Honoring the Life and Legacy of Youth Workforce Champion Michele DePoulter

The Philadelphia Youth Network is deeply saddened to share the passing of our colleague, friend, and workforce development champion, Michele DePoulter. Michele was a dedicated and longstanding member of PYN’s team for nearly 25 years, having joined the organization in 2000. She was well known throughout Philadelphia’s youth workforce development community and played an important role in shaping the programs and partnerships that support young people across the city.

Throughout her career, Michele focused on expanding meaningful opportunities for youth. Through her work at PYN, Michele helped to strengthen the systems, compliance practices, and monitoring standards that helped thousands of young people gain the kind of early workforce experiences that open doors to meaningful professional pathways. Her commitment was grounded in a personal promise she shared often - that she wanted young people to have the kind of opportunities that she never had access to. This belief guided her work, her values, and the way she approached every task with passion, no matter how large or small.

Michele brought a warm, steady presence to PYN. She was often the first to offer support to colleagues, always smiling, and always ready to help someone navigate a challenge. Her thoughtfulness, her "ah-ha moments", and her willingness to lift others up earned her the respect of partners across the workforce development community and the deep appreciation of those who worked alongside her each day.

Michele will be missed dearly by all of us at PYN and by the many individuals whose paths she crossed over the years. We are grateful for her service, her leadership, and the lasting influence she leaves behind. Her legacy will continue to guide and inspire our work moving forward.

Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and everyone who knew and cared for her. For anyone who would like to make a donation to help provide comfort, stability, and care during this incredibly difficult time - please click the link below. All proceeds will go directly to Michele’s family, including the daughter she leaves behind.

Donate here - https://igfn.us/form/kdjIaw