Bessy Crentsil, LLM’25

Hearing Kenny Holdsman 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.

The biggest lesson I took away is that progress is not linear. It can be messy, and that’s okay. Kenny’s reminder to expect twists and turns felt deeply personal because I’ve experienced those moments of doubt in my own work. After he shared that, I made a vow not to see setbacks as failures but a part of the process. 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 Philadelphia Youth Basketball (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.