Sherry Simpson Dean

Sherry Simpson Dean has a diverse work experience, starting in 2005 as the Executive Director of the United Nations Association of the United States of America, where they led the largest UN grassroots member organization on the West Coast. Sherry increased membership by 20% in the first year and co-founded UN Human Rights Day in the City of Pasadena as well as the Model United Nations for Public Schools in San Gabriel Valley.

From 2011 to 2012, Sherry worked as the Global Director of Strategic Partnerships at Opportunity Green, securing global partnerships and sponsorships for the largest national sustainability conference in the United States. Sherry curated panels with thought leaders in the green economy and engaged board members on a weekly basis, resulting in increased donations and attendance at the conference.

In 2015, they became the Consulting Producer for the Hope Love and Beauty Project, working on a documentary about Ferguson, Missouri and the case of Michael Brown. Sherry also raised the budget for this international film series through a successful crowdfunding campaign.

From 2015 to 2016, Sherry worked at the United Nations Foundation as the Communications Focal Point for the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD). Sherry created a short film to introduce GPSDD at the UN General Assembly and developed a communication strategy for the initiative. Sherry also designed and implemented a national social media campaign to promote the work of GPSDD champions.

In 2013, Sherry joined Occidental College as a Scholar-In-Residence and Global Crossroads Media Curator, where they developed an entrepreneurial curriculum and taught courses on entrepreneurial leadership and social enterprise. Sherry also served as the Interim Dean of interCultural Affairs, coordinating efforts to promote diversity and equity among students through programming and collaborations with academic and student affairs deans and directors.

Currently, Sherry is the Senior Director of Engagement and Impact Innovation at ITVS, the largest funder of independent documentary films in America. In this role, they serve as the chief engagement and innovation strategist, reimagining and piloting engagement tools to increase viewership for public television and maintain PBS as America's Home for Documentaries.

Sherry Simpson Dean holds a Master's degree in Specialized Journalism from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Sherry also obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mass Communication/Public Relations from Boston University, with a focus on Film and Politics. In addition to their degrees, Sherry is currently pursuing an Executive Certificate in Social Innovation and Public Policy from the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. Sherry is also a Senior Fellow at the McKinnon Center for Global Affairs.