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Kathlyn Pattillo
Consultant & writer focused on systems change in education.
Professional Background
Kathlyn Pattillo is a dynamic education consultant currently based in Atlanta, USA. With a profound focus on systems change in education across Africa, she utilizes her extensive expertise to support clients through her consultancy, EdWell. Kathlyn's primary objective at EdWell is to dismantle barriers and identify opportunities for transforming education systems from early childhood development (ECD) through primary and secondary education, while also emphasizing the significance of universities and vocational/skills training.
As a thought leader in the education sector, Kathlyn excels at Systems Mapping, a process she has honed over her seven plus years of direct experience in understanding the complexities of education systems and the myriad of challenges faced by education leaders and funders across various contexts. Her deep-seated commitment to enhancing educational outcomes is evident in her ability to identify key actors, forces, and leverage points, ultimately guiding her clients in seizing opportunities to influence education systems positively.
In addition to Systems Mapping, Kathlyn is adept at designing and facilitating gatherings that bring together education leaders and funders. Through these curated spaces, participants are encouraged to connect, learn from one another, and amplify their collective impact on education. These gatherings are instrumental in fostering collaboration and building networks that drive systemic change in the African education landscape.
Beyond consulting and gathering facilitation, Kathlyn is a passionate educator. She leads engaging workshops and speaks to various groups, sharing her insights on systems change and the landscape of educational innovation and reform across Africa. Her profound knowledge and research-based approach enable her to inform and inspire stakeholders toward more effective practices in the field.
Education and Achievements
Kathlyn’s educational journey laid a robust foundation for her career in education change. She began her studies at The Westminster Schools before pursuing higher education at the School for International Training. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies from Wesleyan University, where her passion for education and social equity was further cultivated.
Kathlyn’s commitment to education is reflected in her impressive professional trajectory, which includes serving as Co-Founder and CEO of Metis in Nairobi, where she accelerated collective learning in the education ecosystem, making the city a model for systems change. She has also contributed her expertise as a Board Member at Moringa School, elevating educational opportunities in the technology sector. Her academic prowess was recognized during her time as a Research Fellow at The Fulbright Program, where she explored critical aspects of education reform.
At the African Leadership Academy, Kathlyn gained valuable experience teaching future leaders from over 30 African countries. She contributed as both Entrepreneurial Leadership Faculty and Writing and Rhetoric Faculty, developing programs that encourage innovation and self-directed learning among young leaders in Africa. Her early career included roles such as Assistant to the Founder and Dean, Research Assistant at Educate!, Correspondent at Reach The World, and intern positions that provided her with broad exposure to various facets of community and educational development.
Notable Contributions and Achievements
Kathlyn Pattillo’s contributions to the educational landscape in Africa are noteworthy. She has engaged in extensive research on educational leaders and funders, gaining insights into the challenges they face and the specific contexts of countries such as Kenya, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. Her thesis about why national reforms failed to improve schools in South Africa represents a significant exploration of education policy and systemic barriers.
In Kenya, she co-founded Metis, which is recognized for fostering collective learning and collaborative solutions within the education sector, thus enabling Nairobi’s education scene to serve as an exemplary case for systemic transformation. Her in-depth work in DRC led to a compelling case study of an entrepreneur spearheading CIYOTA, which highlights innovative approaches to local educational challenges.
In Uganda, her interviews with principals for Educate! demonstrate her commitment to ground-level research, capturing firsthand accounts that enrich her understanding of educational needs and successes across the continent. As she navigates the complex landscape of African education, her professional experiences are complemented by her Pan-African network cultivated during her four years at the African Leadership Academy.
Conclusion
Kathlyn Pattillo is a dedicated education consultant whose work exemplifies a deep commitment to systemic change in education across Africa. With a wealth of experience, innovative thinking, and a collaborative spirit, she is making a significant impact as the founder of EdWell. Her journey is a testament to her passion for educational reform and her belief in transformative learning that adapts to the unique cultural contexts of African nations.
Through her consultancy, her engagements as a facilitator, speaker, and researcher, she continues to inspire leaders and educational stakeholders to navigate the intricacies of the education system, ultimately advancing the collective goal of creating equitable and high-quality education for all students in Africa.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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