Letter from Leadership
Dear Friends and Supporters,
In today’s increasingly divided world, Reverend. Dr. Leon Sullivan’s founding belief that we are “stronger together” resonates more powerfully than ever. Collaboration isn’t just our strategy—it’s the foundation of lasting change.
This year’s establishment of the Sullivan District and the expansion of our cross-collaborative programs demonstrate how unity multiplies our impact. By broadening partnerships within sectors, we’ve transformed local initiatives into broader impact, addressing community needs while creating pathways to opportunity. Our 55,000+ alumni network embodies this collaborative spirit, creating an ecosystem of support that grows stronger each year.
In times of division, we choose unity. In times of scarcity, we leverage our resources to create abundance. We carry forward Dr. Sullivan’s vision with both courage and conviction, knowing that in unity, we find our greatest strength.
With collaborative spirit and united purpose,
Sheila Ireland, President & CEO
Steven Scott Bradley, Board Chair
Mission
OIC stands at the intersection of workforce development, social justice, and economic empowerment by facilitating the connection to futureproof employment that provides a family-sustaining wage with career ladder opportunities for growth for the people that we serve.
OIC Philadelphia will be the Beacon on Broad Street. When workers in Philadelphia are seeking the skills and support to connect to family-sustaining wages and jobs with career ladder opportunities, they will think of OIC first. When organizations are seeking talent that supports not just their mission but their bottom-line profitability, they will partner with OIC.
Our dream will be to alleviate poverty in the six ZIP codes we serve by 1% per year by providing critical skills training, connecting residents to job opportunities, building entrepreneurs and small businesses, and providing critical connections to vital supportive services. Through our work, we will advance social justice by breaking down systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to economic opportunity.
The Problem
PHILADELPHIA’S POVERTY CRISIS IN THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
North Philadelphia faces a dual crisis of entrenched poverty and a significant digital divide. With a high concentration of Black and Latino residents, approximately 60% of all Philadelphians and 82% of the city’s low-income residents reside in poverty-stricken neighborhoods, with 36% living in areas where the poverty rate exceeds 40%. Over 50% of North Philadelphians lack a personal computer, relying on cellphones or public Wi-Fi hotspots.
The Solution:
The Sullivan Principles
Reverend. Dr. Leon Sullivan was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, renowned for his transformative activism against South African apartheid and his tireless advocacy for economic empowerment among African Americans. His enduring legacy includes the groundbreaking Sullivan Principles and the establishment of Opportunities Industrialization Centers (OIC), an innovative vocational training initiative that continues to create pathways to economic self-sufficiency for underserved communities across the nation.
In the 1960s, Philadelphia faced major civil unrest fueled by racial and economic inequality, especially in Black communities. In response, Reverend. Dr. Leon Sullivan, a local civil rights leader, created the Sullivan Principles in the 1970s to promote corporate responsibility, initially focused on apartheid South Africa but inspired by his fight against injustice in Philadelphia.
Workforce Development Training Programs
OIC Philadelphia’s Workforce Pillars—Healthcare, Green Jobs, Hospitality & Tourism, and our newest program, Information Technology—equip individuals with in-demand skills for today’s economy. Through industryfocused training and career pathways, OIC empowers communities to thrive in high-growth sectors and build sustainable futures.
GREEN JOBS
- Smart Energy Technical Training
HEALTHCARE
- Administrative Medical Assistant
- Behavioral Health Technician
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Phlebotomy
HOSPITALITY & TOURISM TRAINING INSTITUTE
- Culinary Arts
- Digital Media & Audio Production
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
*Coming in Fall 2025
- IT Support Training
Individuals Served per Fiscal Year
OIC Philadelphia is strategically positioned as the Workforce Engine of Philadelphia in preparation for major international events in 2026. By scaling operations and capacity, we are serving more individuals and connecting them to employment opportunities that provide a family-sustaining wage with career ladder opportunities for growth.
LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
⇧ 43%
1,250 Individuals Served
⇧ 26%
6,922 Applicants
⇧ 55%
Monthly Visitors
FY 2024-25
OIC In Action
Culinary Arts
OIC Philadelphia’s Culinary Arts program provides the skills to succeed in the food and hotel industries. Our 10-week tuition-free hands-on culinary program educates and prepares students for certifications and careers across culinary arts, hotel operations, tourism, and guest services, with fundamental knowledge and practical skills centered on food safety, cooking, baking, and more.
