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As former national and internationally competitive judoka, married couple Alaa & Kristin El Idrissi sought to bring growth to judo in Kristin's hometown of Philadelphia. Having grown up in a judo family, she has the vision of making the city of brotherly love, a hub for judo in the US. This vision encapsulates the need to grow awareness and participation of the sport, to provide local resources that will elevate exposure of the mental and physical benefits of the sport to local residents.
By creating community-building events, building athlete resources, and providing needs-based sponsorship creation the board hopes to create interest in the Olympic sport of judo not just competitively, but also from a self defense, anti-bullying, and self-improvement perspective.
All members of the board truly believe in the benefits that judo can have on a persons life - mentally and physically. It is our hope that a larger portion of the Philadelphia population can bring these benefits back to the community.
Kristin El Idrissi, BSE, PMP, Executive Director:
Kristin brings 17+ years of professional experience to her position at Philadelphia Judo Evolution (PJE). She holds a BSE in Mechanical Engineering and a Certification in Project Management. Kristin demonstrates extensive experience in both the private and public sector. She has developed and overseen budgets, managed product development, led project teams, and acted as department director. Kristin has also driven strategic planning and data analytics. Kristin’s background makes her well-positioned to lead PJE. Kristin’s driving approach to her work is to acknowledge that members of a team want to feel valued. By fostering gratitude, providing support, and listening empathetically, teams are able to creatively problem solve and flourish as individuals towards goals.
In addition to her professional experience, Kristin is a co-owner of judo dojo, managing operations and coaching athletes for 7+ years. Kristin annually co-directs a national level judo tournament. She is a third degree black belt and former member of USA Judo’s Athlete Advisory Committee. Kristin holds a USA Judo coaching certification and also earned an instructor certification from the Kodokan, judo’s founding academy.
In her free time, Kristin likes to spend time with her husband and children, playing outside, reading and exploring new places.
Lori Latimer, MSW, LCSW, Chief Operations Officer:
Lori comes to her role at Philadelphia Judo Evolution with 18+ years of professional experience. She is a Master’s level Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In addition to her time as a direct practice clinician, Lori has experience with program and project management, grant writing, research, and quality assurance. She has held positions in departmental and organization leadership, providing direct supervision for staff and participating in strategic planning. Lori’s professional background compliments PJE’s goals and mission. She takes a collaborative, inclusive approach to her work to develop mission-driven outcomes and foster innovation.
Lori is a second degree black belt and has served as an assistant judo instructor for 6+ years. In addition to coaching, she contributes to the judo community by volunteering at tournaments and other events. Lori has qualified for the U.S. World Team for kata (judo technical forms) and also holds an instructor certification from the Kodokan.
In her free time, Lori likes to have as much fun as possible with her husband and their two cats and two dogs. She also loves baking treats for her family, friends, and teammates.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The board meets annually, per their bylaws (which can be accessed here) to determine the strategic focuses for the year, to review the annual budgetary plans, and to evaluate changes required within the board or non-profit. Additional meetings can occur throughout the year to check in the status of these projects as need be.
Board Members: Andre Walker, Daje Walker, Chad Levine, Jennifer Chu, Tina Moyerman, Ray Huxen, Dan Kurtz, Joseph Condello, David Magaldi, Gabriel Costa
Annual reports will be posted here by March of each year.
Notes from board meetings can be accessed here.
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