Episode 97: An Introduction to a New CoHost - Meet Amanda
In this short episode, get to know Amanda as she takes listeners on her journey to, through, and post-college as a first-generation college student.
In this episode, you’ll hear from Amanda as she discusses how the intersection of her experiences and her hometown led her to a passion for community building + engagement.
Amanda Irwin attended Youngstown State University as a first-generation college student, as well as a commuter student for her first two years. In 2017, she graduated from Youngstown State with a BSBA and a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership. Amanda is also a 2021 graduate of University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education where she obtained an M.S.Ed in Higher Education. Through graduate student coursework in higher education, Amanda gained a deeper understanding of student support systems, institution types, and the higher education landscape. She developed a particular interest in university-community partnerships, community engagement, and educational access.
Professionally, Amanda has interned and worked within nonprofit organizations and the Advancement, Greek Life, and Admissions areas of higher education institutions. She currently serves as a Community Engagement Associate at Nest, a nonprofit organization committed to furthering global workforce inclusivity, gender equity, and cultural preservation through responsible development of the global craft sector. A common thread throughout Amanda’s work is her mission to cultivate and sustain community. In addition to her passion for community building and engagement, Amanda is also passionate about supporting fellow first-generation college students – believing in the transformative power of community - she is excited to uplift the voices of and tell the stories of first-generation students through this platform.
Amanda has spent some time living in Philadelphia, PA and now currently resides closer to family near Youngstown, OH. In her free time, she enjoys visiting local coffee shops, reading, writing, thrifting, and taking way too many photos of her two cats.
We’d love to connect with you!
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