Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce

Stephanie Gambone, YPN Chair

Philadelphia Youth Network

Stephanie Gambone is Director of Business Partnerships for the Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN). PYN is an advocate for Philadelphia’s young people, helping them gain the work experience needed to thrive in the workplace. Gambone also founded the Young Friends of PYN to increase participation from Philadelphia’s young professional population and support of PYN programs through networking, fundraising events.

Gambone is the current chair for the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Network. She also is a Youth Employment and Workplace Engagement co-chair for the Intermediary Network, of which she has been a member since 2003. During her first year as fundraising chair for Race for Hope Philadelphia, she raised over $40,000 in funds for brain tumor research. Other honors include being named one of “Leadership Philadelphia Top 101 Emerging Connectors” in 2006 and 2008. Gambone also founded the Philadelphia Women’s Professional and Social Network in 2008.

As cum laude graduate of LaSalle University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, Gambone also holds a Master of Science degree in administration from West Chester University. Other education includes a fellowship at Bryn Mawr College’s Non-Profit Executive Leadership Institute and completion of a professional development program at the University of Pennsylvania.

Christopher Parker, YPN Vice Chair

TD Bank

Christopher Parker is an Assistant Vice President at TD Bank whose responsibilities include assisting new and existing customers of TD Bank with all of their banking needs. Mr. Parker actively seeks out Business lending and deposit servicing opportunities, aiming to enable businesses to spend more time making not managing money. As a YPN member for four years, he has played on active role on the Volunteer Committee.

Alexis Arena

Flaster/Greenberg P.C.

Alexis Arena is an attorney at the Philadelphia office of the firm Flaster/Greenberg P.C. She has experience representing companies and individuals in commercial litigation matters involving a range of industries; Arena practices in state and federal courts in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She specializes in litigation, counseling and prosecution in the field of trademark law. Her practice focuses on advising clients on protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights online, including the resolution of domain name disputes and matters concerning e-commerce, online speech and conduct, and associated intellectual property issues.

In addition to serving as a member of YPN, Alexis Arena also serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the Young Lawyers Division of the Philadelphia Bar Association, and a member of the Young Friends Board of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Other professional and philanthropic organizations she supports include City of Hope, Little Smiles, the Justinian Society, WIN, and Philadelphia Cares.

Nelly Arnold

Innovation Philadelphia

Nelly Arnold is currently a Business Analyst at PCN, Inc., a global technology consulting company in Center City Philadelphia. Ms. Arnold oversees the marketing and communications functions of PCN since joining in February 2010. She previously worked with Innovation Philadelphia, developing Philadelphia’s economy by cultivating young talent, the creative economy, and entrepreneurism. Ms. Arnold’s background spans marketing, business development, and project management in the creative and technology-based industries. Her active memberships include Network of Women in Computer Technology, Ladies Who Launch, and Mid-Atlantic Mobile Monday.  Ms. Arnold is a board member of Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Young Professional Network, Steering Committee Member of Philly Marketing Camp, and Vice President of Communications for the Philadelphia Suburban Alumnae Chapter of Delta Gamma. She is a graduate of The Hill School in Pottstown, PA and The University of Montana in Missoula, MT with a degree in Business Administration.

Stephanie Balan

Tri-State Realtors Commercial Alliance

Stephanie Balan is the Executive Vice President of the TriState REALTORS Commercial Alliance. Ms. Balan manages the day-to-day operations and marketing of the organization, a local chapter of the National Association of REALTORS that overlays southeastern PA, NJ and DE. TriState provides for the professional needs of commercial real estate practitioners through legislative advocacy, commercial-specific education, networking opportunities and resources such as group health insurance. Ms. Balan was the Member Development Director, handling all internal and external communication for TriState, for three years prior to her current position as EVP. Ms. Balan graduated from Villanova University with a degree in Communication. She is beginning her second year as a board member for YPN and serves on the Volunteer Committee for YPN. Ms. Balan is a committee chair on the board for Young Variety, a subgroup of Variety: The Children’s Charity, and volunteers with ACHIEVEability, a local non-profit that values education and accountability in breaking the cycle of poverty in families. She also participates in team sports through both Philadelphia and Manayunk Sport and Social Clubs.

