“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 is a developer, accountant and community organizer focused on community development in Philadelphia. Throughout his 18-year career at the nonprofit HACE, Harry has worked to empower low-income individuals through economic development and education.
Harry joined HACE as a temporary file clerk and, within 5 years, became the head of the finance department. He worked for 10 years as the organization’s controller and now serves as director of operations. He manages HACE’s Main Street program, which serves more than 200 small business, and the Livability Academy program, which supports an intergenerational group of residents in learning SafeGrowth and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles to design and implement projects that address neighborhood priorities. He also played an integral role in the creation and execution of HACE’s Good Lands 2025 Neighborhood Development Plan, which stands out for its community-engagement, integration of senior residents, and community-based crime reduction strategies.
Harry has a B.S. in accounting from LaSalle University. In 2017, the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations honored him with its prestigious Rising Star Award.
Organization
HACE, Philadelphia
Area of Focus
Public space & community safety
Fellowship Project
Design a redevelopment plan for the vacant, blighted Willow Square Park that transforms the space into a point community connectivity, enhances health and safety and attracts public art that benefits everyone in the community.