Patricia Isakowitz
Patricia Isakowitz has been a member of the swim club for over 25 years and says the swim club has been, and still is, an essential part of her family’s summers. Her husband, Tomas, served on the board for many years. They raised their three children at the pool and all three became lifeguards. She has been a psychotherapist in private practice for over ten years. Prior to that, she worked for a group practice and at CHOP and the University of Pennsylvania.
Patricia was President of the Board of the Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work for four years, and she is still a Board member of this organization.
She wants to make sure the swim club stays connected with the sense of community and diversity that gave birth to it, at the same time as it brings in new and innovative ideas.
Samir Thaker
Samir serves as Vice President of the University City Swim Club Board.
Sharon Farrell
Sharon and her family have belonged to the University Swim Club for 7 years in the 1980’s. We enjoyed the summer swim club while our family grew with the birth of three children. In 1990 we moved to NJ to a home(s) with more space, and joined a summer swim club in Wenonah, NJ. We were active participants in the Wenonah Swim Club, including our five children who participated in the summer swimming program for 21 years. Sharon served as a Wenonah Swim Club board member for 12 years. Responsibilities included being in charge of the Wenonah Swim Team, and secretary to the Wenonah Pool Board.
Upon return to University City in 2015, we were pleased at the capital improvements made to the grounds and pool. We rejoined in 2016 and love spending time at the club. We love the diversity and atmosphere of the pool. After the pandemic, there was a large number of board members who did not return for another term, a total of six (out of nine) members. Sharon decided to offer her Board member expertise and run for the Board in 2021.
Sharon is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who worked at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for 38.5 years. She is now working in a School Based Wellness Centers in Wilmington, DE. Sharon and her husband live on 49th street – 3 blocks from the pool.
Brian Glazer
Brian Glazer and family have been members of UCSC for over 10 years and enjoy spending summer days swimming and socializing with friends and neighbors from across West Philadelphia. In his professional life, Brian is an Emmy-nominated producer and production executive for non-fiction television and social issue documentaries. Along with his wife Fern, he also co-owns the branding and marketing agency Little Warrior, based in University City. His many years spent overseeing operations and financial management in his work life prepared him well to take on the role of Treasurer for UCSC, where he happily serves the community.
Margaret Livingston
Born and raised in West Philadelphia. Attended the Henry C. Lea School and the Philadelphia High School for Girls. Always having for teaching, I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. Worked 35 years at the Sharswood Elementary School. During my time there I was Special Education Teacher and later became the Dean of Students and Special Education Liaison.
My parents, Walter R. Livingston Jr and Marjorie C. Livingston were always actively involved in our community. You could say they were my role models and mentors. I have been Block Captain for the 4600 Block of Locust Street for over 30 years. Proudly nicknamed “ the Mayor of Locust Street”. Instrumental in getting yard lanterns for the residents through a grant provided by UCBrite and University of Pennsylvania. Organized my residents to participate in the Philadelphia More Beautiful Contest in 1995 in which we placed first place. Worked the Election Polls with my parents and continued on after they stepped down.
Mary E. Livingston
Mary E. Livingston has worked in human resources for over 30 years. She is president and founder of M. Livingston Group, a human resources consultancy & training company founded in 2000. She provides human resources services primarily to small companies and is a national trainer facilitating a wide range of topics to enhance bottom-line results for today’s workplace. She was formerly the Human Resources Director for the New York Times Regional Newspaper Group and the Program Director for the Maynard Institute’s management program, which was held annually at the Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
She currently supports small business working in a variety of leadership positions with SCORE Philadelphia. She was initially introduced to the SCORE Association through its Atlanta chapter. She volunteered with SCORE Atlanta for two years prior moving back to Philadelphia in 2007. Since then, she has volunteered her time and served with each executive director since the chapter was re-chartered in 2006.
Mary is on the Board of the Philadelphia Tribune, WORC Loan Advisory Board, Walnut Hill Community Association, Philadelphia Chapter of Chums, Incorporated, and the University City Swim Club. Past services and memberships include the Philadelphia African American Chamber of Commerce, Society of Human Resources Management, National Association of Minority Media Executives (NAMME), Toastmasters
Guina Hammond
Guina Hammond, a West Philadelphia native, is a horticulturalist, yoga teacher, holistic health instructor; scuba diver; avid garden photographer; storyteller and swimmer. Guina has been swimming at the UC Swim Club for twenty-four years and members of her extended family were the two-hundred and ninety-ninth family to join the club. Guina knows the importance of having the swim club in the community and values its existence.
Emil Steiner
Emil Steiner has been coming to the pool club since the 1980s and has served on the Board since 2023. As the father of two young children, he describes UCSC as "a shared oasis where families create memories together." His Board work focuses on member engagement and serving as a voice for busy parents who cannot attend meetings. Emil is an Associate Professor of Journalism and Coordinator of the Sports Communication & Media Program at Rowan University.
Inés Gorban
Inés has been a member of the University City Swim Club since 2009. She is a Penn graduate with a background in education, communications, and real estate. She manages UCSC’s membership, finances, and registration. She collaborates with the Board of Directors, vendors and our pool management company to ensure the Club’s smooth operation, and is the spokesperson for our little oasis.
