Aubrey Wang

Background

About Aubrey Wang

I feel alive when I help leaders find the genuine in themselves and become the leaders of their own lives. Coming from an educational psychology background, I am fascinated by how people learn at different stages of human development. My intention as a teacher is to explore the boundaries for using active learning in teaching education leaders and developing confident and skillful scholar-practitioner leaders. My intention as a leader is to enable organizational development through collaborative strategic projects with diverse partners and effective project management and communication. My intention as a researcher is to rethink, reframe, and reflect on education leadership. This includes using a cultural proficiency lens to reframe leadership for learning, advancing active learning in teaching education leaders, and bridging research/practice by developing new professional development approaches to magnify the voices of leaders with intersectional identities. My mentor Ray Horn taught me the value of authentic leadership, whereby knowing who you are, following solid values, and building high trust with your team, you can make a difference in the lives of others. My friend Alina von Davier models contrarian leadership by providing her team the autonomy to maintain intellectual and creative freedom while sparking new ideas and creating new solutions. My amazing student Brittany Bronson illustrates how critical self-reflection on our commitment to values leads to greater personal and professional integrity. I've held different leadership positions at my institutions and professional organizations. This includes being a College Council Chair of the School of Health Studies and Education, Director of the Master’s Program in Organization Development and Leadership, Director of the Interdisciplinary Doctor of Education Program for Educational Leaders, and President of the Chinese American Educational Research and Development Association. I received my PhD from the University of Pennsylvania where I also received the Ethel and Allen “Buddy” Carruth Sustained Leadership in Education Award. In addition to enjoying my work, I take delight in being a mother to two fine young men, learning to sing, and integrating mindfulness practices into my daily life.