVS Human Services and President & CEO Cynthia F. Figueroa for our leadership in strengthening collaboration across the nonprofit sector. As part of a nearly $10 million emergency funding initiative, the William Penn Foundation awarded JEVS $180,000 to support the growing Nonprofit Leaders Group, which Figueroa founded. The coalition has expanded from 20 to nearly 150 organizations, creating a vital forum for nonprofits to share information, strategize, and advocate together on emerging issues. Read the full article here.
Media Mention: Orleans Technical College Job Fair Highlighted by Northeast Times
Orleans Technical College, a program of JEVS Human Services, was featured in the Northeast Times for hosting a summer job fair that connected hundreds of job seekers with employers in the health care and building trades industries. Supported by Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce and Acting Commerce Director Karen Fegely, the event highlighted OTC’s hands-on training programs and strong employer partnerships. Attendees explored career opportunities in high-demand fields, while employers praised the skills and job readiness of OTC graduates. Read the full article here.
JEVS Human Services Named One of Pennsylvania’s “Greatest Places to Intern” by PA Chamber Foundation
HARRISBURG, PA (July 28, 2025) – The Pennsylvania Chamber Foundation today announced the
recipients of its inaugural “Greatest Places to Intern in PA” awards. This new recognition
honors organizations across industries and sizes that provide exceptional internship
experiences to students throughout Pennsylvania.
“Congratulations to these employers for offering world-class internships that are preparing
students for careers across Pennsylvania. By fostering internship opportunities, these
employers not only strengthen the workforce pipeline but also increase the likelihood that
graduates choose to build their futures right here in Pennsylvania,” said PA Chamber
Foundation President Luke Bernstein.
Attracting and retaining the next generation of skilled workers is a core part of the PA
Chamber’s mission and a key pillar of its comprehensive workforce development strategy.
Research from the Strada Education Foundation shows that students who complete paid
internships benefit from increased earning potential, greater self-confidence, and a deeper
appreciation for the value of their education. In fact, Strada’s data indicates that graduates
with paid internship experience earn an average of $3,096 more in their first year of
employment.
The Keystone Initiative, the PA Chamber Foundation’s long-term strategic blueprint for
Pennsylvania’s economic growth, emphasizes the importance of internships in delivering
high-quality educational experiences and workforce training.
“By partnering with our world-class higher education institutions and diverse industries,
Pennsylvania has a real opportunity to turn ‘brain drain’ into ‘brain gain’ and become a
magnet for skilled talent,” Bernstein added. “Expanding access to paid internships is a
powerful way to educate and inspire future Pennsylvania workers, grow our population, and
help employers meet workforce needs.”
The 2025 “Greatest Places to Intern in PA” award recipients will be formally recognized at a
press conference on Thursday, July 31, at 1:30 p.m. outside the Pennsylvania Capitol
Building on the front Capitol steps in Harrisburg. The event will feature remarks from PA
Chamber representatives, Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration, employers, and interns,
highlighting the critical role internships play in building a dynamic, skilled, and inspired
workforce.
2025 Greatest Places to Intern in PA Award Recipients
- Acutec Precision Aerospace
- American Eagle Paper Mills
- Aramark
- Blair Image Elements
- Boyer & Ritter
- Brentwood Industries, Inc.
- Bravo Group
- Brown Plus
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Connections Work
- Construction Specialties
- Crayola
- Dawood Engineering
- Deloitte Consulting, LLP
- DICK’S Sporting Goods
- Ellwood Crankshaft Group
- EQT Corporation
- Erie Insurance
- Geisinger
- Greenlee Partners
- HDR
- Hershey Entertainment & Resorts
- High Companies
- Hollywood Casino
- Horizon Farm Credit
- Independence Blue Cross
- JEVS Human Services
- Kalahari
- Kate Philips & Co., Inc.
- Lutron Electronics
- McKonly & Asbury
- Mid Penn Bank
- Muhlenberg Greene Architects
- Orrstown Bank
- Pennsylvania American Water
- PA Department of the Auditor General
- PGW (Philadelphia Gas Works)
- Phoenix Contact
- PITT OHIO
- PNC Bank, N.A.
