Iola Harper's story is one of professional savvy and compassionate response. Right out of college, she landed her dream job. But the 12-minute commute from the world of high fashion to her Philadelphia neighborhood was a daily reminder that the community needed her. The daily route passed abandoned commercial corridors no longer offering a place to buy groceries, deteriorating neighborhoods where children could not play unattended as she had, and trash-strewn corners on which the homeless lived. As concern over these conditions grew, so did the discomfort with her job. Eventually, she quit. And she hasn't looked back.

Now a nationally recognized advocate for small businesses, Harper works with urban entrepreneurs, helping them gain access to financial and technical assistance. Her successes outside business includes work with neighborhood development projects, numerous city agencies, organizations, and resource centers, as well as legislative victories on behalf of women and minorities in business.

No stranger to long hours, Harper is also enrolled in a graduate program concentrating on community development. She says, "The Urban Studies program at Eastern University was created just for me. First, the program is flexible. As a busy entrepreneur with a family, that works wonderfully. Second, the classes are relevant. What I learn in class today, I am using in the field tomorrow.  I've met great people from across the country who are doing exciting things to create change. And most important is the fact that I am now better able to understand the spiritual aspects of my work, and it feels good to know that I am making a positive contribution to God’s Kingdom while I am here on earth.”

In Good Company, LLC (IgC) is a business-solutions firm providing training and education to entrepreneurs, as well as innovative business development and strategic marketing services to small and mid-sized companies. IgC seeks to enrich urban communities by equipping individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations with the tools to restore economic health, safety,and vitality to urban neighborhoods. For information about IgC, LLC, visit www.igcphilly.com.

The Eastern University Philadelphia-based School for Social Change administers a graduate program in Urban Studies promoting leadership in community arts, community development and youth development. It also provides programs for unemployed, under-employed and transitioning workers, as well as certificate programs for community leaders who may not need a degree to pursue their personal or organizational goals. The school’s programs for high school and undergraduate students seek to eliminate barriers to higher education. For more information about Eastern University's concentration in community development, visit www.eastern.edu/urbanma. Or contact Dr. Kimberlee Johnson at 215.769.3128.