Our Team

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Kimeka A. Powell, Director & WIOA Manager at Launch of Philadelphia, exemplifies the dedication of our staff as part of the impactful team driving our mission forward. She leads programming and supports the organization’s people by managing the WIOA program for pre-apprentices and overseeing onboarding and team management. Kimeka began her journey with the company as an administrative temp in 2013/14, working with the Performance Learning High School program. She was eventually hired as a Program Coordinator, a role she held until 2017 when the program ended. After spending three years as an Administrative and HR Representative at Careerlink West, Kimeka rejoined the Launch Team in August 2021.

In her spare time, Kimeka enjoys traveling, shopping, and watching science-related shows. She strongly believes in being your true, authentic self. As part of our impactful team, Kimeka finds fulfillment in making a difference in the lives of young people and treasures the opportunity to witness that impact every day at Launch of Philadelphia.

Gina Williams-McBride, Senior Site Director for Launch of Philadelphia’s Out of School Time (OST) program, is a vital member of our impactful team driving success in Philadelphia. She designs academic projects and programs, fosters a safe and positive learning environment, and leads staff development. Gina also ensures the effective execution of all procedures and initiatives across the program. With 12 years at Launch and over a decade managing non-violent prevention programs, Gina empowers future leaders by creating lasting opportunities and developing innovative strategies using restorative practices. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Cheyney University and a master’s degree in Human Resources Management. Gina is an active member of the Continental Societies’ Metropolitan Philadelphia Area Chapter, where she leads the Education Committee, and she serves on the intercessory praise dance team at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. She has spoken at the annual OST summit on parent engagement and partnerships for several years and leads OST committees focused on developing policies and procedures.

In her free time, Gina enjoys taking long walks, going on vacations, and spending time with family and friends. Meditation helps her maintain balance, and prayer keeps her focused. As a member of our impactful team, Gina embraces the B.O.S.S. philosophy: Believing, Overcoming, Sowing, and Serving others, which brings her immense joy! Guided by her belief that ‘Your attitude is your latitude,’ Gina is committed to best practices, quality control, and creating opportunities to ensure the success of others.

Raina serves as Launch of Philadelphia’s ELECT Program Director and is a vital member of our impactful team driving success in Philadelphia. With nearly two decades of experience working with young people in the city, Raina brings an extensive background in education. Her roles have included teacher’s assistant, lead teacher, supervisor of educators, and case manager. Beyond her professional work, Raina is deeply engaged in her community, volunteering for various nonprofit organizations where she also holds leadership roles. She holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and serves as Assistant Director of a local nonprofit organization.

Raina is a proud African American woman and single mother to a son currently in his second year of college. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, teaching Sunday school, and working with the youth in her church. Raina’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to start her own business, initially as a form of self-care, which flourished into a successful venture during the pandemic. She believes that learning never stops and sees obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than excuses to stop living. Guided by her faith, Raina’s career has been dedicated to empowering children and embracing her identity as a woman, an African American, and a person of faith. Her commitment to helping youth, families, and her community achieve greatness makes her an essential part of our impactful team.

Karen Campbell, Case Manager at Launch of Philadelphia, is an essential part of our impactful team, supporting pregnant and parenting teens by connecting them to vital resources for their growing families. With 13 years as a Site Coordinator, Karen brings extensive experience and a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education from Millersville University of PA to her role.

In her spare time, Karen enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family. Guided by empathy and compassion, she lives by the principle to ‘treat people the way you would want to be treated if you were in their situation.’ Believing in the potential of youth as the future, Karen is driven by her mission to connect young parents with the tools they need for a successful tomorrow. Her dedication makes her a vital part of our impactful team.

Carla Johnson, Program Manager, is the point of contact for three site coordinators. Carla has been with Launch for 4 years. Prior to being a program manager, she was a site coordinator for a number of schools in the School District of Philadelphia and one private school. Carla graduated from the University of Louisville with a Master’s of Social Work. She is a licensed social worker and is working towards her LCSW.

In her spare time, Carla likes to sew and spend time with her daughter and grand-niece. Carla believes that, while she cannot save the world, she can facilitate change through the work that she does. Carla is obsessed with finding ways to support students and their children.

Tracy Pavlovic, Program Manager, provides support and supervision to ELECT Case Management staff to ensure optimal program delivery to students in the program, as well as provides direct case management to students. Tracy had been with Launch Of Philadelphia’s ELECT Program for 3 years. Prior to that she spent several years in early childhood education and behavioral health. She is part of the Alliance for Inter-Professional Education – Advisory Panel and a member of the Philadelphia College Prep Round Table. Tracy graduated from Temple University with. B.A in Psychology, and in Religious Studies. She is a member of Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority.

In her free time Tracy enjoys spending time with her family, she is the proud mother of three beautiful children. She is an active volunteer at her children’s schools, loves gardening and baking. Tracy believes that every person should have equitable opportunities to succeed in life. She believes the most beautiful thing to witness is someone to realizing their purpose in the universe and put it into action. Tracy is driven to provide students and their families with the tools for success, to support each young person in their individual growth as they navigate toward independence.

Alex Rojas, Data Coordinator, handles all of the data-related tasks for the ELECT team. Alex has been with the company for three years. Prior to that, he worked for a logistics company also located in Philadelphia. Alex graduated from La Salle University with a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration.

In his spare time, Alex enjoys playing soccer, listening to music, and attending live events. Alex believes that being persistent and never backing down will help him be a better person and a better employee. He is committed to accomplishing the organization’s goals while also filling his own daily goals and working for a better future.