Ms. Newkirk has chaired several boards and has a long history of working to improve the plight of others. She currently chairs the Center for Community Partnerships’ Community Advisory Board at Penn. Ms. Newkirk is also a former board member of SEPTA. Having practiced law for 25 years, Ms. Newkirk’s honest reputation was gained due to her recognizing the importance of providing a voice for the community in the practices of the University of Pennsylvania. She encourages the University to address issues of education, employment and health of the surrounding community.