Meet your board Candidates!
One-Year Term Nominations Now Open through Tues, May 6
Important NLNA Election Updates:
2025 NLNA Board Candidates
Vacant One-Year Term Seat is now open for nominations through May 6
Read our candidates’ statements to learn more about our new board members!
How to register to vote in our elections
The NLNA welcomes our 8 candidates for our upcoming Board Election! The 8 candidates will fill 8 open 2-Year Board seats. Read the candidate statements below to learn more about our incoming Board Members!
Barbara Saverino - VP
Sung Whang - Secretary
Alex Clark - At-Large Board Member
Johanna Dwinells - At-Large Board Member
Hennah Iqbal - At-Large Board Member
Mindy Rowe - At-Large Board Member
Julia Starr - At-Large Board Member
Francesca Yepikhina - At-Large Board Member
Our current At-Large Board Member Sung Whang has accepted her nomination for NLNA Secretary which leaves a vacant One-Year At-Large Board seat. NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THIS ONE-YEAR AT-LARGE BOARD SEAT. NOMINATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGH TUESDAY, MAY 6.
To nominate yourself or a neighbor, email the Election Committee (vote@nlna.org) and include the following information
Subject line should read: "Board Nomination" to ensure nominations are processed accordingly.
First and last name of the individual being nominated
Position the individual is being nominated for: One-Year At Large Board Seat
Contact information for the individual being nominated (e-mail and phone number)
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR THE NLNA BOARD?
To be eligible to run for an NLNA At-Large Board seat ALL of the following must be true:
Must be registered to vote in NLNA elections (see further below for how to register to vote)
Must have lived within the NLNA designated boundaries (includes owners & renters) for at least one year OR have owned and operated a business with a physical location in the NLNA designated boundaries for at least one year. The NLNA designated boundaries are as follows:
Northern boundary: South side of Girard Avenue
Southern boundary: North side of Callowhill St.
Eastern boundary: Delaware River from Callowhill St. to Laurel St.; West side of Front St. from Laurel St. to Girard Ave.
Western boundary: East side of 6th St.
Property owners who do not live in or run a business in the designated NLNA boundaries are not eligible to run for any BOD seat or vote in the NLNA elections
Business owners who only maintain a PO box with no physical location in the NLNA designated boundaries are not eligible to run for any BOD seat or vote in an NLNA elections.
For information or questions on the NLNA designated neighborhood boundaries, please reach out to: vote@nlna.org
Candidate statements - Meet the incoming Board!
AT-LARGE
Mindy Rowe
I am honored to be nominated to the board of NLNA. My interaction with NLNA began 10 years ago with my husband, 2 small kids, and a lot of time at Liberty Lands. I joined the park committee list to get involved, unsure how to help. As I spied on the emails I read frequent calls for “we need a sign!” to communicate information. An enthusiastic graphic designer whose M.O. is to make people happy through great graphics, I created a sign campaign for Liberty Lands, brought it to the table, and have never left. Since then, I’ve created about 40 different signs for the park, a style guide for the NLNA, signs to help kick off the new playground project, a logo for the Playground itself, posters for the Plant Sale, Family Fall Fest, and many more bits and pieces.
I’m also a professional photographer who has captured some really great moments with neighborhood families, be it an hour in the park, a special family event, or NLArts event at Liberty Lands, rain or shine! I volunteer for park clean up days, help with the NLNA booth at 2nd Street Fest, and support Orkney Park as best I can.
NLNA is an amazing organization in this gem of a neighborhood. I look forward to learning a lot while using my skill set to keep this place vibrant and quirky.
Johanna Dwinells
I'm Johanna Dwinells, and I'm eager to serve as a board member for the Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association. Having called Northern Liberties home since 2019, after living in various Philadelphia neighborhoods, I can honestly say I've never felt such a strong connection to a community. Every day, Northern Liberties provides a vibrant environment for my family's growth, and I'm enthusiastic about the opportunity to give back to the neighborhood that has welcomed us so warmly.
