OCCCDA Welcomes New Executive Director - Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association

OCCCDA Welcomes New Executive Director, Shante Antrom

The board is delighted to announce the next Executive Director of Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association. Please join in welcoming Shante Antrom!

We received 25 applications and were impressed with the high caliber of the candidates screened and interviewed. It was wonderful to meet called and qualified leaders who are invested in Christian community development.

Shante Antrom stood out to the Search Committee, staff, and Board, in that, in addition to her comprehensive professional experience and qualifications, Shante radiated her faith: she was genuine, cheerful, open about her relationship with God, answered difficult questions directly and thoughtfully, and demonstrated the values which guide the mission to “extend healing and hope in the Oxford Circle community believing that God’s purpose of reconciling all people to Jesus leads us to minister on spiritual, physical, social, and economic levels.”

Shante’s family has long been engaged in ministry and her heart for education that is accessible to all community members led us to affirm her leadership as the best fitting for OCCCDA during this season. The vote to offer Shante the position was unanimous.

Shante’s first day as Executive Director of OCCCDA was Wednesday, September 15, 2021.

Shante comes to OCCCDA with a range of professional experiences which complement the breadth required by the E.D. position. Shante’s notable strengths include: a discipline of prayer and reflection, collaborative leadership, relational warmth, the ability to listen carefully and manage multiple processes, and knowledge of local leaders and programs in education, funding, and local government. Shante is an accredited Financial Counselor and holds a BA in Business Administration (Temple University), an MA in Organizational Leadership (Eastern University), and is pursuing her Doctorate in Education Leadership (St. Joseph’s University). Shante has taught at the Community College of Philadelphia and also facilitated staff and faculty discourse on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has prior experience as a substitute teacher in the Philadelphia School District and was tapped to serve as Interim Director with the Urban Affairs Coalition. As founder of her own LLC, Shante assisted nonprofits and international NGOs to strategize, develop infrastructure and sustainable funding, and helped individuals move toward financial independence.

As excited and pleased as we are to welcome Shante to this position with OCCCDA, it is not without some sadness, saying goodbye to Pearl. We are so thankful and grateful for Pearl’s leadership and guidance, particularly through the past 18 months during the Covid-19 pandemic, through which OCCCDA was able to grow organizationally and financially. Most importantly, our amazingly-dedicated staff continued to provide high-quality consistent care and programming. Pearl will be missed and we wish her rich blessings in her new position as Business Advisor at CCP.

This is an important transition for OCCCDA, as for the Oxford Circle community and we often think of the founding volunteers and board members, along with faithful investors. “…thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of [Christ] everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Jill W. Sinha, Chair | Sam Kuttab, Vice Chair | Mary Wong, Secretary | Bryant Keal, Treasurer

A Message From Shante Antrom

“I first became familiar with OCCCDA when I was invited to facilitate a retreat for the staff and Board. Throughout the session, I observed the staff and Board’s passion and dedication to both fulfilling the organization’s mission and serving the Oxford Circle community. It was obvious that OCCCDA was not just a place of employment, it was a ministry.

As a woman of faith, I believe that God places people in our lives for His purpose. While I have known Pearl for several years, I would have never thought that running into her in a shopping center one evening would ultimately result in me applying for the Executive Director position at OCCCDA. The passionate staff and their drive to see the people of Oxford Circle thrive was influential in my decision to accept the position. Most of my career has been in the public sector, either serving or educating individuals from low-to-moderate income communities. I feel blessed to continue this journey with such dedicated staff, a committed Board of directors, and valuable community partnerships. God knows the plans that He has for us and I am looking forward to serving within this great organization as we bring healing, hope, and reconciliation to the Oxford Circle community.”

A Message From Pearl Wang-Herrera

“During my farewell gathering, one of my staff shared how she felt that I was brought to OCCCDA for “such a time as this.” This especially resonated with me because shortly after my first year, the pandemic hit and I had to make some difficult

decisions just like Queen Esther. Just like Esther had a great mentor in Mordecai, I appreciated that I did not have to make those difficult decisions on my own. I’m so thankful for my staff, Board, property committee, OCMC, and all OCCCDA partners and supporters who were willing to work with me as I adjusted and learned to lead in a new role and changing environment.

As I start my new position as a Business Advisor with the 10,000 Small Business Program at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), I am so thankful that God has brought Shante to lead OCCCDA. I have known Shante for several years and have worked with her as a colleague and client at the Temple Small Business Development Center and more recently as a consultant who led OCCCDA’s Board and staff retreats. As OCCCDA’s programs have expanded, I feel that Shante’s education, background in economic development, and strong faith are what OCCCDA needs for “such a time as this.”