Meet the Summer 2021 PIDC Interns

by PIDC
July 26, 2021

Categories: Team Members,

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This summer, 10 talented interns from various parts of the world 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.

PIDC Intern Meet & Greet Summer 2021

Myron Joel Bañez

Vallejo, CA

EDUCATION:
University of Pennsylvania – Master of City Planning, community economic development concentration

Seattle University, B.A. in international economic development, public policy minor

PIDC:
Business Lending

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

So far, learning Salesforce CRM has been one of the most interesting tools I’ve learned! I also have never lived in Philadelphia, so getting to learn about the community and small businesses in the area has been a great orientation to the city I now call home!

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

The city is extremely diverse, filled with such rich cultures and innovative people. It is a great laboratory to learn about history and how to work towards social justice, both professionally and personally, especially with the many grassroots organizations in the community!

Asha Bazil

Palatine, IL

EDUCATION:
The George Washington University, bachelor’s degrees in economics and international affairs; University of Pennsylvania, Master of City and Regional Planning

PIDC:
Navy Yard

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

That the Navy Yard is full of exciting projects! I’ve learned a ton about the leasing and development process. [I also learned] how the Navy Yard team successfully manages their electric grid, their workforce development program, and the creative community engagement programming taking place here.

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

It’s energizing. Most of the people you meet are excited about what they’re pursuing, and it makes you feel the same about your interests.

Emily Dabas

Santiago, Dominican Republic

EDUCATION:
La Salle University, B.A. in economics and international relations; Johns Hopkins University, M.S. in applied economics (starting August 2021)

PIDC:
Financial Reporting and Accounting — Portfolio Analysis and Reporting

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

To achieve equitable and sustainable economic development at the national level, one must thoughtfully examine economic growth, employment, poverty, income inequality, gender inequality, and financial stability at the local level.

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

Philly has it all. From a rich historical heritage to iconic scenes in blockbusters, exquisite culinary eateries, vibrant street art, renowned museums and exhibits, and fervent sporting events, there’s never a dull day in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.

Grace DiMeo

Philadelphia, PA

EDUCATION:
Temple University, advertising major with an art direction track

PIDC:
Strategy, Communications, & Partnerships

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

The most interesting thing I learned at PIDC is understanding the skeleton of website design. 

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

Philadelphia offers the same excitement in retail and entertainment as NYC, even though it is not as large. I’m a huge fan of the independent businesses that are peppered all over the city.

Amber Lao

San Jose, CA

EDUCATION:
Cornell University, applied economics and management

PIDC:
Strategy, Communications, & Partnerships

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

CDFIs can empower BIPOC and low-income communities by connecting them to financial services.

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

[There is] rich history, ambient culture, and amazing food across the city.

Maria Machin

Buenos Aires, Argentina

EDUCATION:
University of Pennsylvania, Master of City Planning, certificate in real estate design and development.

PIDC:
Real Estate Services

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

The most interesting thing I have learned as an intern at PIDC is the importance of industrial land use planning, especially in moments when the industry is changing, and focusing on promoting more inclusive, sustainable, and future-oriented land use.

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

It is a city with lots of interesting places and neighborhoods to explore. Parks, museums, trails —  there’s always somewhere to go!

Austyn Mingo-Crockett

Atlantic City, NJ

EDUCATION:
Hampton University, five-year MBA major, bachelor’s in business administration received May 2021.

PIDC:
Business Lending

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

The history of the Navy Yard and PIDC.

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

The culture, people, and scenery are unmatched. It’s one-of-a-kind.

Obi Udeze

Lagos, Nigeria

EDUCATION:
Drexel University, electrical engineering major and software engineering minor

PIDC:
Navy Yard

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

The Energy Market and how energy is bought and sold at real-time prices. This connects to peak shaving and utilizing battery systems at a large scale.

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

There is sort of a family culture in Philly. Everyone is proud to live/work here and it is a city rich in American history.

Madeline Padner

Orangeville, PA

EDUCATION:
Temple University Beasley School of Law

PIDC:
Legal Services

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

I’ve loved learning about all of the ways that economic development work has shaped Philadelphia into the city I know and love today!

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

It is made up of many tight-knit and unique neighborhoods, so there is always a new place to explore!

Julia Verbrugge

Basking Ridge, NJ

EDUCATION:
University of Pennsylvania, Master of City Planning

Brown University, BA in urban studies and economics

PIDC:
Real Estate Services

Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

The nuances of centering equity in the real estate development process, particularly in terms of how to build community trust and most effectively partner with local community-based organizations and institutions.

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

Every neighborhood has such a unique history and feel, and I really appreciate the sense of community pride that Philadelphians have. The city is also full of great coffee, beautiful cycling routes, and diverse architecture.

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