A Leader’s Journey
By Vanessa Philbert
Can you share a little about yourself? Where are you from, and what is your current role and organization?
I’m originally from Brooklyn, New York, and moved to Lancaster in 2002. I’m married and a proud mom of three daughters (29, 24, and 20), and our home also includes two golden doodles who keep things lively. We moved from NYC with a young family and limited resources or connections. As I started my career in Lancaster, I worked at CAP coordinating afterschool services at Burrow Elementary. After a few years I moved on to other roles in the community with organizations like United Way of Lancaster County and Pressley Ridge.
In 2016 I found my way back to CAP a new leadership role as VP of Household Stability – where I lead teams and initiatives designed to support economic stability and mobility for participants and neighbors. In 2018, I transitioned into the Chief Operating Officer role. For the past six initiatives, I have served as the President and CEO of Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County (CAP). In this role, I have the privilege of working alongside an incredible team dedicated to strengthening our community by helping families achieve stability and economic mobility.
What inspired you to get involved in nonprofit work, and what led you to the position you are in today?
My personal journey is not unlike the neighbors we support at CAP. I grew up in Brooklyn with my mom and two siblings. My mom worked incredibly hard, but like many families, we still needed additional support. We relied on public benefits such as Medicaid and SNAP (food assistance) to help make ends meet.
During my junior year of high school, I became a mom. I made the difficult decision to leave school so I could work full time and secure health benefits to support my pregnancy and my child. My first job as a teenager was with a local nonprofit that helped young people transition into education or career pathways.
That experience shaped the trajectory of my life. I saw firsthand how organizations and people can create opportunities that change someone’s path. From that point forward, my work has always been connected to roles that support individuals, families, and children. Over time, those experiences led me to leadership roles and eventually to CAP, where the mission aligns deeply with both my personal story and my professional calling.
Can you tell us about your organization’s mission and the impact it is making in the Lancaster community?
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County works to empower individuals and families to achieve economic stability and build strong, thriving communities. Our approach focuses on addressing both immediate needs and the underlying causes of poverty.
CAP serves thousands of Lancaster County residents each year through programs that support early childhood education, food security, housing stability, domestic violence services, workforce development, and community engagement. We believe that when families have access to the right tools, resources, and support systems, they can build brighter futures not just for themselves, but for the entire community.
Our work spans generations from infants in our early learning programs to seniors in our community centers and reflects our belief that strong communities are built when everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
What is one program, initiative, or success story from your organization that you are especially proud of?
There are so many moments that make me proud because our team truly meets people where they are. Sometimes that means connecting a family to essential resources like food, childcare, or utility assistance. Other times it means walking alongside someone during a crisis through our Domestic Violence Services program. And sometimes it means celebrating culture and community at the Crisp’s Attucks Community Center.
What’s remarkable about CAP is the breadth of our impact we serve infants as young as six weeks old in our early childhood programs and aging seniors through our senior centers.
One story that stands out is when a family enters our programs during a moment of instability—perhaps facing housing insecurity or financial hardship—and over time we see them stabilize, gain employment, access education, and ultimately become leaders in their own communities. Those journeys remind us that our work is about more than services; it’s about opportunity, dignity, and long-term change.
What are some of the biggest challenges your organization or the people you serve are facing right now?
Like many nonprofits, we are navigating financial pressures such as rising healthcare costs and uncertainty around federal funding and policy changes that impact our programs.
At the same time, the families we serve are navigating the realities of today’s economy with very little cushion. Many households are just one unexpected expense a car repair, a medical bill, or a reduction in work hours away from a crisis.
Families are making incredibly difficult decisions every day to maintain stability. Despite these challenges, what I continue to see is resilience. People are doing everything they can to provide for their families and move forward.
What does leadership mean to you, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
To me, leadership means being both a learner and an anchor for your team. It’s about setting a clear vision for where you’re going while remaining open to growth, new ideas, and feedback.
One lesson I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating the conditions where people can do their best work and where teams feel supported, valued, and aligned with a shared purpose.
Leadership also requires humility and courage the humility to listen and learn, and the courage to make difficult decisions that move the mission forward.
What advice would you give to young professionals or community members who want to get involved and make a difference?
I would encourage emerging leaders to stay curious before becoming critical. Seek to understand the context behind challenges before jumping to solutions. Often the most meaningful impact comes from listening first and learning from the people closest to the problem.
I’m inspired by the work of Simon Sinek, who talks about starting with why. When you are clear about your purpose and the values that drive you, it becomes easier to stay grounded in your work and make decisions that align with your impact.
I also think a lot about the research of Brené Brown, particularly her reminder that clarity is kindness. Being clear about expectations, boundaries, and priorities helps teams build trust and work together more effectively.
Finally, recognize that your “no” is just as valuable as your “yes.” Leadership requires being intentional about where you invest your time and energy. When you focus on the areas where you can contribute most meaningfully, you create the space to lead with purpose and integrity.
What does the phrase “Next Generation of Lancaster” mean to you?
To me, the “Next Generation of Lancaster” represents possibility. It’s about a community where young people from all backgrounds see themselves as leaders, innovators, and contributors to the future of our region.
It means creating pathways where talent can grow, voices can be heard, and people feel connected to the place they call home. The next generation will shape Lancaster’s culture, economy, and civic life, and it’s our responsibility today to invest in their success.
What role do community organizations and leaders play in shaping the next generation?
Community organizations play a vital role in creating opportunity. We help build the infrastructure that supports families, provides mentorship, and creates pathways to education and employment.
Leaders also play an important role in modeling collaboration and inclusion. When we work across sectors business, nonprofit, education, and government we create stronger systems that help the next generation succeed.
Ultimately, shaping the next generation requires collective effort and a commitment to lifting each other up.
Looking ahead, what gives you hope about the future of Lancaster and the next generation of leaders in our community?
Community organizations play a vital role in creating opportunity. We help build the infrastructure that supports families, provides mentorship, and creates pathways to education and employment.
Leaders also play an important role in modeling collaboration and inclusion. When we work across sectors business, nonprofit, education, and government we create stronger systems that help the next generation succeed.
Ultimately, shaping the next generation requires collective effort and a commitment to lifting each other up.
In this Nonprofit Spotlight, she reflects on her path from coordinating afterschool programs to leading one of Lancaster’s most impactful community organizations, the challenges families face today, and the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders.