Jasmine E. Sessoms

Chief Executive Officer

Jasmine E. Sessoms stands out as a distinguished leader across the civic, philanthropic, and political spheres within Philadelphia. A native of the city, her dedication and love for her hometown are evident in her extensive involvement in its development and community engagement. As the Chief Executive Officer of firm 1968 she brings a wealth of experience in managing government relations, enhancing corporate social responsibility, cultivating stakeholder relations, driving revenue growth, and advancing workforce development initiatives. Jasmine also serves as the Executive Director of Center 1968 at Community College of Philadelphia, a center dedicated to empowering Black Women in civic engagement.

Before taking the helm of Firm 1968, Sessoms made significant contributions as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Hilco Redevelopment Partners and as the Executive Director of the Hilco Redevelopment Partners Foundation, where she led efforts in community and government relations, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) projects, diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and workforce development.

Sessoms’ career also includes a pivotal tenure as the Managing Executive Director of The Fund for Philadelphia. Here, she was instrumental in managing $17 million in grants aimed at fulfilling the philanthropic goals set by Mayors Michael A. Nutter and James F. Kenney.

Her leadership and contributions have been recognized at both the local and national levels. Sessoms is an alumna of Morgan State University, holding a master's degree in organizational development and leadership from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her commitment to service extends to her participation on several boards and commissions, including the Cheyney University Board of Trustees, Philadelphia Health Partnership Foundation, and The Mann Music Center, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to her community and its future.  

LaDeshia Maxwell

Chief Operating Officer

LaDeshia C. Maxwell is a dedicated public servant. She began her career working on political campaigns and transitioned into local and state government then the nonprofit sector. Maxwell now serves as SVP of External Affairs & Impact, handling government relations, corporate social responsibility and advocacy. Prior to this role, Maxwell served as chief of staff for Councilmember-At-Large, Dr. Nina Ahmad assisting the Councilmember with building relationships within City Hall and external stakeholders in Philadelphia. Prior to working for City Council, Maxwell served as Philabundance & Special Projects Director, providing oversight and defining scope, roles, and outcomes for key external collaboration projects. She also worked closely with the CEO, Loree Jones Brown, and members of her cabinet on short-term projects within the organization.

In September 2021, Maxwell was the appointed deputy southeast regional director for Governor Tom Wolf and the executive director for the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs. Maxwell also worked as an associate at the Pew Charitable Trusts focusing on policy issues affecting Black Philadelphia residents including economic development, housing, polling, and workforce development.

Maxwell serves on several local nonprofit boards in Philadelphia. She most recently served as the Policy Chair for She Can Win, an organization that empowers Black and Brown to run for elected office. In August 2023, Maxwell was named City & State’s “40 Under 40;” and in April 2024, Maxwell served as one of 13 “U.S. Young Leaders Delegation of Taiwan Fellows.”

Lastly, Maxwell holds a B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in Public Administration and a minor in Communication Studies from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. She also has a Master of Public Policy from DePaul University focusing on urban policy.

Klissa
Thomas

Chief Development Officer

Klissa Thomas brings over 8 years of diverse experience across judicial administration, legal support, and child welfare services, underscored by a deep commitment to public service and community impact. From July 2014 to February 2016, she served as a Judicial Administrative Assistant at the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, where she played a critical role in supporting courtroom operations, managing case files, and liaising with legal teams to ensure efficient judicial proceedings.

Her passion for serving families and communities was further demonstrated during her time with Carson Valley Children’s Aid as part of the Rapid Service Response Initiative (RSRI), where she managed cases for families referred by the Department of Human Services (DHS). Prior to this, Klissa directed afterschool programs as the OST Program Director at Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School, promoting student engagement and development through creative and structured activities.

Klissa’s legal background was shaped during her tenure as a Legal Assistant at the Law Office of Stephanie Sawyer, where she provided administrative and legal support. She also worked as an Afterschool Teacher at New Genesis, focusing on youth development.

Currently, Klissa serves as the Board Chair for the Philadelphia Hebrew Charter School, where she oversees governance and strategic direction, ensuring the school’s commitment to educational excellence. Her well-rounded background in administration, legal affairs, and education positions her as a leader dedicated to fostering community development and empowerment.