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.

Connect

Stories by Roxanne Patel Shepelavy:

How to Support Veterans

More than a dozen ways to give back to those who fought to keep you free

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

Reminder — There’s a D.A.’s Race

Why the Forward Party’s endorsement of District Attorney candidate Pat Dugan is good for Philadelphia

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
The Citizen Recommends

Philly Music Fest

The annual event presents nine shows over seven days in venues all over town to raise money for music education in schools. Come for the bands you don’t yet know you’ll love

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

Jimmy Kimmel’s Right to Satirize

Does he have one? A Temple Law professor who studies comedy and democracy on whether both are imperiled now

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

Happy Birthday. Thank You

The Citizen turns 10 today! Here, 10 ways you have helped us make an impact in the last decade

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

Thank You, Carol Saline

The bestselling author, magazine writer and local icon died this weekend. Here’s why she mattered

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

The Museum Will Welcome You Now

Three years into her tenure, Philadelphia Museum of Art Director/CEO Sasha Suda is reimagining the institution for a new age and a new population. Can she convince the city — and her colleagues — to get on board?

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

That Time Ambassador David Cohen Agreed to Chair the Citizen’s Board

The civic giant and ubiquitous local doer advised Mayor Ed Rendell and Comcast’s Brian Roberts before becoming President Biden’s Ambassador to Canada. Here's why he’s made The Citizen his first new role since returning to Philly

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

Advertising Terms

We do not accept political ads, issue advocacy ads, ads containing expletives, ads featuring photos of children without documented right of use, ads paid for by PACs, and other content deemed to be partisan or misaligned with our mission. The Philadelphia Citizen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and all affiliate content will be nonpartisan in nature. Advertisements are approved fully at The Citizen's discretion. Advertisements and sponsorships have different tax-deductible eligibility.

Photo and video disclaimer for attending Citizen events

By entering an event or program of The Philadelphia Citizen, you are entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur. Your entry and presence on the event premises constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with The Philadelphia Citizen and its initiatives, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news and advertising. By entering the event premises, you waive and release any claims you may have related to the use of recorded media of you at the event, including, without limitation, any right to inspect or approve the photo, video or audio recording of you, any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement or for any fees for use of such record media. You understand that all photography, filming and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter the event premises.