Kiana S. Brown

Comcast Corporation

Kiana S. Brown has been working in the Internal Audit department at Comcast Corporation for the last 3 years. In this role, Ms. Brown primarily manages audits of varying complexity and scope on operations of the corporation, its subsidiaries, and affiliates. Prior to joining Comcast, Ms. Brown worked in the Assurance and Advisory Business Services practice at Ernst & Young, LLP where she mainly performed financial statement and regulatory audits of companies in the healthcare and not-for-profit industries. Ms. Brown is a Certified Public Accountant in Pennsylvania and graduated cum laude from Temple University with a degree in Accounting. Ms. Brown is currently pursuing an Executive MBA from St. Joseph’s University. She is an active member of various organizations, including the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc., Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Philadelphia Youth Network Young Friends Committee and currently serves on the board of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network and Philadelphia Urban League Young Professionals.

Kevin Cafferky

Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC)

Kevin Cafferky is the Controller at Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) in Philadelphia, a not-for-profit education and training center started by the late Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan. Mr. Cafferky has taught as an adjunct professor of Finance in the Temple University School of Tourism and Hospitality Management. He has worked for Healthcare and Financial Services companies in a range of financial positions. Mr. Cafferky holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from West Chester University and a Master’s Degree in Taxation from Philadelphia University. He was recently named “101 Philadelphia Connectors” by Leadership Philadelphia and is an active participant in Philadelphia’s corporate, philanthropic and political communities. He is a member of several non-profit boards including Greater Philadelphia Cares where he serves as Treasurer. He is currently serving as a member of the Board of Directors and is the past Chairman of YPN.

Elaine Delos Reyes

Philadelphia Eagles

Elaine Delos Reyes is a proud new Board member of the Young Professional Network. She joined the Philadelphia Eagles as a Marketing Manager in October 2008. Her responsibilities include developing/executing marketing and business development initiatives as well as analyzing market research to build the Philadelphia Eagles brand. Prior to moving to Philly, Elaine lived in New York City and worked for the National Football League for 4 years. She graduated from Bernard Baruch College (a City University of New York) in May 2006 with a BBA in Business Management. Prior to graduation, Elaine completed 8 internships with companies including PricewaterhouseCoopers, Burberry USA, Morgan Stanley and Smith Barney. She continues to mentor graduating college students and young professionals by providing career advice, resume reviews and interview coaching with an emphasis on advising young women and minorities.

Amy Gorman

DiBruno Brothers

Amy Gorman’s most notable professional experiences came from her role as a private event sales manager at the Moshulu Restaurant. She has managed large-scale corporate events, wedding ceremonies and receptions, and private social gatherings. Prior to her tenure at the Moshulu, Amy worked for Aramark Harrison Lodging’s Villanova Conference Center as conference sales manager, as well as at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. In addition to participating on the YPN board, Amy was a co-chair for the On The Move team for YPN and is currently a member of the International Special Events Society board of directors. Amy has recently been spending time working with Starr Restaurants and is looking forward to future employment opportunities.

Lauren Hirshon

Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board

Lauren Hirshon is a Senior Associate of Strategy and Innovation at the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board (WIB), a nonprofit organization that provides expertise in all facets of workforce development, and works to align the skills of the labor force to meet the needs of industry. In this capacity, she leads the Excel Philadelphia initiative, which was created in partnership with the Philadelphia Literacy Coalition to generate new knowledge and advocate for the issue of adult workforce literacy. Ms. Hirshon is also responsible for directing the communications strategies of the non-profit organization. Immediately, prior to joining the Philadelphia WIB, Ms. Hirshon managed a volunteer office for the John Kerry and John Edwards presidential campaign in Phoenix, AZ and Albuquerque, NM. Ms. Hirshon received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and French from Harvard University. In addition to serving on the board for the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professional Network she is currently the Recent Graduate Chair and a member of the board for the Harvard Alumni Club of Philadelphia. In 2008, Ms. Hirshon was identified as one of Philadelphia’s Emerging Connectors by Leadership Philadelphia.