As the owner of a private therapy practice right here in Northern Liberties, I've not only honed strong leadership and project management skills essential for effective board membership, but also gained a deep understanding of the unique joys and challenges faced by our local small business owners. Furthermore, my experience as a therapist has honed my ability to understand and appreciate diverse viewpoints, and to foster inclusive spaces where every neighbor feels heard and respected. This is essential for building a truly unified community.
My commitment to community engagement is evident in my past experiences. I co-founded and served as co-President of a tenants union, collaborating effectively with city officials and building management to enhance the safety and well-being of our residents. I believe this background, combined with my professional skills, uniquely positions me to make meaningful contributions to the Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association.
My goal is to bring my skills and dedication to the board to help ensure Northern Liberties remains a safe, inclusive, and thriving neighborhood for all.
Francesca Yepikhina
Hi neighbors! I am so excited and honored to be nominated for a second term on the NLNA board.
I moved to Philly 5 years ago and was fortunate enough to land in Northern Liberties! My spouse, my weimaraners, and I fell in love with Liberty Lands so much that we bought a house just a block away.
After moving, the first order of business was getting involved with the park. Previously I had volunteered in my native parks in NY that were all government owned and operated. Finding out how much we could do as a privately owned park really grounded me in the desire to maintain the space. Since then, I have been a volunteer and committee member working to understand how best to keep the park the gem that it is for the neighborhood. And as the committee chair, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing all of the hard work and the dedicated volunteers that continuously support the park and keep it thriving.
While Liberty Lands is where it started for me, being on the NLNA board has also allowed me to support the community center operations, learn about city functions and how we can work with them to support the neighborhood, help plan and participate in amazing events like winterfest, music fest, fall fest, field day, the easter egg hunt, and start a neighborhood book club!
Professionally, I am a process engineer by trade and a scientist by education. I spend my days ensuring efficient processes are developed and followed. Using these skills, I have been and would like to continue supporting the NLNA to find easier ways of operating for the volunteers who give their time to the neighborhood.
I am excited to continue to learn from everyone and support the process of keeping Northern Liberties a great place to live and visit!
Alex Clark
I've lived in Northern Liberties for just under four years and can't think of another neighborhood where I would rather live. I love the neighborhood's vibrancy and commitment to providing community green spaces; Liberty Lands is a real treasure.
A cause that I care deeply about is traffic calming and making our neighborhood a safe and inviting destination for people outside cars to enjoy the public spaces that make this neighborhood so great. For the past year and a half I have been volunteering with Philly Bike Action, organizing to advocate for safer infrastructure in our city and running a fundraiser for Black Girl Bike Joy Ride, an organization committed to making bike access more equitable.
Thank you for considering my candidacy and I look forward to serving the neighborhood.
Hennah Iqbal
Since moving to Northern Liberties in 2015, I have been both a renter and a two-time homeowner within a four-block radius which is no easy feat but reflects how much I love living in this neighborhood. Over nearly ten years, I’ve watched Northern Liberties evolve and grow and I am honored to be considered for an at-large board position to give back to the community and neighborhood I've called home for almost a decade - and hope to for many more.
Professionally I have 14 years of experience in corporate finance, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership. As the current Head of Finance at Comcast Ventures, I oversee financial operations of Comcast Ventures' investment portfolio. My background also includes building and scaling finance teams and operations in high growth businesses and supporting organizations through growth and change, including process improvement and business operations. These experiences have prepared me to thoughtfully contribute to the NLNA’s mission and initiatives.
My interests for the NLNA include enhancing quality of life for residents, fostering a clean and green neighborhood, and engaging our growing neighborhood population to ensure Northern Liberties remains connected, diverse, and inclusive. I appreciate the NLNA’s vital work-maintaining Liberty Lands, organizing community events and fundraisers, and serving as a forum for public discussion and advocacy on issues like development, zoning, and public services.
I would be honored to serve alongside my neighbors, supporting the continued improvement of our community and ensuring Northern Liberties remains a welcoming place for all.
Julia Starr
I’m running for the NLNA board because I want to give back to the neighborhood that has truly become home. After three years in the Northern Liberties—and now in the process of buying a home on 5th Street with my partner—I’m ready to dig in and contribute my time and energy to this wonderful community.
