823 Advizers

Allison

Chief Strategy Officer

America Achieves

Middlebury College, 2000
USC, MPP

20 years of experience in the social impact space leveraging her strategic lens, relational approach to work, and focus on impact, equity and outcomes.
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Business Strategy
Environmental & Related Sciences
Worked 20+ Hours in School

Q1Career path

Public Service

International Affairs

Environmental Policy

1:10

"That experience combined with my experience in DC being in the real world going to the EPA and also Costa Rica really certainly influenced what I want to do"

Q2Main responsibilities

Economic Development

Philanthropy

Executive/Leadership

1:07

"I definitely have some internal calls. I do some writing to participate in webinars talk to other partners talk to incredible leaders and communities across the country and also work a little bit with federal policy makers just on figuring out where those connections between the work."

Q3Day in the life

Executive/Leadership

Communication

Project Management

1:08

"I'm also crafting emails, writing some proposals and doing a little bit of policy research."

Q4Most important skills - role

Strategic Thinking

Leadership

Communication

2:06

"I like to be very purpose-focused but nimble within that purpose."

Q5Favorite parts - role

Executive/Leadership

Teamwork

Communication

1:05

"I like learning something new. I like the variety that's in my role."

Q6Biggest challenge - role

Stress Management

Overcoming Challenges

Executive/Leadership

1:40

"I am an extrovert so I get a lot of energy from meeting with people and working with people...and now I work from home and on zoom and so it's hard to get energy in the same way that I used to."

Q7Favorite parts - industry

Teamwork

Problem-Solving

Executive/Leadership

1:18

"So there's a real interest in not repeating the same patterns and same outcomes and instead really thinking about how to get more Equitable outcomes in Greater generation well"

Q8Who thrives in industry

Risk-taking

Problem-solving

Mission-driven

1:20

"They're comfortable with what happens when you take risks."

Q9Wish known before - industry

Executive/Leadership

Coalition Building

Political Savvy

1:14

"What I didn't know and what I've learned over time is that in addition to that the work is highly political."

Q10Entry-level positions

Data Analysis

Community Engagement

Teamwork

1:31

"I encourage people to be open-minded about roles that may not sound exactly what they were hoping for but really go into that role with a willingness and desire to say yes"

Q11Significant lesson - career

Values and Impact

Executive/Leadership

Teamwork and Collaboration

1:20

"For me the most important things that have contributed to me enjoying my work...being really clear on the values I want to bring to my work"

Q12College ideas for success

Resilience

Career Exploration

Overcoming Challenges

2:14

"I was really open to new adventures. So thanks setting abroad was a very defining moment for me."