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Annalisa Galgano
Educator, Facilitator, and Program Creator
Professional Background
Annalisa Galgano is a dynamic educator with over seven years of experience in designing and facilitating educational programs that cater to a highly diverse range of students. Her career has been characterized by her commitment to fostering inclusive educational environments and empowering learners from various backgrounds. Annalisa has worked with mid-career Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) students, helped refugee women learn English, and developed personalized academic curricula for homeschooled students. Her dedication to education has profoundly impacted her students, many of whom have gone on to earn college scholarships and even launch their own initiatives aimed at creating social change.
In her role as a program designer, Annalisa has successfully implemented social and emotional learning initiatives that consistently reach over 1,000 students each year. One of her key achievements includes partnering with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to design and facilitate the "Refugee Education & Action" conferences. This initiative brought together 135 students from 17 local high schools, encouraging collaboration and social responsibility among youth. Additionally, she founded a peer health education and counseling program called REACH, which utilizes her original materials to support over 1,000 freshmen at NYU Abu Dhabi each year.
Education and Achievements
Annalisa's academic credentials are as impressive as her professional accomplishments. She earned her Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), where her focus on urban and social policy allowed her to apply human-centered design thinking in managing consulting projects for notable organizations, including the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Jordan and WITNESS NYC.
Before pursuing her master's, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Social Research and Public Policy from NYU Abu Dhabi. Her education has laid a strong foundation for her understanding of the complexities of social issues and for developing effective education strategies that address them.
Volunteer Work
Annalisa’s passion for teaching and social-emotional learning extends beyond her professional life into her volunteer work. She currently volunteers with Upwardly Global, serving as a language coach to help newcomers integrate into society. She also dedicates her time as a rape and domestic violence crisis counselor at the Crime Victims Treatment Center, where she empowers victims with the resources and support they need during their recovery.
Career Progression
Throughout her career, Annalisa has held various prestigious roles that reflect her commitment to education and social advocacy.
- Learning Coach at Annalisa Tutors: As the founder, she provides personalized tutoring services tailored to the unique needs of her students, focusing on academic excellence and emotional well-being.
- SIPA Capstone Project Manager at International Labour Organization: In this capacity, Annalisa managed sensitive projects focused on labor rights and social policy development.
- Fellow at The Catalyst Foundation for Universal Education: Here, she contributed to initiatives that promote educational access and equity on a global scale.
- Administrative Assistant and English Teacher at Melissa Network for Migrant Women: Annalisa worked directly to support migrant women by providing necessary language skills to enhance their integration into society.
- Fulbright Fellow - Greece at Fulbright Association: As a Fulbright Fellow, she developed cultural and educational programs that promoted international understanding, fostering a noteworthy cross-cultural exchange experience.
- Virtual Student Foreign Service Intern at U.S. Department of State: Her work at the Department of State emphasized her commitment to diplomacy and cultural exchange.
- Research Intern at HIGGS: Annalisa engaged in research that supported social innovation and development projects.
- Program Intern at Human Rights Advocacy Centre: Her dedication to human rights was evident in her contributions to advocacy programs.
- Undergraduate Research Assistant at Princeton University: Annalisa’s research skills developed here have been invaluable in her subsequent roles.
- Community Outreach Intern at NYU Abu Dhabi: She focused on connecting students with their communities and fostering a spirit of service and engagement.
- Communications Assistant at Street's Hope: In this role, she helped raise awareness about social issues, enhancing the organization's communication strategies.
- Intern at The Denver Foundation: Her early exposure to philanthropic work provided her an understanding of non-profit operations and community engagement.
Conclusion
Annalisa Galgano is a remarkable educator and program designer who has significantly contributed to the field of education and social justice. Her diverse experiences illustrate her commitment to fostering inclusive environments and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Through her professional and volunteer work, Annalisa continues to inspire students and her community, championing causes that promote education, social responsibility, and emotional well-being.
