The Office of Human Resources, with support from the Mayor’s Internship Program, just launched a new project aimed at bringing the stories of the City of Philadelphia’s dedicated municipal workers to the forefront. In our new short video series, we’ll highlight the experiences and contributions of City employees across various departments, showcasing the diverse roles that keep our city running smoothly.
The launch of the Spotlight on City Workers series was spearheaded by Ellie Glowacki, a Mayor’s Intern and undergraduate at Syracuse University. “Talking with City employees and hearing about their career paths was an enlightening experience. Most of the employees began with the City in entry level roles or internship positions and have earned promotions through their hard work and dedication,” Ellie shared. “It was inspiring to hear as a young professional joining the workforce, and I hope that viewers feel motivated to learn more about the jobs offered by the City of Philadelphia! It isn’t just one job; it can become your career!”
Department of Commerce: Supporting Philadelphia’s Economic Engine
In the Department of Commerce, we met with Destiny Gadson, a Senior Manager for Business Financial & Tech Assistance, and Qianna Nelson, a Communications & Workforce Development Partnerships Coordinator, who both play a critical role in supporting local businesses. “What I love the most about my job is meeting with small businesses and talking with them about opportunities and resources available to them,” Destiny mentioned. “It’s so important to learn about their goals and aspirations in life and what they want to do in the city and how we can help them achieve that.”
Destiny and Qianna’s stories reflect the Department of Commerce’s commitment to fostering economic growth and ensuring that all businesses, regardless of size, have the opportunity to succeed.
Destiny Gadson
Qianna Nelson
Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity: Building Bridges in Our Communities
Over at the Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity, Cynthia Barnes, a Community Education Coordinator, and Blaine Lewis Thompson, a Director of Community Resources are on the front lines of educating residents on civic resources and tackling poverty and inequality. “In this position there is always an opportunity to help somebody whether it be at the supermarket or at our Civic Engagement Academy,” Cynthia explained. “Our goal is to empower individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty and achieve self-sufficiency.”
Cynthia and Blaine’s years of community organizing and passion for the work have made their efforts crucial in ensuring that Philadelphia remains a city where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and learn, no matter their background.
Blaine Lewis Thompson
Cynthia Barnes
Parks and Recreation: Nurturing Green Spaces and Community Well-being
Finally, we visited the Parks and Recreation Department, where Roger Tenant Jr., an Operations Manager, and Sahlee Brown, a District Supervisor and Park Ranger, shared their love for Philadelphia’s green spaces. “Our parks are a place for peace, relaxation and escaping the buzz of the city,” Roger said. “When I come down to FDR Park, seeing people out fishing, out running, kids out playing on the playground, the smiles and laughter are what’s most rewarding.”
Roger and Sahlee’s work ensures that Philadelphia’s parks remain vibrant and accessible to all. Their dedication highlights the vital role that Parks and Recreation plays in enhancing the quality of life for residents across the city.
Roger Tenant Jr.
Sahlee Brown
Bringing the Stories to Life
This video project will continue to capture the voices and experiences of workers like Destiny, Qianna, Cynthia, Blaine, Roger and Sahlee, offering residents a unique behind-the-scenes look at the people who make Philadelphia run. By sharing their stories, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation for the diverse roles within the municipal government and inspire future generations to pursue careers in public service.
Stay tuned for the release of these videos, and get ready to see the heart and soul of Philadelphia’s municipal government in action. Whether it’s supporting small businesses, empowering communities, or preserving our green spaces, these dedicated city workers are committed to making Philadelphia a better place for everyone.
