Shirley Moy, SSW ’88

Shirley Moy has dedicated 22 years of service to Temple University. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Lenfest North Philadelphia Workforce Initiative.

How did your relationship with Temple begin?

I’m a Temple alumna with a master’s in social work. Right after graduation I was offered a job at Temple and worked as program coordinator for about 10 years. I left and then returned for good in 2009. I loved my time at Temple and knew I would be back eventually.

What area of Temple do you give to?

I typically give to anything related to community support.

Because I work for the Lenfest Initiative and feel passionate about the work that goes on here, giving to that program, even though it is my own, is important. I’m really investing in the area I’m closest to.

Why do you give back to Temple?

I would say it’s a combination of three things. I grew up in North Philly, so that’s number one. I have always been close to Temple both physically and metaphorically.

Second, I know a lot of the challenges North Philadelphia residents face, both in terms of social equity and social justice. It’s not easy for a lot of people and I try to do all I can to help, both through my work and donating to Temple.

The last thing is that I am simply proud of being a Temple alumna and because of that have made the university a priority philanthropically.

Have you seen the fruits of donor support at the Lenfest Initiative?

Absolutely. A lot of our ability to run programs is contingent on funding we get by writing proposals to our local government and foundations, and gifts from individuals to unrestricted funds really allow us to fill in the gaps for the things not covered by those proposals. For example, if we wanted to encourage participation in a program by offering food or transportation and that was not within the scope of our proposal, we can use these donations to help more of the lower income people we serve.