Five alumni, five careers
At a December 2024 alumni event, five Philadelphia Bridges graduates shared what their first job became — from a movie-theater concession stand to a K-9 police unit.
“Bridges provided early work experiences that were instrumental in launching their careers and helping them realize adult goals.”
On December 5, 2024, Philadelphia Bridges hosted a "Get Inspired" event at the Philadelphia Marriott Old City, bringing alumni back to tell their own career stories. Five speakers, five very different trajectories — all starting from a first job Bridges helped them land.
**Greg S.** (West Philadelphia HS, Class of 2015) — first job at Regal Movie Theatres; now an IT specialist at Accenture.
**Velaye G.** (Overbrook HS, Class of 2016) — first job as a YMCA babysitter; now a concierge host at CBRE-Merck.
**Miguel C.** (Northeast HS, Class of 2010) — first jobs at Rita's Water Ice and Walgreens; now a K-9 police officer with SEPTA Transit.
**Calvin B.** (Northeast HS, Class of 2012) — first job at Sears; now a branch manager at FedChoice Federal Credit Union.
**Demetrus T.** (Murrell Dobbins HS, Class of 2010) — first job at Fresh Grocer; now in his 14th year of guest relations at the Ritz-Carlton.
From movie-theater popcorn to a K-9 unit. From babysitting to a corporate-real-estate concierge desk. The panel wasn't just a reunion — it was a reminder that a first job is a starting line, not a destination.
Stories like this happen because of partnership.
Hire through Bridges, fund a placement, refer a young adult, or share your own story.
