Fellows profiles

Current Community Fellows and Projects - 2020-2021

Julie Benco Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Julie’s fellowship was with the Environmental Planning division of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC). She researched how LVPC has integrated climate mitigation and adaptation strategies into its existing plans and planning processes. She also helped update several stormwater plans and ordinances for municipalities within the Lehigh Valley.	Lorena Bravo City of Allentown, Planning and Zoning Bureau As a Community Fellow, Lorena filled the role of Project Manager with the City of Allentown’s Department of Planning and Zoning. She was responsible for the development and implementation of resident-driven “Neighborhood Scale Projects,” as well as the resident training and empowerment necessary to make those projects successful. To do this, Lorena worked closely with community leaders, non-profit organizations, and local institutions.
Amanda Chapin St. Luke’s University Health Network, Community Health Department Amanda spent her fellowship at St Luke’s University Health Network, writing and researching for the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). For this, she worked closely with Census data, ALICE data, and multiple mapping systems, all to assess the social determinants of health in each of the health network’s service areas. She also gathered information for Substance Use Disorder grants and helped with transportation mapping in Schuylkill County.	Claudia Hanover Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center Claudia spent her fellowship as a Development Assistant at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown, PA. The Center provides life-enriching arts and culture events, fundamental youth programming, critical health services, vibrant pride events, and essential supportive services to the LGBT community of eastern Pennsylvania. Through her work grant writing, managing donor relations, and coordinating fundraising events, Claudia was critical to the financial stability and longevity of the Center and its programs.
Emma Rae Lewis Community Action Development Corporation - Bethlehem While Emma was at CADCB, she developed and implemented a public input process to guide the new Southside neighborhood strategic plan, as well as a strategy for engaging residents, local businesses and other community stakeholders in the plan. She helped the organization report its work accomplished in five impact areas: Business & Economic Sustainability, Housing, Development, Outdoors & Wellness, and Transforming Community Image.	Leo Rooney Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley Leo conducted research for PNLV on criminal justice reform and restorative justice, focusing on the ways to best support residents’ reintegration. This required interacting with community members, elected officials, and stakeholders on a weekly basis, and participating with End Mass Incarceration, a local advocacy group.