Get to Know PIDC’s Summer 2023 Interns

by PIDC
August 22, 2023

Categories: Team Members,

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This summer, a few talented interns joined PIDC virtually to learn and assist us in driving growth to every corner of Philadelphia. Get to know our interns and the PIDC departments they assist. Plus, see why they think Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play.

Ella Travis

she/her
South Philadelphia

EDUCATION:
Temple University, finance

PIDC:
Portfolio Management

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

I like learning about the processes that people do here. I am starting to understand what you all do business wise, [everything from real estate services to small business financing]. It gives me a picture of what work life looks like. I’ll be honest though, the work you all do here looks challenging sometimes. 

Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play because:

It is a big city, but it’s not as hectic as NYC so life is a little calmer here than it is there. We also have a bunch of great schools and universities in the area so if you want a good education you don’t have to go far. 

Fabian Elumogo, Jr.

he/him
Jersey City, NJ

EDUCATION:
Temple University, B.A. in marketing

PIDC:
Portfolio management

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

The number of programs that PIDC has available to spur economic development in the city.

Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play because:

People from all over the world are here to bring their experience to Philadelphia.

Tim Newell

he/him
East Norriton, PA

EDUCATION:
Temple University, real estate

PIDC:
Navy Yard leasing and development

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

One of the most interesting things I’ve learned about so far while working at the Navy Yard was just how busy it used to be. Knowing the history serves as a great motivator to help with our work of redeveloping the area to bring jobs and opportunities back to Philly.

Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play because:

The city has everything you’re looking for without being overwhelmingly large. You’re also near professionals who have been in the industry far longer than yourself, making it a great environment to learn from people in your industry. This is especially true of PIDC!

Lashay “Shay” Smith

she/her
North Philadelphia

EDUCATION:
Cabrini University B.A. in digital communication and social media 

PIDC:
Strategy, communications, and partnerships

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

The most interesting thing that I have learned while interning at PIDC is the location and the history of the Navy Yard. Being from Philadelphia, you would be surprised that I do not know about the great places to visit or to eat and one of those places has to be the Navy Yard. 

Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play because:

You get to get hands-on experience with a lot of things that you are learning while at your university or college. I went to Cabrini university which is not in Philly but I was able to come home on the weekend and film interviews in Philly with the techniques that I learned in school. Philadelphia is a great place to work because it is a fast environment. Some may be frightened about Philadelphia being such a fast-paced city but it gets you motivated. It gets you ready for what’s next to come in your career. There are so many people with many different career paths that you are bound to meet when you are traveling to work and they might even tell you their stories about how they were able to get their current position and or how they are able to sustain it. Philadelphia is a great place to play because you are able to play and meet people who are just like you and or even different. You are not limited to just your own kind. The communities are so diverse now and they are filled with nothing but love. 

Maddy Vavala

Old City & South Philadelphia

EDUCATION:
Gordon College, marketing and economics

PIDC:
Navy Yard Marketing, Communications, & Community Engagement

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

The most interesting things I’ve learned so far have been from the team down in the Navy Yard. Working alongside Jacob and Jackie has taught me so much about what it is like to cater to multiple companies and people groups while ultimately working towards the one ultimate goal.

Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play because:

Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play because of the people and the essence of the city. The passion that Philadelphians have for sports, food, and their fellow people is remarkable. I am and will always be proud to be from Philadelphia and am thankful for the impact the city has had on my life. 

Charlie Huemmler

he/him
Rose Valley, PA

EDUCATION:
Colgate University, B.A. in mathematical economics; University of Pennsylvania, Master of Urban Spatial Analytics

PIDC:
Capitalization & Impact

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

It has been interesting to learn about all the different services PIDC provides and to map them spatially across the city. Just from the analysis I’ve done so far, it is clear we have done a good job at targeting areas in need of investment. Also, it is interesting to see all the different groups that work together to develop Philly’s economy, and the role PIDC plays in the center of it. 

Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play because:

It has a high population density due to being designed and constructed on a human scale. Our walkable streets and strong legacy public transit network allow people to access many interesting locations much more efficiently than other sprawling cities such as Phoenix or Houston. This amazing urbanism is what allows people from many backgrounds to come together and interact in beautiful, spontaneous ways, and is a big part of why our cultural identity as a city is as it is.

Haley Platt

she/her
Oakton, VA

EDUCATION:
University of Pittsburgh, B.A in Russian, French, and political science; Rising second year law student at Temple University 

PIDC:
Legal

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

The Navy Yard was the first naval shipyard in the United States and is currently being redeveloped by PIDC to be a mixed-use site with businesses, residential units, parks, restaurants, art installations and more. 

Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play because:

There are countless events to go to, restaurants to try, businesses to support, and people to meet. Also, Philadelphia has a rich and unique history. I am excited to continue exploring and becoming more involved in the community!

Interested in interning with PIDC?

Visit our website for future internship opportunities at PIDC and be sure to check back as this list is updated on a regular basis.

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