Aldustus (A.J.) Jordan, MSW’00, has built a career rooted in service, community partnership, and expanding opportunity for children and families. Now serving as president of the Vanguard Group Foundation, he oversees global philanthropy and civic engagement efforts informed by the community‑centered values he strengthened at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2). From early nonprofit work in Philadelphia to advancing equitable investments through corporate social impact, Jordan’s path reflects a deep commitment to centering lived experience and nurturing the next generation of leaders. In this Q&A, he reflects on what drew him to SP2, the moments that shaped his career, and the legacy he hopes to leave.

Why did you choose Penn and SP2?

In addition to Penn’s stellar reputation and world class faculty, I chose SP2’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program to gain a deeper understanding of ways to improve social policies, systems, and programs to enhance the lives of children and families.

How did you first know you wanted to be involved in this kind of work? Why?

My lifelong commitment to increasing the quality of life for children and families started at an early age. My family, especially my parents who served others selflessly, inspired me to use my talents and community-centered values to build a career and legacy focused on meaningful service to others.

What did you like the most about your experience at SP2? What would you consider the key takeaways?

What I valued most about my SP2 experience was how deeply it shaped the way I see my work. Learning alongside thoughtful, values driven faculty and peers — many at different stages of their careers — pushed me to reflect more intentionally on my own path. Spending time immersed in community-based settings deepened my understanding of how complex social programs affect individuals and reinforced the importance of centering the voices of children and families in social policy.

What led you to your current position?

After graduating from SP2, I worked at a Philadelphia-based children’s advocacy organization, building coalitions and partnerships with civic leaders, public officials, and everyday citizens to expand educational opportunities and policies for vulnerable families.  My early career nonprofit sector experiences serve as a constant reminder that equitable communities can only be achieved through the power of public and private partnerships informed by the voices and lived experiences of neighborhood residents.  These community-centered values have served as a north star throughout my career in the corporate social impact sector, including my current role overseeing Vanguard’s global philanthropy, volunteerism, and civic engagement strategy.

What professional accomplishments have been most meaningful to you and why?

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to lead teams of talented professionals across the nonprofit and corporate social impact sectors who have created significant pathways to economic mobility for families and communities. One of the most meaningful accomplishments was during COVID when I served as national head of community relations for the Wells Fargo Foundation. At a time when many communities of color were facing unprecedented challenges, I played a leading role in transferring over $100 million in philanthropic assets from the company to the Philadelphia Foundation to launch a new philanthropic entity governed by a community-led board. This effort served as a catalyst for the long-term revitalization of Greater Philadelphia neighborhoods through multi-year resident-driven planning and implementation grants.

What are you looking forward to in your career, and how do you think your SP2 experience has or will impact your professional path?

What brings a great deal of joy and purpose is nurturing the next generation of leaders. Many years ago, I came across a quote attributed to Kalu Ndukwe Kalu: “the things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” I’ve been very fortunate throughout my lifetime to be surrounded by mentors who have strengthened my core values and served as a source of inspiration. In the years ahead, I want to do the same—create opportunity, offer guidance and invest in the development of emerging leaders in a meaningful way that will prepare them for opportunities for greater societal impact.