Amanda Berger

Biography

I bring 25 years of experience in the social justice sector to my work with nonprofits and philanthropy as a leadership coach, philanthropic consultant and community organizer. 

My career has spanned partnerships with philanthropic and leadership organizations, including the Jewish Fund for Justice, The Funders Collaborative on Youth Organizing, The Women Donors Network, Communities for Public Education Reform and The Rockwood Leadership Institute. I have a special interest in the design and management of effective collaborations and networks.

My work is informed by a deep commitment to social change, transparency and accountability. I specialize in educational equity, community engagement/organizing, and fostering meaningful collaborations. I have a special interest in criminal justice reform, including efforts to expand educational opportunities for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people.

I also consult with foundations and social change, non-profits interested in fostering collaboration, learning communities, networks and policy change. I am a co-coordinator of the GED Prep Program at San Quentin Prison and a facilitator-in-training with the Insight Prison Project, Victim Offender Education Group at a women’s prison in Chowchilla, California.

Formerly from New York City, I now live in the Bay Area with my partner, children and "cat-dog" Zuma. 

Coaching for Justice

Coaching

I offer one-on-one coaching for non-profit and social change leaders. I am especially passionate about working with leaders who want to step into fuller leadership roles while staying connected to their values and what’s most important in their lives. 

Deeply attuned to trust and safety, I work with clients to:

• Explore their greatest hopes and fears with an eye toward what’s possible.
  
• Create new habits and ways of being.
  
• Increase self-awareness and transform limiting beliefs.

I am a professionally certified coach and associate faculty with Leadership that Works. I am also affiliated with
RoadMap, Rockwood Leadership Institute, Haas Jr. Flexible Leadership Awards, and am a founding member of Coaching for Justice.

Thanks to my coaching sessions, I am willing and able to take risky leaps into uncertainty that has allowed me to lean into challenge, change and growth in my professional life. It has been a gift to dig into my values, to see them as a guiding point in my career development and to deepen my work in the world.
— Parent Organizer

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CPER gathering, February, 2013.

Consulting

I offer consulting to philanthropic institutions, individual donors and non-profit organizations in the following areas:

• Designing and implementing grant-making portfolios (including focus groups, due diligence and grant-making processes).
  
• Designing and implementing local, state and national needs assessments of program areas and issues to inform strategic plans and business plans.
  
• Launching and managing strategic collaboratives. 
  
• Facilitating and designing retreats, convenings and conferences.
  
• Developing learning communities, capacity building and leadership programs.

Amanda is skilled in issues related to youth development, public education reform, criminal justice and community engagement.


Amanda’s deep knowledge of philanthropy and social justice organizing have been of immeasurable value to growing and strengthening Communities for Public Education Reform (CPER).  For three years, Amanda skillfully advised strategic and field-building efforts for CPER’s national efforts to advance educational equity and excellence, playing a critical role in donor education, convening, and peer learning activities...
-- Melinda Fine, Director of Education, Public Interest Projects

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