Four From the Class of 2013 are Chosen as Philly Fellows

Four recent Haverford grads have been chosen to become part of the 2013-2014 cohort of Philly Fellows. Founded in 2004 by former Haverford roommates Matt Joyce and Tim Ifill (both Class of 2003), the Philly Fellows program provides area college graduates with work opportunities in Philadelphia's nonprofit sector. As well as supplying social service and cultural organizations with talented, energetic young employees, Philly Fellows, which was inspired by the Haverford House program of the Center for Peace and Global Citizenship, aims to help foster the next generation of civic leadership in the city. To help the Fellows connect more closely to the community, the program provides shared housing for participants in various city neighborhoods, and supports their involvement in events and activities. (In addition to the four Fords, the incoming group of 15 Fellows also includes six other Tri-Co students.)

"There are so many incredible schools in the area with great kids graduating from them every year who are trying to figure out what's next,” says Ifill, Philly Fellows executive director.“We wanted to create an opportunity for them to stay in Philadelphia, contribute to the city, and also gain involvement in the nonprofit sector, which is what makes the city tick.”

Here are the newest Fords to join the ranks of Philly Fellows:

Sociology major Maisy Hughes, from Langhorne, Pa., will work as a marketing and communications specialist with the Children's Crisis Treatment Center. The organization provides behavioral health services to families and children who have experienced trauma or abuse.

Annie Reading, a native of Salisbury Md., will work with HIAS Pennsylvania (the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society). The English major will serve as a refugee orientation and resource coordinator with the organization, which works to provide a safe and secure environment for all immigrants in the state.

Waleed Shahid, a Religion major from Arlington, Va., will take a post as service coordinator with the Nationalities Service Center, which provides social, educational and legal services to immigrants and refugees in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Christina Tavernelli, an English major from La Habra, Calif., will be a fundraising and communications fellow with the Mission First Housing Group, which develops affordable housing for people with special needs.