Lipman Blog: Lipman Fellows’ Site Visit to PYB

Lipman Blog

Lipman Fellows’ Site Visit To Philadelphia Youth Basketball’s Sixth Man Center

Lipman Fellows reflect on their experience visiting Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB) “Sixth Man” Center

November 8, 2024 – A local Philadelphia nonprofit, Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB), hosted Wharton’s McNulty Leadership Program (MLP) Nonprofit Board Fellows and the Lipman Family Prize Fellows for an inspiring site visit and fireside chat at their Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center. The Fellows learned about the development of the Sixth Man Center (SMC) through a guided tour and received an in-depth look at PYB’s mission. During a panel discussion moderated by MLP Executive Director Jeff Klein, Fellows heard from Kenny Holdsman (PYB’s Co-Founder & CEO), Jayson Tischler (PYB’s COO, Wharton MBA’15, and Nonprofit Board Fellow alumnus), and Isaiah Nathaniel (PYB’s Board Vice-Chair).

After hearing valuable insights on topics such as the role of nonprofit boards, building impactful partnerships, the importance of philanthropy, and the exciting future ahead for both PYB and SMC, some of our current Lipman fellows reflected on their experience.

A group of people stands in an indoor basketball court with a hardwood floor. The wall features colorful graffiti art with the name "Embiid" and the number 21, alongside urban imagery. The setting appears to be modern and well-lit.

A speaker is addressing a diverse group of individuals standing in a room labeled "Cohen Family Civic Dialogue Arena." The atmosphere suggests a workshop or discussion event.

Two people are engaged in a conversation. One is gesturing with their hand, while the other listens attentively. They are seated in front of a grid-patterned wall, and one is wearing a patterned outfit with a name tag.

A person is speaking to a group sitting on tiered wooden seats in a modern interior space with industrial lighting and exposed pipes.

A candid moment between two people in conversation, possibly in a professional or educational setting. One individual is speaking, gesturing with their hands, while the other listens attentively. Both wear name badges.

A person wearing glasses and a white striped shirt smiles while engaging in conversation. Another person is partially visible in the foreground.

Bessy Crentsil, LLM’25

Hearing Kenny talk about distributive and collaborative leadership hit me in a way I didn’t expect. I realized how often organizations, even with the best intentions, struggle to let go of centralized control. His point about founders’ syndrome made me rethink how I approach collaboration and decision-making in my own work. It’s not just about having a vision; it’s about making space for others to co-create it. That perspective felt like a wake-up call for how I want to lead and grow within this field.

Kenny’s reminder that progress is not linear and can be messy but meaningful resonated deeply with me. I’ve faced moments of doubt in my work, but Kenny’s perspectives reframed setbacks as opportunities, not failures. Inspired by his approach, I’m rethinking how I lead—valuing collaboration, embracing challenges, and staying optimistic through twists and turns. Going forward, I will lean into challenges with optimism, knowing that they are opportunities to create something better.

Carlos Jarquin, MSE-IPD’25

Visiting the “Sixth Man” Center left me deeply inspired by the power of intentionality in creating meaningful change. Hearing about the decade-long journey to bring this vision to life was a reminder of the resilience required to push forward when faced with challenges and unconventional ideas. The intentionality behind this work is woven into the culture of the Center and it was evident in every interaction with both staff and the facility.

What stood out most to me was the unrelenting optimism needed to navigate uncertainty and ambiguity. The idea of creating a space that blends basketball with an ecosystem that inspires, teaches, and enriches both on and off the court felt both bold and necessary. I was particularly struck by the holistic, multifaceted approach that goes beyond the game to cultivate opportunities for growth and learning for children of all ages and their families.

This visit was a powerful reminder that meaningful change starts with a bold vision and the unwavering dedication to see it through. It left me energized to continue exploring how purpose and community can drive transformative impact.

Fionnuir Ni Chochlain, MPH’25

Visiting PYB was an eye-opening experience that challenged my assumptions about what a community-focused nonprofit could achieve. PYB’s ‘Sixth Man’ Center offers much more than basketball; it’s a vibrant community hub providing young people with financial literacy, primary care, and entrepreneurial training—all made possible through an impressive network of partners who contribute expertise and funding support.

Kenny shared how they’ve developed a unique team of ‘Culture Keepers’—staff members who maintain a welcoming, safe environment without relying on external security services. This thoughtful approach reflects PYB’s commitment to creating a space where youth feel respected and empowered. I was struck by PYB’s ability to balance an ambitious mission with realistic organizational limits, knowing when to bring in outside expertise and when to rely on internal staff. This careful approach enables them to grow while staying grounded in their community-centered values.

The visit left me with a new appreciation for what it takes to build a sustainable, impactful nonprofit. PYB’s blend of intentionality and adaptability will surely continue to shape Philadelphia in powerful ways.