Over my life, I have filled many roles and been called by several names. Professionally, I am often called my given name, Amanda, under which I have published extensively. More personally, I am called Mandi. I answer to both and credit my parents in creating this confusion. 

My connection to the nonprofit sector traces back to my childhood, when I accompanied my mother as a food pantry volunteer. Much later on, my career ambitions settled on work in support of the nonprofit sector - desiring an impact that extended beyond me. This path has afforded me many connections and relations - to causes, people, and communities.   

These varied experiences have proven their worth to my teaching, research, and engagement in the nonprofit sector. As an academic, I translate my research and training to practitioner audiences, and as a practitioner, I seek to inform my work with evidence. I have my Master’s degree in social work (macro focus) from Boston College and a Bachelor’s in business administration from Birmingham-Southern College. I received my PhD from the Department of Public Administration and Policy at American University’s School of Public Affairs.

I am a connector and encourager, leveraging my network and forging new relations whenever possible. I am curious - a sponge for insights from practice, research, commentary, and anecdotes. I am a practical problem solver and steadfast in pursuing opportunities to seek justice. I also understand that people and workplaces are more than job titles and functionalities, because of all the titles I’ve held, wife and mother have been the ones I treasure most.