This headshot of co-executive editor Roxanne Patel Shepelavy accompanies her bio on The Philadelphia Citizen's mastheadRoxanne Patel Shepelavy oversees the workings of The Citizen, including its editorial content.  She also writes and edits stories about solutions to problems in Philly.

Roxanne has been a Philadelphia journalist for more than two decades. She’s an award-winning magazine writer whose work in national and regional magazines explored the effects of war; the moral and literal cost of healthcare; kick-ass female athletes; art capers; self-help scams; and a range of women’s and social issues.

Roxanne is passionate about Philadelphia, a city she loves and worries over in equal measure.

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Stories by Roxanne Patel Shepelavy:

Citizen of the Year Awards

Jane Golden, Edward G. Rendell Lifetime Achievement Award

Mural Arts Philadelphia’s founder and executive director, who is stepping down this year, has made Philly the public art capital of the country, with over 4,400 murals gracing walls citywide. Here are the ones that tell her story

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
Citizen of the Year

Dr. Paul Offit

The man who RFK Jr. wants you to hate just wants to save our kids, using proven science

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
The Citizen Recommends

Take a Cab

Why pay Silicon Valley tech companies for your ride when locally-owned taxi cabs are cheaper, faster and put money back into Philadelphia’s economy?

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

Breaking Bread For Citizenship

The Welcoming Center’s 2026 dinner series will bring immigrants and native-born Philadelphians together to explore the themes of neighborliness and good citizenship while bonding over the most human of activities: eating

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

One Thing to Do Each Week to Make a Better City in 2026

52 small ways to make Philadelphia a little better for you, me, your neighbors and strangers

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

Adios, 2025 …

… happy to have you in the rear view. Here, the things we cared about in the year that was — and what to expect in 2026.

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
Citizen of the Week

LaTonya Myers

The Philly woman was on probation for 12 years before securing her early release. Now she’s helping others navigate the system — including a local mom who is now probation-free thanks to REFORM Alliance and Myers’ nonprofit, Above All Odds

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

“To Be On Someone’s Mind Is To Be Loved”

It’s hard to serve others these days. That’s why the United Way’s Bill Golderer, along with former Big Brothers CEO Marcus Allen, is giving thanks this week to Philly’s nonprofit leaders

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

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