- PPL Corporation
- PSECU
- Range Resources
- RKL
- S&B USA Construction
- Sheetz
- Shipley Energy
- Smith & Nephew
- The GIANT Company
- Wohlsen Construction Company
Amidst Fiscal and Policy Challenges, Nonprofit Leaders Group Convening Highlights Strategic Solutions for Philadelphia’s Nonprofit Sector
Philadelphia, PA (July 23, 2025) — On July 22, leaders from across Greater Philadelphia’s nonprofit sector gathered at WHYY’s headquarters for the Nonprofit Leaders Group summer convening. In response to mounting fiscal and policy changes, organizers tailored the event to address needs presented during the group’s biweekly meetings, as well as its recent Needs Assessment survey. Nonprofit executives, sector experts, and community partners all gathered for a focused day of strategic discussion, learning, and collaborative action.
The convening is part of the The Nonprofit Leaders Group, a coalition of local leaders who have been meeting biweekly since January 2025 to exchange timely updates, share resources, and build community. With over 150 participating leaders from organizations ranging in size and focus, the group fosters a collaborative approach to meeting today’s challenges. The group is led by Cynthia Figueroa, President & CEO of JEVS Human Services, with support from a steering committee.
The convening was grounded in insights garnered from Nonprofit Leader Group meetings and its recent survey, which engaged over 600 Philadelphia-based nonprofit organizations and was made possible with support from Philadelphia Foundation and collaboration with the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) and Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia.
The event featured three key panels:
- Legal Insights and Updates on Executive Actions Impacting the Nonprofit Sector: moderated by Loree D. Jones, CEO of Philabundance and featured panelists Marcel Pratt, Managing Partner at Ballard Spahr and Morgen Cheshire, Managing Attorney at the Cheshire Law Group.
- Navigating Nonprofit Partnerships: Perspectives from the Field: moderated by Joe Pyle, President of the Scattergood Foundation and featured panelists Lindsay Kijewski, Partner at Sea Change Capital Partners, Sean Vereen, President and CEO of Heights Philadelphia, and Sharmain Matlock-Turner, CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition.
- Public Funding Amidst Uncertainty and Political Shifts: moderated by Anne Gingerich, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), and featured panelists Dan Muroff, Principal at Mission Government Relations and Derek Green, Special Counsel at Bellevue Strategies.
“Philadelphia’s nonprofit leaders are once again proving their resilience and shared commitment to our community in the face of adversity,” said Cynthia F. Figueroa, President & CEO, JEVS Human Services. “By coming together and sharing insights at this convening, we strengthen our ability to rise to the moment – ensuring our sector adapts, innovates, and keeps its focus on serving people across Greater Philadelphia who need us most.”
Pedro A. Ramos, President and CEO, Philadelphia Foundation, reflected that: “At Philadelphia Foundation, in our roles as civic catalyst and trusted partner, we are committed to using our social capital to forge meaningful collaborations across sectors that help address the region’s most pressing challenges.” He continued: “Today’s convening strengthened a sense of community, grounded us in a shared fact base, and helped illuminate how we can provide meaningful support to the nonprofit sector.”
The Nonprofit Leaders Group Convening was made possible through support from Philadelphia Foundation and WHYY.
About the Nonprofit Leaders Group
The Nonprofit Leaders group works to ensure that nonprofit organizations remain informed and prepared to navigate an evolving fiscal and political landscape. For more information, email [email protected]. Nonprofit leaders of human services and health-related organizations are welcome to attend the group’s biweekly meetings. However, you must register: Nonprofit Leaders Group Registration. The group is founded and led by Cynthia F. Figueroa (JEVS Human Services), with support from the steering committee: Loree D. Jones Brown (Philabundance); Sharmain Matlock-Turner (Urban Affairs Coalition); Arun S. Prabhakaran (Urban Affairs Coalition); Marianne A. Fray (Maternity Care Coalition); Mike Pearson (PHMC); and Matt Rader (Philadelphia Horticultural Society).
Orleans Technical College, a program of JEVS Human Services, Hosts First Hiring Fair Featuring Health Trades and Building Trades
Event Aims to Strengthen and Diversify the Pipeline of Essential Healthcare Workers Amid Ongoing Workforce Shortages
Philadelphia, PA (July 24, 2025) — Orleans Technical College (OTC), a program of JEVS Human Services (JEVS), hosted a hiring fair focused on healthcare and building trades employers at its Northeast Philadelphia campus. This marks the college’s first job fair to include healthcare career opportunities, since the expansion of programming to address the ongoing shortage of healthcare workers. More than 40 employers and 350 job seekers attended the event, including representatives from SEPTA, the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and PHMC.
