Damaris Feliciano: Passionate to work
She leads the Community Services team
Damaris Feliciano knows that constancy and selfless effort always perform good results. More than 17 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector prepared her for the position she has held since 2016 in the city of Philadelphia: Director of Community Relations and Strategic Initiatives.
Every second she has done her almost altruistic job was worth it. “My passion has always been working with the community. My heart is with North Philadelphia. I try everyday to do my best for the community”, she said on her recent visit to our office.
Damaris Feliciano was specially invited for this interview, which was conducted by Ricardo Hurtado, CEO of Hispanic Media, our parent company. At that meeting she also commented that her role in the City of Philadelphia is very influential.
Her team includes the Community Life Improvement Program. She works with over six hundred people. She passionately leads the Community Services team in the Office of the Managing Director.
- What are your functions at the City of Philadelphia?
I work for the Manager´s Director Office. I work for the Community Services Department. I’m close to the gap between the City resources and the community. I work with residents in the community all over Philadelphia, which I love and enjoy.
- How was your experience fulfilling that role during the past year and covid19?
We had to serve the community. We delivered food in boxes and it was supplied to forty different sites in the city of Philadelphia every week. We have worked hybridly, mainly from home. I still have people I supervise within the community.
- Why are you so passionate about your work?
Because I´m in this amazing role to help the community more to really eradicate that gap between the resources of Philadelphia and the community. So I really emphasize bringing the resources the City has to the community members so they can find out about housing opportunities, free taxes, and help for your children.
Professional and talented
Damaris Feliciano holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Arcadia University. Her close friends define her as a highly reliable person, very organized, excellent co-worker, a talented and complete professional who would add a lot of value to any organization.
She is also a woman with a great human quality. She mentions who has helped her grow in her career as Joanna Otero-Cruz, Deputy Managing Director of Community Services – City of Philadelphia.
“Joanna Otero- Cruz’s a great leader. She has been a big mentor for me. She has been a great advocate for my career. She always demonstrates the passion she feels for the community in every aspect, no matter how high her role gets.”
- What has been your most significant work?
I would have to say Concilio. I worked there for six years. We were not only colleagues, but also a family. We were able to push our limits. Concilio is the best place I’ve worked.
Her main motivation
Damaris Feliciano was born and raised in Philadelphia. She was a young mother. She had her first daughter when she was 18 years old and her second daughter when she was 19 and because of them she strived and they gave her motivation to keep on moving and do what she needed to do in life. “So I can be a model to them.”
- What are your projections as a professional?
I see myself working in a corporate job. I´ve tried non-profit. I´ve tried the government. And at the end of my career, before retiring I would like to go back to non-profit.
- What message would you give to Latina Women?
My message is for the young ladies. I´m an example, even if you are a young mother there’s always a success story. Education is part of it but the motivation and your will power will get you where you need to go despite any obstacle in your way.
By: Daniela Chirinos Arrieta
