Our Team

At Uplift Solutions, our team is made up of talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, each bringing a wealth of education, training, and experience to their roles. More than 50% of our staff have lived experience, allowing us to deeply connect with and support the individuals we serve. Our client services team includes experts in psychology, criminal justice, and case management, while our education and training staff specialize in instructional design, teaching, human resources, and workforce development. Our community engagement professionals have expertise in community development, customer service, strategy, de-escalation, and violence prevention. Leading the organization is a team of seasoned professionals with backgrounds in nonprofit and for-profit leadership, strategy, economic and community development, finance, and organizational design. Many of our team members have been recognized with awards for their outstanding contributions, reflecting their dedication to empowering justice-involved individuals and transforming lives.

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Leadership

Atif Bostic, President and CEO

Always ready for a challenge and to make a difference in the lives of justice-impacted individuals, Atif joined Uplift Solutions in May of 2015 to lead the organization through supermarket development programs to include finance and operations consulting, place-based healthcare interventions, and development of its Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). In 2017, Atif steered the organization into workforce development for justice impacted individuals to obtain retail training for supermarket work.

In 2021, Atif repositioned the organization to focus exclusively on its justice-impacted citizens work by divesting its last-mile food distribution program, Philly Food Rescue, to Share Food Program. Philly Food Rescue was an innovative and disruptive solution to reducing food waste, increasing the volume of food in the hunger relief system, as well as increasing the system’s ability to reach hard-to-reach populations. Understanding the importance of this innovation and the unwillingness of larger market actors, Atif incubated the idea, de-risked it, and ultimately transferred it to an organization positioned to grow it. These efforts spurred the need for a strategic realignment to which Atif led the way. Uplift now adopted a new mission: “Reducing barriers for justice involved individuals and at-risk youth, helping them find pathways to …longer term success.

Atif is an active community leader in the workforce and nonprofit ecosystem, having won such awards as the Philadelphia Foundation’s Black Leadership Award. He has served as chair of the board for the Philadelphia OIC for over a decade, treasurer for Urban League of Philadelphia and Pathways PA, and has been a board member of the Allegheny West Foundation, Main Line Chamber of Commerce, American Heart Association, and more. He willingly offers his time and expertise by serving on such prestigious government committees as the City of Philadelphia’s Professional Workforce Alliance and the State’s Reentry Committee.

Kya Roberts

Chief Operating Officer

Kya Roberts, MBA is the Chief Operating Officer of Uplift Solutions, a visionary leaderand passionate advocate for underserved communities. With over 35 years ofexperience in organizational development, people management, and processimprovement, Kya has consistently driven transformation while fostering a positiveenvironment where individuals feel supported and valued.Throughout her career, she has led cross-functional teams with a focus on operationalexcellence, cultivating inclusive spaces that allow individuals to bring their authenticselves to their work. Her leadership is defined by a deep commitment to equity,collaboration, and innovation.At Uplift Solutions, Kya is responsible for overseeing programming, processimprovement, and operational efficiency. Together with her team, she is building astrong, community-centered infrastructure to support justice-impacted individuals andat-risk youth. She also works to strengthen relationships with local organizations toensure access to essential supportive services.Kya applies her strategic insight and experience to develop workforce developmentinitiatives that remove barriers, create opportunities, and uplift those most in need. Herwork is making a measurable impact in advancing equity and promoting secondchances across the communities Uplift serves.She holds an MBA from Wilmington University and continues to lead with purpose,driving sustainable changes through compassion, collaboration, and action.In her spare time, Kya enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Kenn, theirchildren, and two red toy poodles, Truth and Treasure.“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”– Simon Sinek.

Julia Keleher

Strategic Advisor

Julia Keleher, Ed.D, MBA, PMP, is an educator, leader, and executive with extensive experience in the public and private sectors. For over 25 years, Dr. Keleher has worked to identify and remove structural barriers to equality. She is skilled in designing and implementing strategic initiatives and leveraging data and analytics to inform operational decisions.
As the Chief Programs Officer, Julia contributes to strategic planning and leads program development at Uplift Solutions, ensuring the vision and goals of the organization remain client-focused and responsive to emerging community needs. A native Philadelphian with first-hand knowledge of the criminal justice system, Julia is committed to creating opportunities and advocating for incarcerated individuals and returning citizens.

Barb Varela

Chief Financial Officer

Barb Varela joins Uplift Solutions with 20+ years of experience in finance with a gift for organizational administration. During the last 10 years, she’s focused on non profit administration, finance and real estate development. As a driver of strategies and business plans,
Ms. Varela oversaw the development of an $18M low income housing tax credit project providing housing for some of the city’s most vulnerable population located in the heart of Kensington.

Staff

Our Professionals

Lauren Ruday

Client Services Manager

Lauren Ruday is the senior case advisor for Uplift Workforce Solutions. In her role, Ms. Ruday is responsible for screening, developing individualized plans, identifying resources and benefits, retention, and tracking of program participants. Ms. Ruday conducts one-to-one sessions with each participant to understand their unique needs and builds an individualized plan to gain access to resources, address social barriers, and transition to work effectively. Ms. Ruday holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from West Chester University, and a Master of Science in Education Psychological Services from the University of Pennsylvania.

