What inspired the creation of 1Philadelphia?
1Philadelphia was created to address the systemic barriers that many individuals and communities face when trying to access opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The initiative was inspired by the need to build an inclusive ecosystem in Philadelphia that connects underrepresented communities to the resources, education, and networks required to succeed in the tech industry.
We know that Philly has the assets and it’s beyond time to move from idea to the actualization of our potential. So, in 2021, with support from Comcast, Bank of America and the Lenfest Foundation, we launched this initiative in order to mobilize key stakeholders that would join us in our efforts to build a bold tech vision for Philadelphia. Since then, we have been fortunate to grow a strong coalition of various stakeholders—ranging from tech professionals to local businesses to educational institutions and nonprofits—all invested in creating a sustainable and equitable environment where everyone, regardless of their background, can participate in and benefit from the innovation economy.
You work with organizations and leaders across the region to drive impact across the startup community. What is Philadelphia’s greatest asset when it comes to the startup ecosystem? What is its biggest obstacle?
Philadelphia’s greatest asset will always be its people. Our city is filled with people that are passionate about tech and work tirelessly towards equity. Unfortunately, that work often happens in silos. I would argue that our biggest obstacle to impact is collective action towards long-term outcomes. To shift from activity to momentum, we need direction. I believe that we are on our way to building consensus towards a vision for Philly tech.
What’s your best advice for startups getting started in Philadelphia?
Embrace entrepreneurship as your craft. Startups are often romanticized with a narrative that ties the success of a startup to the passion or spark of a founder. But in reality, the most successful founders that I’ve known apply a level of rigor and discipline to learning their problem and their market in the same way that a craftsperson would.
Everything that is going to pay true dividends for you and your startup is a process. Whether it's validation of your idea or building relationships, the time it takes to do it right may seem to be in direct opposition to your outcome, but it’s not. Take advantage of the strong community that Philadelphia has to offer. Philadelphia is a place where you can start and grow your business.
What are your goals for creating a more inclusive tech landscape in Philadelphia?
It’s simple - we want Philly’s tech industry to be representative of all of the individuals that make this city great. To achieve this, our goals are to:
- Provide Philadelphians with access to infrastructure that helps them fully participate as digital citizens,
- Ensure young people in Philadelphia have exposure to high-quality education and professional experiences that help them access career opportunities in tech and innovation fields,
- Provide high-quality jobs for Philadelphians looking to obtain careers in tech with or without a 4-year degree, and
- Establish Philadelphia as a top destination for tech founders and businesses looking to grow their companies.
What advice would you tell your younger self just starting out her career?
Early in our careers, we often focus on our final destination, trying to find the answer to the endless inquiries about ‘where we see yourselves in 5-10 years’. If I could go back I would tell myself to slow down and realize the value at each point on my journey. I’ve been an educator, an urban planner and a designer - while they may seem unrelated, all of those experiences contribute to how I approach this work. Learning as much as you can at every phase of your professional life will shape who you are and how you show up in spaces that need your perspective.