Employer Partnerships
+144%
Wage Increase
90%
Employment Rate
100%
Certification Rate
LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
Addressing Food Insecurity
INTRODUCING SULLIVAN’S WAY CAFÉ:
PROVIDING EXPERIENTIAL INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR HTTI GRADUATES
Upon the opening of Sullivan’s Way Café, OIC Philadelphia will not only provide tangible solutions to food insecurity but also create a pathway for HTTI graduates to gain valuable hands-on experience.
- Experiential Learning Opportunities for Participants
- At-Cost Food for Community
- Free for Participants
1 in 5 Philadelphia residents struggle to access nutritious food.
The need for such an initiative cannot be overstated, as 1 in 5 Philadelphia residents struggles to access nutritious food. Sullivan’s Way Café will serve as a beacon of hope, providing a free meal to those enrolled in workforce development programs at OIC Philadelphia. By addressing this critical need, the café exemplifies our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our community and addressing food insecurity.
Our vision for the lobby
Hospitality & Tourism Training Institute (HTTI)
EXPANDING OUR VISION
Forging Dynamic Partnerships
In 2024, to mark the 60th anniversary of OIC Philadelphia, we expanded and rebranded the Hospitality Training Institute as the Hospitality & Tourism Training Institute (HTTI). This expansion includes new programming in the digital media and audio engineering sectors.
A significant part of this expansion has been the development of a dynamic partnership with Philadelphia Freeway and the Freedom Thinkers Academy. Additionally, OIC Philadelphia is working with renowned branding agencies such as ChatterBlast. Together, we are developing industry-aligned workforce training programs to meet the rising demand for Brand Messengers, such as Tour Guides, Digital Creators, and Events Coordinators, in anticipation of the world-class events coming to Philadelphia in 2026.
Building OIC Studios: A Hub for Creativity & Excellence
With a generous investment from Congressman Dwight Evans through the Community Projects Funding, OIC Philadelphia is building our own OIC Studio slated for completion in Fall 2025.
Amplifying Diverse Voices in Media
DIVERSITY IN MEDIA
Our innovative approach goes beyond traditional hospitality training by integrating digital media skills essential for the modern tourism industry. This curriculum evolution came directly through collaboration with industry partners who identified emerging needs in destination marketing, visitor experience design, and digital storytelling.
Our Voices of Philadelphia program strives to diversify storytellers and media professionals in an industry where representation gaps remain stark.
Voices of Philadelphia addresses this gap through top tier training and access.
Fewer than 10% of media companies in Philadelphia are owned or operated by people of color.
Nationally, about 40% of media companies have zero Black employees in leadership roles.
Over 80% of journalists at major Philadelphia news outlets are white, while the city’s population is over 66% non-white.
Green Jobs training program
Since 2017, PECO has been a steadfast supporter and partner of OIC Philadelphia’s Green Jobs program. Over the years, we have served more than 275 individuals in the green jobs sector, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future in Philadelphia.
“OIC didn’t just provide job training; they provided transformation— teaching me to seize opportunities, maintain patience through rejection, and imagine unlimited possibilities.”
+213%
Wage Increase
+179%
Participants Served
+98%
Program Growth
2024-2025
Launch OF the Keystone Green Jobs Program
FROM LOCAL INITIATIVE TO STATEWIDE MOVEMENT
In 2025, OIC Philadelphia launched the Keystone Green Jobs Training Program, transforming it from a promising local initiative into a groundbreaking statewide collaboration amongst OIC affiliates.
This growth is fueled by nearly $1 million in investments from Philadelphia Works, Santander, PECO, and the Philadelphia Energy Authority, providing a strong financial foundation. Partnerships with OIC Montgomery County, OIC Chester County, and OIC Tri-County create the operational network to deliver consistent, high-quality training across Pennsylvania.
Healthcare Programs
OIC Philadelphia’s Healthcare Program provides industry-recognized training to prepare individuals for high-demand careers in the medical field. Participants gain hands-on experience and certification in specialties including Administrative Medical Assistant (AMA), Behavioral Health Technician, Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA), and Phlebotomy. These programs equip students with the skills and credentials needed to enter the workforce and support the growing healthcare needs of our community.
Healthcare Training Programs
+213%
Wage Increase
+41%
Increase in Applicants
+83%
Program Growth
Addressing Philadelphia’s Mental Health Crisis
TRAINING TOMORROW’S MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPIONS
Mental Health Matters: Training Philadelphia’s Next Generation
In 2024, OIC launched its’ inaugural Behavioral Health Training Program thanks to support from Mayor Cherelle Parker. Through deep partnerships with community mental health centers, hospital psychiatric units, and integrated care facilities, we’ve developed a Behavioral Health Technician program that directly addresses both workforce shortages and community mental health needs. Our curriculum combines clinical skills training with cultural competency and trauma-informed care approaches essential for serving Philadelphia’s diverse communities. This year, we are proud of the 49 participants who enrolled in this program and look forward to the impact they will have in our community.
