Atiya Goldsmith-Irby '08

"I’ve always loved writing and reading, but it was during my time at CCP that I began to see how those skills could create real opportunities. 

At CCP, I joined the L.E.A.D.S. program and became a writer for the newsletter. I would conduct interviews during my lunch breaks and after work with CCP faculty and students. I also became a member of Phi Theta Kappa, which is a business honor society.  In both communities, I had the opportunity to enhance my leadership skills and engage in volunteer initiatives."

Read Atiya's full story HERE.

Yamilet del Carmen '04

Yamilet del Carmen is a passionate advocate for education, an entrepreneur, and a philanthropist. Born and raised in a disadvantaged area of Venezuela, she pursued an industrial engineering degree before moving to the United States in 1999 as an international student to further her education. Determined to succeed despite the challenges, she explored various colleges and universities before finding her academic home at Community College of Philadelphia.

Read Yamilet's full story HERE

Fatima Abbas '05

"I mostly grew up in Philadelphia, in the Feltonville-Olney section. I was homeschooled for high school, and I graduated when I was 16. I was ready to go to college academically, but I wanted a more supported atmosphere, so that led me to CCP. All the programs that existed, and the really intense focus on retention and pursuing different opportunities, really attracted me to CCP.

And I had heard so many success stories from folks who went to CCP that went on to lots of excellent other schools.

When I went, my brother went after me and then my mom also went. We started a tradition in my family."

Fatima was the 2025 Alumni Honoree for the Black & Gold Gala. Read more of Fatima's story HERE.