In a world where crises have become the new norm, bold and innovative leadership is required to take on a role like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) But former head of Philadelphia’s Republican Party, Joe DeFelice, Esq.,’00, is up for the job. Appointed as the Mid-Atlantic regional administrator of HUD by President Trump earlier this year. DeFelice was literally rolling up his sleeves within weeks of being on the job, touring a flood-ravaged area of West Virginia. “These people’s lives were taken away from them,” he says. “Some lost all of their belongings and are starting from scratch.”

I graduated in 2002 with a degree in Public Relations and Mass media writing, as well as a double minor in English and History. After graduation, I took a job at a law firm, as an office manager. I took a job in the building of a PR firm that I knew I wanted to work at, and it is always easier to get a job while you have one. So I spent a year managing a law office, as I applied for a job at the PR firm, The Star Group, which was the only female run advertising agency in the city.

“I could say without a doubt the most rewarding part of my job is that I personally know that my designs, and my contributions within medicine and 3d printing are helping millions of people who get our implants everyday to live their lives as they once did before sustaining their injury. It is so satisfying to know that my interest in 3D printing would turn into a dream job I never knew that I would get.”

I taught high school science at Upper Dublin High School from 2007-2008. Then I went to physician assistant school for a master’s in medical science at Arcadia from 2009-2011. I have been working as a physician assistant since 2011 – currently, I am a hospital medicine physician assistant at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest in Allentown, Pa. Also, I am currently married and have two daughters, Arya who will be three years old soon & Melody who is seven months old.