Innovators. Partners. Builders of Tomorrow.

We're a team of researchers, strategists, human-centered designers and community builders that are passionate about evolving how we center humanity in the future of work and wealth. Based at Drexel University's Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation, we create spaces where various voices and rapid learning fuel innovative solutions that build and expand ecosystems of opportunity.

Our Team

  • MICHAEL O'BRYAN

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • AUSTIN PLANER

    DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

  • KEVIN CARTER

    SENIOR RESEARCH + PRACTICE FELLOW

  • ALICIA ATKINSON

    RESEARCH AND INNOVATION OFFICER

  • KYRON RYALS

    MARKETING DIRECTOR

  • TIMOTHY (TJ) DEAN

    ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, MEDIA DESIGN FELLOWSHIP

  • RIAN WATKINS

    CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Why a Lab?

For reasons outside of their control, many people lack the opportunities and investments needed to pursue a quality of life that sustains and supports families.

In Philadelphia, poverty and a segregated and divested public education system contribute to these issues. The same is true in rural spaces where geographic isolation has created economic segregation and a lack of labor force participation resulting in economic immobility.

By the time under-resourced youth reach adulthood, many have not received skills development and experiential opportunities that typically facilitate entry into sustainable career pathways. Many have also been exposed to trauma and loss, resulting in developmental and economic impacts that have not been deeply explored.

The Wealth and Work Futures Lab is part of the humanature social impact portfolio.

Interested in partnering with skilled practitioners to help your organization or initiative make a bigger impact in:

  • workforce development & employee-welling

  • talent and organizational development

  • asset building opportunities for workers

Contact us here.

OUR APPROACH