As the Grantmaking Coordinator, Wren (they/them) supports the grantmaking activities the Cultural Alliance through applicant and grantee relations and overall administration of grantmaking programs, primarily the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts grant programs (Creative Sector Flex Fund and Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program) and the COVID-19 ARPA PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program (PACR). Wren holds an Associate in Arts in English and an Academic Certificate in Creative Writing from the Community College of Philadelphia. Outside of the Cultural Alliance, Wren is a writer and artist–they are passionate about queer art & literature, gardening, slow fashion, bees, and dessert.
Kate (she/her) is a Drexel University student working as Research Coordinator throughout her co-op period at the Cultural Alliance. She is currently studying economics at Drexel while minoring in data science, sociology, and history of capitalism. As Research Coordinator, Kate works with the Director of Research and Data on current projects like examining attendance rates for arts and cultural institutions, as well as helping with reports, analyzing data, and assisting with survey implementation. Outside of work and school, she loves to write poetry, make music, crochet, and attend concerts.
Derek Holland works with the Creative Youth Development team to support planning and implementation of the Bloomberg Arts Internship, including recruitment, application review, interviews, curriculum development and placements. Derek helps manage the Bloomberg Arts Internship college mentors and coordinate activities on professional development days as Creative Youth Development Manager. Before joining the Cultural Alliance team, Derek was a Project Manager and Artist. Derek has a Master of Fine Arts degree from University of Illinois at Chicago and Master of Public Health degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Derek's pronouns are he/they and his hobbies include staying physically active, exploring new places and visiting art exhibits.
Paris Gramann (she/her/hers) works with the Communications Department to uphold and develop the digital presence of the Cultural Alliance as the External Relations Manager. Before joining the Cultural Alliance team, Paris worked as a self-published mental health children’s book writer, owned her own Project Management Contracting Business, taught Social Impact Entrepreneurship at a K-12, and worked as a Design Researcher with Drexel University. As of the summer of 2023, Paris has obtained her Project Management Licensed (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI). Paris studied at Drexel University in the Custom Design Program through the Honors College. Her degree is in Innovative Problem Solving. She is looking to pursue a masters in Psychology in the near future. In her free time, Paris enjoys a slew of activities like sewing, songwriting, prototyping new product ideas, crafting, and watching tv/movies with her husband and cat on the couch.
Stephanie works as the Director of Grantmaking ensuring that the various grant opportunities with the Cultural Alliance operate smoothly. Stephanie brings over a decade of experience in philanthropy and the public sector, having served as a Program Officer, a Senior Learning & Evaluation Officer, and more recently as a consultant, where she worked with foundations, nonprofits and consulting firms to help them learn from their experiences, make strategic and informed decisions, and implement changes as a result. Stephanie has a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. In her spare time, she refinishes vintage furniture and is restoring an old house in northwest Philadelphia.
Madeline works closely with our members of the Cultural Alliance to provide direct outreach, support, and resources. She also works directly with members for marketing and promotional needs by utilizing the Cultural Alliance’s programs such as the Phillyfunguide, Funsavers, and other marketing tools, to engage with the Greater Philadelphia community by showcasing why their arts organizations makes an impact on the region. Madeline holds a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Arts Management from Drexel University concentrating in Film and Television. Outside of the Cultural Alliance, Madeline used to be a radio disc jockey and still DJs locally in the city. She also enjoys attending live and local events and festivals, embroidering, and traveling
Sarah Christy is Executive Vice President of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, working in partnership with the President & CEO to achieve the organization’s mission and key strategic goals. Sarah is responsible for the Cultural Alliance’s financial management while also overseeing major programs and day-to-day operations. Prior to joining the Cultural Alliance, she was Interim President & CEO of International House Philadelphia where she previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Programs, managing Lightbox Film Center. Sarah holds a MS in Arts Administration from Drexel University and a BA in Economics & Business from Lafayette College. She currently serves as Treasurer of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund’s Board of Directors, is a member of Lightbox Film Center’s Board, and is an Adjunct Professor in Drexel University’s Arts Administration & Museum Leadership graduate program. Outside of GPCA, she enjoys the performing arts, Philadelphia 76ers, and her dog Fosse.
Chad Beegle studied music education at the University of the Arts and educational administration at Drexel University and is now the Director of Creative Youth Development and Partner Engagement. Before joining the Cultural Alliance team, Chad was a music teacher/ administrator in numerous schools in the Philadelphia region and internationally. In addition to his role, Chad enjoys traveling, reading, writing, and spending time with family.
