Temple’s Young Professionals are Moving Philadelphia Forward

On any given day, Philadelphia hums with the energy of a modern metropolis. Visitors move through the city’s thoroughfares by foot, train, trolley, and car to tour historic sites and experience world-class cultural destinations. Along the way, they cross paths with the students, professionals, and long-time residents who call the city home. Everywhere, Temple University alumni are helping make it all run. And some are creating an impact shortly after graduation.

Each year, Temple honors 30 graduates under age 30 who are already making waves within their careers and communities. While this year’s cohort hails from around the globe, many have chosen to apply their talents right here in Philadelphia. Some are natives of the city, committed to raising up their hometown. Others are transplants who arrived for college, fell in love with Philly’s entrepreneurial spirit, and embraced its characteristic dogged determination.

All are making a difference.

“Temple attracts individuals from diverse backgrounds, many of whom are first-generation students or [who] come from humble beginnings,” said Binh Nguyen, a “30 Under 30” honoree and senior director of communications for Visit Philadelphia, the city’s tourism marketing agency. “But there’s a shared grit and drive to grab opportunity with both hands and shape the world.”

Here’s how four Owls from this year’s Temple “30 Under 30” list are helping Philadelphia improve its schools, transit, nonprofits, and position on the world stage.

Data analyst, SEPTA

“At SEPTA, we’re trying to show that good government can work for the people. Your train should get you to work in the morning; your bus should show up on time. That’s what we’re trying to make happen.”

With roots in Arkansas, political science major Benjamin Aitoumeziane fell in love with SEPTA while riding its rails during internships on local and state political campaigns, including for Gov. Josh Shapiro. Now the 2020 College of Liberal Arts grad is helping to steer the agency through dire fiscal straits, analyzing every nook and cranny of its operations to meet a goal of $100 million in savings and new revenues. In an early success, Aitoumeziane’s team discovered that operating the agency’s 1,400 buses in Eco mode could save $3 million annually.

Senior director of communications, Visit Philadelphia

“You get a historic feeling in Philadelphia that you don’t get in a lot of other places, especially in the United States. Democracy was born here. But now the city has also evolved into a hub of culture, art, and food.”

Binh Nguyen, a 2017 Klein College of Media and Communications grad, was born in Vietnam but emigrated to the U.S. as a toddler. Now, she helps put Philadelphia on the global map. At Visit Philadelphia, Nguyen works with journalists to help create itineraries for influential publications like The New York Times and Condé Nast Traveler that include the best of the city’s restaurants, museums, and historical landmarks.

Business teacher, Franklin Towne Charter High School

“A lot of my students end up going to college for business, and a lot of them say it’s because of me, that my courses really helped them out. I love teaching, and I don’t see myself ever leaving.”

Joseph Curry, a Mayfair native, faced uncertainty about his professional career in his early twenties. But when a time-sensitive opportunity arose to teach at Franklin Towne Charter High School, his alma mater, Temple’s College of Education and Human Development enabled him to obtain a master’s degree in career and technical education on an accelerated timeline. Now Curry designs specialized business courses to help the next generation of Franklin Towne Charter grads reach professional success.

Director, workforce planning and development, Urban League of Philadelphia

“At Temple, I would put on job fairs for the community and help people find careers and opportunities. A lot of what I am doing now is similar: upskilling, reskilling, and leading programs to help people from underserved communities get into various industries.”

Charity Tucker, a 2016 Fox School of Business graduate, is passionate about connecting people to life-changing careers. After several years of navigating labor and employee relations and shaping workforce policies for the City of Philadelphia, the West Philadelphia native moved to the nonprofit sector. She now leads programming at the Urban League of Philadelphia, developing talent through career readiness and training in tech, career development, and construction, helping Philadelphians, including formerly incarcerated individuals, secure quality jobs.

See the full “30 Under 30”