The event was made possible through generous grant funding from the City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce, whose collaboration with OTC helps to connect job seekers with more than 50 employers looking to fill in-demand positions.
“JEVS Human Services is proud to bring together hundreds of job seekers and employers in a way that supports the success and the growth of our local workforce,” said Cynthia Figueroa, President & CEO of JEVS Human Services. “This hiring fair reflects our commitment to tackling today’s challenges by offering solutions—and creating meaningful opportunities for job seekers. Orleans Technical College has prepared countless individuals through hands-on training for high-demand careers, and that impact is only possible because of our strong partnerships with employers and community stakeholders.”
“At JEVS and Orleans Technical College, we’re continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of today’s workforce and economy,” said Waleska Maldonado, Chief Program Officer, JEVS Human Services. “This hiring fair reflects our mission to connect individuals with meaningful job opportunities and open doors to sustainable career pathways in healthcare and the trades. We’re proud to be part of a solution that drives economic mobility for Philadelphia residents.”
“Orleans Technical College continues to be a vital partner in expanding access to quality jobs for Philadelphians,” said Karen Fegely, Acting Commerce Director, City of Philadelphia. “We are proud to support this impactful hiring fair which connects residents to in-demand careers in healthcare and the skilled trades. The Parker Administration is laser-focused on quality jobs that offer family-sustaining wages, benefits, and a path to economic mobility. Public-private partnerships like this are essential to advancing inclusive economic growth and strengthening our city’s workforce.”
With Philadelphia facing an annual projected shortfall of more than 20,000 healthcare professionals and a pressing demand for skilled trades workers, bridging the gap between employers and qualified candidates is more important than ever.
Orleans Technical College is training skilled tradespeople through programs including Air Conditioning Refrigeration & Heating, Building Maintenance, Carpentry, Plumbing & Heating, Residential & Commercial Electricity, Associate Degree in Construction Management, Clinical Medical Assistant, and Practical Nursing. The college continues to build strong relationships with local employers, serving as a resource—for not only students and graduates, but also the broader Philadelphia community.
JEVS Human Services third annual Grow with JEVS event highlighted by Impacto
JEVS Human Services (JEVS) is honored to be featured by Impacto for our third annual Grow with JEVS event, held on June 5, 2025, at the historic Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia’s Wanamaker Building. The evening celebrated JEVS’ mission to empower individuals on their paths to economic independence across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. Featured speakers included JEVS President & CEO Cynthia Figueroa and Dan Astolfi of presenting sponsor Citizens. Guests experienced heartfelt moments, the launch of our new Ambassador Program, and a surprise appearance by the Phillie Phanatic.
Read the full article here.
JEVS President and CEO Cynthia F. Figueroa Named as a Judge for The Philadelphia Citizen’s 2025 Integrity Icon Awards
JEVS Human Services (JEVS) is proud to share that our President and CEO, Cynthia F. Figueroa, has been selected as a judge for The Philadelphia Citizen’s 2025 Integrity Icon Awards. This initiative celebrates public servants who go above and beyond to serve with integrity, accountability, and humility—values that align closely with Cynthia’s own leadership.
Read the full article here.
JEVS President and CEO Cynthia F. Figueroa Shares Global Perspective and Local Impact in Global Philadelphia Feature
JEVS Human Services (JEVS) President and CEO Cynthia F. Figueroa is featured by Global Philadelphia for her lifelong commitment to equity, community empowerment, and global learning. The article highlights how her international experiences shape her leadership and inspire her efforts to uplift communities across Philadelphia. Figueroa also reflects on the importance of cultural exchange and civic engagement in creating lasting change.
Read the full article here.
JEVS President and CEO Cynthia F. Figueroa Joins Community Leaders in Reacting to Workforce Investments in Mayor Parker’s Proposed 2026 Budget
JEVS President and CEO Cynthia Figueroa joined community leaders in responding to Mayor Parker’s proposed 2026 budget, highlighting its investments in workforce development and economic opportunity. In the press release, she emphasized the importance of collaboration and initiatives like this that help create pathways to independence and economic security for Philadelphia residents.
Read the full press release here: Reactions from Community Leaders, Business Representatives, and Public Safety Officials Regarding Mayor Parker’s Proposed $6.7 Billion ‘One Philly 2.0’ Fiscal Year 2026 Budget & 5-Year Plan