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Rebecca Winthrop
Rebecca Winthrop
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Rebecca Winthrop

The Brookings Institution

Austin, TX USA

"Say ‘yes’ as much as possible."

Career Roadmap

Rebecca's work combines: Education, Non-Profit Organizations, and Helping People

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Day In The Life

Director of the Center for Universal Education

I lead research and initiatives to improve education systems around the world so children can learn, grow, and thrive.

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Day In The Life Of An Education Researcher

My Day to Day

My days are spent reading research, analyzing education data, and working with leaders around the world to improve how students learn. I collaborate with policymakers, educators, and community groups to turn ideas into action and help schools better support young people. What I love most is finding insights that can open more opportunities for children, especially those too often overlooked.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Political Science and Dance Politics

    Swarthmore College

  • Graduate Degree

    International Affairs

    Columbia University

  • Doctorate

    Education

    Teachers College, Columbia University

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Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    I entered the United Nations as a young intern determined to fight for women’s rights, believing law could change lives.

  • 2.

    Listening to women refugees ask for literacy instead of legal reform changed my path and opened my eyes to education’s power.

  • 3.

    Working in refugee camps taught me how carefully and compassionately you must support vulnerable communities.

  • 4.

    I helped create quiet systems of support for girls at risk of dropping out, protecting their chance to stay in school.

  • 5.

    My work evolved from humanitarian aid into education research, where I study how learning can improve lives around the world.

  • 6.

    At the Brookings Institution, I now turn research and data into ideas that help educators, policymakers, and students make better decisions.

Defining Moments

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • Early in my career, I faced sexism and doubt from my older male colleagues. In situations like that, it's important to realize that those are other people's issues and not yours. Keep your eye on your goal and don't let anyone get in your way.

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