Veda Cottom serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator at the Lenfest Center for Community Workforce Partnerships (LCCWP). In her role, she collaborates with community members, organizations, and stakeholders to develop and implement programs aligned with the goals of the Philadelphia ReCAST Initiative. Her work focuses on building strong, resilient communities through initiatives aimed at preventing community violence, addressing stress and trauma, promoting healing, empowering residents, and strengthening sustainable community capacity. Through her role, she contributes to the initiative's efforts to provide essential resources and support to Philadelphia’s communities. 

A proud Temple Owl, Veda is completing an MSW-MPH dual degree, integrating her passion for social work and public health to address the interconnected challenges facing communities. Her commitment to bridging gaps in health and social equity is evident in her efforts to help develop and implement programs that address systemic inequities and empower communities. Her passion for community engagement and advocacy stems from her belief in the power of grassroots initiatives to drive meaningful change. 

Prior to joining LCCWP, Veda spent several years with Temple’s Criminal Justice Training Programs building a knowledgebase in grants and resource accounting, community engagement, and program development. Her experience in resource management and community engagement directly supports her responsibilities with ReCAST, working with community organizations to ensure effective program development and implementation. Veda also served as an advocate for survivors of intimate partner violence and their families, providing essential support and resources. By developing outreach programs that emphasized health education, advocacy, and empowerment, she contributed to creating safer and more resilient spaces for communities affected by intimate partner violence. 

Veda is passionate about continuing to contribute to initiatives that advance community capacity building and ensure a holistic approach to community well-being and long-term positive impact. She enjoys working with the LCCWP team, finding fulfillment in their collective efforts to support and empower the North Philadelphia community.”