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Alison B.
I build partnerships that lead to social and policy change.
Professional Background
Alison B. is an esteemed professional with over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, blending her passion for social change with strategic communication expertise. Her journey began at a small nonprofit organization in North Carolina, where she devoted her efforts to empowering young individuals to create their own media. This early experience laid the foundation for a career dedicated to advocating for youth involvement and broader social issues.
One of Alison’s significant roles was with Rock the Vote (RTV), an organization aimed at increasing political participation among the youth. Here, she championed the cause of young voters, working diligently to change the narrative around their importance in the electoral process. Her work transcended borders, taking her to Cambodia and Mexico, where she trained emerging political leaders. Alison's commitment to global youth engagement continued as she participated as a faculty member for the Salzburg Seminar in Austria, guiding groups from Eastern Europe and sub-Saharan Africa on how to mobilize and engage young voters effectively.
Alison’s academic accomplishments complemented her professional endeavors. At Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, she collaborated with the Kaiser Family Foundation and UNAIDS to develop a strategic plan for the Global Media AIDS Initiative. This initiative focused on rallying media companies worldwide to contribute resources in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic, showcasing her ability to merge policy with media influence for social good.
Following her time at Harvard, Alison was handpicked by former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Mary Robinson to spearhead the strategic plan for the Business Women’s Initiative against HIV/AIDS. Demonstrating her adeptness in strategic planning and advocacy, Alison then joined Ogilvy PR, where she worked with the Gates Foundation to enhance their grantees’ capacity as effective advocates for global health initiatives.
In her role at DDB, Alison led the agency’s Issues & Advocacy group, collaborating with high-profile clients including the Packard Foundation, the Gates Foundation, the Reproductive Health Technologies Project, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Equality California. Her leadership in these initiatives has been instrumental in driving impactful campaigns that resonate on a global scale.
In 2011, Alison took a significant step forward by founding Aggregate, a creative strategy group focused on collaborating with nonprofit organizations, foundations, authors, and filmmakers who aspire to create social impact. Under her guidance, Aggregate embodies the belief that effective collaboration is central to achieving meaningful social change.
Education and Achievements
Alison's educational credentials position her as a thought leader in her field. She holds a Master of Public Policy with a focus on Public/Private Partnerships for Social Good from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. This prestigious education has equipped her with the analytical and strategic skills necessary to tackle complex social issues and develop impactful initiatives.
Prior to her master’s degree, Alison earned her Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from Hampshire College. This foundation in media has been crucial in her career, allowing her to fuse the power of communication with advocacy work, helping to raise awareness around key issues affecting communities globally.
Through her work, Alison has not only driven significant projects aimed at engagement and advocacy but has also contributed to shaping the landscape of nonprofit communications and strategic partnership development. Her remarkable ability to connect diverse stakeholders and foster collaborative environments has led to enhanced visibility and support for critical social causes.
Notable Achievements
- Developed the strategic plan for the Global Media AIDS Initiative during her time at Harvard, mobilizing global media resources against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
- Led major initiatives for Rock the Vote, significantly increasing political engagement among young voters in the U.S., and training political leaders internationally.
- Successfully collaborated with high-profile organizations such as the Gates Foundation, where she helped strengthen the capacity of grantees to effectively advocate for public health initiatives.
- Founded Aggregate, promoting the importance of collaboration in achieving social change and working on various impactful projects across the nonprofit sector.
- Orchestrated effective communication strategies across multiple organizations, enhancing their ability to advocate for social issues, engage communities, and mobilize resources effectively.
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