Mai-Linh Hoang

DAL, Inc.

Mai-Linh Hoang is currently a marketing agent for DAL, Inc., a commercial collections agency. She also provides consulting services for marketing strategy and event planning in the Greater Philadelphia area. Formerly, she was an Account Manager and Senior Media Strategist for SilverFlame Communications. Prior to joining SilverFlame Communications, she was a communications associate for the John Templeton Foundation. Mrs. Hoang has a Bachelor’s degree in biology and a MBA in marketing, both from Saint Joseph’s University. She is also on the leadership team for Greater Philadelphia Net Impact, promoting sustainable business practices. Mrs. Hoang co-chairs the Marketing and PR Committee for YPN.

M. Erin Lavelle, Esq.

Surety Title Corporation

Erin Lavelle is an attorney who has practiced real estate law for eight years with firms in both Philadelphia and Scranton, Pennsylvania. Recently, she has been active with Judge Rizzo’s landmark program, VIP, which seeks to bring lenders and homeowners together to establish more workouts than foreclosures for Philadelphia residents. Ms. Lavelle holds Bachelors’ Degrees in Political Science and English from the University of Scranton as well as a Juris Doctorate from Widener University School of Law. For the last eight years, she has been a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association as well as the U.S. Middle District Court. In addition to her membership in several regional real estate organizations, she has been a member of the Philadelphia Bar Association and active in its Real Property and Business Law sections for the last three years. Ms. Lavelle is involved with non-profit organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region, including Little Smiles, which attempts to fulfill the wishes of sick children in local hospitals. She co-chairs the YPN’s Events Committee.

Anne Madonia

Cozen O’Connor

Anne Madonia is a partner at the law firm of Cozen O’Connor and practices in the Corporate Practice Group. She concentrates in business and corporate law with an emphasis on corporate transactions such as domestic and international asset and stock acquisitions and divestitures, corporate mergers, debt and equity financings, and private placement offerings. She was also named “Super Lawyer” by Philadelphia magazine and Law & Politics. Ms. Madonia is an active participant in many professional and social organizations throughout Philadelphia. She is a member of the American Bar Association’s business law section, the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s corporate, banking, and business law section, and the Philadelphia Bar Association. She is a former chair of the Young Professionals Network board and serves on the board of the Widener University School of Law Alumni Association. Ms. Madonia is also involved with the Junior League of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Cares. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors, from Manhattanville College and her law degree from Widener University, where she served on the editorial board of The Delaware Journal of Corporate Law.

Tina (Greco) Malek

PREIT

Tina Malek is a Marketing Representative in the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT)’s Corporate Partnership Marketing Department. PREIT owns close to 40 shopping malls along the East coast, including local malls like The Gallery at Market East, Cherry Hill, Willow Grove Park & Plymouth Meeting. Ms. Malek will be participating in LEADERSHIP Philadelphia’s Core Class of 2010; she also holds an MBA from Drexel University and an undergraduate degree from St. Joseph’s University. Ms. Malek co-chairs the Events Committee for YPN.

Andrew Pack

Andrew Pack was the recent Executive Director at Variety’s Greater Philadelphia Chapter, including the Variety Club Camp and Developmental Center and Variety’s Delaware Division, as well as Variety’s Direct Care, Autism, and After School Programs and oversaw all operations at the Philadelphia Chapter. Under Mr. Pack’s leadership, Variety Tent 13 had been recognized for three years as the #1 Chapter in the U.S. Variety named Mr. Pack Executive Director of the Year in 2005. He is also one of Philadelphia’s “Top 40 Under 40″. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland and moved to the United States in 1976. He graduated from La Salle University in 1995 and now resides in the Fairmount section of the city. Mr. Pack is co-chair of the Volunteer Committee for YPN.

