The Nelson Foundation is delighted to welcome two new directors, Leigh Anne McKelvey and Carlos Aponte, to its board.

Leigh Anne McKelvey

Leigh Anne has served as the Executive Director of CASA Youth Advocates since 2018 and has worked for CASA programs since 2004. She has been honored and recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal for her leadership in major initiatives, such as CASA’s 2015 expansion to Chester County and the 2019 launch of the Voices for Children coalition.

Leigh holds a Master of Social Work degree with a certificate in child welfare from the University of Pittsburgh.

Carlos Aponte

Carlos is a lifelong Philadelphian who traces his culture to the Island of Puerto Rico. Carlos’ background is in Secondary Education with a concentration in African American and American History. After close to a decade inside of the classroom, Carlos realized the shortcomings of traditional education. With the help of his students, Carlos decided to create his own 501c3 nonprofit organization, We Love Philly.

We Love Philly provides state-recognized pre-apprenticeship courses to ensure high school students graduate with their diplomas. After graduation, students are provided pathways to livable-wage career apprenticeship programs. Carlos also serves on the boards of, The Penn Treaty Museum, and The Philadelphia Chapter of LULAC

Both Leigh and Carlos look forward to serving the foundation’s mission. For more information on Nelson Foundation’s staff and board, click here.