Dannyelle is a mother of three and a passionate advocate for young people. She began her work with Launchpad as the first Executive Director in 2021, after having spent over ten years in education and workforce spaces. Growing up in a single parent home in Philadelphia first sparked Dannyelle’s interest in helping young people rise above their circumstances and become something greater than society’s expectations. From an early age, she knew she wanted to spend her life dedicated to helping young adults develop and achieve their dreams. Dannyelle graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls and went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree from Franklin & Marshall College. Dannyelle holds two Master’s Degrees – Higher Educational & Organizational Development & Leadership. Her personal journey along with her professional and educational experiences have helped to shape the future that Dannyelle has imagined for herself. When not working, you can find Dannyelle spending time with her family, in a spin studio, group fitness class, nail salon, or doing hair in her spare time.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

My first dream was to be Allen Iverson’s traveling hair braider. Then, I thought I wanted to be a lawyer and that was mainly influenced by my love of the show, A Different World. Ultimately, I landed exactly where I was supposed to be.

What album can you listen to on repeat?

4 by Beyonce – I am a huge Beyonce fan and this is definitely my favorite album of hers and of all time.

Favorite hoagie or cheesesteak spot?

I grew up in Nicetown so I would have to say Max’s for the cheesesteak. Now that I am living in the Northeast, Marinucci’s for the hoagie.

What is something you would tell your 16-year-old self?

Have fun. There is always going to be a lot going on around you. Learn to dance in the rain and stay present in the moments that bring you joy. Most importantly, take every advantage available to just have fun.

Ashley is a community strategist and entrepreneur whose career has been shaped by curiosity, connection, and a belief in the power of people-centered ideas.

A proud graduate of Philadelphia’s public school system and the University of Pennsylvania, Ashley has worked across nonprofits, tech marketing, and social impact consulting, bringing a multidisciplinary lens to her work with students.

As Founding Instructor for Launchpad’s new Entrepreneurial Leadership pathway, she students in building the practical, personal, and professional skills they need to move from ideas to action, from developing ventures and project plans to strengthening communication, confidence, and self-direction.

Ashley is also the founder of inter alia creative co., a community strategy consultancy that helps mission-driven organizations build communities and programs “where people find their people.” Her work is rooted in the belief that ideas become powerful when people have the structure, support, and confidence to bring them to life.

Outside of work, you can find Ashley lost in a culinary adventure with her partner (and their two cats) or in the middle of the nearest dance floor.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Dr. Dolittle – I’m a massive animal lover so, naturally, I wanted to be a veterinarian who could talk to animals. It was either that, a lawyer, or an actress on Broadway.

What album can you listen to on repeat?

Renaissance by Beyoncé – 60 minutes of rhythmic perfection.

Favorite hoagie or cheesesteak spot?

My corner deli in West Philly for a classic smoked turkey, no tomato.

What is something you would tell your 16-year-old self?

Your life is yours to live and will be full of so many more opportunities than you could even imagine. Mistakes are an important part of the process. Don’t be afraid to say YES and to ask for help whenever you need it. And the people meant to be in your life will never ask you to dim your light.

Nick is the Program Director for Launchpad and has been with Building 21 since 2022. He was born and raised in Baltimore, MD and a proud alumnus of the Baltimore City Public Schools system. Since earning his BA from Pomona College, Nick has dedicated his career to working with young people as a technology instructor and algebra tutor. He is moved by the mission of workforce development and eager to equip the young people of Philadelphia with resources, job experience, and a creative outlet. Outside of his work, Nick enjoys biking, vintage clothing, club music, and playing with his cat, Stache.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was little I wanted to be a conductor—train or orchestra—I just wanted the title!

What album can you listen to on repeat?

Donuts by J Dilla

Favorite hoagie or cheesesteak spot?

I live near Little Saigon and nothing beats a Banh Mi sandwich from Ba Le Bakery.

What is something you would tell your 16-year-old self?

Spend less time thinking about following in other people’s footsteps and more time looking inward and deciding what you want for yourself.

Christian is driven to leverage students’ intrinsic motivation and interests to accelerate skill development. He has taught entrepreneurship to high school students for over 15 years, initially as a co-founder of Startup Corps and now with Schoolyard Ventures. He later served as CEO of Slate, an open-source learning management system and skills-based gradebook, which was co-built with Building21. At Nerd Street, he encouraged students’ passion for video games and esports careers as a pathway to personal and professional development. His own intrinsic interests include reading, SciFi, trusting the Process, superheros, exploring new places (and foods), and celebrating Super Bowl victories.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Lots of things. A doctor, international businessman, architect, or entrepreneur. The only way to figure it out is to try them all.

