Impact Report 2025–2026 • 11 Tashon Zeigler High School: Science Leadership Academy (’22) College: Lincoln University, B.S. in Computer Science (’26) Job Title/Employer: Finance Rotational Analyst, Wells Fargo In what ways did combining your own hard work with other support lead to the career you have today? “I put a lot of work into getting where I am, but I also understand that I didn’t get here completely on my own. The support and guidance I received helped me make better decisions, while my own consistency and willingness to learn allowed me to take advantage of those opportunities. That combination played a big role in getting me from a student at Lincoln to starting my career at Wells Fargo.” How did your network (advisors, mentors, peers) support you in building confidence and opening doors? “A big part of it was having people who saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself. My mentors and peers encouraged me to put myself out there, apply for opportunities, and build relationships. That confidence eventually helped me take advantage of opportunities like my internship and ultimately my career with Wells Fargo.” How does your experience show the power of combining individual determination with community support for future Philly youth? “I think my experience shows that having ambition is important, but having people around you who believe in you can make a huge difference. There are so many talented young people in Philly who have the ability to go far, and sometimes they just need the right people and resources around them to help turn that potential into something real.” True perseverance is built together. While our students bring immense passion and potential, our 225 Heights volunteers provide the engine that helps fuel their journey. Through academic tutoring, career exploration, trip support, and hands-on special projects, our volunteer community embodies the belief that grit is an ecosystem of support — uplifting every student so they never have to navigate their path alone. Email Liz Sutton, Associate Director of Alumni & Volunteer Engagement, at lsutton@heights.org if you are interested or have questions about becoming a volunteer. Indira Graham High School: Frankford High School (’17) College: Temple University, B.A. in Communication Studies, Minor in Africology Studies (’21), Peirce College, M.S. in Higher Education Leadership, focus in Organizational Management (’25) Job Title/Employer: Program Coordinator, School District of Philadelphia What tools or resources from the Heights community helped translate your personal grit and drive into early success? “The summer courses gave me a taste of what would be expected in a college classroom. From the work I had to produce, to managing my time and handling day-to-day tasks, I was able to take what I learned in and outside of the classroom and apply that to my life and what was to come.” How does your experience show the power of combining individual determination with community support for future Philly youth? “With the resources given to me, I was able to be exposed to multiple new opportunities and experiences that, if it hadn’t been for this program, I probably would only have read about or seen on television. This showed me firsthand that Philadelphia youth need the resources and the opportunity to actually see what it is that education has to offer and how those opportunities can change their lives and open up doors for the better if they want it.” What does being a Heights alum mean to you, and what advice would you give a student just starting in the program? “Being a Heights alum means being a part of a community of people who understand the importance of paying it forward. Advice I would give to new students is that showing up every day counts. Whether it’s for something big or small, showing up every day is proving to yourself that you are more than capable to do the work needed for your future.”
View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.