Community of Practice: Building Community Leadership
Following our Building Community Power event from September 2024, we're excited to host our next Community of Practice highlighting Community Leadership, a new HealthSpark Strategic Goal. Join us for an uplifting event designed to connect, learn, and discover the strength of community leadership. This gathering will highlight leaders, showcasing their experiences and the meaningful ways they are creating a positive impact. It’s a chance to reflect, exchange ideas, and enhance your understanding of how to empower community leadership.
Rundown of Events
Keynote Conversation
We are honored to welcome Leader Bradford to share his insights on leadership, advocacy, and the vital role of coalition-building in creating lasting impact. His perspectives will underscore the importance of strong coalitions for achieving shared goals and fostering sustainable progress. We’re thrilled to feature this topic and look forward to attendees diving in and exploring these ideas more deeply.
Opening Speaker
For more than a decade, Emma Hertz, has worked to create a more equitable, inclusive, and connected system of support for Montgomery County residents. She joined HealthSpark Foundation as CEO and President in December 2022, after having previously served as the foundation’s Director of External Affairs from 2019 to February 2022. Emma has spent over ten years leading systems change efforts focused on increasing access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing. Through her experiences in government, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector, Emma has developed practical skills in bringing sectors together to build more inclusive and equitable public policy. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Villanova University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish from Bates College.
Opening Speaker
David A. Gaines (he/they) is a poet, filmmaker and actor born and based in Philadelphia. His work examines Blackness, masculinity, Christianity and mental health through an intersectional lens. Dave’s films have screened at film festivals such as the BlackStar Film Festival, Gary International Black Film Festival, National Black Arts Festival and the International Video Poetry Festival. As an award-winning, nationally touring poetry performer and Poet Laureate of Pennsylvania’s Montgomery County, his work has also been featured in several publications including The New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, VICE Media, Button Poetry, among many others. When not writing, performing or orchestrating films, you can find Dave teaching poetry to Philly youth, spending time with nature and attempting a conversion to morning personhood.
Opening Speaker
Neil Makhija serves as Montgomery County Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Elections, making history as the first Asian American County Commissioner in Pennsylvania. He oversees the county’s 3,000 employees and billion-dollar budget, managing services like human resources, infrastructure, and election administration.
Elected in 2023, Neil has championed policies to protect voting rights, expand paid leave, combat climate change, and reduce taxes for first responders. As Board of Elections Chair, he focuses on combating election disinformation and ensuring secure elections.
Prior to elected office, Neil taught election law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and served as the Executive Director of Indian American Impact, a national civic organization. Neil also worked as a consumer protection and workers’ rights attorney.
Neil earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School on the Horace Lentz Scholarship. He received his B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College.
Neil, the son of Indian immigrants, grew up in Carbon County and now lives in Narberth with his wife, Dr. Rachel Nash, and their son Avinash.
Afternoon Panel: Navigating Uncertainty with Courage and Hope
After lunch, we're excited to feature a panel conversation on "Navigating Uncertainty with Courage and Hope." Tune into our speakers as they dive into personal stories, practical strategies, and insightful reflections on how to face challenges with resilience and optimism.
Featuring:
Elizabeth Vibber, MS is a Partner of the Catalyst Center for Nonprofit Management, sister firm of Bee, Bergvall & Co., Certified Public Accountants. She has over 30 years’ experience providing strategic consultation to both the public and private sectors. Projects Liz has worked on include the development of business and strategic plans, governance consulting, mergers and collaborations, needs assessments, survey design as well as succession planning and executive searches.
She has a MS in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania, and a BA in Communications from Kutztown University. Liz has served on a number of nonprofit boards, holding the positions of board chair, vice chair, as well as chair of strategic planning and governance committees.
David Heayn-Menendez is the Mental Health Campaign Senior Advisor for Communications at Children First and a freelance consultant with 20 years of experience in electoral and issue-based advocacy within the nonprofit and government sectors. He has a proven track record of supporting low-income and historically underinvested communities through grassroots organizing, strategic communications, and policy advocacy.
