Stephanie Gambone President & CEO - Leadership
Stephanie has dedicated her career to ensuring that young people have access to the opportunities they need to thrive. With over 28 years of leadership experience in education and workforce development, she has made a lasting impact as a visionary leader, fundraiser, disruptor, and an unparalleled connector.
As the President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Southeastern PA, Stephanie leads a dynamic team committed to equipping young individuals with the tools necessary for economic mobility across eight counties in the region.
Beyond her professional role, Stephanie is deeply engaged in her community. She serves on the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women, as a Board member Philadelphia Works, member of the Forum for Executive Women and the Philadelphia 250 Women's Committee, while co-leading several women's groups at both local and national levels.
Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from LaSalle University, a Master of Science in Administration from West Chester University, a certificate in Non-Profit Leadership from Bryn Mawr College and a Certificate in Non-Profit Strategic Perspectives from Harvard Business School. A proud Philadelphia native, she continues to embrace the vibrant city life alongside her husband and daughter.
Why JA?
Hear Stephanie's remarks - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btS7rHa1JEM
Amy Levine Vice President, Development - Development
Amy joined Junior Achievement of Southeastern Pennsylvania in February 2025 as Vice President of Development, bringing more than 25 years of expertise in fundraising and revenue generation. In this role, she spearheads strategic initiatives to cultivate philanthropic partnerships, secure transformational gifts and grants, and drive marketing-driven fundraising efforts that strengthen financial sustainability.
A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Amy has dedicated her career to advancing the missions of leading educational and nonprofit institutions. She has successfully led fundraising and advancement efforts for organizations such as the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, Philadelphia Youth Network, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Legal Momentum, and Breaking Ground.
Amy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Literature from Purchase College and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from New York University. She proudly calls Philadelphia home, where she resides with her two chihuahuas and cat—all Philadelphia-bred rescues.
Why JA?
“There are two things I’m very passionate about protecting: access to quality education and economic mobility. JA works to provide both – and creates a space where everyone in the community can work collaboratively to help young people thrive.”
Laura Yohe 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 with Junior Achievement since 2003 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. Laura's 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!"
Annie Blankemeyer Senior Program Manager - Education
Annie joined Junior Achievement of Southeastern Pennsylvania in July 2022 as a Program Manager. In her current role as Senior Program Manager, Annie partners with educators, volunteers, and community partners to bring innovative learning experiences to life for young people in the region.
Annie holds a bachelors degree in Psychology & Urban Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to starting her current role at JA, Annie began her career serving with an AmeriCorps non-profit as a classroom-based mentor and tutor. She then went on to become an elementary school educator in Camden, NJ. Her favorite part of her role is getting to work with educators to co-create solutions for students. Annie lives in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia.
Why JA?
"As a former educator, I have seen first-hand the power of partnership in driving student achievement forward and transforming communities. JAs mission aligns closely with my goals towards building a better future for all young people. When students are equipped with the tools they need to problem-solve in the real world, they are guaranteed endless opportunities for success."
Sierra Hill-Akers Senior Program Manager - Education
Sierra joined junior achievement as a program coordinator in 2022. in her current role as senior program manager, Sierra leads our Career-Connected Learning strategy to support young people in our region to achieve economic mobility.
Sierra received her bachelors degree in Forensic Accounting and Accounting from Carlow University in Pittsburgh. After five years in the accounting field, Sierra began pursuing her true passion for social service and youth empowerment. She earned her Masters degree in criminal justice at West Chester University. Prior to JA, Sierra was the supervisor of an OCY sponsored after-school program in West Philadelphia where she was first introduced to the company through partnership.
Why JA?
"I have found a passion to help my community, and more specifically, empowering and advocating for the youth. JA's mission not only focuses on educating the youth about financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurialism, it is community focused and that is what sticks out to me. It is imperative for our youth and our communities to be connected and enriched and JA does just that!"
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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