Tiffany Conde, a graduating Saint Joseph’s senior of New Cumberland, Pa., has the kind of resume that could land her a job in even the toughest economy. But instead of starting her career or enrolling in law school like she always planned, Conde is taking a year off to give back, by participating in Philly Fellows, a service program affiliated with AmeriCorps*VISTA.
As a political science major/philosophy minor, Conde has always been involved in service, and she hopes to use her time with this program to contribute to the Philadelphia community, which she credits with shaping her as a person over the past four years.
Conde became engaged in city politics while at Saint Joseph's. This past fall, she interned with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, an experience she called “sobering,” and one that sparked her interest in the difficulties faced by many of Philadelphia’s residents.
“During the course of my internship, I was introduced to the stark realities of the problems confronting Philadelphia,” she said. “This internship sparked my interest in legal advocacy, and solidified my intent to attend law school in the future.”
Before she chases personal goals, however, Conde will help in a more hands on way.
As a Philly Fellow, she will work for White-Williams Scholars, a nonprofit agency founded in 1800 that inspires and supports high-achieving Philadelphia public high school students of limited financial means to fulfill their potential. Her positive experience at Saint Joseph’s has inspired her to help students reach their own college goals.
“I thought Philly Fellows would be an excellent opportunity for me to give back to a city that, in financially strained times, needs innovative and energetic young graduates in its nonprofit sector,” she said.
Philly Fellows recognizes this need, as one of its main goals is to keep the area’s brightest college and university graduates in Philadelphia. By putting these graduates to work in cultural, educational and social service organizations, Philly Fellows helps strengthen the city’s nonprofit agencies, while giving the young people involved an opportunity to network and engage themselves in city issues.
Conde is one of an elite group of 20 chosen for the 2009-2010 Fellowship year, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. While at Saint Joseph’s, she has also been involved in the campus community as a Resident Assistant, Hawk Host, a member of Cap and Bells Dramatic Arts Society and as a member of the Diversity Recruitment Committee (DRC).
Conde says what she learned at SJU, both inside and outside of the classroom, will serve her well as a Philly Fellow, and beyond.
“The Jesuit education I received has encouraged me to tackle the issues affecting people of all races, classes and creeds,” said Conde. “The Philly Fellows program provides me with the opportunity to work in the field of social justice, and practice being a woman for and with others.”
Contact: Office of University Communications, 610-660-1222, ucomm@sju.edu