Though varied, my career has been unified by a passion for community. Before my current role in consumer marketing, I worked as a fundraiser for a non-profit theater, conducting small donor fundraising campaigns, soliciting in-kind gifts from local businesses, and managing relationships with corporate and government funders. I have led and served on volunteer theater boards and worked in grassroots political organizing—experiences that taught me how much power there is in local voices coming together.
I believe I can bring real value to NLNA by applying my background in marketing, fundraising, and community organizing to support the great work already happening. As a marketer, I’d love to help improve the organization's marketing efforts to broaden our reach in the neighborhood; as a former fundraiser, I am eager to find creative ways to raise funds for local initiatives; and as a neighbor, I'm grateful for the chance to give something meaningful back to the neighborhood that has given me so much.
SECRETARY
Sung Whang
Hi, I’m Sung Whang, and I’m honored to accept the nomination for Secretary. About me, I’ve lived in Philadelphia for over 15 years and have been a proud homeowner in Northern Liberties the last four. I’ve had the opportunity to live in several neighborhoods in the city, but it wasn’t until I moved here and started paying a mortgage that I felt inspired to get formally involved. I’ve participated in many of the NLNA events since – the Plant Sale (which is coming up soon!), selling merch at our festivals, shopping and wrapping gifts for Operation Santa, dragging trees for Treecycling, and also on my own block, doing the best we can to keep the neighborhood clean and safe. In the last year I've had the privilege of serving on the board as a member At-Large and it's kept me accountable to these commitments. As Secretary, I hope to keep the NLNA organized, informed, and connected to neighbors and to maintain transparency and clear and open communication to you all. Thank you!
VICE PRESIDENT
Barbara Saverino
Hello. I accept the nomination for vice president of the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association. I have served and been involved in the NLNA's Operations, Fundraising, Liberty Lands and volunteer efforts over the years. My professional background in the nonprofit sector has given me a diverse skill set including strategic planning, coalition building, advocacy, event planning, and whatever needs to get done to complete the job. My approach to community work comes from a spirit of collaboration. I would be honored to serve as vice president to represent and advocate for you and our community.
Thank you for your consideration.
How to Register to Vote in an NLNA Election
To be eligible to vote in an NLNA elections, ALL of the following must be true:
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must live in or own a business in the NLNA designated boundaries. The NLNA designated boundaries are as follows:
Northern boundary: South side of Girard Avenue
Southern boundary: North side of Callowhill St.
Eastern boundary: Delaware River from Callowhill St. to Laurel St.; West side of Front St. from Laurel St. to Girard Ave.
Western boundary: East side of 6th St.
Business owners who only maintain a PO box with no physical location in the NLNA designated boundaries are not eligible to vote in an NLNA elections.
For information or questions on the NLNA designated neighborhood boundaries, please reach out to: vote@nlna.org
You must be registered to vote in NLNA elections:
Existing Voters: If you have previously registered to vote for an NLNA Election, please validate your registration status by completing this Voter Registration Status Form (click here) by Friday, May 9, 2025
This is being completed in 2024 and 2025 to ensure our lists are up to date
New Voters: To register to vote for the first time in an NLNA Board Election, please complete the New Voter Registration Form (click here) by Friday, May 9, 2025 and follow form instructions.
You will need to submit a file or photo of your proof of residency or business ownership in Northern Liberties
Examples include a photo or scan of your drivers license, most recent internet, cable or utility bill that shows your name and address (PDF, JPEG, or PNG preferred.)
If you would rather register in person or are unable to submit the form, you may register after the NLNA Nomination Meeting on April 9 at 6:30 pm or reach out to vote@nlna.org to schedule a time to register in-person.
Please bring a copy of your proof of residency or business ownership in Northern Liberties
Examples include your drivers license, most recent internet, cable or utility bill that shows your name and address
Members of the 2025 Election Committee are:
Elections Chair: Cristina Grisanti (Board Secretary - not seeking re-election)
2nd Board Member: Shakirra Clark (At-Large Board Member)
Non-Board Member Volunteers: Travis Hess, Nisha Bhatt, Tim Rusterholz
All members of the NLNA Board of Directors and members of all neighborhood committees are volunteers.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us at vote@nlna.org.