Meet the
Owls of Eastern State
Temple alumni are making their mark at Eastern State Penitentiary, bringing their Owl pride and unique expertise to one of Philadelphia’s most fascinating landmarks.
O wls are everywhere, including Eastern State Penitentiary! From education and customer service to human resources and leadership, Owls are involved with every aspect of this iconic museum and historic site. “Temple pushed me and challenged me to think bigger about what was possible for my career,” Jada Hamm, FOX ’20, said, “and it gave me the confidence, foundation and practical experience to pursue leadership early.” Next time you visit for a walking tour or the museum’s popular seasonal attraction, Halloween Nights, say hello—you never know, they just might be a fellow Owl!
The following Q&A has been condensed for clarity and conciseness.
The Owls of Eastern State
Erin Davis, KLN ’07
Director, Halloween Nights
What do you enjoy most about working at Eastern State?
I love the collaboration and creativity that it takes to create a production the scale of Halloween Nights. Our creative team designs and builds everything in-house, including the props, costumes, masks and sets. Whether or not you like the scary stuff, Halloween Nights is truly a work of art fueled by all local artists, and a feast for the senses!
What does Temple mean to you?
My four years at Temple were pivotal in figuring out how to show up in the world as an individual and a professional in a safe environment.
Joshua Davis, TFM ’21
Sales Manager
What do you enjoy most about working at Eastern State?
I love working for an institution that creates real change and allows me to feel like I am actually contributing to making the city and the country a better place. Everyone is affected by the carceral system, even if they don't realize it. Society as a whole will benefit from the reforms we seek, and it motivates me to try my hardest when I clock in each morning.
What does Temple mean to you?
It was a place for me to learn and explore my true self while being surrounded by a city full of opportunities.
Jada Hamm, FOX ’20
Director of Human Resources
What do you enjoy most about working at Eastern State?
If you know me, you know that I lean toward change and embrace it. What I enjoy most about Eastern State is the new programs, new exhibits and the newer things coming down the pipeline that I’m honored to be a part of. I also love that it’s such a unique place—our history, mission, our Halloween Nights Festival, the employees and the visitors create an environment unlike anywhere else. It’s rewarding to know that the work I do behind the scenes ultimately supports the employees who bring that mission to life every day.
What does Temple mean to you?
Looking at where I am today, I can’t tell my story without Temple and the Fox School of Business—they’re the solid foundation of my career. Temple pushed me and challenged me to think bigger about what was possible for my career, and it gave me the confidence, foundation and practical experience to pursue leadership early. Temple plays a huge part in who I am today, not just professionally but personally. I owe a significant part of my success to Temple.
Melanie VanReymersdal Galeas,
TYL ’14
Group Sales and Guest Support Specialist
What do you enjoy most about working at Eastern State?
In the 11 years I’ve been at Eastern State, I’ve had the privilege of working with an extraordinary group of people at every level of the organization, especially the frontline staff. The team at Eastern State works hard to foster connections between the history and famed architecture of the building with modern criminal justice reform through programming, art installations and more.
What does Temple mean to you?
Being a commuter student to Temple University was really my first introduction to coming into the city from the suburbs on a regular basis, ultimately leading to me falling in love with Philadelphia and moving here in 2016. This city is a hub of arts, culture and countless excellent museums, which I first experienced mainly through the lens of being a Temple/Tyler student.
Lauren Zalut, TYL ’05
Partnerships & Arts Program Steward
What do you enjoy most about working at Eastern State?
The opportunity to bring people together through art, history and dialogue. This site asks difficult questions about justice, and I find it deeply rewarding to collaborate with artists, community members and visitors in exploring those issues. A particularly meaningful part of my work is facilitating ReVision: Art and Justice, an artist residency program that supports justice-impacted artists in creating new work inspired by the site and its history. I get to build partnerships, support artist development and help create experiences that encourage reflection, empathy and civic engagement. Eastern State is a powerful place where art can spark conversations that might not happen elsewhere, and I value being part of it.
What does Temple mean to you?
Temple gave me the foundation for the work I do today. As a visual studies major through Tyler, I was encouraged to think across disciplines, connect creative practice with social issues and engage deeply with the city around me. Temple introduced me to Philadelphia’s arts and cultural community. The relationships, networks and sense of place I developed during my time there have been invaluable throughout my career. Today in my role, I work at the intersection of art, public history and community engagement. Much of that work is grounded in the collaborative, city-connected approach that Temple fostered. Temple helped me see Philadelphia not just as a place to study, but as a place to build a meaningful career and contribute to the cultural life of the city.
Are Owls flocking to your place of work as well? Contact us at alumni@temple.edu for a chance for you and your colleagues to be showcased in the future!
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