Our CEO Sheila Ireland speaks truth to power in The Philadelphia Inquirer: "Diversity is about more than skin color. It's about creating a collaborative, innovative, creative economy that makes us who we are."
This vision traces back to OIC's roots in 1964 when civil rights pioneer Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan transformed a North Philadelphia jailhouse into the first Opportunities Industrialization Center. His revolutionary approach went beyond protest – combining skills training with pride in African American heritage, he created OIC's transformative "self-help and self-reliance" model. That jailhouse, emblematic of urban decay, became a symbol of hope with our skeleton-key logo promising "To Open Any Door."
From those powerful beginnings, OIC ignited a movement that would grow to more than 150 centers worldwide at its height. Today, our mission continues to thrive from Philadelphia to communities across Africa, where OIC International centers in Ghana, Liberia, and other nations carry forward Rev. Sullivan's legacy. While the economic landscape shifts, as Ireland notes in the Inquirer, our commitment holds firm: "It's not what we say; it's what we do."
Read how we're carrying Rev. Sullivan's legacy forward in today's changing workforce:
https://www.inquirer.com/.../sheila-ireland-oic...
OIC Philadelphia is pleased to welcome David S. Thomas and Ben Fileccia to our Board of Directors.
David S. Thomas serves as the President & CEO of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, where he leads efforts to create and preserve affordable housing across the city. His leadership in community development will be invaluable in advancing OIC’s mission.
Ben Fileccia is the Senior Vice President of Strategy & Engagement at the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, advocating for the hospitality industry and workforce development. His expertise in workforce strategy will help strengthen OIC’s impact in preparing individuals for sustainable careers.
We look forward to the contributions of both leaders as we continue to empower communities through education, training, and employment opportunities.
Join us in welcoming David and Ben to the OIC Philadelphia family!
OIC Philadelphia’s culinary students took center stage at the Economy League’s 6th Annual PAGE Summit, showcasing their impressive skills by catering this prestigious event! As the official catering team, our students not only demonstrated their culinary expertise but also highlighted the high level of talent fostered through OIC’s culinary arts program.
OIC Philadelphia was also a proud sponsor of the event. This collaboration gave our students the incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience while serving some of Philadelphia’s most influential leaders. From delectable dishes to impeccable service, our culinary students helped make the event a memorable success.
Here at OIC Philadelphia, we’re proud to offer workforce development programs that prepare individuals for careers in high-demand industries. The PAGE Summit was just one example of how our students are making an impact and proving that they’re ready to shine on the big stage.
We’re excited to continue providing our students with opportunities to grow and succeed in their careers.
Watch the recap video
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish? Try this flavorful Chicken Satay with a savory peanut dipping sauce! Perfect for a quick dinner or a gathering with friends and family, this recipe combines tender grilled chicken with a rich, tangy peanut sauce that’s sure to please.
The hospitality and tourism industry is a multi-trillion-dollar sector crucial to the global economy. It includes many businesses such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, entertainment venues, theme parks, spas, cruise lines, and auto rental agencies. These businesses cater to domestic and international tourists, making tourism a key driver of employment and economic growth.
Pursuing a career in hospitality and tourism opens doors to various exciting opportunities, from event planning and destination marketing to operations management and property management systems. Studying hospitality management equips individuals with the skills necessary to excel in this dynamic field. OIC Philadelphia provides top-tier training programs to help students build successful careers in hospitality and tourism.
Read More!
A big shout-out to our Smart Energy Technical Training participants, who applied their skills to a meaningful volunteer project at Share Food Philly. Working on a commercial project gave them invaluable hands-on experience while contributing to a crucial community resource. This initiative exemplified workforce development in action—connecting education to real-world service while creating pathways for future career opportunities. We were proud of their dedication and their positive impact on their professional growth and the community they served.
Are you or someone you know interested in smart energy, solar panel installation, or exploring a career change into the green energy sector? Don’t miss our upcoming virtual Smart Energy Technical Training Information Session! This is your chance to learn more about our comprehensive training program and various green jobs opportunities.
Whether you’re passionate about sustainability or looking for a new eco-friendly career path, this session is perfect for you. Meet industry experts, connect with like-minded individuals, and explore how our training can help you take the next step toward a fulfilling career in the green energy field.
Join us and start empowering your career for a sustainable future!
OIC Philadelphia proudly celebrates the life and legacy of our visionary founder, Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan, a trailblazer in economic empowerment, civil rights, and global justice. Rooted in faith and determination, Dr. Sullivan dedicated his life to uplifting Black communities through education, job training, and economic self-sufficiency.
From his leadership at Zion Baptist Church in North Philadelphia, he not only inspired a city but also the world. His groundbreaking Sullivan Principles—a global code of corporate responsibility—played a pivotal role in dismantling apartheid in South Africa.
His initiatives, including OIC Philadelphia, the 10-36 Plan, and Progress Plaza, America’s first Black-owned shopping center, laid the foundation for Black economic independence.
Dr. Sullivan’s work reminds us that economic justice is a key pillar of civil rights. His legacy lives on in the communities he empowered, the businesses he helped build, and the countless lives transformed by his vision.
