Meet the people behind the program.
University City District, The Skill’s Initiative’s parent organization, 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. 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.
Meet the people behind the program.
University City District, The Skill’s Initiative’s parent organization, 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. 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.
Meet the people behind the program.
University City District, The Skill’s Initiative’s parent organization, 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. 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
The Skills Initiative is staffed by individuals who are committed to the success of both job seekers and employers.
Matt Bergheiser
President of University City District
(HE / HIM)
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
Director of Partnerships
(HE / HIM)
Adrian “A.J.” Adams develops and executes all workforce programming at the Navy Yard and works to expand The Skills Initiative’s regional impact within the Life Sciences through business engagement and training efforts.
Daniel Atik
Career Specialist
(HE / HIM)
In this role, Daniel supports Skills Initiative alumni by connecting them with career opportunities that further their career development.
Patrick Bayer
Director of Economic Mobility
(HE / HIM)
Patrick develops and manages special projects at the Skills Initiative using his expertise in organizational data systems and economic mobility strategies.
Morris Burns
Manager of Applicant Experience
(HE / HIM)
Morris guides applicants through the recruitment process, improving efficiency and equity while driving outcomes.
Cait Garozzo
Executive Director
(SHE / HER)
Cait oversees the overall management, strategy, and operations of the organization to fulfill its mission and achieve its goals.
Erin Hopper
Office Manager for The Skills Initiative
(SHE / HER)
Erin ensures smooth office operations, manages scheduling, and provides vital administrative support to the team.
Mimi In
Data Quality and Relationship Manager
(SHE / HER)
Mimi is responsible for supporting the Good Jobs Challenge EDA Grant and the Recruitment Team. She serves as the primary data manager and provides Salesforce support for The Skills Initiative team.
Kayla Kahan
Recruitment Coordinator
(SHE / THEY)
Kayla brings her data-driven approach and human-centered perspective to assist the recruitment team in providing a high-quality applicant experience.
Kyle O'Kane
Program Manager
(He / Him)
Rennia Rodney
Manager of Partnerships
Maurie Smith
Managing Director, Keystone LifeSci Collaborative
(SHE / HER)
Maurie leads the Keystone LifeSci Collaborative’s ongoing efforts to coordinate with industry leaders and public and community partners to address ongoing shared business priorities and enhance regional competitiveness in the life sciences industry.
Lauren Talley
Director of Operations
(SHE / HER)
Lauren maintains and grows The Skills Initiative’s employer relationships, manages targeted recruitment efforts, and lends her expertise to grow our impact within our employer partners’ organizations.
Dr. Romaine Thrower, Ed.D
Senior Director of Programs
(SHE / HER)
Dr. Romaine serves as an expert on instructional design methodologies that allows her oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of key aspects of The Skills Initiative’s nationally recognized job training program.
Giftie Umo
Learning and Development Manager
(SHE / HER)
Giftie is responsible for implementing The Skills Initiative’s signature cohort-based program, demonstrating a deep commitment to empowering individuals through skill enhancement.
Funders
The Skills Initiative would not be possible without the continued support of our funders. Their funding has been instrumental in connecting over 1,000 opportunity seekers to jobs with clear career paths and family-sustaining wages since The Skills Initiative’s inception. Our thanks to the following organizations who have made substantial, enduring investments in our success:
The Skills Initiative is grateful to University City District’s Board of Directors for supporting its founding, growth, and operations. We are thankful for our board members’ generous financial contributions to University City District and their partnership in building this organization.
Meet the people behind the program.
University City District, The Skill’s Initiative’s parent organization, 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. 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.
