ThinkFest Snapshot: Helen Gym

We’re rounding up the reasons Philly Mag readers should not miss ThinkFest, our week-long event connecting the brightest minds and most innovative ideas in Philadelphia. 

Helen Gym, a prominent advocate for the Philadelphia public school system, teams up with other Philadelphia education activists to discuss the topic: “Is the Philadelphia School District Worth Saving? Innovating Outside of the System.”

As co-founder of Parents United for Public Education, Helen fights alongside other parents pushing for a greater investment in schools and classrooms. As an advocate of quality public education, Helen is also the co-founder at the Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School which supports community-based arts programs for immigrants living in the city.

A true leader for education and the community, Helen was named the Philadelphia Inquirer‘s Citizen of the Year in 2007, and her most recent award comes from the Rotary Club of Philadelphia honoring her for her exemplary vocational services. Her views on the importance of maintaining a strong public school system, as well as her analysis of the latest trends in the education reform movement, will certainly make for a compelling panel discussion.

You can catch this panel discussion, one of 17 idea-sparking sessions during ThinkFest’s Main Event, on Saturday, November 9th, at The Kimmel Center.

Learn more about ThinkFest (featuring keynote speaker Chris Matthews) and buy your tickets now.