Carolyn Moseley

Carolyn is the Executive Director of the Eastwick United Community Development Association.

A resident of Eastwick for over 25 years, Carolyn earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in urban planning from Cheyney State University and certifications in public relations from Villanova University. In 1980, Carolyn began a career in real estate, which led to a 30-year tenure with the City of Philadelphia in community real estate development, finance, housing policy development, and community planning. Upon Carolyn's retirement from the City of Philadelphia, she joined the Fair Housing Rights Center where her work involved advocacy for fair housing rights and compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Rights Act of 1965.

Following her service at the Fair Housing Rights Center, Carolyn became an advocate for her community in its quest for restorative justice. Her efforts include the design and implementation of aggressive media campaigns to bring attention to environmental injustices in Eastwick as well as educational forums to build awareness among residents, elected officials, and city departments on environmental justice concerns. Carolyn created the concept of a land-swap purposed to keep residents safe from catastrophic flooding, avoid displacement from the community, and make residents whole - all due to the failed implementation of one of the largest urban renewal programs in US history.

Ms. Moseley’s efforts in environmental justice continue on a larger scale through her appointment to the city’s Environmental Justice Advisory Commission where she, along with other commissioners, will evaluate and recommend policy changes to remove barriers that prevent environmental justice in communities throughout the City of Philadelphia.

We asked Carolyn some questions for our profile (This interview has been edited for length and clarity):

What does environmental justice mean to you?

Environmental justice means equal access to goods, services, education, wealth, living conditions that promote, health, prosperity and well-being for everyone. It also means equal distribution of the burdens and benefits from the impacts of the built-out environment. 

You began your career in real estate. How did that take you to your work in environmental justice?

My career in real estate provided me with knowledge of land use and planning which has influenced my work in the field of environmental justice.

Tell us more about the idea behind the land-swap program.

The concept of the land swap is purposed to first, keep residents safe by moving them to higher ground. Next, to avoid displacement of those in the community who are impacted. This aspect of the land swap is a critical component of the concept so that mistakes made by the City during the implementation of the Urban Renewal Plan is not repeated. Last, residents should be made whole. Homes were constructed in a location that has a long history of flooding. Residents have suffered emotionally and financially from repetitive flooding. The land swap concept suggests that replacement housing should not place additional economic burden on impacted residents. 

What does the Eastwick United Community Development Association do?

The primary purpose of the Eastwick United Community Development Corporation is to achieve restorative justice for the Eastwick community. 

What is something about you that we don’t know?

What many people don't know about me is that I am a certified Travel Consultant.

If you would like information on being a sponsor of the 2023 Celebrating Women in Conservation Awards event, please contact Travis DiNicola at dinicola@pennfuture.org or 717-214-7924.

Thanks to our sponsors!