Guest blog by Ricardo Calderón, Executive Director of the Youth Commission

If there were a campaign showing the value of providing leadership opportunities for young people, Joseph Hill could be its poster child.

Joe works for the Hillary Clinton campaign as Deputy Political Director for Pennsylvania, and previously worked as the Regional Representative for Senator Bob Casey, Jr., Pennsylvania’s senior U.S. senator. Just a few years ago, though, he was the first chair of the Philadelphia Youth Commission.

In 2010, Joe joined the Mayor’s Internship Program where he authored “Collaboration for Success: Developing Mutually Beneficial Partnerships Between Philadelphia City Government and Universities.” That work led to Joe’s appointment onto the commission.

Young people listen to Ricardo Calderon in the city's Innovation Lab.
Youth Commission Executive Director Ricardo Calderón talks with young people at the City’s Innovation Lab in 2015.

Those opportunities then led to others, with Joe’s experience running the gamut from a fellowship in Senator Casey’s office to interning with Congressman Patrick Murphy and NBC10.

“I think early opportunities for leadership,” he says, “like the Mayor’s Internship Program and the Youth Commission, were really important stepping stones to developing social and organizational skills that have served me well.”

Joe attended Georgetown University, consistently ranked as one of the best colleges and universities in the United States. Following his graduation with a degree in government and philosophy, Joe joined Teach for America, teaching sixth grade social studies and science.

This year, during the historic Democratic National Convention, Joe worked as the Director of Public Participation. His project at the convention focused on making sure Philadelphia, as the convention’s host city, provided opportunities for civic engagement for all.

“When you consider that presidential elections only happen every four years, and rarely in your hometown,” he explains, “I viewed the opportunity at the convention as a culmination of all of my earlier experience.” Joe adds that his experience with City programs is integral to his professional life today.

Now that the convention is over and life is returning to normal in Philadelphia, Joe says he’ll catch his breath for a brief moment — and then get back to work.

After all, there’s always more to be done.

To get involved with the Youth Commission, contact Ricardo Calderón on Twitter or via email.