Matthew George is the Business Development Manager at Germantown United CDC and founder of I Love Thy Hood. In this mini episode, he discusses his goal to clean up his corridor in Germantown and all that he has done so far to make it happen. About Germantown United CDC Germantown United CDC is a community-based nonprofit organization serving Northwest Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood. Our work is centered on commercial corridor revitalization and community economic development. We offer programs that support the local business community and neighborhood residents. Our mission is to promo ..read more

Accra Zuberi is the Outreach and Partnerships Manager for University City Arts League. Accra discusses the process of creating art pieces with participants to really think about how we work together as a community, how we are making connections, and the goal of neighbors experiencing peace together. About University City Art League The University City Arts League is a non-profit organization dedicated to intergenerational education and cultural enrichment in the arts. Their primary goals are: To provide a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds to experience the arts To encourage and s ..read more

Lizette Lewis is a Project Manager at New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC). In this mini episode, Lizette discusses giving healthcare workers access to resources to take back to their communities. About New Kensington Community Development Corporation New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) is a different kind of nonprofit. We are community-driven, trauma-informed, and equity-focused. We provide a wide range of services—real estate development, housing counseling, small business assistance, corridor cleaning, workforce development, nutrition education, comm ..read more

Gloria Maria Cartagena Hart aka "Smooches", Commercial Corridor Manager at New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) discusses healing through trauma with Leon and De'Wayne and why she goes by "Smooches." About NKCDC: NKCDC advances social equity & economic empowerment by nurturing and creating opportunities for residents to live in, and actively shape, their neighborhoods of choice. NKCDC uses a strategic combination of real estate development, community engagement, and people-centered direct services to ensure all of our neighbors can remain—and thrive—where they choose t ..read more

Pam Bridgeforth is Managing Director of Camden Repertory Theatre and former Director of Programs for the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations. In this mini episode, Pam talks with Leon and De'Wayne about building community and poetry. About Camden Repertory Theatre Camden Rep was founded by Desi P. Shelton, a Camden, NJ native, in 2005 and initiated their inaugural season in August 2006. While working on her MFA at Sarah Lawrence College, Desi noticed the urban female voice was missing from the theatrical canon. Upon returning to Camden, residents began building on h ..read more

In this mini-episode, Iron Sharpens Iron hosts Leon and De'Wayne interview former Philadelphia poet laureate, Trapeta Mayson. She reads from her original poem, "In Spite of It All ..read more

Chris Spahr, Executive Director of the Centennial Parkside Community Development Corporation, defines affordable housing as housing that can be made available to anyone and everyone no matter their economic status. About Centennial Parkside Community Development Corporation  Our mission is to preserve, promote and revitalize East Parkside through partnerships with businesses and institutions and programs that engage residents, increase opportunity, and grow a diverse, thriving community. We are a governing body made up of the residents and existing organizations to progress community dev ..read more

Mary Campbell, Director of Housing Services at New Kensington CDC joins hosts Leon Robinson and De’Wayne Drummond to talk about the many layers of what it means to be a housing counselor, the critical role of these advocates, and the need for more supports for affordable, stable housing and opportunities for home ownership. Mary has seen it all, been it all, and supports Philadelphians on their path to home ownership, fights for citizens to stay in their homes, and for the policies, programs and funding to create safe, stable housing for all. Mary Campbell is the Director of Housing Services a ..read more

On this episode of “Iron Sharpens Iron,” Leon and De’Wayne speak with Rikeyah Lindsay, the Safety and Justice Coordinator at Mount Vernon Manor CDC in Mantua. Tackling issues from pedestrian safety to gun violence, Rikeyah, De’Wayne, and Leon dive into what it means to support safety in the city block by block. They discuss how the prevention of violence is just as important as interventions to reduce violence in neighborhood, and explore the critical role block captains play in supporting safety, justice and community joy.  Rikeyah Lindsay is the Safety and Justice Coordinator at Mount V ..read more

On this episode of Iron Sharpens Iron, Leon and De’Wayne sit down with Andy Toy, Policy Director at PACDC. Amidst a season of tragedy surrounding affordable housing during the harshest weather season of the year, Andy talks about what has caused our affordable housing crisis, the pros and cons of Accessory Dwelling Units, and some of the housing victories we have seen locally.  Andy Toy is the Policy Director at PACDC, where he chairs the Housing Committee among many other things. Andy is recognized as a thought leader and innovator when it comes to community and economic development. And ..read more