
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 low-income residents to careers, and promote job growth and innovation.

Our Team

Matt Bergheiser
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.

Patrick Bayer
Patrick works to assess the program’s overall effectiveness through the development of formal evaluation metrics.

Caitlin Garozzo
Cait designs and manages the WPSI participant experience both during and after the program.

Fontaine Gutierrez
Fontaine works across the team to increase the effectiveness of WPSI’s business practices.

Mariya Khandros
Project Manager
Mariya is working on replicating the WPSI model in other parts of Philadelphia and expand the program’s impact.

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.

Tiffany Smith
Coordinator of Alumni Services
Tiffany works with participants and alumni to connect them to supportive resources and services.

Romaine Thrower
Senior Manager of Training 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
- Wells Fargo Foundation
