OUR TEAM
Nikia Owens
CEO/President
Twitter @Dr_NOwens
LinkedIn Nikia Owens, Ph.D.
Dr. Nikia Owens serves as President and CEO of Campaign for Working Families (CWF), providing overall leadership, strategic direction, and organizational planning. Prior to CWF, Dr. Owens served as Deputy Executive Director of Family Supports and Basic Needs with the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO), where she advanced a whole-family approach across benefits access, workforce development, and youth initiatives. She served as Managing Director of Financial Empowerment at the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, leading strategy related to income growth, asset building, and financial stability. Dr. Owens has held leadership roles across research, education, and human services, has taught at the collegiate level, and has served on state and local boards. Her work includes collaboration with state officials, public policy analysis, and advancing bipartisan initiatives. She served on Mayor Barbarann Keffer’s transition team and currently serves as Judge of Elections in Delaware County. Dr. Owens holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Social Work from Howard University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work Planning, Administration, and Social Science from Clark Atlanta University.
Naresh Subnani serves as Director of Finance of Campaign for Working Families. He brings over twenty years of executive leadership experience in finance and operations leadership across nonprofit, corporate and community development settings. He has held executive roles at nonprofit organizations, technology, education, banking and legal sectors, where he managed finance and administration, budgets, advised business leaders and board committees on governance and risk management, and led planning processes across small, midsize and large, complex organizations. Naresh holds Masters in Business with a concentration in Finance from Johns Hopkins University and is a proud alumnus of Phi Gamma Delta.
Samuel Ujor
Staff Accountant
Samuel Ujor joined the Campaign for Working Families as Staff Accountant in June 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the University of Liberia and a Master’s in Accounting (MSAC) from Strayer University.
With five years of auditing experience at Pannell Kerr Forster (PKF) Liberia and 15 years as a Financial Analyst at The Advanced Devereux Foundation, Samuel brings extensive expertise in financial management. His background in both public accounting and nonprofit finance equips him to enhance CWF’s mission of improving the financial well-being of underserved communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
Sharon Jefferson
Administrative Operations Specialist
Sharon comes to the Campaign for Working Families with many professional skills and technical expertise. She retired from the American Red Cross after thirty years of dedicated service, as the Manager of Volunteer Support Services, SE Pennsylvania Chapter.
A native Philadelphian, she attended Dobbins Vocational High School and later pursued a business degree at LaSalle University. Her pursuit of a B.S. in Business is still in progress. She returned to work after a four-year retirement hiatus, joining CWF in 2020 as an Intake Specialist/Receptionist. Her current duties include answering calls and voicemails, ordering supplies, maintaining staff databases, processing mail and supporting the accounting department. Sharon’s most rewarding assignment to date was with the Prison Initiative where she assisted at three correction facilities to help the inmates recover missing stimulus payments.
Sharon’s desire to help others is what prompted her to return to work. She believes that we all have a responsibility to do whatever we can to motivate others and help those in need. She is a firm believer in the saying that, “We Are Our Brothers/Sisters Keepers.”
Diana Allinger
Director of Volunteer Engagement and Partnerships
Diana plays an indispensable part in shaping the organization’s strategic direction and leadership, particularly in the development and oversight of critical volunteer recruitment and management operations. This encompasses the cultivation of partnerships with corporations, universities, and the School District of Philadelphia.
Before joining CWF, Diana held positions overseeing operations in two prominent City of Philadelphia offices, namely Philly Counts and The Mayor’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity. Her professional background is grounded in non-profit program management and youth workforce development. One of her most rewarding professional experiences was working for three years as a bilingual educator in Medellin, Colombia.
Elizabeth Olson
Volunteer Engagement and Partnerships Manager
Elizabeth joined the CWF team in September 2021 and assists with volunteer recruitment, training, recognition, and retention. She manages CWF’s internship program and is responsible for several university partnerships. She brings to CWF her experience with community organizing, outreach, and organizational leadership. Originally from South Philadelphia and a graduate of Temple University, she is passionate about giving back to the city that raised her.
Cheryl Mackey is the Chief of Staff at the Campaign for Working Families (CWF), where she serves as a strategic partner to the CEO and senior leadership team, ensuring organizational alignment and supporting the mission to improve the financial stability of underserved communities.
Previously, Cheryl was the Director of Financial Empowerment at United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, where she led financial initiatives and managed key programs like the Individual Development Account and CWF’s VITA program. She has served as Program Director at the Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF), overseeing housing stabilization efforts for vulnerable families.
With over 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Child Welfare, Cheryl has held various roles including Mental Health Counselor and Director of Childcare. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Lincoln University, a Master’s in Theological Studies, and certifications in Nonprofit Management and Human Resources.
Syreeta Stanley
Family Stability Manager
Syreeta Stanley is the Family Stability Manager at Campaign for Working Families, where she leads the strategic direction of the Family Stability program. Syreeta has over 23 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, holding roles as Case Manager, Program Manager, and Division Director. Her expertise spans healthcare, children’s education, mental health, and social services. Syreeta has worked extensively with the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey through a partnership with UESF, helping over 600 families access housing stabilization and critical support services.
She has advocated for families in Landlord-Tenant Court and DHS Family Court, aiming to empower them to achieve self-sufficiency. Passionate about making a difference, Syreeta is committed to addressing the needs of underserved communities. Outside of work, Syreeta enjoys event planning, crafting, and music.
