This week, we are featuring a recent Alum of our 2026 online cohort, Stephanie Cullins. She is the Executive Director of the Hamilton Partnership for Paterson, the official nonprofit partner of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in Paterson, New Jersey. Her work connects history, education, culture, wellness, and civic life to create meaningful opportunities for communities to engage with the places and stories that shape them.
Why did you decide to enroll in this program?
I decided to enroll in the University of Pennsylvania’s Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy because I wanted to deepen my ability to lead mission-driven organizations with greater vision, strategy, and impact. Throughout my career in nonprofit leadership, I’ve seen firsthand both the incredible opportunities and the complex challenges facing the social sector. I wanted to strengthen my strategic leadership skills while learning from faculty and peers who are addressing similar issues across different communities and industries.
The program also aligned with my long-term goal of becoming a more innovative leader. I was particularly interested in exploring cross-sector collaboration, sustainable organizational growth, and new approaches to solving complex social challenges. Beyond the coursework, I valued the opportunity to join a network of accomplished leaders who are committed to creating meaningful change.
Ultimately, I enrolled because I believe that investing in my own leadership development enables me to better serve the organizations, communities, and people I work alongside. The experience has strengthened my perspective and reinforced my commitment to building stronger, more resilient, and more impactful mission-driven organizations.
Describe your social impact work
My work has centered on strengthening nonprofit organizations and building partnerships that create lasting community impact. Over the past decade, I’ve led organizations focused on education, public service, environmental conservation, arts and culture, and community development. My work has included developing strategic partnerships, advancing fundraising initiatives, expanding community engagement, and creating programs that improve access to educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities.
I am especially passionate about helping mission-driven organizations become more sustainable and effective so they can better serve their communities. Whether collaborating with public agencies, nonprofit partners, higher education institutions, or private-sector stakeholders, I believe lasting social impact happens when diverse groups work together around a shared purpose.
My passion is rooted in the belief that strong leadership can transform communities. I am committed to developing innovative strategies that strengthen organizations, empower people, and create opportunities for future generations. The University of Pennsylvania Executive Program in Social Policy and Practice has further equipped me to think more strategically, embrace cross-sector collaboration, and lead with both purpose and measurable impact.
Advice for future applicants
My advice for future applicants is to come ready to invest in the work. The readings, case studies, and assignments are designed to help you think critically about your own organization and leadership. As you move through the program, you’ll have opportunities to apply what you’re learning directly to real challenges, strategic priorities, and future plans within your work.
Rather than viewing the coursework as a series of academic exercises, treat it as a chance to strengthen your organization and refine your approach to leadership. I found that many of the concepts could be immediately translated into actionable ideas, whether around strategy, organizational development, partnerships, or long-term impact.
If you’re willing to fully engage with the material and reflect on how it applies to your own work, you’ll leave the program with practical tools, a clearer perspective, and ideas you can begin implementing right away.
How do you envision this program helping your career?
Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to work that helps people and communities thrive. For more than a decade, I’ve served in nonprofit leadership, partnering with communities, educational institutions, public agencies, and philanthropic organizations to expand opportunity and strengthen mission-driven organizations. My work has focused on building strategic partnerships, increasing organizational capacity, advancing fundraising efforts, and creating programs that connect people with resources, education, culture, and the outdoors.
What motivates me most is the belief that leadership is ultimately about service. I’m passionate about helping organizations move from good intentions to lasting impact by creating sustainable strategies, fostering meaningful collaboration, and investing in people. Whether I’m leading an organization, teaching at the collegiate level, coaching nonprofit professionals, or exploring how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence can strengthen the social sector, my goal is always the same: to equip others to make a greater difference in their communities.
The University of Pennsylvania’s Executive Program in Social Policy and Practice has challenged me to think more broadly about systems change, innovation, and collaborative leadership. It has reinforced my belief that the most meaningful social impact happens when we bring together diverse perspectives, lead with empathy, and remain committed to creating opportunities that benefit future generations.