Blueprint for Change: Josh Klaris' Mission-Driven Business Model

Host John Duffin welcomes Josh Klaris, Executive Director of North 10 Philadelphia, to discuss leadership, nonprofit strategy, and place-based community revitalization in Hunting Park/East Tioga (often a neglected neighborhood in Philadelphia).

I've personally attended several North 10 Philadelphia events and have seen firsthand the critical work being done. While I interviewed Josh, you'll hear the passion, mission, and purpose in Josh's voice. You'll also hear just how difficult (and gratifying) it is to wear ALL of the hats of the Executive Director.

Klaris traces his path from volunteer mentoring in rural St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, where teaching kindergarten to Vietnamese refugee children shaped his worldview and led him to earn a master’s in teaching English as a second language. He later helped build Dream Charter School in Harlem with a holistic, co-teaching model and learned the operational realities of hiring, metrics, and sustainability. In Philadelphia, the opportunity arose to implement a neighborhood-improvement blueprint inspired by Purpose-Built Communities and Harlem Children’s Zone, emphasizing disciplined strategic planning, saying no, surrounding yourself with the right people, and building trust-based collaborations. Place Matters.

The conversation highlights North 10’s fight and the ongoing need for sustainable funding and collective action- especially in neglected neighborhoods. To learn more about Josh Klaris, the critical work being done by North 10 Philadelphia, or to lend a hand, check out the links below.

https://north10phl.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jklaris/

00:00 Intro- Welcome, Josh Klaris

00:46 Podcast Welcome And Guest Intro

03:53 Why Education Chose Him

06:40 Teach For America in Louisiana

09:59 Back To New York And Training

11:55 Work Ethic From Family And Mentors

15:23 Music Lessons And Team Culture

16:32 Dream Charter School Leadership

20:31 Nonprofit Sales And Fundraising

25:00 Moving To Philadelphia

26:45 Leaving Schools For Place-Based Work

27:58 North 10 Origin Story

29:27 Why Place Matters

31:41 Strategic Plan Discipline

33:27 Design Principles Culture

37:49 Dumping Fight Strategy

40:47 Funding Collaboration Challenge

44:53 Pushing Back With Trust

47:16 Sustainability And Health Gaps

52:55 How To Get Involved

54:06 Closing