3,850
Projected Growth
New behavioral health positions are expected in Philadelphia by 2026 — a 22% increase, more than double the average growth rate in the healthcare sector.
$47,500
Income Potential
The average starting salary for certified behavioral health technicians — 42% higher than typical entry-level roles.
68%
Training Demand
Behavioral health employers are reporting difficulty filling open positions, creating immediate opportunities for trained professionals.
19122
ZIP code where OIC resides, has a suicide rate double the city’s overall rate
Supportive Services Hub
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Too often, the supportive services needed by the people we serve are cobbled together in a fragmented way that is neither efficient nor timely. OIC Philadelphia owns its 100,000-square-foot space on North Broad Street and is uniquely positioned to create a comprehensive support environment. Our Workforce Hub concept co-locates the services that our participants and community need. To realize this transformative vision, we have established strategic partnerships that expand and enhance our capabilities.
Mental Health Support
Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) provides therapeutic services within our facility, addressing critical mental health needs that OIC
Philadelphia cannot handle independently. By integrating JFCS’s expertise, we ensure our participants receive the holistic support necessary for success.
Employment Support
First Step Staffing has established their operations on our second floor, ensuring that our participants not only receive training but also achieve meaningful employment outcomes. Their presence strengthens our mission by connecting individuals to job opportunities, thus bridging the gap between training and employment.
Tax Services
Campaign For Working Families Inc., mission is to build and champion the financial well-being and economic mobility of individuals and families by leading programming and advocating for policies, initiatives, and support systems that ensure equitable opportunities and financial stability.
Technology Pathways: Combating the digital divide
Combining Complementary Strengths
Our upcoming Information Technology program, launching Fall 2025 in partnership with Per Scholas, exemplifies how collaboration creates opportunities neither organization could offer alone. By combining OIC Philadelphia’s community roots with Per Scholas’s technical training and employer connections, we’re bridging the digital divide and building a diverse tech talent pipeline.
Since 1995, Per Scholas has provided no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 individuals nationwide, generating more than $2 billion in increased personal earnings. Its Philadelphia campus, launched in 2019, has served about 700 learners with an 86% graduation rate. Together, we’re opening doors to high-growth tech careers and greater economic mobility for Philadelphians.
7%
of tech workforce are African Americans
28%
of households in North Philadelphia lack personal computers
Sullivan District: A Legacy United
Sullivan’s Lasting Impact on North Broad
This year marks a groundbreaking step in continuing Dr. Sullivan’s legacy: the establishment of the Sullivan District.
SULLIVAN DISTRICT
OIC Philadelphia
OIC Philadelphia stands at the intersection of workforce development, social equity, and economic empowerment by connecting individuals to future-proof employment that provides a family-sustaining wage with career ladder opportunities for growth.
Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust
Dedicated to continuing the legacy of Leon H. Sullivan, the Trust provides crucial resources and support for community development and empowerment.
Leon H. Sullivan Human Services
The Leon H. Sullivan Human Services Center (“the Center”) (formerly known as Progress Human Services Center) is a 67,000 SF two-story office building designed and constructed uniquely as a one-stop human services center. The Center was erected under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan and dedicated on September 12, 1978.
Sullivan Progress Plaza
Sullivan Progress Plaza is the first African American-owned and developed retail development project in the United States. As a historic shopping center, Progress Plaza offers commercial opportunities and supports local businesses, contributing to the economic vitality of North Broad Street. Today, Progress Plaza attracts more than 20,000 visitors per month.
Zion Baptist Church
A cornerstone of spiritual and community support, Zion Baptist Church offers a range of services that nurture the well-being of our participants.
The Zion Community Impact Center
This center will serve as a hub for social services, providing a space where community members can access the resources they need to thrive.
Sullivan District
ADVANCING THE LEGACY
This year marked a significant milestone as we formalized the Sullivan District, a dedicated framework that honors Dr. Sullivan’s vision while establishing a structured approach to expand OIC’s impact.
The Mission
The Sullivan District is dedicated to advancing the transformative legacy of Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan by preserving the history, institutions, and landmarks he established in North Philadelphia while fostering continued progress toward his vision of economic empowerment, social justice, and community self-determination for future generations.
“This District isn’t just preserving history; it’s Dr. Sullivan’s vision in action—ensuring future generations have the tools to lift themselves up through economic empowerment, just as he always intended.”
