Attiah is a graduate of the Law & Society program, and holds a minor in Psychology.
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
What was the best part of your time at Jefferson?
The best part about my time at Jefferson was having the space to explore and figure out exactly what I wanted to do. The Law & Society major is so versatile—it allowed me to dive into issues that directly impacted my community, and understand how law and politics shape the way our communities function. I was able to intern in education, nonprofits, and community organizations during my time at Jefferson, and those hands-on experiences played a major role in guiding me to where I am now.
What has having a Jefferson degree done for you, and how has it prepared you for your career?
My bachelor’s degree prepared me for a career rooted in constant learning. I’ve found that even if I didn’t start a role with every technical skill listed, I could rely on my strong soft skills, my ability to quickly learn and adapt, and the leadership abilities I developed during my time at Jefferson. That foundation has helped me confidently take on new challenges and grow in every role I’ve stepped into.
What are you doing now?
I’m currently the Program Manager of Development Services with the City of Philadelphia, where I oversee the Mixed Income Housing Bonus (MIH) program. MIH is an optional incentive for developers to include affordable housing in projects where it typically wouldn’t be built. The program was created in 2012 and expanded in 2018 to preserve affordability in neighborhoods facing development pressures and rising housing costs by requiring affordable units to be rented at fixed Area Median Income (AMI) levels for 50 years.
Since the expansion is still relatively new, a big part of my role has been making sure the program runs smoothly. I manage both the program and staff, streamline internal processes, and create public-facing materials like fact sheets, annual reports, and blog posts. I also identify gaps and challenges in the program and build solutions to improve how we operate.
Outside of work, I’m a mom, a community advocate, and I have my own Party Décor and Rental business called Designs by Serendipity — all of which keep me grounded in the realities of the communities we serve!
What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?
People are often surprised to learn that, despite the position I hold, I only have a bachelor’s degree. I haven’t attended graduate school, but the skills and experiences I gained at Jefferson have been incredibly valuable. They gave me the foundation and confidence to step into leadership roles where continued education has felt optional—not required—for growth.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to our current students?
I’d say: learn all you can and take advantage of every opportunity. Even the things that don’t seem useful in the moment might lead to unexpected connections, experiences, or opportunities down the line. You never know who you’ll meet or what doors could open. Talk to your advisors about your interests, stay curious, and don’t limit yourself.