Little things about Alison (and some big things too)
I’m very happy to introduce myself to you as part of BR-ND’s vibrant, ever-expanding community. These things usually begin by sharing who I am.
Well, I’m many things. I’m the newest team member at BR-ND and an Amsterdam-based project manager. But I’m also a sister, a friend, a bread baker, a social activist, an expat, a millennial (the list goes on). Luckily for me, Br-nd is not about fitting anyone’s story on one webpage. It’s about being yourself and discovering what moves you. So here’s a little about myself and what moves me.
Where I come from
I grew up in New Jersey, and after six years living in Boston, I moved to Amsterdam and haven't left since.
How I describe myself in 6 emojis
🐋☕👩🏻💻🧠🌱🎧
Hoe gaat het met mijn Nederlands?
Goed, maar niet makkelijk!
My academic background
My education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Mathematics from Boston University and a Master’s degree in Logic from the University of Amsterdam. I published my Master’s thesis through the Institute of Logic, Language and Computation on interactions between culture and cognition, with a focus on time.
My professional background
I am endlessly grateful for having worked with organizations and companies I believe in. This started with my part-time work at the National Network of Abortion Funds in Boston and at the Masakhane Center for Sexual Education in Newark. Since graduating with a Master’s in 2017, I have enjoyed collaborating with the Verbier Art Summit, Crossmark, and Unseen Amsterdam in diverse yet rewarding roles.
What moves me
I was taught not to think about what I can do in one day, in one week, or even my own lifetime. I was taught to think generationally, to think of myself already as somebody’s ancestor, and to plan for the next seven generations. I’m moved to improve the world I inhabit, not only individually but structurally.
Why I’m working with BR-ND
Through my work, I want to create impact and build towards real change. I’m working with BR-ND to contribute to a network of activists who are developing a new, more sustainable model of business. I’m sure there are many other reasons I’m working with BR-ND that I have yet to discover.
