Meet the Fall 2020 PIDC Interns

This fall, eight talented interns joined PIDC virtually to learn and assist us in driving growth to every corner of Philadelphia. Get to know our interns and the PIDC departments they assist. Plus, see why they think Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play.



Victoria Sansone

HOMETOWN:
St. Louis, MO

EDUCATION:
The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, BS in economics with concentrations in finance and social impact, minor in urban studies

PIDC:
Strategy, Communications, and Partnerships


Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

Every neighborhood has its own story and is deserving of care, community, and investment.

Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play because:

It has diverse neighborhoods. You can feel the sense of community and pride that residents hold for both the city and their neighborhood. The walkability of its streets and rich history also make Philly an incredible place to explore on long walks, runs, and bike rides.


Siobhan McBride

HOMETOWN:
Philadelphia, PA

EDUCATION:
James Madison University, hospitality management, minor in business

PIDC:
Marketing & Community Engagement


Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

I have learned so much, but I think the best and most interesting thing I have learned so far is how important it is to have a strong mentor. Jennifer Tran, director of Navy Yard marketing & communications, has guided me during my internship, provided so much wonderful professional advice, and encouraged me to move outside of my comfort zone. Learning how to navigate teamwork in a professional setting has been invaluable. She has taught me so much!   

Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play because:

There is always something new and fun to do! Philadelphia is a very community based/service-oriented city where young professionals can really give back.  I have lived here my whole life and I love the city more and more every day!


Fatir Woods

HOMETOWN:
Philadelphia, PA

EDUCATION:
Temple University, accounting, finance

PIDC:
Business Lending


Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

PIDC makes a massive difference for the better in Philadelphia’s communities and has helped way more small business owners than I had initially thought.

Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play because:

Everything is close, convenient, and within walking distance.


Kelly Highum

HOMETOWN:
Minneapolis, MN

EDUCATION:
Drexel University, MS in urban strategy

PIDC:
Real Estate Services


Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

The most interesting thing I’ve learned as a PIDC intern is the relationship between job creation, industrial land use conversion, and industrial land sales. The process behind job creation is complex – PIDC assists the City of Philadelphia in recruiting firms to the city in order to create more jobs for more citizens.

Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play because:

Philadelphia is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. The people reflect its resilience. We also make a mean cheesesteak.


Jake Ward

HOMETOWN:
Bensalem, PA

EDUCATION:
Drexel University, electrical engineering

PIDC:
Navy Yard Smart Grid


Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

Generation based Utility Market Operations

Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play because:

There is a huge amount of resources and opportunities concentrated here. University City houses many students and many businesses, allowing ample prospect for collaboration. The businesses of Philadelphia are heavily varied, allowing numerous amounts of different entertainment and career opportunities.


Taryn Edwards

HOMETOWN:
Fort Lauderdale, FL

EDUCATION:
Temple University, B.S. in statistics, minor in economics

PIDC:
Financial Services


Most interesting thing learned while working at PIDC:

It has been very interesting to learn about the lending process and how we manage risk. It has also been great to learn how to determine the financial standing of a company, especially during the current economic environment.

Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play because:

Philly felt like home right away for me. There are so many different parts of the city to explore, so you will never have a dull moment if you keep your eyes open. Since Philly is home to so many different universities and unique neighborhoods, you will meet interesting new people all the time.