Maria Soto
Family Advocate
Maria brings over six years of experience supporting families through direct service and community engagement. Previously, she worked as a case manager at a community school within the School District of Philadelphia, coordinating support services, organizing events, and developing partnerships to strengthen the school’s role as a community hub. Maria has worked closely with diverse populations, building trusted relationships with families and community stakeholders. Her collaborative approach has enhanced partnerships with schools, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to expand access to critical resources. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to empowering families and connecting them to the tools needed for long-term stability and well-being. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Arcadia University.
Thais Caine
Director of Tax Operations
Thais Caine joined the Campaign for Working Families as the Director of Tax Operations in 2021. With a career spanning over a decade in the tax industry, Thais has honed her skills and demonstrated unwavering commitment to the field as a leader in both marketing and operations.
As the Director of Tax Operations, Thais shoulders the critical responsibility of overseeing all tax site operational functions, staff, and responsibilities. This multifaceted role encompasses the intricate planning, meticulous implementation, and rigorous evaluation of tax services, all while ensuring the utmost compliance with the stringent regulations set forth by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
A native Philadelphia and graduate of Temple University, Thais has been on an extraordinary journey in the tax industry that commenced in 2012. This journey has led her on a path that would soon be marked by her marketing and operations leadership that extend from the East Coast to the South and Midwest regions the for-profit tax preparation environment.
Thais’s career is marked by a deep commitment to understanding the intricacies of tax services and an unyielding passion for educating the everyday taxpayer. This fervor for tax education is driven by her belief in the transformative impact it can have on individuals, families, and businesses. It’s no wonder that she wishes to continue CWF’s legacy of excellence in delivering vital tax services to the communities we serve.
Monica Pierson
Tax Operations Area Manager
Monica’s journey with CWF started in 2016 as an Intake Specialist, and her unwavering commitment has led to her progression through various pivotal roles within the organization. She has served as an Executive Assistant to the CEO, Assistant Site Manager, Site Manager, and Senior Virtual Site Manager. In 2023, Monica’s exemplary dedication and competence culminated in her promotion to the position of Tax Operations Area Manager.
In her current role, Monica takes charge of the coordination, organization, and supervision of all facets pertaining to CWF’s Area 3 tax sites. Her extensive background, encompassing customer service, tax filing expertise, and successful project management, amplifies her impact within our community. A strong advocate for empowering individuals to attain their full potential, Monica believes that “We are more powerful when we empower each other.”
Nicholas Castillo
Tax Operations Area Manager - Virtual
Nicholas joined Campaign for Working Families’ virtual team in 2021 as a college student who saw the opportunity to learn and grow as a Tax Associate Intern. His time at CWF ignited a genuine passion for uplifting the community as well as the field of accounting, and he decided to return as a seasonal Tax Site Manager. He has since joined the CWF team as the Virtual Tax Site Manager and looks forward to another successful year overseeing the Virtual Tax Site, teaching volunteers and interns alike how to prepare tax returns and assist those who need CWF’s services.
Rahswon Ravenell
Tax Operations Area Manager
Rahswon Ravenell serves as the Tax Operations Area Manager overseeing tax site operations across assigned territories, ensures compliance with IRS standards, supports seasonal staff, manages daily workflow, and maintains high-quality service delivery for thousands of tax filers. He brings a strong record of leadership, program coordination, and community-focused service. He graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. His academic training strengthened his commitment to advancing financial well-being for individuals and families across the region.
Rahswon’s professional background includes oversight of security operations with Securitas, experience in grocery retail management, and direct engagement in customer-centered service roles. His work reflects a consistent dedication to operational excellence and community support. Rahswon joined Campaign for Working Families in 2020 after previously supporting the organization on a contract basis. His tenure includes service in multiple capacities across tax operations, site management, quality review, and volunteer support . When Rahswon is not working he is an avid sports follower and fan.
Paul Raison
Director of LITC
Dr. Paul Thomas Raison, Jr. serves as the Director of the Low-Income Tax Clinic (LITC) at Campaign for Working Families (CWF). He provides full oversight for clinic operations and serves as the primary contact for the LITC Program Office.
Dr. Raison’s professional background includes 15 years with H&R Block as manager, preparer, instructor, and Enrolled Agent. He previously served as controller for Workforce Culture Connections, Inc. and accountant for the Asian and American Staffing Agency. His experience includes taxation, financial planning/advising and project oversight. Dr. Raison holds a BBA in Accounting and Management from Temple University, an iMBA in Accounting and Management, MS in Taxation from Philadelphia University, and a Doctor of Management in Strategic Leadership from Thomas Jefferson University. He holds advanced professional credentials including the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation and certification in financial planning from the Certified Financial Planner Board.
Board Members
Richard F. Stipa
Board Chair
Retired Chief Executive Officer
TruMark Financial Credit Union
Michael A. Boyd, Esq.
Vice Chair & Treasurer
Suzette E. Adams
Board Member
PECO
Kenneth Levine
Board Member
Partner, Reed Smith
Jill Michal
Board Member
Co-founder/CEO Kith and Kin
Roberta A. West, Esq.
Board Member
Retired Administrator Temple University