Judy Simon: How One Donor is Transforming Student Lives
A Foundation Built on Compassion
Judy’s career journey reflects her lifelong commitment to helping others succeed. She began as a teacher before building a successful career in commercial real estate. Throughout her professional life, she maintained deep compassion and empathy for those facing challenges—a quality that would later guide her philanthropic path.
One moment, in particular, stayed with Judy. During a “Bring Your Daughter to Work Day,” she was shadowed by a 15-year-old who was pregnant and still determined to pursue her career goals. Her resilience left a lasting impression. As Judy reflects, “There are people whose struggles we may never comprehend.”
A New Chapter in Giving
After her husband passed away, Judy had a conversation with a friend who had created a scholarship at a college. He spoke about the tenacity of students facing hardships that would cause most others to give up on their dreams. Their determination and will to succeed pushes them forward.
That conversation gave Judy the idea of what she wanted to do philanthropically. After discussing her goals with her financial advisor, she decided to invest in Community College of Philadelphia, where financial barriers can often stand between students and their education. Supporting students in overcoming those challenges is where Judy felt she could make a meaningful difference.
Supporting Student Success
Judy’s first gift created a scholarship for credit and non-credit students and also supported the Student Emergency Fund, which helps students facing unexpected crises remain in school. The fund addresses students’ most urgent needs: food, transportation, and rent—the essentials that can mean the difference between staying in school and dropping out.
The Power of Connection
When Judy received information about her scholarship recipients, she was amazed. Students shared their obstacles, their goals, and their dreams. They expressed genuine gratitude for how meaningful the scholarship was in supporting their educational journey.
“I commend these students who are determined to be the first in their family to graduate college or learn a trade skill,” Judy shares. “They have dreams, and I want to help them achieve those dreams and goals. I’m so proud of them.”
Your support transforms lives.
To learn more about creating a scholarship or supporting students through the Emergency Fund, contact the Foundation team:
[email protected] | (215) 751-8042