His previous roles include Chief Strategy and Organizing Officer at The New Pennsylvania Project, Senior Director of Advancement and Public Affairs at ACLAMO, Deputy Director of Programs and Partnerships at Pennsylvania Voice, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light, and Director of Education and Civic Engagement at Al-Bustan. Across these roles, he has worked to amplify the voices of marginalized communities throughout Pennsylvania.
In addition to his advocacy work, David is an educator, public speaker, curator, and writer, having taught in settings ranging from preschools to universities and public forums. Beyond his professional work, he serves as Council President in the Borough of Lewisburg.
Signe Espinoza (she/her/ella) is the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates (PPPA), a 501(c)(4) advocating for a Pennsylvania where sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion, is accessible, affordable, and affirming for all. Previously, Espinoza served as PPPA’s Policy Director. She has also served as co-chair on the board of The Abortion Liberation Fund, an abortion fund based in Philadelphia. Her time at PPPA has included the deft management of administrative, political and legislative crises.
Since taking the helm of the organization, her PAC leadership helped to flip the PA House to a pro-reproductive health majority for the first time in decades and in the off-year, elected a clean sweep of PP-endorsed judicial candidates for every statewide court. Her c4 advocacy led to the termination of a 30-year state contract with crisis pregnancy centers, and the introduction of legislation to provide comprehensive contraceptive care, repeal onerous abortion restrictions, and mandate sex ed in public schools.
She holds a master's in public health from the Dornsife School of Public Health and brings nearly a decade of experience in both the non-profit and government sector. Her work has been widely lauded, and recognitions include being named among the Dornsife School of Public Health’s most notable alumni as they commemorated 40 years in 2022, and by City & State PA as one of its "40 Under 40."
Peter Gonzales is a social entrepreneur, attorney, and strategic consultant with more than 30 years of professional experience in the nonprofit, public and private sectors in the U.S. and abroad. After serving as President and CEO of the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians from 2012 to 2023, he partnered with a small team of immigrant entrepreneurs to develop a hyperlocal, community-based, eCommerce platform called ShopPhilly that will launch in 2025. He currently serves as board chair of The Merchants Fund and serves as a board member of Greenline Access Capital, WorldUpstart Impacts and the Philanthropy Network of Greater Philadelphia.
Explore Our Breakout Sessions
Leading with Hope
In this session, we’ll explore the power of hope in leadership and its ability to inspire change. How do leaders find and share the belief that we can shape a better future through our actions and influence? We'll discuss ways to cultivate hope in others while balancing the pressing needs of our communities and organizations. Join us for a dynamic conversation on how leaders can ignite hope and drive meaningful transformation.
Featuring:
Akshara Vivekananthan is the Program Officer at HealthSpark Foundation, where she leads grantmaking and communications. A passionate advocate for racial and social justice and systems change, she previously was the Director of School Readiness at the United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley, championing grantmaking efforts and addressing systemic challenges in early childcare by convening diverse stakeholders to drive local solutions. She holds a Master's Degree in International Public Service from DePaul University and a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Psychology from Austin College.
In 2023, Jamila H. Winder was appointed to the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners to complete the term of Val Arkoosh and was unanimously voted Chair on January 2, 2024. A lifelong East Norriton resident, Ms. Winder previously served on the East Norriton Township Board of Supervisors from 2020 to 2023.
Her career spans roles at Drexel University, Laureate Education, and Full Bloom, with a focus on education and community development. She is passionate about education's role in future success, influenced by her mother and grandmother's advocacy for strong schooling.
Ms. Winder has served on the Norristown Area School Board and volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Women in Transition. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State and a master’s from Eastern University.
Ms. Winder lives in East Norriton with her husband and son.
Reverend Mitchell spent his earlier years in academia and politics. In 1994, he was appointed Chief of Staff to United States Congressman Floyd Flake. Flake serves as the senior pastor of New York City's Greater Allen AME Cathedral, one of the nation's largest churches with nearly 28,000 members and an annual operating budget of $35 million. Mitchell was the youngest chief of staff on Capitol Hill in 1994.
