Raymond John
Advisory Board Member
As a first generation student, Raymond believes that there are few things more important to a community than a high-quality public school. When his parents first immigrated from Korea they struggled for years to save enough money just to move into a neighborhood that had access to a great school. Raymond’s belief was strengthened while he attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, a city where the majority of low-income families lack access to a high quality public school within their communities. His observations motivated him to help launch a volunteer-based initiative to support low-income high school students through the process of applying to college and other post-secondary opportunities. Raymond saw that students did significantly better when their school had a culture that empowered every student—not just a select few or the highest achieving— to pursue education beyond 12th grade, and how that culture can be used as a vehicle to build stronger school communities. This experience laid the groundwork for the mission and vision of 12+, which Raymond co-founded in 2012.
Since its inception, Raymond has twice been bestowed the Philadelphia City Council Citation of Honor and Recognition for his work in Education. His leadership and impact through 12+ has been featured on NBC, FOX, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and U.S. News. He was also selected as one of Billy Penn's 40 under 40 "Who's Next" rising leaders in Philadelphia. Last year, Raymond led 12+'s first expansion beyond Philadelphia into Camden, NJ through an ambitious partnership with the Camden City School District. 12+'s impact in just one year was enough to draw the attention of the U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, who visited the Camden High 12+ PLUS Center this past fall stating afterwards, "We want to see this across the country... programs like this are opening doors."
Additionally, Raymond is the Co-Founder/Owner of Càphe Roasters, an award-winning specialty coffee roastery/cafe based in Kensington.
Background
EDUCATION
B.A., University of Pennsylvania
WORK EXPERIENCE
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of 12 Plus
Co-Founder/Owner of Càphê Roasters
AWARDS
Philadelphia City Council Citation of Honor and Recognition in Education
Philanthropitch Winner
M. Night Shyamalan Foundation Emerging Leader
Billy Penn 40 under 40
USC NetKAL Fellows