We congratulate our CEO & President, Kathryn Epps, for being selected as a 2025 Philadelphia Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree!!
Quote from the Philadelphia Business Journal:
“Each year, the Philadelphia Business Journal recognizes some of the region’s up-and-coming leaders for our annual 40 Under 40 program.
This year’s class was selected from a pool of nearly 400 nominations, making it the most competitive year on the books.
That’s reflected in the breadth of talent among this year’s honorees, who span a broad range of industries including health care, legal services, nonprofit, real estate, finance and retail. Our 2025 list actually totals 41 individuals with a pair of business partners being recognized together.
Our 40 Under 40 honorees were selected by the Business Journal’s editorial board for their impressive early career successes, as well as for the ways they give back to the community. This year’s class was photographed at Otherworld in Northeast Philadelphia, with the immersive art experience providing an appropriate backdrop to showcase the bold creativity and eye-catching talent of these young business leaders.”
Kathryn Epps
President and CEO, Fund for the School District of Philadelphia
In June 2023, the School District of Philadelphia unveiled its Accelerate Philly strategic plan that runs through 2028. The plan laid out several key goals, including as it relates to English language and mathematical proficiency, in addition to competency assessments for Career and Technical Education program students. At that same time, Kathryn Epps was appointed president of the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia and tasked with raising $40 million to support the district’s 116,000 students. The fund raised $7 million in the first six months after the campaign launched, and Epps has since nearly tripled that figure.
A word that best describes me: resourceful
Before my 40th birthday, I’d like to: Plan and be on my way to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime trip to East Africa (Kenya, Zanzibar and Uganda) for my 40th birthday.
The most influential person on my career: My parents. They helped me navigate challenges early in my career during the Great Recession and a massive pivot during the Covid-19 pandemic. Their advice and unwavering support have been invaluable.
A business icon I admire: Emma Grede, CEO of Good American and founding partner of Skims
My advice for other young leaders: Lead with empathy and integrity. Always stay curious and commit to being a lifelong learner.
Favorite stress reliever: solo jam session to ’90s R&B
38 Age
Education: BBA, Howard University; MBA, New York University
Originally from: Boston
