Allison Palmer

Background

About Allison Palmer

I am passionate about and dedicated to nonprofits and organizations that serve local communities through education, youth development, and post-secondary college and career counseling. My experience across a wide array of non-profit organizations has equipped me with a sharpened understanding of how injustice and inequity cripples communities. Thus, I work to provide solutions to systemic problems and open pathways to brighter futures for today’s youth. After graduating from Wesleyan University, B.A, I began my career at Teach for America. There, I served as a second-grade teacher, equipping me with a hands-on understanding of classroom challenges and the diverse set of youth needs. Following this role, I obtained a master’s degree in social work at Columbia University and, from there, went to work with the Council on Accreditation. I began my tenure at New Settlement as the Director of College Success Initiatives. This position, which I have held for twenty years, provided me with the opportunity to take on leadership roles that allowed me to leverage organizational resources and address the community needs I saw during my time teaching. Tangentially, I served as Lead Trainer and Curriculum Developer at Goddard Riverside’s Options Institute, where I assisted with the development of curriculum and coached guidance counselors and college access professionals to improve college-access services for low-income students in New York City. In my current role as New Settlement’s Associate Executive Director, I am responsible for supporting the rollout of the organization’s programs, administering program evaluation, ensuring financial and administrative success, fundraising, and more. Additionally, I spend my time developing positive relationships with community stakeholders. Outside of work, you can find me kayaking, reading, and traveling.