Meet Helen Adeosun

“It isn’t even about the access to incredible knowledge, resources, professional training, and connections,” exclaims Helen Adeosun. “For me, thisprogram’s about gaining the confidence to know that bold policy ideas really can translate into transformational achievements. It comes from interacting with professors like Karen Mapp, Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, Greg Gunn, and Marshall Ganz at the Kennedy School. Simply being able to observe them at work is proof of what is possible, of what I can perhaps achieve, when it comes to transforming education and being part of this movement for social justice.”

Her passion for education and service, as well as her determination to be the absolute best at whatever she chooses to do, are qualities that were instilled in Helen early on. “Growing up in Georgia as the daughter of dark-skinned Nigerian immigrants, my parents were very clear: I had to learn the system of education to be the absolute best I could be, I had to give back to the country, and I was going to be my own best advocate through my achievements.” It was why she chose to join Teach For America after earning her bachelor’s degree in political science and Arabic, eventually moving to Teach For America’s policy office in Washington, D.C. Subsequently, Helen became involved with the New Organizing Institute on a training program specifically designed for community organizers. “It was then that I felt I’d hit a glass ceiling,” she recalls. “To do truly transformational work, I needed additional knowledge, skills, and multiple opportunities. A one-year program focused on education policy and management seemed perfect, especially if I proved worthy of a school like HGSE."

“A single, amazing year later,” Helen says, “thanks to the mentors, opportunities, and connections I’ve found through HGSE, I’m in the process of launching an educational technology company that will, hopefully, empower more social entrepreneurs to transform education outcomes.”