Take a moment to get to know our newest advisory board members.
Allison Blanda
Allison is the director of enterprise relationships for WordPress/Automattic. Born in Toronto, she began her career as a journalist with Bloomberg before marrying a diehard Philly sports fan and making this city her home. She joins JMB Award to head up our individual fundraising efforts.
What clicks with you about JMB Award’s mission?
I attended college at Mizzou, a big state school, and I was shaken by how many of my peers didn't make it through freshman year because they lacked a support system. The university had tons of resources, but outside support beginning in late high school really factored in to people's success. Since then I've focused my volunteering on college readiness!
Tell us about a female-identified mentor who made a difference in your life.
A former colleague name Ellen helped me realize you have to ruthlessly prioritize the things you care about, and being overwhelmed is something you can control. She does everything well. She's a rockstar at her job, a mom of two successful daughters, an active volunteer and a respected member of Temple. Ellen is now a friend who I can ask advice of when I'm reprioritizing.
Marquita Eshun
Marquita grew up in the Logan section of Philadelphia before studying business, accounting, and finance at West Chester University and Rosemont College. That mix provides valuable experience as a small business owner. It’s also critical for her role heading our finance committee.
What clicks with you about JMB Award’s mission?
I see myself in many of our awardees. I loved school, I had goals, and I enjoyed accomplishing them and making my parents proud. Unfortunately, I hid this true nature from my peers. Providing a safe, encouraging space to thrive and dream is something I will be passionate about for the rest of my life.
What do you love about Philly?
I love the history, art, and diversity of Philadelphia. I also love the opportunity. I started my career in finance and have been able to flourish in other markets, including small-business ownership. We have a great job market, and affordable rent and home prices. I'm also in love with the walkability of the city and the fact that each neighborhood has its own identity and personality. Last, the food of course!
Margaux LaPointe
Margaux grew up in Lebanon, PA and attended Villanova University before heading west to UCLA Anderson School of Management for graduate school. She returned to the area and is a senior associate marketing manager with Campbell Soup Company. She’ll bring her communications expertise to us as the head of our communications/social media committee.
What clicks with you about JMB Award's mission?
It is important to have diverse voices at the table. By helping to equip girls with grit, we can enable women who spark change.
Tell us about a female-identified mentor who made a difference in your life.
My mom has been my biggest inspiration. I grew up in a neighborhood where most moms stayed at home, but my mom was a senior director at a Fortune 500 company. She taught me to believe in myself – “see it, make it happen” – and was also honest about the trade-offs she had to make. Because of her, I have been able to build both a career and a family that I love. (Margaux’s family grew recently. Her husband and she welcomed a baby girl in April—our first “baby with grit.”)
Genesis Soto
Genesis is one of our two youth advisory board members. She grew up in North Philadelphia and graduated from Murrell Dobbins CTE High School before joining the Class of 2023 at La Salle. She’ll work with Angie Wenger to advance our programming goals.
What motivates you?
My future self and my struggles while growing up in a low-income single parent household.
Tell us about a female-identified mentor who's made a difference in your life.
My JMB Award mentor has made a difference in my life. Having Kim to talk to during my first year at La Salle helped me through my hard times. Also, having Fran and the other awardees to talk to about college and how to handle certain situations has helped me feel more comfortable about self-advocating and addressing problems I'm having with others in a respectful and professional way.
What's the one place you tell all visitors to Philly to go?
I tell all visitors to take a stroll in Center City and to be sure to go by Love Park.
Angela Wenger
Angie is the EVP & COO at Center for Aquatic Sciences, housed in the Camden Adventure Aquarium. She’s overseen their learning experiences growth in size and scale and will bring that expertise with her as the head of our program committee.
Where did you grow up?
So many places. I’m an Army brat. I lived at least 7 places before the age of 12, one of them overseas.
What do you love about Philly?
Culture, arts, history, architecture, community, and most important, food!
What clicks with you about JMB Award's mission?
Supporting and mentoring young women as they pursue and achieve their life goals.