People & Partners
University City District:
Parent Organization
University City District is a partnership of world-renowned anchor institutions, small businesses, and residents that creates opportunity, and improves economic vitality and quality of life in the University City area of West Philadelphia. UCD’s primary mission is community revitalization. We work within a place-based, data-driven framework to invest in world-class public spaces, address crime and public safety, bring life to commercial corridors, connect residents to careers, and promote job growth and innovation.
Our Team
Matt Bergheiser
President of University City District
Matt leads University City District (UCD), a partnership of anchor institutions, business leaders, and community groups invested in the shared vitality of the 2.4 square mile area of Philadelphia.
A.J. Adams
Manager of Partner Services
A.J. is responsible for developing and executing all workforce programming at the Navy Yard while strengthening WPSI’s partnership with PIDC as a part of the strategic vision to grow WPSI’s impact through expanding its geographic reach.
Patrick Bayer
Senior Manager of Economic Development and Analysis
Patrick oversees WPSI’s data systems, and works to assess the program’s overall effectiveness through the development of formal evaluation metrics.
Lauren Bishop
Senior Manager of Employer Services
Lauren is responsible for maintaining and growing WPSI’s employer relationships, supporting targeted recruitment efforts, and lending her expertise to grow our impact within our employer partners’ organizations.
Caitlin Garozzo
Managing Director
Cait designs and manages the WPSI participant experience both during and after the program.
Fontaine Gutierrez
Manager of Outreach and Communications
Fontaine works across the team to increase the effectiveness of WPSI’s business practices.
Natasha Johnson
Manager of Participant & Alumni Engagement
Natasha brings 15+ years of training, advising and career coaching to the organization, and is passionate about personal and professional development, community empowerment, and is a natural relationship builder.
Joshua Park
Senior Manager of Strategy and Partnerships
Josh fosters WPSI’s relationships with employers, funders, and other workforce organizations to open new career pathway opportunities for talent across Philadelphia.
Dr. Romaine Thrower, Ed.D
Director of Programs
Romaine serves as an expert on instructional design methodologies that allows her plan, implement, and supervise key aspects of WPSI’s nationally recognized job training program.
Jennine White
Coordinator of Operations and Administration
Jennine works across WPSI and UCD to provide logistical support and coordination across projects.
Funders
- Lenfest Foundation
- JPMorgan Chase
- Bank of America
- Citizens Bank
- Connelly Foundation
- Lincoln Financial Foundation
- LISC Philly
- Pew Charitable Trusts
- United Way of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey
- William Penn Foundation