Emma Spearing

Case Manager

Emma Spearing began her work with Uplift Solutions in October of 2022 as an intern. During her internship Emma assisted with a variety of events and duties working with both the client services team and the instructors. Emma’s internship solidified her passion for this work. After completing her undergraduate degree, in January of 2024 Emma joined the client services team full time as a case manager and intake specialist. In this role Emma assists clients in removing barriers and provides ongoing support to ensure long term success. As intake specialist Emma handles each step of the intake process from the initial interview to the start of orientation. In December of 2023 Ms. Spearing graduated summa cum laude from Arcadia University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in social justice. Although Emma is relatively new to the world of reentry, she brings with her a dedication and passion for assisting people in paving new pathways to their goals and successes. Ms. Spearing’s commitment to this work stems from growing up in an area where the opioid epidemic has affected and taken the lives of many members of the community. From her early teens Emma has been an advocate for harm reduction and addressing social issues impacting her community.

Na’lmah Bey

Life Skills Instructor

Na’Imah Bey is the Programs Instructor responsible for delivering Digital Literacy, Life Skills, instruction for the Same Day Work Day program while supporting the youth program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Tuskegee University and is a certified life and wellness coach. With over 20 years of experience in youth development and engagement—including a long-standing career as an educator in the School District of Philadelphia— She has a strong background in supporting diverse learners and fostering personal growth. Na’Imah brings a unique blend of expertise in education, wellness, and mentorship. She is also the founder of Voices of Her, a platform dedicated to empowering women through storytelling, personal growth, and authentic connection. bridging her passions for education, business, and holistic healing.

Sara Houser

Case Manager/Trauma Informed Specialist

Sara Houser is a case manager/trauma informed specialist at Uplift Workforce Solutions. In her role, Sara assists clients in navigating social service systems while participating in the CDL Training Program. Before coming to Uplift, Sara worked as an intern at Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry doing case management services. Sara then worked in the Philadelphia School District teaching Social Emotional Learning and interned with Temple Health & Wellness Center at Liberty Square and North10 during her graduate program. It would be through interning for North10 that Sara would connect with Uplift and meet Emma and Lauren by assisting them with open enrollment for the CDL and HVAC Training Programs. Sara holds a Bachelor of Social Work with a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language and a Master of Social Work with a certificate in Human Services Management both from Temple University.

Monique Oakman-Robinson

Education and Training Manager

Monique Wilkerson is a dynamic and multifaceted professional with over 15 years of experience in Community Engagement and a Degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling . She is known for her impactful work such as Motivational speaking, Supporting Multiple Non-profits, and Mentoring Women Impacted by Mental Health and Sexual Violence across many sectors. With a solid foundation as a Job Coach and Employment Specialist, she adeptly navigates the complexities of workforce development, specializing in helping justice impacted individuals with employment barriers obtain the adequate tools to achieve their goals. Known as the "Resume Whisper", Monique Specializes in instructing individuals who have little to no work experience with the knowledge to properly format a resume, prepare for interviews, and maintain employment by assessing their skills and providing support. Her role as a Community Liaison showcases her commitment to fostering connections and collaboration within communities, advocating for resources and support systems that empower individuals. She embodies innovation and leadership, continuously seeking opportunities to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Michael Bell

Life Skills Instructor

Michael E. Bell is a consummate professional. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Howard University. He also possesses a Master of Arts from LaSalle University. He has accumulated experience in the affordable housing arena. He worked at the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, The Redevelopment Authority and the Office of Housing. He has worked for both the Wilmington and Philadelphia Housing Authority’s. He also has established a solid track record in education. He was a Family and School Liaison for the First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School. He uses data to establish strategies for improvement at any company that he works for. He is currently a Life Skills Instructor at Uplift Solutions Inc. He is working collaboratively to deliver high quality instruction for students seeking a Class B Driver’s License.

Wayne Garrett

Community Engagement and Reentry Coordinator

Wayne, a previous participant in the Retail program in 2018, transitioned to a role at Brown’s Super Stores. Throughout his tenure, he earned recognition for his perseverance, receiving the Uplift’s Perseverance award, and becoming a member of the Uplift Board. Over the course of four years, Wayne was promoted twice, eventually reaching the position of Assistant Store Manager. His time at Uplift sparked a strong dedication, prompting him to leave Brown’s and assume the role of Community Engagement and Reentry Coordinator. Additionally, Wayne currently serves as the President of the Uplift Alumni Association.

Randall Overton

Community Engagement Specialist

Randall was born and raised in Southwest Philadelphia where he was educated in the Philadelphia School system until high school. In 2002 he graduated from Delaware Valley Charter High School and later attended Lincoln University majoring in Criminal Justice. Shortly after attending college, he started working in the Social Services and for the Foster Care department for several years. Randall then moved on to work in the Criminal Justice field at Youth Detention facilities, which he has done for more than 15 years now. Working at all these places on various levels led him to discover his passion for helping people.

Mark Tucker

HVAC Instructor

Mark Tucker is currently the instructor of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning at Uplift Solutions. His past employment experience includes Director of Building Trades for NCIA Philadelphia Chapter, President of Guardian Property Specialist, and I T.E.A.C.H Vocational Program. Mark Tucker has over twenty certifications and earned his HVAC Certification from Camden County College in Blackwood NJ.

He also holds a Bachelor’s degree of Health Science and Biology from Thomas Edison State University, a diploma of Property Management from Ashworth University in Atlanta Georgia, and a Doctor of Divinity from the National Association of Drug and Alcohol interventionist.

He’s currently pursuing a Master’s degree in disaster management and counter terrorism from Liberty University in Virginia.

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