We are so pleased to introduce you to Jessi Hanson-DeFusco. Previously, Jessi was a co-chair for our Africa region chapter, and will be on the HAEd board as Secretary starting in 2023!
Degree/graduating year: EdM International Education Policy 2007; PhD University of Pittsburgh 2020
Current location: Dallas, Texas
3 fun facts: 1) I am coming on as HAEd's Secretary, after being a co-chair for the Sub-Saharan Africa Chapter. 2) I lived 7 years in West Africa, and about 8 in Latin America. 3) My Liberian Bassa nickname is Quepoo-ma (given to me by my Liberian colleagues).
Why did you join HAEd? I wanted to connect with alumni working in education and policy in Africa. It is an amazing and supportive group!
How did you get involved in education? I was a secondary school English teacher. After Peace Corps in the Dominican, I saw the challenges that many students and teachers face in the global South. I went to HGSE to learn about policy and enter nonprofit education. Eventually, I found myself researching girls' education and health, predominently fighting against sex abuse in schools.
What is something that inspires you? Viktor Frankl's 'A Man's Search for Meaning'
What are 1-3 books that have greatly influenced your life? Hemingway's 'A Moveable Feast'; 'In the Time of Cholera'; Paul Farmer's 'Mountains beyond Mountains'
What is the most memorable experience you remember from your time at Harvard? Sitting in my first class that was packed for my first lecture with Fernando Reimers, pinching myself that I was learning in person from such incredible academics
What advice would you give someone wanting to enter into the field of education? The best person you can be is your natural self. Students and teachers want to know the real you.
What are some of the things you're researching the most right now? Submitting publications on statutory rape in Liberia, which affects 35% of girls, educated or uneducated. 38% of adult assailants work or study in schools. Civil society organization engagement in schools however is a wonderful way to set up accountability measures to protect students and create a child-friendly environment.