Willy Oppenheim

Willy Oppenheim is a prominent educator and social entrepreneur based in Seattle, Washington. He currently serves as a Part-Time Lecturer at the University of Washington, where he has been teaching since September 2016. His courses are primarily focused on the interdisciplinary Comparative History of Ideas (CHID) and Honors programs.1

In addition to his teaching role, Oppenheim is the Founder and Executive Director of Omprakash, an international education non-profit he established in 2004. The organization facilitates connections between volunteers and social impact organizations worldwide, evolving to include a crowdfunding platform and an online learning ecosystem known as Omprakash EdGE. This initiative aims to help students navigate cultural differences while engaging in meaningful social work.1

Oppenheim's academic background includes a Bachelor's degree from Bowdoin College, where he studied religion, anthropology, and education. He furthered his education as a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, earning a Ph.D. in Education. His doctoral research focused on the demand for girls' schooling in rural Pakistan, reflecting his broader interests in justice and development through education.1

Beyond academia, Oppenheim has practical experience in outdoor education as an instructor with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), where he leads wilderness expeditions and teaches various skills related to environmental studies and leadership.1 He is also involved with initiatives promoting positive masculinity and combating gender-based discrimination.1 In his personal life, he enjoys activities such as rock climbing, skiing, poetry, and baking.1