How Cynthia Figueroa is Meeting the Moment: Leadership Lessons from a Philadelphia Social Services Legend

In a time when social service organizations face unprecedented challenges, leaders like Cynthia Figueroa remind us why authenticity, courage, and collaboration matter more than ever.

As the President and CEO of JEVS Human Services, Cynthia oversees an 85-year-old organization that has continually evolved to meet society’s most pressing needs. From its founding mission to resettle Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany to its current focus on workforce development and behavioral health services across three states, JEVS has remained committed to one goal: creating economic independence and improving quality of life.

Meeting the Moment

When the federal administration changed in early 2025, bringing chaos and funding uncertainty to the nonprofit sector, Cynthia didn’t retreat—she convened. What started as a small gathering of 15-20 leaders quickly grew into the Nonprofit Leaders Group, now comprising over 250 members from 200 organizations. Meeting bi-weekly, this collective provides vetted information, resources, and a united voice for advocacy.

“Part of the strategy is to create chaos and unbalance the system,” Cynthia explains. “What we’ve hoped to do is create an environment where there’s credible, vetted information, so you know where to find resources and can prepare for the dynamics that may come.”

A Legacy Rooted in Personal Experience

Cynthia’s commitment to social services runs deep. Born in Puerto Rico to Peace Corps volunteers—a father who grew up in kinship care and a mother who escaped poverty and abuse in Central America—she understands firsthand the transformative power of accessible resources. “I see myself in the families we serve,” she says. Her parents used food stamps, sent their children to free camps, and worked tirelessly as a schoolteacher and retail worker to put three daughters through college.

That “American dream” of upward mobility through education and support is what drives her work today.

From Front Lines to City Hall

Cynthia’s career trajectory reads like a blueprint for systemic change:

  • Women Against Abuse: Led the organization as Executive Director
  • Congreso de Latinos Unidos: Served as President and CEO, establishing a federally qualified health center
  • Philadelphia Department of Human Services: Rose from Deputy Commissioner to Commissioner
  • Deputy Mayor: Created the Office of Children and Families under Mayor Kenney
  • JEVS Human Services: Now leads 2,000 staff serving individuals from age 12 to seniors through workforce development, behavioral health, and human services

Among her proudest accomplishments: creating Philadelphia’s unified 866 Domestic Violence Hotline and building the Education Support Center for system-involved youth.

Leadership Wisdom for the Next Generation

When asked what advice she’d give emerging social service professionals, Cynthia emphasized three principles:

  • Authenticity Requires Self-Reflection: “In order to be authentic, it requires a lot of self-reflection. You have to understand who you are and what you stand for.”
  • Courage to Stand for What’s Right: “Even if it means risking funding, stand for what is right. That courage is essential.”
  • Give Yourself Grace: “Leadership can be lonely. You have to be prepared to give yourself a lot of grace.”

Throughout her entire career, Cynthia has worked with a professional coach—a practice she credits with helping her maintain humility and vulnerability as a leader.

The Reality of Nonprofit Work

Cynthia is also a fierce advocate for properly compensating nonprofit workers. With 30% of the regional workforce employed in the nonprofit sector, she argues that the $15 city minimum wage falls drastically short. “A true living wage is $23-$25 per hour,” she notes. This advocacy extends to ensuring the sector receives sustainable funding and recognition for its critical role in community wellbeing.

How to Access JEVS Services

JEVS serves thousands of individuals through programs including:

  • Career Link at Suburban Station
  • Work Ready Program for PA welfare recipients
  • Vocational Tech College for trade certifications
  • C2LPHL (Career Connected Learning Philadelphia): Youth employment serving 8,000 young people in summer and 2,000-3,000 year-round

Services are accessed through referrals, direct government programs, or by visiting jevs.org.

Join the Nonprofit Leaders Group

If you’re in a leadership role at a nonprofit, you can join the Nonprofit Leaders Group by visiting jevs.org and filling out the form under “About Us.” The group meets Friday mornings and is open to multiple representatives from the same organization.

Cynthia Figueroa embodies what it means to be both a community connector and a local legend—someone who doesn’t just respond to crises but anticipates needs, builds coalitions, and ensures that the most vulnerable among us have pathways to economic independence and dignity.

Learn more about JEVS Human Services at jevs.org and discover upcoming social service events and professional development opportunities at uplifme.com.