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ABOUT US

The goal of the Martin de Porres Foundation is to develop lay leadership among African American/Black Catholics. This is achieved through religious undergraduate and graduate education as well as training in Ministry and Leadership skills. The Foundation supports these lay leaders in their efforts to advance Catholicism in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

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THE INITIATIVE

The INITIATIVE was founded in 2016 to develop a pool of qualified school leaders trained in urban education for Catholic schools, in particular. The INITIATIVE provides networking opportunities and ongoing professional development for current and aspiring school leaders. Additionally, The INITIATIVE helps members identify school leadership positions in the Independence Mission Schools, parish elementary schools, archdiocesan high schools, and private Catholic schools.

THE NETWORK

As of 2019, there is one African-American principal at a Catholic elementary school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. To date, there has never been an African-American principal in either a private Catholic high school or an archdiocesan high school within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Through generous funding from the Martin de Porres Foundation, The Black Catholic School Leader Network (The Network) provides financial support to qualified applicants working toward principal certification who seek to serve in Catholic elementary and high schools within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board of Directors for Martin de Porres Foundation

Tia Noelle Pratt, PhD has served as the foundation's Executive Director since September 2019.
TIA NOELLE PRATT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Cathy Reimel Hamilton is a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox and Roach Realtors, selling residential and investment properties on Philadelphia’s Main Line.
CATHY REIMEL HAMILTON
PRESIDENT