In addition to his professional work, Mitchell is a former trustee of the University of Pennsylvania and the board of visitors of the Howard University School of Divinity. Mitchell is an honors graduate of Howard University with major foci of political science, philosophy, and classics. In addition, he attended New York York's Union Theological Seminary' Master of Divinity program with an emphasis in church history.
Since he was sent to Salem, she has grown by nearly 800 members, purchased two pipe organs, sold its 134-year-old location, and relocated to 10 acres in the Roslyn section of Abington. Salem is a vibrant example of a historic church with a revived mission.
Obed Arango Hisijara is a Mexican/Latinamerican photographer, social anthropologist, author, social leader, and university professor. In addition, he is the founder and executive director of the Centro de Cultura, Arte, Trabajo y Educación (CCATE), a Latinx non-profit organization that was founded in 2012, and which is located in Norristown in the metropolitan area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and whose mission is: “to promote change and social transformation from the talents of the Latino community, at the intersection with education, art, culture, technology, health and environmental sciences.”
Obed is a lecturer at University of Pennsylvania's School of Social Policy & Practice.
Leadership Strategies for Addressing Homelessness and Housing Affordability
Join us for an engaging session that dives into the bold leadership needed to tackle homelessness and housing in Montgomery County. We'll explore what leaders at every level can do right now to make an impact, and how we can come together to empower grassroots, established, and emerging leaders across all sectors and communities.
Featuring:
Phyllis Chamberlain is the Executive Director of the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, a statewide organization whose mission is to ensure that all Pennsylvanians, especially those with low incomes, have access to safe, decent, affordable and accessible homes. In this position, she leads advocacy initiatives to increase funding and improve policy to increase affordable housing opportunities for low-income Pennsylvanians and to educate stakeholders on evidence based solutions to increase housing affordability and opportunity. Her previous experience includes public policy and training focused positions at the national level and at the state levels in Virginia and Delaware.
Phyllis has over twenty-five years of experience in public policy advocacy, community engagement, and communications with most of her time spent on local, state, and federal planning and policy to increase affordable housing opportunity and end homelessness.
Tom DiBello was elected to the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners in 2023 and sworn in as Commissioner on January 2, 2024. He brings over 25 years of experience in global technical software solutions within the tax and defense industries and has also owned a small business employing 25 people.
He has worked internationally with the OECD and presented at major conferences, including the National Governor’s Association and National Conference of State Legislatures.
Previously, Mr. DiBello served on the Spring-Ford School Board, including five terms as president, leading the district to its first National Blue Ribbon. He has held leadership roles in various community organizations, including chairing the Limerick Township Board of Supervisors and serving as president of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. He was also honored with the Economic Development Award from the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce in 2007.
Mr. DiBello holds a master's degree in information science from Penn State and a bachelor's in computer science from East Stroudsburg University. He and his wife, Diana, have two children and live in Limerick Township.
Stacey Woodland leads YWCA Tri-County Area in its mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and champion peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Since 2014, she has driven the organization's growth, enhancing services, expanding reach, and fostering collaborations to meet diverse community needs.
Under her leadership, YWCA Tri-County Area's budget has grown from $1 million to $11 million by 2022, ensuring a more profound impact. Stacey is an active member of YWCA USA's CEO Advisory Council and contributes to Montgomery County through various roles.
St. Joseph's University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Stacey resides in Audubon, Pennsylvania, with her family. She's dedicated to shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
Join Stacey Woodland in her mission to drive positive change and inspire a better future.
John J. Ernst, AIA is the Borough Manager of Lansdale Borough and is currently serving his eighth year in that role. John has been at the Borough since 2010 after transitioning from the public sector and has been instrumental in development projects such as the SEPTA Parking Garage, Madison Apartments, the Borough Municipal Complex as well as the development and expansion of the Liberty Bell Trail. He also participates as a representative to the Lansdale Borough Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, Environmental Advisory Commission, and the non-profit organization Discover Lansdale.
