Who We Are

Sophie is a Biomedical Informatics PhD candidate at the University of Pennsylvania studying the use of Artificial Intelligence in medicine. She is passionate about community engagement in research and beyond, and her skills focus on software development and data analytics. Sophie got her bachelors degree in Bioinformatics from Baylor University and is native to Texas, but has loved living in Philly and is eager to give back!

Nia is a PhD candidate at the University of Pennsylvania studying computational biology. Her research focuses on developing computational approaches to better predict and prevent adverse immune responses to cancer treatments. She is passionate about mentoring young students in science and has been involved in several teaching and mentorship opportunities for high school students. Nia has experience in both academic research and the corporate world, having worked in product management before starting her PhD. Nia has lived in Philly for the past two years but is originally from Boston, Massachusetts. Outside of research, she loves to travel, explore cafes around Philly, and has recently gotten into running!

Nico Meyering (he/him) is starting a new adventure with the Spruce Foundation! Nico is heavily involved in disability equity, civic engagement, and accessibility projects in Philadelphia. He is president of the board of Disability Pride PA, the Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities, an executive team member of Transit Forward Philadelphia, and VP of Growth + Partnerships at Net Impact Philadelphia. He lives in Queen Village with his wife and pets. You can find him riding SEPTA or reading in a Philly park. He gets to wake up each day and help folks realize Philadelphia is the best damn city in the world.

Sam Nguyen (she/they) is an experienced nonprofit program manager specializing in international educational development and strategic planning and partnerships. Driven by a passion for creating innovative, high-impact, and community-centered educational programs, she’s working to address global wicked problems through the intersection of health and education, with a focus on climate change. Outside of work, Sam enjoys reading, exploring the world of coffee, and learning languages.

Njideka is a passionate advocate for social change and access to opportunity for all. She currently works as a strategy consultant at FSG where she supports foundations and corporations to achieve their social impact strategic priorities. Njideka graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Hamilton College in 2016. After time supporting organizations in New England, she received her Master’s in Public Policy with a concentration in Health Policy from Duke University. Outside of her 9-5, she enjoys working out, exploring new restaurants, and reading a good book.

Andrew is a lifelong Philadelphian who works in Global Supply Chain at Merck, where he leads international teams bringing innovative pediatric healthcare products to markets around the world. He studied Industrial Engineering at Penn State, where he discovered he was a builder at heart. In 2021 he founded Sports Data Now, a sports analytics platform, and he continues to develop new ventures on the side. Andrew is excited to bring that entrepreneurial mindset to the Spruce Foundation, helping Philadelphia’s local community, small businesses, and youth-serving organizations grow. Outside of his career, Andrew enjoys playing tennis and golf, hitting the slopes, perfecting his espresso recipe, and (of course) cheering on the Birds!

Celia Myerov (she/her) currently works as the Development Associate at Riverfront North Partnership (RNP – formally Delaware River City Corporation) a 501(c)3 nonprofit based Northeast Philadelphia, whose mission is to complete and sustain the Riverfront North Greenway by connecting communities, cultivating stewards, and bring Philadelphians back to the Delaware Riverfront they have long been disconnected from. Outside of work, Celia enjoys taking walks along the Schuylkill River Trail, reading a good book, and exploring local cafes for her new favorite cup of coffee and sweet treats.

Kristopher Velasco is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Princeton University, where he studies how nonprofits, advocacy networks, and funders shape social policy around the world. His research follows the flow of philanthropic dollars across borders and looks at how that money can advance or undermine both global democracy, in general, LGBTQ+ equality, in particular. He brings this knowledge of how giving works, and what it can achieve, to the Spruce Foundation. He is especially excited to help a community of young Philadelphians learn to give strategically and to direct their resources toward the city’s youth. A Fitler Square resident, Kristopher enjoys playing board games, spending time with his two shar peis, Maddix and Lennix, and traveling in his free time.

