Celebrating the Women of PIDC Who Drive Growth and Impact Across Philadelphia

by Lashay Smith
March 17, 2025

Categories: Team Members,

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At PIDC, the women who drive our mission forward are more than just professionals—they are leaders, innovators, teachers, and more. This Women’s History Month, we want to highlight them and their commitment to economic development, community impact, and business growth. We are extremely proud of the award-winning work that the women of PIDC do everyday. Their dedication and enthusiasm for driving growth, building partnerships, and sharing their skills is critical to fueling Philadelphia’s economic momentum.

Join us in celebrating some of the goal-driven women at PIDC and their contributions to driving growth to every corner of Philadelphia. 

Jodie Harris

President

PIDC President Jodie Harris is a distinguished leader in Philadelphia, dedicated to advancing inclusive economic development and creating opportunities across the city. Her impact has earned her well-deserved recognition, including a spot in the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Power 100 list of Influential Business Leaders for 2025, recognizing her dedication to driving inclusive economic growth and opportunity across the city. She was also honored in City and State’s 2024 Above and Beyond awards and was recognized in Philly Magazine’s 150 Most Influential People in Philadelphia. Her commitment to fostering an equitable business landscape makes her an inspiring figure for women in leadership. 

Marla Hamilton

Senior Vice President, Client Engagement & Business Support

In 2022, Marla Hamilton was listed as one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Women of Distinction, a recognition that celebrates the region’s most influential and accomplished women leaders. With 24 years of experience at PIDC serving the Philadelphia business community, she has pushed business owners to excel to their full ability and shared the importance of financial support for historically disadvantaged businesses.


Camille Simpkins

Relationship Manager, Business Lending

In December of 2024, The Business Center (TBC) held their “Best Practices in Action” event where business owners, physicians, and aspiring entrepreneurs gathered to learn, network and award the individuals who are thriving in business. PIDC’S own Camille Simpkins received “Board Member of the Year” in recognition for her dedication and support to the mission of TBC. Her drive and expertise in supporting entrepreneurs goes a long way and is noticed in her everyday work as a PIDC employee and TBC board member. 

Jennifer Crowther

Senior Vice President, Capitalization and Impact

Jennifer Crowther was recently recognized in City & State PA’s Forty in Their 40’s for her remarkable achievements and dedication to making a difference in our community. Since moving to Philadelphia, Jennifer has had 20 years of experience in making sure that the communities in Philadelphia continue to build wealth.


Lashay Smith

Marketing and Events Coordinator

Lashay Smith drives growth to the community through her volunteer work and teaching adult education courses through The Welcome Table, located at St. James school in North Philadelphia. Recently, she conducted an introduction to social media course for adults, business owners, and more. She helps individuals build out their social media content to drive sales, build their professional network, and find their brand personality through social media. Participants who complete this four-week course receive a certificate of completion for their hard work and dedication. 

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Quynh-Mai Nguyen

Director of Creative Services

Quynh Nguyen serves on the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia’s advisory board where she plays a key role in website development and contributes to the Business Development, Marketing, & Membership Committee, helping shape their PR and communications strategy. She also serves as a steering committee member for the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce, working on the launch of a 24/7 online business resource website aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs. Quynh is an active volunteer with the Marketing & Enrollment Committee at her son’s school, which recently received nonprofit status.


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Alicia Santiago

Navy Yard Analyst & Project Manager

Alicia Santiago recently obtained her American Institute of Certified Planners certification (AICP). The AICP provides the only nationwide, independent verification of planners’ qualifications. The certification substantiates the planner’s educational and work experience, as well as mastery of essential skills to serve communities effectively through the planning practice. Alicia spent 70 hours studying for the test. Topics ranged from ethics, environmental justice, planning history and law, plan-making and implementation, statistics, and more. PIDC was proud to support her in pursuing the certification. 

Monica Trudeau

Vice President, Project Management & Engineering, Navy Yard

Monica Trudeau was awarded the Philadelphia Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Civil Engineering Manager of the Year in 2024 for her contributions to the civil engineering profession. This was a well-deserved honor and PIDC is proud of the dedication Monica has shown in her 17 years with our organization! 


Get to know PIDC staff

Get to know more of our PIDC staff and the work that they do to help drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia.

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