Prior to joining Lansdale, John earned his Bachelors and Master of Architecture from Temple University and worked as an architect with several regional firms primarily designing educational and religious facilities. He currently holds a license to practice in Pennsylvania and as a current member of the American Institute of Architects, he uses his skills working closely with a range of organizations and professionals. John is honored to represent Lansdale Borough as a member of the Board for the Montgomery County Planning Commission, the Delaware Valley Health Trust and the Partnership TMA of Montgomery County.
Mary Fuller has a lifelong connection to the Borough and is a fourth generation Lansdalian. She began her tenure on Borough Council in 2010 and made history in Lansdale when she became the first woman President of Council in January 2025. Fuller is a founding member of the Borough's nonprofit, Discover Lansdale and leads several other boards such as the Lansdale Public Library and Lansdale Cemetery boards. She also sits on the board of Elm Terrace Gardens. Fuller's full time position finds her in Phoenixville as the President/Executive Director of the area food pantry/center, Phoenixville Area Community Services (PACS).
Building Leadership in Your Organization and Community
Nonprofit organizations are key to building strong communities through care, civic engagement, and partnerships. To drive lasting change, nonprofits need visionary leaders who can inspire collaboration and innovate solutions. In this session, explore how to enhance your own leadership skills and cultivate leadership within your organization and community, with practical strategies to strengthen connections and create meaningful impact.
Featuring:
Lauren Miltenberger, Ph.D. is the Interim MPA Director and the Nonprofit Coordinator in the Department of Public Administration at Villanova University. Lauren’s teaching and research focuses on cultivating strong social impact leaders with the skills to drive change in their organizations and communities. Her research has been published in the Journal of Nonprofit Education & Leadership, the Journal of Leadership Studies and the Journal of Education Finance. Prior to joining the faculty at Villanova University, Lauren worked in the private and nonprofit sectors.
Dominique Bernardo joined Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley (Variety) in January 2019 as CEO. A CPA turned social worker, Dominique started her professional career in public accounting. She earned a dual MBA/MSW from Boston College and worked for a small community organizing nonprofit serving the immigrant community. She then volunteered for a year at a residential school for girls from low-income families in Costa Rica before returning to Philadelphia. Dominique then spent 18 years at the leadership team level at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, a $25M North Philadelphia social services nonprofit. Throughout her tenure with Congreso, she amassed considerable experience in every function of the organization – from program development and delivery to human resources, quality assurance and finance. She led the data and evaluation department, which was nationally recognized for its expertise in data utilization in human services. Her position prior to leaving Congreso was CFO. Over the past 15 years, Dominique has been a panelist or presenter at numerous regional and national conferences on topics of nonprofit financial management and nonprofit data driven culture.
David Charles is a graduate of Pottstown Senior High School in Southeastern PA, where he experienced firsthand the challenges many youth face while growing up in a subsidized housing development. He understood the struggle of adults working to make ends meet and the impact on family engagement. David's travels to places like California, Florida, New York, Atlanta, and Germany deepened his awareness of the struggles faced by young people. While pursuing his music career, he helped youth musicians navigate their paths, fostering his commitment to positive change. This dedication led to the creation of the S.T.R.I.V.E. Initiative (Strengthening Tomorrow Requires Initiative & Vision Everyday), aimed at empowering youth to make better choices and improve their lives. David’s mission focuses on supporting community revitalization through personal development, ensuring the younger generation has the resources and motivation to become future leaders.
Nika Kirillova is a graduate student in Villanova University’s Master of Public Administration program and the recent winner of Villanova’s Three Minute Thesis Competition. Her research examines the obstacles women continue to face as they pursue leadership roles, showcasing that these barriers persist despite the common perception that gender inequality belongs to the past. Nika is driven by her passion to foster more female leaders, and her work draws on evidence showing that women excel as transformational and organizational leaders.
Originally from Russia, Nika earned her undergraduate degree in Economics in Budapest, Hungary. After several years working in the finance sector, she felt a strong desire to create positive social impact, pushing her transition to the nonprofit world. In her free time, Nika practices boxing and Muay Thai, goes hiking to Wissahickon park, and reads novels.