Connor Diemand-Yauman

Connor Diemand-Yauman is a prominent figure in the field of education and workforce development, currently serving as the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Merit America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-wage workers transition into skilled careers. Under his leadership, Merit America has made significant strides, including the goal of achieving $1 billion in wage gains for its learners, which positions it as a leader in educational equity and workforce training.123

Background and Education

Diemand-Yauman holds a Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Psychology from Princeton University, where he was awarded the Pyne Prize, the university's highest distinction. His academic work has been widely recognized, with research cited in over 250 academic articles and featured in major publications like The Economist and The New York Times .25

Career Highlights

Before co-founding Merit America in 2020, Connor had an extensive career focused on education and social equity:

• Cofounder and CEO of Philanthropy University: This organization became the largest trainer of working adults in the social sector, operating from 2016 to 2020.
• Head of B2B Strategy at Coursera: He launched Coursera’s business-to-business line, which has grown significantly under his leadership.
• Founder of "Speak Smart News": An educational initiative that reached millions of East Asian learners.
• Teaching Experience: Diemand-Yauman has taught primary school in various countries, including South Africa and South Korea.245

Current Role at Merit America

At Merit America, Diemand-Yauman emphasizes a holistic approach to education by combining online skills training with personalized coaching. The organization aims to facilitate upward mobility for its participants by providing them with the necessary resources to succeed in their chosen careers. He believes in empowering learners to identify their strengths and pursue fulfilling work that aligns with their personal goals.135

Additional Contributions

In addition to his role at Merit America, Connor is also a lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, where he teaches about leadership and organizational culture. His involvement with various organizations includes being a founding member of McKinsey’s Consortium for Advancing Adult Learning & Development and serving on the Human Rights Watch San Francisco committee.245

Personal Interests

Outside his professional endeavors, Connor is passionate about wellness, functional medicine, and community service. He enjoys activities such as boxing and cycling and has volunteered to teach inmates at San Francisco’s County Jail.45 Notably, he has participated in reality TV competitions, including The Amazing Race and American Idol, showcasing his diverse interests beyond education.5

Connor Diemand-Yauman's work continues to impact many lives by bridging the gap between education and employment for underrepresented communities.