ABOUT THIS EPISODE
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
