Leadership
Stephanie Gambone President & CEO - Leadership
Stephanies career has been dedicated to ensuring young people have access to opportunities to help them succeed in life. During her twenty-two-year tenure at the Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN), Stephanie held a variety of positions, and she was instrumental in the organizations ability to serve over 200,000 young people since its inception in 1999. Since 2014, she was the Executive Vice President where she led the organizations programmatic and external relations efforts. Stephanie has built a record of success as an accomplished leader, fundraiser, team builder, and collaborator.
Stephanie received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from LaSalle University, a Master of Science Degree in Administration from West Chester University, and a certificate in Non-Profit Leadership from Bryn Mawr. She has also been named a Connector by Leadership Philadelphia. Born and raised in Philadelphia, she continues to enjoy the many benefits of city living with her husband and daughter.
Why JA?
Hear Stephanie's remarks - https://youtu.be/btS7rHa1JEM
Laura Yohe Vice President, Learning Experiences - Education
Laura joined Junior Achievement of Southeastern Pennsylvania in October 2007. As Vice President of Learning Experiences, Laura focuses on strategic education partnerships and program strategy across the eight counties of Southeastern Pennsylvania. In addition to her staff role for Junior Achievement, Laura serves as Co-President for the Pennsylvania Jump$tart Coalition for Financial Literacy in a volunteer capacity.
Laura has been a staff member of Junior Achievement for eighteen years and holds her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Maryland College Park. Following her experience as the Assistant Director of Community Development at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase YMCA where she played a key role in individual fundraising and special events, Laura joined the JA Worldwide network as the Development Manager of JA of Greater Washington in 2003 and moved into the Montgomery County District Director position in fall 2006. Lauras responsibilities included program implementation, operations, and educational and strategic partnerships. Since joining the JA Southeastern PA team, Laura has had a variety of roles from grant writing and special events to strategic partnerships, program development and strategy.
Laura resides in Springfield, PA with her husband and two sons.
Why JA?
"Every day at Junior Achievement I see the power of connection making a difference in the lives of young people. It is our passionate volunteers that help students to realize their potential - empowering them to achieve and giving them the tools to succeed! Students are curious about the real world outside of school - JA brings #adulting to life!"
Ofelia Cohen Director of Development and Communications - Development
Ofelia Cohen is an accomplished professional with a unique varied background that only come together by way of transferable skills. She has been referred to as a Renaissance woman, reflecting on the diversity of her career turns.
Having earned her masters in architecture, Ofelia's academic foundation provided her with a solid framework for visionary and creative thinking to navigate complex challenges and drive innovative solutions, always adapting to evolving circumstances. Her career journey has seen her thrive in roles ranging from special event planner and hospitality entrepreneur for over 15 years - founding and growing A la Karte Catering and Events - to non-profit development professional, where she has honed her expertise in business development, communications, relationships and project management.
Her steadfast commitment to excellence and consistent passion for everything that has taken on, allowed her to consistently demonstrate exceptional skill and leadership at every turn her professional journey. Known for her strategic mindset and collaborative approach, Ofelia is adept at building strong connections with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders alike, communicating effectively and delivering results that exceed expectations.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Ofelia is deeply committed to her family and her community, always fostering positive change. Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Ofelia Cohen strives to leave indelible mark on those she encounters along the way.
"Why JA?"
"As an immigrant and the daughter of Holocaust survivors, I deeply understand the profound impact of both nature and nurture on one's journey to success. Junior Achievement's mission resonates with me on a personal level because it embodies the belief that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to thrive in a global economy. My parents instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of seizing opportunities. However, they also recognized the significance of access to education and mentorship in unlocking one's potential. Junior Achievement's commitment to empowering young people through hands-on learning experiences in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and workforce readiness aligns perfectly with my belief in the transformative power of education and opportunity. By providing students with practical skills and real-world knowledge, Junior Achievement equips them with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly interconnected and competitive world. Junior Achievement because it embodies the spirit of possibility, and inclusivity. By nurturing the talents and aspirations of young people from diverse backgrounds, Junior Achievement not only invests in their future but also fosters a more equitable and prosperous society for generations to come."
Ann Durkin Finance and Operations, Sr. Manager - Operations
Ann is responsible for bookkeeping, accounts payable and receivable, financial reporting and other office duties.
Before coming to JA, Ann had a successful career in managing small businesses and their staff. Ann graduated from Rosemont College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She lives in Downingtown, PA with her husband and four children.
Why JA?
"As a parent, I understand that education is the foundation for a child's future development and is the road to their future success in life. I think it is really great that the programs created by JA teach children at a young age about financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness."
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