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. He is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Attending Anesthesiologist, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Department: Anesthesiology and Critical Care.
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.
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.
When he’s not at the pool, Emil is an Associate Professor of Journalism and Coordinator of the Sports Communication & Media Program at Rowan University. His research explores the uses and gratifications of binge-watching and sports fandom. He has published numerous books and articles which have been translated into five different languages. He is also a contributor to Forbes and a former editor at The Washington Post.
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.
Guina Hammond
Guina Hammond is a devoted horticulturalist, yoga teacher, holistic health instructor, scuba diver, garden photographer, storyteller, and lifelong swimmer whose passions bloom across land and sea. A proud native of West Philadelphia, Guina has been a vibrant presence at the University City Swim Club for the past 24 years, carrying on a family legacy that began when her relatives became the 299th family to join the Club.
With a deep reverence for nature and community, Guina brings both wisdom and warmth to her role on the Club’s Grounds Committee, where she tends not only to the trees, shrubs, and flowers, but to the spirit of the space itself. Her efforts help ensure that the Club remains a sanctuary—lush, welcoming, and alive—for all who pass through its gates. To Guina, the Swim Club is more than a place to dive and play; it is a vital community root, grounding generations in joy, health, and connection
Mary E. Livingston
Mary E. Livingston has been a member of UCSC since 1964, when her father, Walter R. Livingston, served as one of the founding members. She has fond memories as a child of visiting the pool during the summer months and making wonderful new friends. She is proud to say that her children and grand-children now enjoy membership at the pool.
Professionally, she is a human resources professional working for The Enterprise Center, The New York Times Regional Newspaper Group, serving in a variety of leadership positions with SCORE Philadelphia, on the Boards of the Philadelphia Tribune, WORC, Walnut Hill Community Association, Philadelphia Chapter of Chums, Incorporated, and now the University City Swim Club.
Brieanna A. Wheeland
Brieanna is proud to call Philadelphia home for the past 16 years and feels deeply connected to our vibrant West Philly community. As a longtime resident, Brieanna cherishes the joy of raising her two children here alongside her husband—sharing in the magic of neighborhood traditions like Halloween, Porchfest and the everyday moments that make this place special.
An attorney by profession, Brieanna is also passionate about building strong, inclusive spaces for families and neighbors to come together. She has been involved in various formal and informal community gatherings and organizations over the years and values the power of local gathering places—like our swim club—as essential hubs of connection, belonging, equity and joy.
Brieanna hopes to bring both professional skills and her deep personal commitment to supporting a welcoming, well-run swim club that reflects West Philly and the surrounding communities.
Angela Dowd-Burton
Angela Dowd-Burton has been a member of the UCSC for over 30 years. Her husband and two sons took full advantage of this local paradise, enjoying the fresh air, community, and glistening waters of the pools and attractive amenities.
Angela is an award-winning business professional with diverse experiences in both the private and public sectors. She has served in global roles in finance, supply chain management, business development, and held local government positions as deputy director of finance, procurement commissioner, and deputy commerce director. Angela has held leadership positions with Dow Chemical, Rohm and Haas, Sunoco, Mobil, and the City of Philadelphia
Angela is president of Dowd Burton & Associates, LLC. Angela serves on several local boards and is an author and editor in chief of A Legacy to Share, Navigating Life’s Challenges & Celebrating Our Greatest Achievements.
As chair of the Inclusivity Committee, Angela is committed to leveraging the assets of the UCSC to create an inclusive space where all families feel welcomed and valued.
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.