What album can you listen to on repeat?

Kanye, Graduation

Favorite hoagie or cheesesteak spot?

Joe’s

What is something you would tell your 16 year old self?

Doing hard things makes you better at nearly everything you do. So keep doing lots of hard things.

Iman is the new Development Manager at Launchpad. She was raised in the greater Boston area, where she first developed her passion for education advancement. She earned her BA from Middlebury College where she studied history and education studies. In 2021, Iman supported initial research for Launchpad’s design as an intern. Now, after three years of teaching elementary education at KIPP Academy Boston, Iman is eager to raise engagement and investment at Launchpad. In her free time you can find Iman reading a historical fiction novel, practicing film photography, testing out a new recipe, or traveling the world!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be many things when I was little: a doctor like the family members I admire, a marine biologist researching the ocean, I also had dreams of becoming President of the United States! One thing has always remained true—I want to be able to help others! 

What album can you listen to on repeat?

American Teen by Khalid

Favorite hoagie or cheesesteak spot?

Fun fact, I just moved to Philly, so I’ve never had a cheesesteak! Recommendations are greatly appreciated 🙂 

What is something you would tell your 16-year-old self?

Worry less about the pressure to align with outside expectations and focus on the right path for you!

Franceska is a writer turned software engineer whose journey into tech grew out of a passion for creativity, problem-solving, and community. An alumna and mentor of Resilient Coders, she has built a career helping others break into technology while continuously expanding her own craft. Her technical toolkit includes (but is not limited to) React, JavaScript, PostgreSQL, Node.js, and modern web frameworks. In addition to being a tech educator, Franceska runs her own web and application development agency, full stack french, where she partners with organizations and entrepreneurs to bring digital visions from imagination into fruition. Her work is deeply informed by a commitment to movement-building and community-centered projects, blending technology with purpose.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I wanted to be a screenplay writer.

What album can you listen to on repeat?

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Favorite hoagie or cheesesteak spot?

The best hoagie/cheesesteak spot is Lee’s Deli in Southwest Philly.

What is something you would tell your 16 year old self?

Surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you.

Rob is from Saint Louis, Missouri and has a developer’s background from the early days of the internet with HTML, CSS, JavaScript. He’s developed custom JavaScript libraries, Microsoft Azure DevOps pipelines, Amazon Web Services, Full-Stack Web Applications with Machine Learning (ML), custom SharePoint 2016 and Nintex 2016 solutions for both medium and large sized businesses. He has worked with Jenkins, Azure DevOps and GitLab CI/CD platforms. He worked as a bootcamp instructor teaching Data Analytics offered by Washington University Saint Louis. He enjoys learning about new technology, gaming and unplugging from it all and living in the moment when he can.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I had aspirations to be a lawyer something about the idea of helping people fight back intellectually was appealing to me.

What album can you listen to on repeat?

Any Alica Keys album. Her songs just flow together harmoniously.

Favorite hoagie or cheesesteak spot?

Hmmm…I am new to Philly area so TBD.

What is something you would tell your 16-year-old self?

People will judge you before they know you, make no mistake; that’s their fault and loss.

Jay was born in Chester, PA, and raised in Philadelphia. After an extensive early career in youth empowerment and civic education, Jay joined the City’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity as the AmeriCorps Financial Empowerment Services VISTA in 2023. They moved on to the Biden-Harris and Harris-Walz campaigns in 2024, and later returned to the Greater Philadelphia area to continue to serve youth and communities in need. Jay now serves as the Outreach Coordinator at Launchpad. In their spare time, Jay enjoys music, soccer, and spending time with loved ones.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A scientist and the president

What album can you listen to on repeat?

Wanderlust by Durand Bernarr

Favorite hoagie or cheesesteak spot?

Liberty Steaks & Hoagies in Woodlyn (dont’t @ me)

What is something you would tell your 16-year-old self?

The pain is not your fault, but the healing is your responsibility.

Lauren Vaughan is a social worker who grew up in Philly and South Jersey. Her path to social work began with curiosity and a desire to better understand herself and the world around her. As she learned more about the systems and circumstances that shape people’s lives, she became passionate about helping others understand their own stories and feel empowered to shape what comes next.

 

Lauren earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a minor in Education before earning her Master of Social Work where she earned certifications in Clinical Social Work and Interpersonal Violence and Trauma. Before joining Launchpad, she spent nearly seven years working in youth and workforce development, helping young people access resources, opportunities, and the support they need to thrive.

