Twilight in the Garden

Nancy A. Goldenberg, Hon. ASLA

Nancy Goldenberg is President/CEO of Laurel Hill Cemetery and West Laurel Hill Cemetery & Funeral Home. She is responsible for ensuring that the two historic cemeteries, arboretum and funeral home are premier cultural and educational destinations and leaders in the evolving death care industry. Before joining Laurel Hill, Nancy served for 20 years in executive positions at Philadelphia’s Center City District, leading the planning for many of the CCD’s most recognized park projects including Sister Cities Park, Collins Park, Dilworth Park, and the Rail Park. Nancy had prior roles as Chief of Staff for the PA Horticultural Society and head of the Fairmount Park Commission’s Natural Lands Restoration & Environmental Education Program, an initiative to restore the natural areas of Philadelphia’s park system.

A native of Cincinnati, Nancy received her Bachelor of Arts degree from George Washington University and her Master’s Degree in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a board member of the Pennsylvania Cemeteries Cremation and Funeral Association and is on the Cemeteries Committee of World Urban Parks. She is also on the board of the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia.

Nancy is an emeritus board member of the Fairmount Park Conservancy and previously chaired the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commission, the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, and co-chaired the City Parks Alliance. Nancy is most proud of being a founder of the Philadelphia Outward Bound School and an Honorary Member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, a lifetime achievement and among the highest honors that the organization confers.

Greater Philadelphia Health Action (GPHA) and Woodland Academy

Founded with a commitment to enhancing community health and well-being, Greater Philadelphia Action Health Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services to underserved populations. A cornerstone of community health and education, GPHA provides essential medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmaceutical, and childcare services to more than 84,000 people annually. Established on principles of compassion and equity, GPHA Inc. operates with a mission to ensure that every individual has access to quality healthcare regardless of their socioeconomic status. By partnering with local healthcare providers, volunteers, and community leaders, GPHA Inc. aims to create sustainable healthcare solutions that empower individuals and families to lead healthier lives.

Their commitment extends beyond healthcare, nurturing the next generation through Woodland Academy, where prior to COVID-19, Woodland Academy provided early care and learning opportunities to more than hundreds of students and connected families to community resources, including the medical services provided by GPHA. What sets Woodland Academy apart is its dedication and commitment to both the served and underserved communities. For over 30 years, Woodland Academy, just blocks away from Bartram’s Garden, has been deeply rooted in the Southwest Community, serving the local Southwest Philadelphia area and its growing vicinity.

Key initiatives of GPHA Inc. and Woodland Academy include health education programs, community outreach efforts, and advocacy for healthcare policy reforms aimed at improving access and affordability. Through these efforts, GPHA Inc. strives to build resilient communities where health disparities are minimized and everyone can thrive.