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Anne Poynter

Anne Poynter

Strada Education Network

Indianapolis, IN USA

"Learning continues over a lifetime if you stay dedicated to seeking answers to things that challenge your thoughts."

Career Roadmap

Anne's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Education, and Problem Solving

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Day In The Life

Senior Director, Philanthropic Partnerships

Support affiliate organizations fund mission-related projects

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

    Culver Girls Academy

  • Bachelor's Degree

    English Literature (British and Commonwealth)

    Indiana University Bloomington

  • Graduate Degree

    English Literature (British and Commonwealth)

    Butler University

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Senior Director, Philanthropic Partnerships:

Bachelor's Degree: English Literature (British and Commonwealth)

Graduate Degree: English Literature (British and Commonwealth)

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

  • 1.

    Out of college, I was thrown into a political campaign to make money. It taught me so many facets of business.

  • 2.

    Being in politics exposed me to opportunities in Washington to be around influencers. I learned a lot on what to be and not be in business.

  • 3.

    Creativity from college and negotiations from politics led me into sales as an advertising executive. I knew how to read people.

  • 4.

    Becoming a mother taught me time management and multi-tasking. I stared my own PR consulting business to make ends meet.

  • 5.

    My English lit passion and political experience allowed me to work with a public-private partnership translating Shakespeare's plays into scripts for children.

  • 6.

    From the PPP, I built a relationship with the Mayor of a town building a world-class concert hall and was able to help build a performing arts foundation and Hall!

  • 7.

    Working on public-private partnerships caught the attention of a consulting firm looking to work with municipal governments and hired me to lead.

  • 8.

    Working in consulting, I was hired by USA Funds (now Strada Ed Network), to help with process improvement and data maximization utilizing existing business systems.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Society in general:

    Studying English Literature will not help you succeed in a business career.

  • How I responded:

    I was passionate about the subject which advanced my proficiency to learn. Always follow your curiosities. Learning continues over a lifetime if you stay dedicated to seeking answers to things that challenge your thoughts.