Staff

Paul Socolar, editor and director
215-951-0330 x2107, pauls@thenotebook.org
Editor and director of the Notebook since 1999, Paul was one of the Notebook’s founders in 1994. He came to the Notebook as a public school parent with a long history of involvement in public education and other social justice issues. His children both graduated from Philadelphia public schools. He has been an active Home & School Association member and served as a parent representative on a School Council. Prior to becoming editor, he worked on education issues for the National Coalition of Education Activists and the American Friends Service Committee.

Wendy Harris, managing editor
215-951-0330 x2145, wendyh@thenotebook.org
Wendy became the Notebook's managing editor in October 2008. She has been a contributing writer to Black Enterprise magazine covering small businesses and previously worked as a managing editor for Hollister Creative Services, a custom publishing company in Wynnewood, Pa. She is also the author of two business books: Black Enterprise Guide to Starting Your Own Business and Against All Odds: Ten Entrepreneurs Who Followed Their Hearts and Found Success. Wendy is a Philadelphia native and Penn State graduate.

Dale Mezzacappa, contributing editor
215-951-0330 x2112, dalemezz@comcast.net
Dale joined the staff in February, 2008 after two years as a freelance contributor. She brings to the Notebook two decades of experience covering education for the Philadelphia Inquirer, a strong local and national reputation as an award-winning reporter, and a wealth of local and national contacts. As Contributing Editor, Dale writes stories as well as editing content for the Notebook. She is president of the board of the national Education Writers Association, teaches a journalism coures at Swarthmore, and works with Philadelphia high school newspapers through the Prime Movers project.

Corey Mark, operations/business manager
215-951-0330 x2160, coreym@thenotebook.org
Corey Mark became the operations/business manager in May 2009. He comes to The Notebook from national media activist organization the Prometheus Radio Project, where he helped to advance development and communication efforts.  Drawing on a background of both fundraising and organizing experience, Corey is committed to supporting The Notebook's mission, "to contribute to the development of a strong movement for educational change in the city," by supporting the growth of the organization's operational capacity.  Corey is a graduate of Swarthmore College.

Erika Owens, Web editor
215-951-0330 x2155, erikao@thenotebook.org
Erika became interested in education while working as a tutor in the D.C. Public Schools. She completed an AmeriCorps term of service at her high school in Erie, PA and brings that direct service experience to her work at the Notebook. Erika has been a freelance writer since college and began working with web content in her first job after college.

Staff consultants

Harvey Finkle, photography
www.harveyfinkle.com
Harvey is a still photographer who documents the activities of many progressive organizations and has produced a substantial body of work concerned with social, political and cultural issues. His work has been extensively exhibited and published, including three books entitled, "Urban Nomads," "Still Home: Jews of South Philadelphia" and "Reading."

Mildred S. Martinez, Spanish translation
millysuazo@gmail.com
Mildred has served as Spanish translator for the Notebook since 2000. She provides translation services from her home in Allentown, PA.

Joseph Kemp, designer
Joseph Kemp is a graphic designer in Morrisville, PA, a strong supporter of public education, and a Morrisville school board member.