The Nelson Foundation is pleased to welcome Raymond John and Camille Simpkins to its Board of Directors. 

Raymond John

Raymond is the CEO and Co-Founder of 12+, a current Nelson Foundation grantee, whose mission is to increase educational equity by building school cultures that inspire success beyond 12th grade. What began in 2012 serving a single Philadelphia school has grown into a citywide network of 15 high school-based 12 Plus Centers, where students receive tutoring, college and job application support, financial aid navigation, and post-secondary advising. The organization also continues supporting alumni as they pursue education, training, and career pathways. 

Raymond is also the Co-Owner and Co-Founder of Caphe Roasters, a Vietnamese specialty coffee roaster and café in Philadelphia. Càphe partners closely with 12 Plus by donating a portion of proceeds to the organization and offering employment opportunities for students. Raymond has received many distinguishes honors and awards, including 2024 Metro Philadelphia AAPI Power Leader and 2023 Most Admired CEO by the Philadelphia Business Journal.  

Camille Simpkins

Camille serves as a Relationship Manager in Business Lending at PIDC, advising small business owners as they build stronger financial foundations and pursue sustainable growth. With more than two decades in the financial services sector across Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, Camille has guided entrepreneurs through capital acquisition, portfolio expansion, fraud protection, and long-term financial planning. She approaches her work as a thought partner, listening deeply, asking the right questions, and helping entrepreneurs turn goals into achievable outcomes. 

In addition to her professional work, Camille is committed to community engagement as a facilitator, peer coach, and mentor. She leads workshops, business learning sessions, and moderated conversations that spark connection, leadership, and practical knowledge-sharing across sectors.    

Raymond and Camille bring a shared commitment to education, economic mobility, and leadership development in Philadelphia. The Nelson Foundation is honored to welcome them to its Board of Directors. 

We are also pleased to share that Carlos Aponte has been elected as the new Chair of the Board. Carlos has served on the board since 2024 and has brought invaluable insight, partnership, and leadership to our mission. We extend our sincere gratitude to Donna Lindner, who served as Board Chair from 2021–2024, for her years of dedicated board leadership and service. 

For more information about the Nelson Foundation’s staff and board leadership, click here.