Fran Melmed
“I founded this nonprofit to share what I learned from a woman who experienced much of what we women continue to struggle with, think about, and fight for.”

Fran is the initiator of this nonprofit and the board president. She's also the founder and CEO of context, a communication consulting firm specializing in workplace wellness. Previously, Fran worked with Hewitt Associates (now Aon Hewitt) as a management consultant. Jill was Fran's mother. Fran serves as the volunteer executive director.

Vicktoria Phanthavong
Vicktoria attended Academy at Palumbo and is currently attending Dickinson College. She interned at Philadelphia Futures in administrations, where she learned about what happens behind the scenes of a small nonprofit organization. Vicktoria is a youth member of the advisory board and a 2017 awardee. Vicktoria serves on the fundraising committee.

Shannon Rooney
"Having been a first-generation college student and working now in the opaque world of higher education, I am driven to help make access to education clear and abundant for students."

Shannon is the vice president for enrollment management and strategic communications at Community College of Philadelphia (CCP). She joined CCP following a decade at Temple University in various communication roles. Shannon leads our communication committee.

Samantha Tacón
"What clicks with me about Girls with Grit's mission is creating a safe space alongside female-identifying womxn who challenge and support each other to be their best selves."

Sam is the head of artist development at TBA Agency, an agency she helped found. Before starting up TBA Agency, Sam worked as senior director of marketing for Paradigm Talent Agency. Sam recently returned to Philly after living in California. She leads our fundraising committee and is responsible for our donor and grants strategy and our foundation and corporate giving and partnerships.

Cameron Voss
"I’ve been part of this community for several years as a founding board member and mentor. I see the need for more supportive networks for young women in Philadelphia. Helping the organization grow and develop our programs and operations is satisfying, because we’re making a difference."

Cameron is the Project Manager, Quality & Accountability in the The Charter Schools Office, School District of Philadelphia. She’s held positions with the Free Library of Philadelphia, American Paradigm Schools, and the Children's Literacy Initiative. She has worked in the fields of nonprofit human resources, fundraising, evaluation, and management. Cameron leads the governance committee.

Angela Wenger
“I could have used a touchstone like this when I was a young science undergrad with no female role models to connect with.”

Angie is the Executive Vice President & COO at the Center for Aquatic Sciences at Adventure Aquarium, where she focuses on the education and development of youth. Angie leads the program committee.

Justina Haynes: College Financial Fit
Justina is the director of postsecondary pathways for the Mastery Charter School system. Prior to this position, she was a college advisor for seven years and a high school social studies teacher for five. Justina first came in contact with our program as a nominator and then a mentor. She’s joined now as an advisor to support students through their college application journey, with a focus on financial fit.

Stephanie Malsbury: Financial Empowerment
Stephanie is a strategic account manager with Trion Group and a volunteer with Clarifi, a nonprofit dedicated to building financial literacy. Stephanie is bringing her financial cheerleading (as she calls it) to awardees, supporting them as they build basic money management skills.