​Name:             Alex Jones
Hometown:    Broomall
Company:      Brinker Simpson & Company, LLC
Position:        Senior Manager
Length of time you have been with your company: 5.5 Years
 
Briefly describe your journey, noting both personal milestones and obstacles you may have faced along the way.
I started at Brinker Simpson & Company after feeling burnt out in public accounting and the industry. I wasn't studying for my CPA; I felt stagnant and uninspired. A friend reached out to apply for a position at Brinker Simpson and instantly knew I had found what I was looking for. The leadership group at Brinker Simpson & Company immediately let me grow and focus on my personal and business goals, which continue to this day.
 
Many obstacles along the way are personal, but when you can work through your obstacles with support, you come out stronger. We all faced the uncertainty of the pandemic, and with the solid backing from my company, we all came out stronger and have continued to grow significantly. Since joining the team, I've had four promotions and obtained my CPA License.

Name : Shannon Carty
Hometown : Havertown
Company : HEADstrong Foundation
Position : Community Engagement Coordinator
Length of Time I have been with the Company : 1/2 a year as an intern 1 1/2 years full time (all together 2 years)
Briefly describe your journey, noting both personal milestones and obstacles you may have faced along the way : I grew up in Ridley Park and moved to Havertown when I was 9. I went to high school at Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School. After high school, I planned on going to Community College due to my cancer diagnosis junior year of high school. However, I received a full ride scholarship to Saint Joseph's University and quickly changed my plans. After visiting St. Joe's I knew I was at the right college for me. At Saint Joe's majored in Sociology and minored in Interdisciplinary Health Services. I was in the Irish Dance Club and took over as Vice President my senior year. I also volunteered at the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support which was located on SJU's campus! Spring semester my senior year was when I started interning at HEADstrong and the rest is history! 

• Name: Paula Cress
• Hometown: Springfield, PA
• Company: Essential Utilities
• Position: Fleet Manager
• Length of time you have been with you company: 20 years
• Briefly describe your journey, noting both personal milestones and obstacles you may have faced along the way.

I started working in Fleet Management at Aqua America in 2003 and quickly realized that I wanted to return to school to finish my education and get my bachelor’s degree.  I received an associate’s degree at DCCC in 2012 and immediately entered into a 24 month accelerated bachelor’s degree program from Albright College graduating in 2014.  I then participated in a certification program through NAFA, the National Association of Fleet Administrators, receiving the Certified Automotive Fleet Manger certification in 2018.  I was able to accomplish all of this while raising 3 children, caring for my family, and working both a full time job as well as a part-time job.