TPC Advisory Council
Members of the TPC Advisory Council advance the Philadelphia Center’s mission by engaging alumni, providing career connections, and growing awareness and support that fuel our work.
TPC Advisory Council Board Members
Ryan Arey (Summer 2010)
Ryan Arey completed a marketing and event planning internship at the Radisson Plaza Warwick while attending TPC. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with an M.S.Ed. in Higher Education Administration. Participating in TPC was the best decision of Ryan’s undergraduate career. Coming from a small town in Michigan, she was eager to explore a big city, and the experience at TPC gave her the push she needed to apply to graduate school at Penn. Ryan is eager to give back to the place that taught her so much and is honored to serve on the Alumni Board.
Charles Catania, M.D. (Fall 1998)
Charles Catania was a genetics intern at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and is currently working as a family medicine doctor in Woodbury, NJ. Charles credits TPC with playing a large role in fulfilling his dream of becoming a doctor, meeting his wife, and continuing to live in the Philadelphia area. Charles has two boys and is excited to help strengthen the program to afford more students the incredible opportunities TPC offers.
Viviana Gordon (Fall 2005 and Spring 2006)
Viviana Gordon interned at Project H.O.M.E. and at the Defenders’ Association of Philadelphia during her time at TPC. Viviana is from Portland, Oregon and attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. She now lives in New York City and works at the Red Hook Community Justice Center, a community court in Brooklyn, running the New York Juvenile Justice Corps, an AmeriCorps service program. Viviana can’t visit Philly without making a trip to Sam’s Morning Glory Diner and always returns to New York with a bag of Famous 4th Street cookies.
Peter Kellepourey (Fall 2000)
Peter Kellepourey completed a public relations internship during his semester at TPC. Originally from Michigan, the people at TPC and the rich culture and diversity of Philadelphia made a major impact on his life. After graduating from Hope College with a degree in communications, Peter decided to make Philadelphia his permanent residence. Since 2006, Peter has worked in the telecommunications industry, and is now a Project Manager for a network development company. He lives in the Manayunk neighborhood with his wife, Alice, and adopted greyhounds, Roxie and Bebe. Peter is currently serving as Alumni Board President.
Bryan Kerr (Fall 2008)
Bryan Kerr interned in the education and management departments of the Arden Theatre Company, where he continues to be employed today. Bryan currently lives in West Philly and has participated in several Alumni Panel discussions with current students. While reflecting during these discussions, Bryan is amazed at how much the TPC was a crucial stepping-stone in his life and how it propelled him along a path he never knew existed. He is grateful for the opportunity to give back to TPC as a member of the Alumni Board and looks forward to continuing to aid students beyond the initial program.
Thomas Poole (Spring 2007)
Thomas Poole spent a semester and a summer in Philadelphia working for a trading firm on the Philadelphia Stock Exchange. This invaluable opportunity to learn about the financial industry, build relationships, and experience the city allowed him to find direction and eventually led him to New York, NY, where he has lived and worked since graduating from Whitman College in 2009. Thomas enjoys visiting Philadelphia and is excited to work with the networking subcommittee to help create stronger connections among TPC alumni.
Michele Porterfield (Fall 1987)
Michele Porterfield consults with The Philadelphia Center around issues of organizational and career development. She is a human resources consultant with Leadership Solutions, Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in helping client organizations make optimal use of their talent—“putting the right people in the right jobs at the right time and ensuring their success once they get there.” Michele has her bachelor’s degree in Economics from Villanova University and her master’s degree in Organizational Development from The American University. She has been a frequent guest speaker for the program for the past several years. Michele is currently serving as Alumni Board Secretary.
Maeesha Saeed (Fall 2010)
Maeesha Saeed worked at Public Health Management Corporation, interning with two projects: Preventing Aids through Live Movement and Sound, and Sisters Informing Healing Living and Empowering. She currently lives in Philadelphia and is a graduate student of social work at the University of Pennsylvania. Her TPC semester was essential in helping carve Maeesha’s path after college. She loves the work that TPC does in bringing students from all over the country and world together, using their rich knowledge and expertise to expose students to the beautiful life of the city. Maeesha is excited to contribute to the Alumni Board, giving back to TPC and making the center better.
Yashika Krutik Shah (Spring 2010)
Yashika Krutik Shah interned in the wealth management department of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney during her semester in Philly. Yashika is a 2011 Ohio Wesleyan University graduate and is originally from Mumbai, India. After graduation, Yashika decided to move to Philly because of her enriching experience at TPC. She works as a Financial Advisor Associate at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney with the same team that she interned for and loves everything about Philly, especially the parks!