Jeanne Allen

An entrepreneur by nature and innovator by experience, I proudly lead the organization I founded in 1993, and its nationwide fight to ensure that the bedrock of U.S. schooling is innovation, freedom and flexibility. CER is the nation’s leading authority on innovation and opportunity in education. I spend most of my time advising on the creation of great programs, policies and advocacy efforts to change hearts and minds, so that the best nation on earth can be also be home to the most exceptional opportunities, for all students, no matter where they live or their stage in life. Education is the path to human enlightenment, and the foundation of a free and democratic civil society. Today we have at our disposal unprecedented access to knowledge, education and the potential for honorable work. But access to all 3 are out of reach for most Americans, with numerous physical and social boundaries. My current quest is the removal of all the silos that limit the potential for all to participate fully in society. I hope we can work together to achieve just that. Check out www.edreform.com for more about the nation's leader in expanding opportunity and innovation in education so that all may achieve the American dream.

Through The Allen Company, I have had the privilege of serving as a mentor and advisor to numerous Ed Tech incubators and companies. In this role I’ve provided strategic analysis and high impact business development for education organizations and businesses, insights and connections to grow and scale impact and personalized marketing and communications support to advance ideas and drive winning outcomes. Below is a list of companies I have worked with in an advisory and leadership role: Founder, Advisor Edmaven Founded and manage this new global education network, akin to the LinkedIn of education Advisor StartED Accelerator Founding director and advisor to global ed tech accelerator and incubator Advisor Ed Tech Start-Ups Regularly advise and mentor EdTech start ups, providing advice on program development, policy and business strategy Advisor Modern States Education Alliance Founding advisor and helped launch this non-profit philanthropy dedicated to making a high quality college education free of cost and accessible to any person who seeks one. Advisor University of Pennsylvania, Office of Innovation Provided significant content and input to the development of Master in Education Entrepreneurship. Advised Director on program direction. Advisor ASU-GSV Education Innovation Council One of thirty leaders from ed-tech to policy who advised and support the development of the annual summit which has emerged as the leading education and tech event in the world. Advisor HotChalk, Inc. Advised on the development of innovative higher education programs for teachers and students. Member Digital Learning Council One of 50 National Educational Leaders appointed by bi-partisan leadership, tasked with advancing technology use in education. Policy Advisor Walden Media Policy Advisor and co-content creator for Walden Media’s film Won't Back Down

Oversee the $1 million Yass Prize for Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless Education - the Pulitzer of Education - in partnership with Forbes, and the "STOP" Award Initiative to reward education providers who perform for underserved students, no matter the challenges.

Developed and ran education policy agenda for this national think tank. Subsequently directed the launch of Town Hall for National Review and Heritage, the nation’s first electronic communication portal for policy, in 1992-93.

Youngest political appointee in this Reagan Administration Department. Managed accreditation efforts and student financial aid policies; Hill and external organization liaison.