top of page
Allison, Chief Strategy Officer at America Achieves: Advize Career Interview
A Chief Strategy Officer at America Achieves, Allison's career journey began with environmental studies and field work, evolving into a focus on equity-focused economic development and workforce development.
The role blends virtual and in-person collaboration with filmographic partners and regional coalitions, requiring strong communication, adaptability, and a "purpose-focused but nimble" approach.
This dynamic position involves policy research, proposal writing, and navigating the political landscape of K-12 education reform.
The most rewarding aspect is the "movement of hope" within the industry, driven by individuals committed to more equitable outcomes.
Entry-level opportunities include coordinator, analyst, and community engagement roles, emphasizing relationship-building and a willingness to embrace new experiences.
A key lesson learned is prioritizing values, relationships, and a balanced approach to education and career exploration.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Allison Bajracharya
Chief Strategy Officer
America Achieves
Middlebury College, 2000
USC, MPP
Environmental & Related Sciences
Nonprofit
Business Strategy
Worked 20+ Hours in School
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of a Chief Strategy Officer at America Achieves
Allison's career path was "a little bit circuitous," beginning with an Environmental Policy major and impactful experiences like field studies in the Amazon and Costa Rica, and an internship at the EPA. These experiences, including travel "by logging truck or canoe," solidified Allison's career focus before graduating.
Main Responsibilities of a Chief Strategy Officer at America Achieves
Allison's role as Chief Strategy Officer at America Achieves involves collaborating with "filmographic partners" and regional coalitions on equity-focused economic development, leading a team providing technical assistance and philanthropic support, and engaging with federal policymakers to translate effective on-the-ground practices into broader policy. This reflects a career trajectory that began in K-12 education but now encompasses a broader approach to inclusive economic development and workforce development.
A Day in the Life of a Chief Strategy Officer at America Achieves
Allison's role as Chief Strategy Officer at America Achieves involves a mix of virtual and in-person work, including "a lot of time on Zoom," crafting proposals, policy research, and strategic meetings across various locations. This dynamic schedule requires focused work time amidst daily check-ins and national/local news monitoring to inform their work.
Most Important Skills For A Chief Strategy Officer At America Achieves
A Chief Strategy Officer's success hinges on "being purpose-focused but nimble," adapting to changing circumstances while maintaining a long-term vision; strong communication, relationship-building, and the ability to synthesize complex information concisely are also crucial skills. This requires a comfort with uncertainty and "taking risks," demonstrating the importance of adaptability and clear communication in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Chief Strategy Officer At America Achieves
Allison, America Achieves' Chief Strategy Officer, most enjoys the "variety" and constant learning in her role, finding fulfillment in building relationships with new communities and partners while fostering a positive team culture focused on both "impact and people." This allows for meaningful connections and a greater impact, especially for historically excluded communities.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Chief Strategy Officer at America Achieves
Allison's biggest challenge as Chief Strategy Officer is adapting to a remote work environment after a career spent in local, in-person settings, stating that it's "hard to get energy in the same way." The increasing complexity of the world, particularly in education, climate change, and politics, also presents a significant hurdle in long-term planning, despite a preference for "thinking short-term and being nimble."
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Education Industry As A Chief Strategy Officer
Allison, Chief Strategy Officer at America Achieves, finds the most rewarding aspect of the education industry to be "a movement of hope," driven by individuals with strong convictions to improve outcomes for future generations. This collaborative spirit fosters creative problem-solving and a commitment to achieving "more equitable outcomes" through innovative approaches to higher education.
What Type Of Person Thrives In K-12 Education According To A Chief Strategy Officer At America Achieves
Allison, Chief Strategy Officer at America Achieves, describes individuals thriving in the K-12 and related sectors as "Mission driven," "up for adventure," and comfortable with risk-taking to improve outcomes for underserved communities; this aligns with Allison's own career trajectory, encompassing teaching, district work, nonprofit leadership, political advocacy, and school administration, demonstrating a commitment to solving "big challenging problems."
What a Chief Strategy Officer at America Achieves wishes they had known before entering the K-12 Education industry
Allison, Chief Strategy Officer at America Achieves, wished someone had emphasized the highly political nature of K-12 education reform before embarking on a career in the field, commenting that "a lot of this work, especially when there's change involved is political," requiring a nuanced approach to coalition-building and prioritization. This contrasts with initial assumptions that classroom-level focus was the primary key to improvement.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Chief Strategy Officers
Entry-level positions in Allison's field include "coordinator and analyst roles or community engagement roles," often involving research, data analysis, and community interaction. The most valuable aspect, however, is building relationships and a willingness to "say yes" to opportunities, opening doors to future career advancement.
Significant Career Lesson From A Chief Strategy Officer At America Achieves
Allison's most significant career lesson centers on prioritizing values—"impact and connection, and equity"—and the importance of "people you work with," building trust, and ensuring a strong connection with colleagues. This focus on values and relationships guides their career decisions, helping them determine where they thrive and when to make changes.
College Experiences That Helped a Chief Strategy Officer at America Achieves Succeed
Allison, Chief Strategy Officer at America Achieves, emphasizes the value of embracing "new adventures," citing a transformative study abroad experience in Brazil and the Amazon as crucial to career development. The interviewee also recommends a balanced approach, incorporating diverse coursework and extracurricular activities, while advising students to avoid prematurely defining their post-graduation path, suggesting instead a willingness to explore options and "take one step at a time."
Advizer Personal Links
bottom of page