Harry Tapia, HACE’s Director of Operations has been named one of the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) 2021 Rubinger Community Fellows in recognition of his commitment to community development.
With a focus on public space and community safety, Harry’s award will fund his Fellowship Project, creating a redevelopment plan to transform Willow Square Park into a point of community connectivity that enhances health and safety and attracts public art that benefits everyone in the community.
“I’m proud to have been raised in this neighborhood, even if some would call it one of the toughest neighborhoods in the city. As an adult I choose to live here, not just for my family, but because I want the next generation of kids to see what it means to go to work every day and make a difference,” Harry Tapia said.
The Rubinger Community Fellowship invests directly in local change makers across America, supports innovative solutions within community development and champions diverse nonprofit leadership.
LISC awarded $40,000 to each fellow to support a special project that addresses critical challenges in rural and urban America, from economic development and financial literacy to affordable housing and community engagement.
Passion for the community
Harry Tapia was born in Puerto Rico and migrated with his family at the age of 8 to the United States. Harry began working at HACE at the age of 19. His passion for the community and the great inspiration given to him by his mentors has been the motivation for him not to give up the fight for improving the standard of living of city residents.
During his undergraduate studies he served as a Youth Advisory Council at Thomas A. Edison High School. And in 1999 he had the honor of being “Mayor for day”. Harry Tapia has also received a “Rising Star Award” given by PACDC (Philadelphia Association Of Community Development Corporations)
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