Maria-Elena Quattrone

Coldwell Banker Preferred

Maria Quattrone runs the The Maria Quattrone Team of Coldwell Banker Preferred. She uses her extensive knowledge of marketing and sales with her customer focused real estate business. Ms. Quattrone specializes in helping her clients get the highest price for their homes with the proper marketing and promotion. A graduate of Temple University, she spent 11 years as a professional sales and marketing executive for several Philadelphia radio stations-Q102, WYSP, and Mix 95.7. Ms. Quattrone co-chairs the Membership Committee for YPN.

Ruben Reyes

Lyquix

Ruben Reyes is a technology consultant who helps client successfully integrate and manage information technology in their businesses. He has worked in the Internet and telecommunications industries for Fortune Global 100 companies and his own businesses since 1997. Ruben started his career as a freelance website developer, and since then he has served numerous businesses in industries such as manufacturing, retail, entertainment, professional services, and non-profit. In 2000 Ruben earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering from the Universidad Simon Bolivar in Venezuela. From 1999 to 2008 Ruben worked for Lucent Technologies and Nokia performing various roles including systems deployment, operations and maintenance, technical support, project management, and sales, serving large telecommunications operators such as BellSouth, TIM, Entel, Telefonica Movistar, America Movil, Cingular, AT&T, T-Mobile and Comcast. He moved to Philadelphia in early 2005 while working for Nokia as Solution Sales Manager. In 2008 he founded Lyquix to address the need of many businesses to properly plan and manage technology as an essential part of their business strategy and operations, and harvest the benefits that technology can provide to their bottom line. Ruben is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Professional Mentoring Network of the Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Board of Directors of Casa de Venezuela Delaware Valley.

Peter Shrier

SSH Real Estate

Peter Shrier is the Vice President of SSH Real Estate, where he focuses on tenant representation, landlord representation and commercial building sales. Peter has assisted several businesses and organizations throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. He has been a member of SSH since 2003 and has completed in excess of one hundred transactions during that time. Mr. Shrier graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, with a Bachelor’s in Psychology.

Sarah Talasnik

ACE Global Corporate Giving

Sarah Talasnik works for ACE Global Corporate Giving. She manages the planning and implementation of ACE Group employee volunteer initiatives and campaigns that are associated with ACE volunteer and foundation activities. Previously, she worked at the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter as a Development Manager. Ms. Talasnik received her BA in Business Administration in 2003 from Lynchburg College . She is also the Co-Chair for of the Volunteer Committee for YPN.

Derek Wood

Tactix Real Estate Advisors, LLC

Derek is a commercial real estate broker at the region’s premier brokerage and consulting firm working exclusively for corporate tenants. A tenant’s advocate for over a decade, Derek has worked on many notable projects in the region, including the world headquarters for Sunoco, Day & Zimmerman, FMC, The John Templeton Foundation and Kulicke & Soffa. Derek graduated summa cum laude from Temple University and received his J.D. from Widener University School of Law. He is a member of the Philadelphia Bar Association; Real Property Section.

John White, Emeritus Board Member

Pennsylvania Planning Partners

An active member since YPN’s origination in 1997, John White has recently being named the first emeritus board member. Mr. White’s full time responsibility is as a partner with Bley White & Associates, offering insurance, investment products, and advisory services. He serves on a number of boards and committees in the region including the Young Variety Club of Pennsylvania, Young Friends of the Covenant House of Pennsylvania, and the Bridesmaids Ball Committee. Most recently, he served as a member of the Executive Finance Committee and Inaugural Committee for Mayor Michael Nutter. His dedication to volunteering in the community has made him a multiple winner of the Chamber of Commerce’s On the Move trip for fulfilling fundraising goals and working to increase the awareness of the Chamber. Mr. White earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from La Salle University, a master’s in taxation from Philadelphia University, and a certification in financial planning from the American College in Philadelphia.