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Amy Vreeland
2022 MC/MPA Candidate at Harvard
Professional Background
Amy Vreeland is a dedicated social entrepreneur and change-maker with a rich background in education, human rights, and international development. Kindled by a passion for fostering high-impact social change, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to creating and scaling innovative organizations, products, and program models. With extensive experience in leading human-centered design initiatives and developing best practices, Amy has worked tirelessly to unlock the potential of individuals, organizations, and systems on a local and global scale.
One noteworthy accomplishment in her career includes founding a social enterprise that re-imagines the professional learning experience for teachers. By catalyzing innovation potential within schools and communities, this enterprise aims to empower educators and catalyze transformative changes in educational systems.
Amy has also made significant contributions through her work in rural South Africa, where she spearheaded on-the-ground product design and prototyping initiatives. Her efforts led to the generation of local jobs and economic development within the community, proving the profound impact that well-thought-out programs can have in fostering sustainable development.
Another pivotal moment in her career was her role in supporting the relaunch of New Orleans' International High School following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Through her leadership, the school became the first International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma-granting high school in the city, solidifying her commitment to inclusive and high-quality education.
In addition to these accomplishments, Amy has designed and managed programming dedicated to the retention and successful graduation of first-generation and under-represented college students across the United States. This work, which directly addresses educational inequality, showcases her ability to create effective models that support students from varied backgrounds in achieving their academic goals.
Education and Achievements
Amy possesses a robust educational background, having studied International Affairs and Anthropology at the University of Colorado's College of Arts and Sciences. Her passion for pursuing education and development on an international scale led her to achieve academic credentials from several acclaimed institutions. She completed the International Baccalaureate Program and attended prestigious universities, including Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro.
Demonstrating her commitment to continued professional development, Amy is a 2022 candidate for a Master of Public Administration with a focus on Behavioral Economics at Harvard University. Her studies at Universidad de Guadalajara's Centro de Estudios Para Extranjeros further enhance her understanding of diverse cultures and systems, critical for her work in social impact and education.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Amy has accumulated remarkable achievements across various organizations. As the Founder and CEO of TrueSchool, she has been instrumental in shaping innovative educational experiences for teachers and students alike. Her role as an Advisor at ThinkImpact allowed her to further amplify her influence in driving social change.
Vreeland's pivotal impact as a Founding Teacher at The International High School of New Orleans saw her actively participating in the establishment of a vibrant and inclusive educational environment. Additionally, her work as an Associate at Greenhouse Scholars enabled her to collaborate with fellow educators and innovators, raising the bar for educational standards.
Beyond her work in education, Amy also served as a United Nations Monitor for the International Service for Human Rights, where she co-authored analyses of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. This experience reflects her commitment to advocating for human rights on an international scale.
Her tenure as a Political and Economic Intern at the U.S. Department of State in Brazil further highlights her dedication to understanding and addressing global issues. During her impactful ten months as an independent researcher in Argentina, Ecuador, and Brazil, she conducted primary research that culminated in a comparative analysis of development approaches linked to child health and learning outcomes. This endeavor not only contributed to the academic field but also reinforced her dedication to improving lives through education and development initiatives.
Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, Amy Vreeland embodies a commitment to cultural understanding and effective communication in her work. Her passion for fostering social change is evident in her various roles and contributions to creating an equitable world, empowering individuals through education, and advocating for human rights. Amy’s professional journey showcases her exceptional abilities as a leader, innovator, and advocate, positioning her as an inspiring figure in the field of education and beyond.