OIC Alumni Network
Mobilizing 55,000 Voices For Change
OIC Philadelphia’s Alumni Network works to unite more than 55,000 graduates who have walked our halls over six decades. This powerful collective represents not just individuals transformed by OIC’s programs, but a force for community transformation itself. Each alumnus carries forward Dr. Sullivan’s vision of self-sufficiency and social justice into workplaces, neighborhoods, and lives touched across Philadelphia and beyond.
Alumni Network Committee
Desiree Whitfield
President
SaQuanna Daniels
Vice President
Veronica Badillo
Treasurer
Alycia Duncan
Secretary
Community Engagement
HEARING THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY
OIC Philadelphia launched its Community Engagement Committee, bringing together nonprofit partners across the city who share our mission of empowering individuals and strengthening communities. In our inaugural meeting, the group identified four key areas to focus on collaboratively: cultural understanding, trauma-informed training, education and employment, and financial literacy. While many challenges exist, concentrating on these four priorities provides a clear, actionable path toward meaningful impact.
Alumni Network Committee
OIC Founder,
Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan
General Motors Board in 1974. Leon Sullivan is in the 3rd row, 2nd from the right.
The dedication ceremony for Progress Plaza took place on October 27, 1968, and nearly 10,000 people attended the historic event.
In 1968, Presidential candidate Richard M. Nixon toured the facility as part of his campaign to encourage “Black Capitalism.
President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Bird Johnson supported the Reverend Sullivan as he opened his first OIC facility in Philadelphia.
Leon Sullivan congratulated President Carter on his jobs plan on June 9, 1980.
Sullivan met with Pope John Paul II in 1984 to discuss the Sullivan Principles in an effort to urge greater efforts to end apartheid.
Rev. Sullivan and Coretta Scott King shared a moment of conversation after a news conference at the Black Leadership Forum in June 1984.
President Ronald Reagan sat down with Rev. Sullivan to urge more than 300 US companies doing business in South Africa to abide by the Sullivan principles.
Rev. Sullivan with President Nelson Mandela in South Africa at the Fourth African AfricanAmerican Summit in July 1997.
Opening day at OIC Philadelphia in 1964 where community members and leaders celebrated the launch of its mission to provide job training opportunities
Global impact
At its height, 20 OIC affiliates operated throughout Africa, with OIC Cameroon being one of these vital centers that has served for 39 years, transforming the lives of over 25,871 young men and women through comprehensive programs in Agriculture, Auto Mechanics, Building Construction, IT, Hotel & Tourism, and Metal Fabrication. Positively impacting 192,000+ families across the continent. This legacy continues today as OIC Philadelphia’s 2024 ‘Pay It Forward’ campaign raised over $10,000 during its 60th Anniversary gala to support Cameroon OIC’s new facility construction, ensuring Dr. Reverend Leon Sullivan’s vision of economic independence and empowerment flourishes across generations.
$10,000
to support the construction of Cameroon OIC’s new facility
PAYING IT FORWARD
Progress of Cameroon’s new facility.
Social JUSTICE
“The pendulum always swings back and forth,” President and CEO Sheila Ireland told The Philadelphia Inquirer, addressing recent retreats from diversity initiatives. Despite current challenges, Ireland affirmed that workforce equity work “will continue under any name.” Speaking from our North Philadelphia home, her powerful advocacy carries forward Rev. Dr. Leon Sullivan’s vision to “level the playing field.”
As corporations andgovernment pull back from DEI commitments, OIC Philadelphia stands firm in Dr. Sullivan’s principles, proving his mission for economic justice remains as vital today as when he founded our organization in 1964.
Civic EQUITY
At a time when marginalized communities face increasing efforts to suppress their voices and limit their political power, the need for civic equity has never been more urgent in ensuring that every resident can participate fully in the democratic processes that shape their daily lives.
Today, we are actively working to increase civic equity in our community by mobilizing voter participation, strengthening community organizing, and creating platforms for residents to engage with decision-makers, because we recognize that building the political power Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan envisioned through OIC requires not just economic empowerment, but also ensuring our communities have the collective voice to demand the resources, representation, and respect they deserve.
19%
Registered Voters in North Philadelphia
-5%
Decrease in Voter Turnout
SINCE LAST ELECTION CYCLE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF
Board of Directors
Sheila Ireland
President & CEO
OIC Philadelphia
Steven Scott Bradley
Chairman
One Digital
Javier Suarez
1st Vice Chair
Live Work Philadelphia
Ali Jaffar
2nd Vice Chair
Key Medium
Sharana Worsley
Secretary
J.P MorganChase
Frank Tait
Treasurer
Executive Leaders for
Advisory Boards
Executive Team
Sheila Ireland
President & CEO
Andrew Bergman
Chief Advancement Officer
Ayanna Washington
Chief Learning Officer
Atif Bostic
Emeritus Status Uplift Solutions, Inc
Shamyune Jones, Esq.
Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority
Michael Soileau
LFT Fiber
Ronald Howard
OIC International
Judge Stephanie Sawyer
The City of Philadelphia Municipal Court
V. Amanda Witts
Mitchell Sandler LLP
Tiffany Newmuis
Comcast
Michele Wells-Bates
PECO
Valerie I. Harrison
Temple University
Mable Welborn
Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust
Vincent D. Gordon
Gordon Policy Group
Jennifer MacGilvray
Delta Dental
Ben Fileccia
Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association
Adé Lawal
Express Employment Professionals
David S. Thomas
Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation
Staff
Geoff Allen
Director of Hospitality & Tourism Training Institute
Tracey Borden
Executive Chef Instructor
Alida Padilla Curry
Director of Alumni & Community Engagement
Delena Smith
Senior Program Manager
Franceska Jean
Chef Instructor’s Assistant
Alycia Duncan
Front Desk Receptionist
Nadaysha Screven
Marketing & Events Manager
Chandria Hargrove
Director of Supportive Services
Nicole Clayton-Morgan
Green Jobs Program Assistant
Tony Askew
Director of Admissions
Andrea Rose
Office Manager
Sam Margolis
Data Systems Manager
Shantelle Faison
Workforce Development Trainer
OIC Affiliates
Self- Help: In the Spirit of Dr. Sullivan
Following Dr. Sullivan’s strategic vision of creating self-sustaining organizations, OIC has established Progressive Ventures Inc. (PVI) and New Urban Visions (NUV) as revenue-generating entities under the OIC umbrella, with PVI’s leadership team working to generate income that directly supports and enhances program outcomes across all OIC initiatives. We’re always looking for great partners.
Timothy Roundtree
Chief Operating Officer Progressive Ventures Inc.
Takesha Kirkland
Building Operations Manager
Mark Fisher
Lead Maintenance
Arthur Fields
Maintenance
Thank You to Our Supporters
$1,000,000+
$999,999-$500,000
$499,999-$250,000
$249,999-$100,000
$99,999-$50,000
$49,999-$10,000
Community and Employer Partners
AmeriHealth Caritas
Aramark
Arway Linen
Beyond Literacy
CCI (Condensed Curriculum International)
Career Wardrobe
CareerWorks
CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia)
Cescaphe
ChatterBlast
Children’s Crisis Treatment Center
Children First
City of Philadelphia
City of Philadelphia: Office of Human Resources
Community Behavioral Health
Community College of Philadelphia
Community Design Collaborative
Community Health Centers
Community Food Center
Compassionate Friends
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Congreso de Latinos Unidos
Culinary Entrepreneurship Center
DateCodeGenie
Easterseals Southeastern Pennsylvania
Easterseals Southeastern Pennsylvania
Elwyn Early Childhood Services
Exact Solar
Fairmount Behavioral Health System
FarmerJawn
Financial Empowerment Centers
First Step Staffing
Freedom Thinkers Academy
Gaudenzia House
GriefShare
H&EIP Philadelphia Works
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia
Healing Communities
Healthy Philadelphia
i-SPY Hospitality
J. Ambrogi Foods
JEVS (Jewish Employment and Vocational Service)
JFCS (Jewish Family and Community Services)
John F. Kennedy Behavioral Health Services
Loews Hotel
Lutheran Settlement House
Mastery Charter Schools Dual Enrollment Program
Merakey
MLK High School Program
Nationalities Services Center
PA Office of Disability Services
PA Office of Homeless Services
PA Office of Reintegration Services (RISE)
PA CareerLink
Parkside Recovery
Peirce College
Penn Jersey Paper
Penn Medicine
Philabundance
Philadelphia 250 Women’s Committee
Philadelphia Bereavement Network
Philadelphia CareerLink
Philadelphia CEO
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline
PRO-ACT Phila. Recovery Communication Center
Project HOME
Randolph High School Culinary Program
Rhubarb Hospitality Collection
Rivers Casino
Samuels and Son Seafood
ServSafe
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Solar States
Special People In Northeast, Inc. (SPIN)
Struther Enterprise
Temple University
Termac
The Benefit Bank
The Chefs Warehouse
The Consortium
The Defender Association of Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline
Urban Affairs Coalition
U.S Department of Labor
Weavers Way
Women Against Abuse
Women In Transition
Work Keys
Workforce Alliance Professionals
THANK YOU!
Learn more about our mission – and discover how you can get involved.