Cecilia Moy Yep
Cecilia Moy Yep was born and raised in Philadelphia and has lived in Chinatown for most of her life. She attended St. John the Evangelist School and the Holy Redeemer School. After graduating from the John W. Hallahan High School, Cecilia began her career at Curriculum Materials as a film librarian.
In 1966, when the Holy Redeemer Church and School were scheduled for demolition by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to build what is today known as the Vine Street Expressway, Cecilia recognized the irreparable damage this would do to the community. She formed a grassroots advocacy group which was later incorporated into the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC). The organization's mission was successful as the Church and School still exists and remains a very integral part of the community. PCDC, as an organization, continues to exist and represent the community in matters of urban renewal and community development for the past 47 years.
In 1976, Ms. Yep became the Executive Director of PCDC and was responsible for 235 units of new residential and commercial developments in the Chinatown community. Her last development, Hing Wah Yuen, received the national Maxwell Award from the Fannie Mae Foundation for Excellence in Community Development. Among her many projects is the Chinatown Friendship Gate, an internationally known project and landmark, located at 10th and Arch Streets. Although formally retired as Director Emeritus of PCDC, she continues to serve on the Board and many of its committees.
In 1987, she co-founded the Asian American Women’s Coalition (AAWC) with Judge Ida Chen. AAWC honored her by establishing
a scholarship in her name. The scholarship program raises funds to assist Asian American female high school students with financial need to pursue their educational goals.
Ms. Yep serves on the Community Advisory Committee of PNC Bank and the Executive Committee of the Urban Affairs Coalition. She is the Vice President of On Lok House for the Elderly. Finally, she is a member of the Mayor's Commission on Asian American Affairs and Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania.
Cecilia Moy Yep continues to reside in Chinatown and although she is still actively involved in community events, she makes time for family: her 3 grown children, of whom she is extremely proud, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren.
In 1966, when the Holy Redeemer Church and School were scheduled for demolition by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to build what is today known as the Vine Street Expressway, Cecilia recognized the irreparable damage this would do to the community. She formed a grassroots advocacy group which was later incorporated into the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC). The organization's mission was successful as the Church and School still exists and remains a very integral part of the community. PCDC, as an organization, continues to exist and represent the community in matters of urban renewal and community development for the past 47 years.
In 1976, Ms. Yep became the Executive Director of PCDC and was responsible for 235 units of new residential and commercial developments in the Chinatown community. Her last development, Hing Wah Yuen, received the national Maxwell Award from the Fannie Mae Foundation for Excellence in Community Development. Among her many projects is the Chinatown Friendship Gate, an internationally known project and landmark, located at 10th and Arch Streets. Although formally retired as Director Emeritus of PCDC, she continues to serve on the Board and many of its committees.
In 1987, she co-founded the Asian American Women’s Coalition (AAWC) with Judge Ida Chen. AAWC honored her by establishing
a scholarship in her name. The scholarship program raises funds to assist Asian American female high school students with financial need to pursue their educational goals.
Ms. Yep serves on the Community Advisory Committee of PNC Bank and the Executive Committee of the Urban Affairs Coalition. She is the Vice President of On Lok House for the Elderly. Finally, she is a member of the Mayor's Commission on Asian American Affairs and Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania.
Cecilia Moy Yep continues to reside in Chinatown and although she is still actively involved in community events, she makes time for family: her 3 grown children, of whom she is extremely proud, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren.