PIDC Announces Recipients of 2026 Scholarships

Jada-Mercy Ayebae

She/her/hers

Hometown: Bowie, Maryland

Education:

• Master of City Planning, University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design (expected 2027), Public-Private Development concentration
• B.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland (2022), minor in Sustainability Studies

“I’m deeply honored to be named a 2026 PIDC-D’Alessio Scholar. My work has always been rooted in a simple belief: that no one should have to leave home to find a better life, and that with the right investment, the communities that raise us can be the ones where we thrive. That conviction is what drew me to city planning and public-private development, and it’s what makes this recognition so meaningful. I’m excited to join PIDC’s team this fall and to learn firsthand how to create lasting value for Philadelphia’s communities. I’m grateful to the D’Alessio family, PIDC, and everyone who makes this scholarship possible.”

About Jada-Mercy

Jada-Mercy Ayebae is currently pursuing a Master of City Planning at the University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design, concentrating in Public-Private Development. Trained as a civil and environmental engineer at the University of Maryland, she has spent her career working in the built environment with a consistent focus on serving the public sector. This summer she interned with HR&A Advisors, contributing to transit-oriented development and innovation district projects, and previously served as an Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Analyst, supporting the U.S. Department of Transportation. In the future, Jada-Mercy hopes to advance the transportation, infrastructure, and development strategies that help communities thrive, grounded in her belief that no one should have to leave home to find a better life.

Fun Fact:

I’ve served as a Graduate Resident Assistant for my entire time at Penn, building community and supporting the operations and systems that keep a campus housing community running.

Irene Amankwah Bonsu

She/her/hers

Hometown: Obuasi, Ghana

Education:

• Masters in Urban Design – Thomas Jefferson University
• Bachelor of Science Land Economy – Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

“Receiving the D’Alessio Scholarship is more than financial support, it’s a vote of confidence in my potential. It motivates me to work even harder, keep learning, and one day create opportunities for others the way this scholarship has created one for me.”

About Irene

Irene Amankwah Bonsu is currently pursuing a Master of Urban Design at Thomas Jefferson University after earning a bachelor’s degree in Land Economy, where she developed a strong foundation in real estate finance, valuation, development, and land economics. Originally from Ghana, Irene has experience in land development, property valuation, and market analysis, and has led due diligence and feasibility analysis for development projects. As the Treasurer of Jefferson’s Real Estate Rams, she is passionate about connecting students with opportunities in commercial real estate and fostering a community of future industry leaders. Irene hopes to build a career in institutional real estate investment before ultimately becoming a real estate investor and developer, combining finance, urban design, and strategic development to create places that generate lasting economic and community value. 

Fun Fact:

I love hiking because it reminds me to appreciate how far I’ve come while staying excited about how much farther I can go.

Gelila Getachew

She/her/hers

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Education:
B.A. in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (Expected May 2029), University of Pennsylvania

“I am honored to have been selected for the PhiDel Scholarship and to have interned at PIDC this past summer. It was an exciting and rewarding experience that pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. I’m especially grateful to learn from such a talented team and gain a deeper understanding of the work PIDC does to shape Philadelphia’s communities and development. I’m incredibly thankful to PIDC for their support and for giving me an experience I will carry with me moving forward.”

About Gelila

Gelila is a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) with a strong interest in business, strategy, and how organizations can create meaningful impact. At Penn, she serves as Treasurer of the Drexel & Penn East African Student Association and as a Senior Consultant with Black Wharton Consulting. She is also the founder of Tegbar, a nonprofit focused on supporting families displaced by conflict in Ethiopia. Across her academic, professional, and leadership experiences, Gelila is driven by opportunities to solve complex problems, take on new challenges, and create meaningful change.

Fun Fact:

I am an only child!

Jared Macario

She/her/hers

Hometown: Trenton, NJ

Education:
Bachelor’s in Political Science & Global Studies (Expected May 2027), Temple University

“I am so grateful and honored to be awarded the PhiDel Scholarship! This award has provided me with the support and resources needed to pursue my academic journey as well as my career. As part of the scholarship, I was able to participate in an internship at PIDC where I was able to gain hands-on experience in a professional legal environment as well as work alongside those who are dedicated to driving growth to every corner in Philadelphia. I am thankful for the experience this scholarship and internship has provided me with.”

About Jared

Jared Macario is a Senior at Temple University majoring in Political Science and Global Studies with a concentration in Latin American Studies. Alongside her studies, she serves as the President of Temple Immigration Right Advocates (TIRA), where she is dedicated to safeguarding immigrants at Temple University as well as the immigrant community of Philadelphia. As a first-gen student, Jared knows the trial and tribulations that her fellow first-gen peers face. As the President of First Gen Honors, she has devoted her time to helping her peers navigate higher education by bridging the knowledge gap and equipping them with the resources needed to succeed. At her time interning at PIDC, Jared has grown a passion for economic development and wishes to combine her passion for law and advocacy to help spur economic growth for minorities. In the future, Jared plans to attend law school to pursue a career in immigration law or international human rights law.

Fun Fact:

I have a niche fascination with the Cuban Revolution.