Alma Mater: Columbia University
A quote or motto you live by: I consider myself an Optimistic Realist.
For nearly 20 years, Pamphile has steered the T. Howard Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing opportunities for college students in media, tech and entertainment through its internship placement program. Anyone who has attended the Foundation’s annual fundraising dinner has seen her impact—reflected in the dozens of interns in the room, the many alumni now working in the industry and the strong roster of sponsors supporting the cause. Over the summer, Pamphile stepped down and passed the CEO title to Jodi Lopez. But she continues to serve as a valued advisor to the organization.
Impact Factor: Just do the math. T. Howard is 32 years old, with Pamphile leading it for nearly two decades. That included during the pandemic, where she and her team created a virtual orientation filled with personal touches.
If you weren’t in this business, what career might you have pursued? Likely academia. Looking back, much of my professional journey has been with nonprofits that focus on helping people improve their lives and achieve their goals. That same passion for service and growth could have led me to continue my education, earn a doctorate, and teach—sharing knowledge and inspiring others in a classroom setting.
What had the biggest impact on your leadership journey? A friend introduced me to an instructor at the Fashion Institute of Technology. He was the director of a program that supported those earning their GED while also teaching them textile design and screen printing. The director invited me to work with his students, focusing on building their self-esteem and motivation. That moment marked the beginning of my leadership journey.
If your colleagues had to describe you in three words, what would they say? Dedicated, because I pour my heart into ensuring every intern feels valued and every partnership thrives. The Foundation’s growing impact is built on our team’s deep belief that we’re not just running programs—we’re changing lives and shaping futures. Motivator, because I light up when brainstorming ways to elevate our community. I’m constantly asking, “What if we tried this?” and “How can we make this even better?” My enthusiasm for innovation often sparks our team to push boundaries and create experiences that leave lasting impressions on everyone we serve. Resilient. When the pandemic threatened to disconnect us from our community, I knew we couldn’t let that happen. My team and I transformed uncertainty into opportunity—creating our first virtual orientation and surprising interns with branded swag that reminded them they belonged. We also reimagined two Annual Dinners as virtual celebrations that somehow brought us even closer together. We didn’t just adapt; we discovered ways to connect that continued to make our work meaningful.