The Center for Social Impact Strategy(CSIS) is excited to welcome an excellent but not-so-new team member to the CSIS staff: Jannate Temsamani. She started in September but we are officially giving them a warm welcome! We asked Jannate about her background, current work, and interests.
Tell us about yourself:
My background is in educational technology, where I’ve spent the last five years. I worked at Udacity as a Program Manager on the Societal Impact team, overseeing large-scale corporate, nonprofit, and government-funded upskilling programs across the globe. Before that, I was part of the government partnerships team at Coursera, where I worked on developing strategic online education partnerships. I have a Master’s degree in International Education Policy from Harvard University, and a Bachelor’s in International Relations from American University.
What will you be doing at the Center for Social Impact Strategy?
I will support CSIS programs, including our online and residential programs. I will be focusing on the Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy and new programs that we are currently developing. My goal is to have our programs run smoothly, grow them and create exceptional learning experiences for our learners.
What are you most looking forward to working on at CSIS?
I love that CSIS operates like a startup. I’m looking forward to working with a passionate and dedicated team to continue bringing social impact education to everyone. I’m also looking forward to coordinating our on-campus convenings. As someone who mainly managed training programs that were run exclusively online, I’m excited about the idea of seeing our learners from all around the world come together in person and connect.
Outside of work, what are your interests?
I love pottery and ceramics. I would love to have my own art studio one day, but in the meantime I take ceramics classes whenever I can. I recently took a hand building course at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia and had the best time.
How would your friends describe you?
The friend who is genuinely there for others, whether it’s for a good laugh of a deep conversation.
What’s a piece of advice you’ve been given that you continue to use?
Celebrate the small wins, always. It’s easy to get caught up in focusing on “what’s next” and lose sight of what we’ve accomplished. I now try to take a moment to pause and appreciate the small wins.
What encouragement do you have for those out in the world who want to make a positive impact?
Your work is so important and needed. Keep going and celebrate the small wins along the way 😉
What’s your go-to: 1) song? 2) hobby? 3) weekend adventure?
- Too many to choose from, but I love a good reggaeton song 2) ceramics 3) a day trip to NYC with friends.
Thank you Jannate for introducing yourself. Join us in welcoming her to the CSIS Global Community!