 

Outside of work, Lauren loves cooking new recipes, spending time with her husband Elon, cats Louie & Moo Moo, friends and family, exploring the city, and finding a good iced latte. She is a proud Eagles fan (go Birds!), a devoted Beyoncé lover, and a self-proclaimed embodiment of everything it means to be a Virgo.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A nurse, then an English teacher. I’ve always wanted to work with people, help others, and teach. I never lost my passion for teaching, and becoming a professor for future social workers is something I’d love to do someday.

What album can you listen to on repeat?

Beyoncé – Renaissance. At its core, the album is about liberation, joy, self-expression, and embracing who you are unapologetically. There is something powerful in turning your past experiences, challenges, and expectations into something that empowers you rather than defines you. And, of course, doing all of that while dancing.

Favorite hoagie or cheesesteak spot?

Angelo’s for a classic, traditional cheesesteak.
Non-traditional …. The fried tofu or chicken Bahn-Mis from Caphe Roasters are fire!

What is something you would tell your 16-year-old self?

You aren’t supposed to have it figured out. Give yourself permission to change your mind, make mistakes, and become who you are supposed to be. Even if it’s scary– do it scared.

Inspired by her former students and relentlessly optimistic about the future of education, Stacy E. Holland, Ed.D., has nearly 30 years of experience developing and implementing educational solutions for children.

As Executive Director of Philadelphia School Partnership, Stacy is fostering a positive approach to aligning the education community of Philadelphia on a common vision and working to ensure every student has the modern learning experience that builds the skills needed to thrive and reach long-term economic security.

Prior to Philadelphia School Partnership, Stacy was founder and principal of The Holland Group, a boutique consulting firm that served as a strategic advisor to public/private educational systems and philanthropic organizations and supported the development of investment portfolios focused on high school redesign to career pathway models for young adults. Previously, as Executive Director of The Lenfest Foundation, Stacy managed the foundation’s endowment and annual grant budget, and was a content expert and leader within national, regional and local civic and philanthropic communities on the areas of education, youth workforce, career pathways, career and technical education, and philanthropic strategies. Before The Lenfest Foundation, she served as Chief of Strategic Partnerships for the School District of Philadelphia, where she built a new system for promoting the District’s fundraising initiatives and external relationships. Stacy also co-founded the Philadelphia Youth Network, growing the organization to a citywide entity dedicated to integrating services across more than 100 partners providing programming to nearly 20,000 youth annually.

Stacy earned a doctoral degree in learning and development from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. She also holds a bachelor’s in marketing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s in student personnel administration in higher education from Columbia University.

Chip Linehan has spent over two decades building innovative, entrepreneurial organizations in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Chip is the Co-Founder and currently serves as Co-CEO of Building 21, a national education and workforce development non-profit that partners with communities, families, students, educators, and school districts to build learner-centered pathways so all young people can have the future they want. Chip is the Founder of Building 21’s most recent initiative, Launchpad, which is a “learn-and-earn” workforce development program that prepares students from traditionally underrepresented groups for high paying careers in tech. Prior to Building 21, Chip spent 20 years at New Enterprise Associates, the largest venture capital firm in the world, where he co-headed their Global Healthcare Investing Practice and helped to launch health care and technology companies that have created thousands of jobs and today account for over $8 billion dollars in sales. In 1997, Chip co-founded an educational nonprofit, The SMART Program, which provides hundreds of socioeconomically disadvantaged children in San Francisco with life-changing educational opportunities. Chip holds a bachelor’s degree in Government and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Harvard University.

Laura has spent the last twenty years focused on cross-sector, systemic solutions to improve economic and educational outcomes for urban youth. Most recently, as Co-President and CEO of the Philadelphia Youth Network, a nationally known youth intermediary, Laura helped to build college and career partnerships and pathways that served 20,000 youth annually through credit bearing, extended learning options. Prior to her work in Philadelphia, Laura started one of the first New Visions High Schools located in the South Bronx, NY. Laura’s work has involved the integration and alignment of complex funding streams, diverse stakeholders, and siloed systems in service to college and career readiness for high school age youth.

Grace Francisco is a technology executive and ecosystem builder with 20+ years scaling developer and product strategy at Microsoft, Intuit, Atlassian, Roblox, MongoDB, and Cisco.

She founded the Philly Builds AI to unite Greater Philadelphia’s enterprise leaders, founders, and capital — accelerating B2B innovation and positioning the region as a leading Enterprise AI-driven tech hub. Grace is the founder of advisory firm m2i, co-author of three patents, and has served on the boards of LaunchPad Philly, IWF Philadelphia, The Code Registry, AIDC and the Drupal Association. She has been an advisor for FSH Tech, codeplain and has invested in early-stage companies shaping the future of software development. She speaks and writes on AI, developer strategy, and building tech ecosystems that scale with intention.