“We need a new kind of civil rights movement—one that empowers us economically through self-help and investment in our own communities.”– Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan
We're honored to announce that OIC Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Convention Center have been selected as one of Philadelphia Business Journal's 2025 Partners in Philanthropy honorees!
This recognition celebrates our 35-year partnership that has been transforming lives and creating workforce opportunities in our community. We're especially grateful that this year marks the Convention Center's largest gift to our organization, further strengthening our ability to provide vital job training and career development services to Philadelphia residents.
Our partnership embodies the power of collaboration between anchor institutions in driving meaningful community impact. Together, we've created pathways to employment and economic mobility for thousands of Philadelphians. Looking forward, we are scaling operations to increase the number of trainees in preparation for 2026!
Thank you to the Philadelphia Business Journal for this recognition, and most importantly, to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for their unwavering commitment to workforce development in our city. Here's to continuing our mission of empowering individuals through education and training!
At OIC Philadelphia, we’re dedicated to supporting our community and empowering the incredible youth of today.
We’re proud to announce that our President & CEO, Sheila Ireland, has been named a 2025 Take the Lead Greater Philadelphia honoree by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. The ceremony will take place on March 4th at Vie by Cescaphe.
This inspiring initiative brings together outstanding women leaders with the next generation of changemakers. As an honoree, Sheila looks forward to mentoring and empowering local Girl Scouts—our community’s future trailblazers. Learn more about Take the Lead.
OIC Philadelphia is hosting a pivotal Green Jobs Press Conference to celebrate a $250,000 investment from the Philadelphia Energy Authority and unveil plans for a statewide Green Jobs Training network that advances our mission of connecting individuals to future-proof, family-sustaining employment at the intersection of workforce development, social justice, and economic empowerment.
The Satell Institute’s Nonprofit Summit will be held on March 12th at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and PNC Park in Pittsburgh. We are thrilled to announce that Sheila Ireland, a passionate advocate for workforce development and community empowerment, will be a speaker this year. Her insights and leadership are sure to inspire and motivate those in attendance, furthering the summit's mission of driving positive change through nonprofit collaboration.
Since its founding more than 60 years ago by civil rights leader Rev. Leon Sullivan, OIC Philadelphia has had a straightforward mission: to overcome discrimination and lift people up by giving them the job skills they need to succeed.
The Pennsylvania Convention Center, a Satell Institute member, has long had a close relationship with OIC Philadelphia, one of the city’s most impactful workforce development nonprofits. Both entities benefit, but the biggest winner is the community.
Read more!
On Wednesday, February 19th, dozens of community members and elected officials gathered at Zion Baptist Church, located at Broad Street and Venango Street, to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rev. Leon H. Sullivan Community Impact Center.
This exciting new space will serve as a vibrant hub for arts-based education, inspiration, and healing in North Philadelphia. From visual arts to music, dance, and theater, the center will empower creativity and amplify voices for generations to come. Slated to open in 2026, it will continue Rev. Sullivan’s legacy of empowerment and opportunity.
Watch the highlights
We are incredibly grateful to the Philadelphia Energy Authority for their donation of $250,000 to support OIC Philadelphia’s Green Jobs Initiative.
This contribution allows us to further our efforts in creating a positive environmental impact while providing individuals with the skills they need to thrive in the expanding green sector.
Thank you to the Chappell Culpeper Family Foundation who has generously awarded us a $100,000 grant! This funding will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission to empower individuals through education and workforce development. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the foundation for their support and commitment to making a positive impact in our community.
reignite your network! Join us on March 6th for our Alumni Network Mix & Mingle event and be part of the vibrant community that’s been empowered since 1964 by Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan’s vision of economic empowerment.
As a member of the OIC alumni network, you’re part of a powerful force that has impacted over 50,000 individuals across Greater Philadelphia and beyond. This event is your chance to tap into valuable mentorship opportunities, career connections, and exclusive networking events with fellow alumni from every industry.
Let’s come together to celebrate our collective achievements and help advance Dr. Sullivan’s mission of community prosperity. Whether you’re looking to give back, expand your professional circle, or simply reconnect, this is the event you don’t want to miss!
RSVP Required.
OIC Philadelphia is always thrilled to engage with the community and share information about the valuable programs and resources we offer. Recently, we had the privilege of participating in Pennsylvania State Representative Amen Brown's 2nd Annual Youth Career & College Fair. This event proved to be a great success, bringing together young people eager to explore opportunities that could significantly shape their futures. By connecting them with various career pathways, educational resources, and potential mentors, we were able to help ignite the spark of possibility for many attendees. We’re proud to have been part of such an impactful event and look forward to continuing our commitment to empowering the next generation.
At Rep. Brown's Resource Fair, Mrs. Curry had the pleasure of reconnecting with alumnus Jamie Dixon. Jamie, who participated in the Culinary Arts program in the early 2000s under Chef Charlie Schmidt, shared how the program laid the foundation for his successful career. After graduating, Jamie was hired by the Hyatt, and later pursued an associate degree at the Art Institute.
Over the years, Jamie has catered numerous events, attributing much of his success to the skills and experience gained at OIC. Now, as he embarks on the next chapter of his journey, Jamie is focused on continuing his education and aspiring to become an entrepreneur in the food services industry.
