As we commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8, we present the stories of three exceptional women whose leadership continues to shape the Philadelphia region. Beth Morales Singh, Waleska “Wally” Maldonado, and Illeana Casiano de Vazquez each bring vision, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to their communities. Through their work in corporate governance, human services, and financial stewardship, they embody the strength, resilience, and cultural pride that define Latina leadership.
Beth Morales Singh: leading with purpose in law, governance, and community service
Beth Morales Singh, Secretary of the NEI Board, serves as Associate General Counsel and Head of Corporate Governance in Vanguard’s Office of the General Counsel. In this senior leadership role, she oversees a team responsible for delivering enterprise-wide legal and corporate governance guidance, supporting Vanguard’s mission of stewarding the assets of more than 50 million clients. Her team’s work spans complex corporate matters, regulatory compliance, governance best practices, and risk management strategies that help shape the organization’s long‑term legal framework.
During her tenure at Vanguard, Beth has held a series of progressively senior roles that highlight her deep expertise in corporate law. She previously led Legal and Compliance for Vanguard’s Latin America business, advising cross-border regulatory issues and emerging‑market legal frameworks. Earlier, Beth served as Associate Counsel within Vanguard’s Litigation group. In addition to her enterprise work, she also serves as a Principal Co‑Lead for Vanguard’s Latinx employee resource group, HOLA.
Before joining Vanguard, Beth built a distinguished litigation career. She practiced at Ballard Spahr LLP in Philadelphia and at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in New York, focusing on white‑collar defense and investigations, securities enforcement, , and complex commercial litigation. Her work in private practice included defending clients in high‑stakes matters involving securities, regulatory compliance, and corporate disputes—a strong foundation for her later governance leadership.
Beth has also contributed significantly to the nonprofit and academic sectors. She currently serves as a director on the Nueva Esperanza Inc. board and has served on the board of Esperanza Immigration Legal Services, supporting initiatives aimed at uplifting underrepresented communities and expanding access to legal resources. In academia, she has shared her expertise as a Lecturer in Law at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, mentoring future legal professionals and enriching the broader legal community.
Her academic credentials are equally impressive. Beth earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Columbia Law School, where she was recognized as a James Kent Scholar and served as Editor‑in‑Chief of the Columbia Human Rights Law Review. She holds an M.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley and a B.A. in Political Science from Columbia University. Her interdisciplinary training in political science and law provides her with a nuanced understanding of legal systems, regulatory structures, and governance.
Across all facets of her career—corporate leadership, litigation, governance, community service, and teaching—Beth Morales Singh is recognized as a thoughtful, strategic, and mission‑driven legal leader whose work strengthens both the organizations she serves and the communities she supports.
Waleska “Wally” Maldonado: a transformative leader
Waleska “Wally” Maldonado is a strategic and transformative leader whose work has strengthened health systems, human services, and workforce development initiatives across the region. As Chief Program Officer at JEVS Human Services (JEVS) and Chief Executive Officer of JEVS Care at Home (JCAH), she provides executive leadership to a broad portfolio of programs that connect thousands of individuals to essential health care, education, and economic opportunity.
With more than 25 years of experience in both nonprofit and government sectors, Wally is widely recognized for her ability to guide large, complex systems and for her commitment to expanding access to high‑quality services in underserved communities.
Strategic leadership at JEVS
In her dual roles, Wally oversees multi‑division operations and leads initiatives that strengthen organizational infrastructure and expand the reach of critical services. She is known for her outcomes‑driven approach, operational discipline, and deep commitment to sustainable growth.
Her accomplishments at the city level include directing major initiatives such as the development and management of Family Empowerment Centers and oversight of a $105 million portfolio of prevention services across Philadelphia. Her leadership consistently demonstrates an exceptional capacity to build effective, innovative, and people‑centered systems.
Impactful work at Congreso de Latinos Unidos
Before joining JEVS, Wally served in senior leadership roles at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, one of the most influential Latino organizations in the region. There, she strengthened workforce and training programs and led the development of the organization’s Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). This expansion significantly increased access to comprehensive primary care services for families in historically underserved neighborhoods.
Her leadership helped shape culturally responsive service models and expand partnerships that continue to benefit the community today.
A respected civic and nonprofit leader
Wally is a trusted figure in civic, health, and nonprofit circles. She serves on several boards and advisory committees, contributing her expertise to initiatives focused on health equity, public health, and economic mobility. Her work has been highlighted in notable national publications, including the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, underscoring the impact of her contributions to community well‑being and system transformation.
Academic foundation and personal vision
Wally holds a Master of Health Services Administration from Strayer University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Temple University. Her academic training, combined with decades of hands‑on leadership experience, reflects her commitment to strategic excellence and equitable service delivery.
A leader driven by purpose
Throughout her career, Waleska “Wally” Maldonado has demonstrated that leadership rooted in purpose and service can change lives, strengthen systems, and uplift entire communities. Her ability to blend vision, compassion, and operational rigor continues to shape more inclusive, accessible, and equitable pathways for individuals and families across the region.
Her legacy is one of unwavering dedication to improving lives—one program, one partnership, and one community at a time.
Latino leadership spotlight: Illeana Casiano de Vazquez
Illeana Casiano de Vazquez approaches every challenge with a blend of humility, gratitude, and a profound sense of responsibility. Her leadership style—marked by empathy, clarity, and calm determination—has earned her the respect of colleagues, clients, and community members alike. In many ways, Illeana embodies the essence of Latino leadership: resilient, collaborative, passionate, and deeply rooted in cultural pride.
With more than two decades of experience in financial services, Illeana has built a distinguished career at Vanguard, the investment management firm headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania. She currently oversees a multi‑billion‑dollar client portfolio within Vanguard’s Workplace Solutions Division, guiding teams that serve large institutional clients. Her work has strengthened client retention, enhanced communication, and reduced risk—achievements that have further solidified her reputation for excellence. Throughout her career, she has also led major technology implementations and spearheaded initiatives in change management and process improvement. Her peers recognized her commitment and impact by honoring her with Vanguard’s Award for Excellence in Leadership.
Most recently, Illeana was appointed to lead culture and inclusion integration efforts within the Workplace Solutions Division. In this role, she champions initiatives that create a more inclusive environment, elevate diverse perspectives, and activate Vanguard’s cultural pillars across teams and projects. Her leadership in this space reflects her long-standing commitment to empowering others and cultivating workplaces where people feel valued, respected, and able to thrive.
In 2026, Illeana expanded her public service commitment when she was elected to a six-year term as East Coventry Township Supervisor. Her focus on responsible growth and community well‑being mirrors the values she brings to her professional life. She holds an MBA from La Salle University, a bachelor’s degree from DeSales University, and several industry certifications.
Rooted in family, culture, and community
A proud Philadelphia native, Illeana affectionately calls herself “Phila‑Rican.” She moved to East Coventry in 2018 to raise her family and enjoy a more rural setting. She is married to Samuel, a retired corrections lieutenant, and is the mother of two sons, Sam and Mateo; stepmother to Chris and his wife Valerie; and grandmother to Tyrnan. At home, she keeps Puerto Rican culture alive through food, music, and family traditions—another dimension of her leadership anchored in identity and joy.
Leadership with purpose
Known for her humility and empathetic approach, Illeana leads with purpose and heart. Whether serving clients, supporting colleagues, or strengthening her community, she consistently strives to uplift others. Her journey reflects the power of Latino leadership: grounded in resilience, driven by collaboration, and enriched by cultural pride.