Chris brings a career in public and nonprofit finance and administration, especially in the education sector, to The Spruce Foundation board. Originally from New York, Chris has called the Philadelphia area home since a few years after he graduated from Columbia University where he studied economics. Once in Philly, he pursued graduate studies in Film and Media Arts at Temple University, becoming a consultant developing internet resources for elected officials and nonprofit organizations. Later serving in financial and operational leadership roles with the City of Philadelphia, School District and state, Chris worked on Commonwealth-wide fiscal policy issues and then moved into executive roles at PA DCED, which supports local governments and nonprofits throughout Pennsylvania; the Department of Labor and Industry, whose vast portfolio includes workforce development and vocational rehabilitation; and PEMA, which beyond its operational role, provides statewide mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery funding. Chris’ more recent contributions have been in the nonprofit world, as a CFOO of independent educational institutions, and he recently resumed his graduate studies at West Chester University to complete an MPA degree with a certificate in Business Ethics. A longtime past Board Member of the Lower Merion Library System and Lower Merion Committee on Special Education, Chris is excited about helping advance Spruce’s work. Living just outside the city, he enjoys traveling with his wife and son (sometimes with multiple dogs), participating in our region’s vibrant cultural scene, and cycling.

An event and marketing extraordinaire, Kara is excited to be returning to The Spruce Foundation to help the community one awesome event at a time

Christina is a Full Stack Developer at Aeritek, where she works across software development, technology, and systems to build thoughtful solutions to complex problems. With a background spanning software engineering, artificial intelligence, and IT, she enjoys finding creative ways to solve complex problems and make things work better. Christina is excited to bring her technical background, problem-solving mindset, and enthusiasm for Philadelphia to the Spruce Foundation. She is particularly passionate about creating opportunities for young people and supporting the next generation of leaders, while contributing her perspective as a young professional working in technology. Outside of work and Spruce, Christina is an oil and mixed-media artist who enjoys exploring ideas through painting and other creative work. She loves exploring Philadelphia, spending time with her dog, and finding new ways to bring together the analytical and creative sides of who she is.

Naomi brings years of experience in production planning and vendor management. She is a lifelong resident of the Philadelphia suburbs and city and is excited to contribute to her local community! Outside of her professional life, Naomi loves coffee walks with friends, trips to the beach and shopping at her local boutiques in the city

Maya (she/her/hers) is an Associate Director at Green Building United, a non-profit dedicated to advocacy, education, and community support around sustainable development in the Philadelphia region. Prior to joining GBU, Maya worked for several years in food security and policy, financing renewable energy, educational initiatives, and non-profit capacity building. She holds masterís degrees in Non-Profit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, and Agroecology and Food Sovereignty from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy.

Brady is a Senior Director in the Corporate Responsibility Practice at Changing Our World, a social impact consulting agency. Her role leverages research, project management, writing, and interpersonal skills to help corporate and foundation clients design and implement strategic grantmaking and volunteerism programs. She works across industries with the goal of helping companies create meaningful community impact. Brady earned a BA in English with Honors from Penn State and formerly served on the Junior Board of the New York Academy of Medicine. Today, she resides in Philly and loves spending time with friends and family, traveling, reading, attending comedy shows, and exploring Philly’s amazing restaurants.

Patrick Derrickson is a Government and Foundation Grants Manager at Joseph’s House of Camden, a homeless shelter. He is a member of the Southern New Jersey Continuum of Care Executive Board as well as a Board Member and former Board President of Shakespeare in Clark Park. He has a passion for advancing grassroots organizations and looks to advance grassroots youth organizations in Philadelphia.

Kelly Jung is the Assistant Director for Haverford College’s John B. Hurford ’60 Center for the Arts and Humanities. Her work focuses on building inclusive communities in higher education settings by advocating for the arts and building a pathway for students hoping to pursue a career in the arts and culture sector. Kelly is a first generation Korean immigrant, and hosts cooking workshops throughout the city. In her free time, Kelly enjoys traveling with her husband James as well as exploring new exhibits across the city.

Erin Davison-O’Gorman is Assistant Director of Tobacco Prevention and Control Services at Health Promotion Council, where she leads public health initiatives across Southeastern Pennsylvania. She is also the founder and Principal Consultant of Davison Strategies, a nonprofit consultancy specializing in grant writing, needs assessment, and strategic planning. Erin serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and Educational Decision Maker with CASA Philadelphia and brings her passion for supporting young people and strengthening communities to the Spruce Foundation. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and their two cats, Marigold and Pigeon.